Health ministry seeks to tighten entry restrictions as inbound tourism reopens

By Lan Huong March 2, 2022 | 12:30 am PT

A foreign tourist does exercise inside New World Hoiana Resort in Quang Nam Province, Nov. 19, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Dac Thanh

Foreign tourists should remain in their place of accommodation 72 hours after arriving in Vietnam with the first 24 hours compulsory, the Health Ministry said.

In case they need to travel to other places, they are required to be tested for Covid thrice within three days, the ministry said in response to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's draft plan on international tourism reopening from March 15.

If foreign tourists remain at their accommodation facility for 72 hours, they would only be tested for Covid twice on the first and third day after arrival.

Earlier, the tourism ministry proposed international visitors arriving in the country by air would self-isolate in their hotel or accommodation facility for one day until they furnish a negative Covid test result and can travel freely to other places.

In addition, the health ministry required all tourists aged 12 and above to produce a negative PCR test result obtained within 72 hours before departure besides vaccination or recovery certificates.

Previously, the tourism ministry suggested allowing them to submit negative rapid testing results obtained 24 hours before departure.

Children under 12 who have been fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid will be treated like those from 12 and above.

Unvaccinated children would not be allowed to leave their accommodation facility until they furnish negative Covid test results for seven consecutive days, the health ministry said.

All visitors must use PC-Covid health declaration application during their stay in Vietnam.

From March 15, Vietnam will fully reopen inbound tourism, with foreign tourists allowed to visit the country without booking tour packages.