VI
EN
From March 22nd, Vietnam suspended entry for international tourists. However, tourists who entered Vietnam before that date and were unable to visit and return home as planned due to the 14-day quarantine order are still "stranded" in Vietnam. For these cases, Vietnam has decided to extend their visas by an additional 30 days, allowing them to stay safely in hotels nationwide. Due to the nationwide lockdown, tourists can only enjoy leisure activities inside their hotels, receiving attentive service without having to go outside.
International visitors who entered Vietnam under visa exemption or whose tourist visas have expired but who do not have a sponsoring organization can apply through the Embassy or Consulate General to extend their stay for an additional 30 days. Visitors can submit their applications to the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security, and results will be provided within 5 days if the application is valid.
Valid applications are for tourists who overstayed their visas in Vietnam due to a 14-day quarantine, airline flight cancellations, or border closures in their destination or transit countries. The processing period is from now until April 30, 2020. Cases where the temporary stay has expired for less than 10 days due to the above reasons may be exempted from administrative penalties if supporting documents are available.
According to statistics, there are currently 407 international tourists in Ho Chi Minh City who are unable to return home, mainly from Japan, Germany, France, Russia, etc. These tourists are being accommodated and served in 33 4- and 5-star hotels throughout the city. During their stay, the hotels are implementing strict health monitoring procedures, ensuring the health and safety of guests and staff, reminding guests to limit their time outside the hotel, and complying with the government's nationwide social distancing order.
Guests also have their body temperature checked, are given free face masks, and eat in well-ventilated areas, ensuring a 2-meter distance between individuals. Any case showing signs of suspected Covid-19 infection will be immediately isolated and treated promptly.
Following the nationwide social distancing order, the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security has also temporarily suspended the acceptance of and processing of immigration-related procedures for both Vietnamese and foreign nationals for 15 days starting from April 1st, except for emergency cases and cases of entry for diplomatic or official purposes. If entry is absolutely necessary, these individuals must complete the health check and declaration procedures in accordance with Vietnamese regulations.
