Quang Nam plans to welcome foreign tourists from February

The province Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has drafted a three-phase vaccine passport program for tourists coming from Europe, the U.S., Northeast Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, which have successfully controlled Covid-19 and have high vaccination rates, the government portal reported Tuesday.

The tourists will stay in sequestered resorts and be allowed to play golf and visit casinos and beaches.

In the first phase of the program between February and May, 2,000-3,000 foreign visitors will be allowed into Quang Nam every month and to visit Hoi An town, the My Son Sanctuary, UNESCO heritage sites, Cham Island, Phu Ninh Lake, and amusement facilities in five-star resorts.

In the second phase until September, the number will increase to 10,000-50,000 with tourists able to visit more destinations and stay at three- and four-star resorts.

In the final phase all restrictions will go depending on the situation.

Visitors need to furnish a certificate showing they were fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to arrival or recovered from Covid. Visitors under 18 with a negative Covid certificate will also be allowed entry.

They are required to book a package tour with a designated travel agency and have medical and travel insurance.

The province plans to vaccinate 90 percent of residents and tourism staff at areas that will receive tourists and hopefully achieve herd immunity.

Quang Nam received over 4.6 million foreign tourists in 2019.

Vietnam closed its borders to foreign tourists and canceled all international flights in March last year.

The government is planning to allow fully vaccinated foreign visitors at some destinations.