Simplified procedures for foreigners' Vietnam entry in effect: FM spokeswoman

"The decision takes effect on the date of signing," Hang confirmed at a Thursday's press conference in response to a question by VnExpress International.

She said that Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh has agreed in principle to simplify administrative procedures for foreigners entering Vietnam.

Accordingly, foreign arrivals with valid papers, including visa, visa exemption, residency card and temporary residence card will be allowed to enter Vietnam without having to obtain prior permission from the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local authorities.

Previously, anyone wanting to enter Vietnam had to prepare a list of documents including approvals from the People’s Committee and the Department of Immigration, proof of vaccination, PCR test results and a health insurance certificate for quarantine.

On January 1, Vietnam partially reopened regular commercial flights on nine international routes covering China, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Laos, Cambodia, and the U.S.

Hang said that people who do not have all the above mentioned documents have to obtain approval from provinces and related ministries under the Law on Foreigners' Entry Into, Exit From, Transit Through, and Residence in Vietnam.

The regulation also applies to overseas Vietnamese and their relatives, she added.

Hang said Vietnam currently accepts vaccine passports from 79 countries and territories.

The 10 countries that accept Vietnam vaccine passports are: Australia, Belarus, Cambodia, India, Japan, Maldives, Palestine, the Philippines, the U.K. and the U.S.