Vietnam is developing a roadmap for recognizing "vaccine passports".

Specifically, following the Government's directive, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies to research and propose further facilitation of entry and exit procedures in the following areas: promoting mutual recognition of vaccination certificates – vaccine passports; considering reducing quarantine periods and the number of tests for those who have been vaccinated and meet medical test requirements; and proposing a roadmap to expand the categories of people allowed to enter and exit the country in accordance with the pandemic situation.

At the regular meeting of the National Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control on April 9th, a representative from the Ministry of Health outlined a quarantine plan for individuals entering the country using "vaccine passports": 7 days of centralized quarantine; if two SARS-CoV-2 tests are negative, they will be transferred to home quarantine or quarantine at their place of residence for another 7 days.

Accordingly, citizens of countries and territories that have bilateral or multilateral agreements with Vietnam on "vaccine passports" must have their vaccinations confirmed by the competent authority of that country or territory as having received all doses of the Covid-19 vaccine on schedule, with vaccinations administered at least two weeks and no more than twelve months prior to the date of the last dose.

Individuals entering or exiting a country using a "vaccine passport" must present a QR code for verification or a certificate of COVID-19 vaccination issued by a competent authority of the country or territory.

Pilot program using vaccine passports for visitors to Phu Quoc.

Also on the afternoon of June 24th, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung stated that the agency is urgently developing a pilot plan to welcome international tourists with vaccine passports to Phu Quoc (Kien Giang).

The Ministry of Health, in coordination with relevant units, is conducting research to pilot the use of vaccine passports for international visitors to certain tourist centers where the disease can be controlled.

Earlier, at a meeting in early April, the National Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control agreed on three groups of people entering the country who were expected to be subject to the "vaccine passport" requirement: Vietnamese citizens stranded abroad who have been vaccinated against Covid-19; foreigners entering Vietnam for investment and business purposes; and international tourists.

Vietnam is expected to welcome tourists from countries that have successfully controlled the pandemic and implemented vaccination programs that have achieved herd immunity. Destinations will be tourist and resort areas where entry can be safely controlled; and where procedures for controlling travel and contact within the country are in place.

Bo Di