As of May 15, 2022, Vietnam has fully reopened its borders to international travelers. Visitors who are fully vaccinated can now enter the country without needing to undergo COVID-19 testing or quarantine upon arrival. These updated policies aim to simplify travel and welcome tourists back to the country.
Current Entry Requirements for Vietnam
Vietnam significantly eased its entry regulations for international tourists starting March 15, 2022, initially requiring either a negative rapid antigen test within 24 hours or a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours before entry. However, a further relaxation of these rules took effect on May 15, 2022.
Since May 15, 2022, all COVID-19 testing requirements for entry have been removed. Travelers are primarily required to provide proof of full vaccination. Additionally, authorities requested the installation of the PC-Covid 19 application to assist with public health monitoring. It is important for travelers to note that national tourism policies can change, and verifying the latest regulations before travel is always advisable.
Visa and E-Visa Policies for International Visitors
To facilitate international travel, Vietnam has reinstated its visa exemption program for citizens of 13 specific countries, allowing them to stay for up to 15 days without a visa. This policy aligns with existing international agreements.
Furthermore, the electronic visa (e-visa) system has been reactivated, offering a convenient entry option for residents of 80 eligible nations. An e-visa permits a stay of up to 30 days. Travelers should consult the official government resources to confirm their country's eligibility for either visa exemption or e-visa prior to their trip.
Countries Eligible for Visa Exemption (15-day stay valid):
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Great Britain and Northern Ireland (United Kingdom)
- Russia
- Japan
- Korea (South Korea)
- Denmark
- Sweden
- Norway
- Finland
- Belarus
Countries Eligible for E-Visa (30-day stay valid):
Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Ireland, Iceland, Austria, Poland, Belarus, Belgium, Portugal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Canada, Qatar, Germany, Chile, Colombia, India, Czech Republic, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Croatia, Cuba, Denmark, Cyprus, Timor Leste, Estonia, Georgia, Korea (South Korea), United States of America, Hungary, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Russia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Micronesia, Malta, Macedonia, Mexico, Myanmar, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nauru, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Finland, France, Fiji, Philippines, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Romania, Western Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, China, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia.
Essential Documents for Entry
Beyond meeting vaccination or testing criteria, international visitors must prepare several key documents for entry into Vietnam. A valid passport is universally required, with sufficient remaining validity as per international travel standards.
Depending on nationality, an approved e-visa or proof of visa exemption is also necessary. A critical requirement for all travelers is medical insurance providing coverage of at least USD 10,000. This insurance must specifically include expenses related to RT-PCR COVID-19 tests, any necessary COVID-19 treatment, and associated isolation costs, should they arise during the stay. Understanding healthcare facilities in different regions can also be beneficial for planning.
Health Protocols for Travelers
Vietnam has established clear protocols for managing the health of incoming travelers, distinguishing between those who test positive and those who remain negative for COVID-19. For individuals who test positive upon arrival or during their stay, mandatory quarantine and treatment at designated health facilities are required.
Conversely, travelers who are fully vaccinated and test negative for COVID-19 are permitted to travel freely within the country without additional testing or quarantine measures. Regardless of COVID-19 status, all visitors must possess medical insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 10,000, which includes provisions for COVID-19 related medical care and isolation. This ensures that any potential health costs are covered.
Preparing for Your Trip to Vietnam
In anticipation of renewed international tourism, Vietnamese authorities have undertaken efforts to inspect and upgrade tourist infrastructure and services across the country. This includes ensuring facilities are ready to accommodate a larger influx of visitors.
Communication initiatives, such as the "Live Fully In Vietnam" campaign, have been launched by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. These campaigns, often in collaboration with international media, aim to promote the country's attractions to target markets worldwide. The goal is to make entry procedures more streamlined and to enhance the overall experience for both local and international tourists, marking a significant step in the recovery of Vietnam's tourism sector. Travelers might also consider navigating Vietnam's sleeper trains for inter-city travel, and for managing finances during your trip, resources like banking services in Hanoi can be helpful.
Visa and Entry Eligibility Overview
| Category | Stay Duration | Eligible Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Exemption | Up to 15 days | Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Russia, Japan, Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belarus |
| E-Visa | Up to 30 days | Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Ireland, Iceland, Austria, Poland, Belarus, Belgium, Portugal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Canada, Qatar, Germany, Chile, Colombia, India, Czech Republic, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Croatia, Cuba, Denmark, Cyprus, Timor Leste, Estonia, Georgia, Korea, United States of America, Hungary, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Russia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Micronesia, Malta, Macedonia, Mexico, Myanmar, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nauru, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Finland, France, Fiji, Philippines, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Romania, Western Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, China, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current COVID-19 entry requirements for Vietnam?
As of May 15, 2022, fully vaccinated international travelers can enter Vietnam without needing to undergo COVID-19 testing or quarantine. Unvaccinated travelers or those not meeting full vaccination criteria may still face different requirements, so checking the latest official guidelines is advised.
Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam?
Citizens from 13 countries are eligible for visa exemption for stays up to 15 days. Additionally, an e-visa system is available for residents of 80 countries, allowing stays of up to 30 days. All other nationalities typically require a traditional visa.
Is medical insurance mandatory for visiting Vietnam?
Yes, all international visitors are required to have medical insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 10,000. This insurance must specifically cover expenses related to COVID-19 testing, treatment, and any necessary isolation during your stay.
What happens if I test positive for COVID-19 while in Vietnam?
If a traveler tests positive for COVID-19, they are required to undergo quarantine and receive treatment at designated health facilities in Vietnam. The mandatory medical insurance is intended to cover these associated costs.
Are there any mobile applications required for entry?
As of the May 15, 2022 update, fully vaccinated travelers were requested to install the PC-Covid 19 application for epidemic control purposes. Travelers should confirm if this requirement is still active prior to their departure.
