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Three phases of the pilot program to welcome international tourists to Vietnam.
Phase 1, implemented from November 2021, involved five designated localities: Phu Quoc (Kien Giang), Khanh Hoa, Quang Nam, Da Nang, and Quang Ninh. These localities piloted the reception of international tourists through package tours, via charter and commercial international flights, and at designated tourism service facilities. The list of areas and service providers authorized to receive international tourists was selected and publicly announced by the localities.
Phase 2, implemented from January 2022, will expand the scope of international tourism, connecting destinations through regular international charter and commercial flights. Tourists can participate in combined tours of destinations in the 5 localities in Phase 1 (with the possibility of adding more localities if conditions are met and proposals for international tourism are made), after completing their tour program at the first destination within 7 days.
Phase 3: Full reopening to the international tourist market. The start date of Phase 3 will depend on the actual pandemic situation and an assessment of the results of welcoming international tourists in the first two phases.
What are the requirements for international tourists to visit Vietnam?
According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's Provisional Guidelines for the Pilot Program on Welcoming International Tourists to Vietnam, international tourists must meet immigration and health requirements. Tourists must also comply with Vietnam's international tourist reception procedures. Minimum requirements include: a certificate of full COVID-19 vaccination (valid for at least 14 days and no more than 12 months from the date of departure) or recovery from the disease; a negative RT-PCR test result for nCoV 72 hours before departure; health or travel insurance covering COVID-19 treatment with a minimum coverage of USD 50,000; and participation in a package tour organized by a travel agency. Children under 12 years old traveling with parents or guardians are not required to provide a vaccination certificate.
Incoming travelers must have their temperature checked, install the IGOVN application developed by the Ministry of Public Security, and use it throughout their stay in Vietnam. On the first day of arrival, travelers are taken to their accommodation and self-tested for nCoV. They can continue participating in the program if the result is negative. If positive, they will be taken to a medical facility, and the costs will be covered by insurance or the travel company.
During the first 7 days of the tour program, international tourists are only allowed to participate in the pre-registered itinerary as planned by the tourism business; they are strictly prohibited from separating from the group or leaving the designated reception area; and close contact with other members of the tourist group should be limited. Tourists must monitor their health and report any symptoms to medical staff; they must ensure compliance with the "5K Message" and other disease prevention and control measures of the competent authorities. Accommodation establishments will provide rapid test kits in hotel rooms or upon request, and advise tourists to self-test every 2-3 days and report the results to the accommodation establishment for monitoring as required.
For tours under 7 days, tourists return to their home countries according to the guidelines and procedures published by their respective countries. After 7 days, those remaining in Vietnam must self-test for Covid-19; if the result is negative, they will be allowed to travel to other locations. Those wishing to visit relatives must register with the tour operator to notify the local authorities at their destination for coordinated health monitoring and management according to regulations. Tourists can depart for their home countries on operating commercial flights or licensed charter flights.
