In case you missed it: Vietnam is now open to international leisure travelers! After full two years of border closure and entry ban, the country — which was named Asia’s leading destination by the World Travel Awards — is now able and ready to welcome visitors.
The Vietnamese government has already lifted all entry restrictions, which means anyone can freely enter the country and enjoy its majestic landscapes and incredible cuisine.
While the COVID-19 pandemic still very much of a threat, Vietnam has already put its latest outbreak under control and new infections are now on a decline. In fact, for the month of May, Vietnam was the 'most improved' country on Bloomberg's Resilience Ranking, after it climbed 14 spots. This progress also resulted from the continued easing of entry policies for travelers — like the scrapping of pre-departure RT-PCR COVID-19 test requirement.
But before you pack your bags and board a plane to Vietnam, here are the important things you need to prepare. Having everything ready before your journey will help keep your mind at ease, and will allow you to take full pleasure in a vacation you’ve long been waiting for.
Secure a valid visa
Vietnam has already resumed its pre-pandemic visa regulations, including visa exemptions and e-visa issuance. Travelers from these 24 countries, including ASEAN members, do not need a visa for a single-entry trip that ranges from 14 to 90 days. Citizens from 13 countries — Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the UK — will be allowed to visit Vietnam for up to 15 days without a visa regardless of passport type and entry purpose.
For visitors coming from these 80 countries, e-visa applications have been reopened. E-visa costs $25 and can be paid using any of the payment methods offered on the Vietnam Immigration website. Approval usually takes three days from receipt of documents and payment. Apply for an e-visa here.
Check the requirements of your stopover countries
Different countries have different policies to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you’re not taking direct flights to Vietnam, you must check and abide by the rules imposed in your stopover countries. There are different rules for transiting and different rules for stopovers. So if you're only transiting in that country, the rules are generally much more relaxed.
Get travel insurance that covers COVID-19
You must have medical or travel insurance with a minimum coverage of $10,000, including COVID-19 hospitalization, treatment, and quarantine. With the ever-evolving coronavirus situation in Vietnam and around the world, travel insurance will give you peace of mind.
Unvaccinated? Don’t worry
The latest guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health do not include proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. This means travelers who are unvaccinated or only have one vaccination at the time of travel may be permitted to enter Vietnam’s international ports. This may, however, depend on the country of origin. It is generally recommended that you have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus to avoid any inconvenience or being ordered to isolate.
No isolation required
Once cleared at the port of entry, you can travel around Vietnam freely. The government has already lifted any quarantine requirement for travelers that are deemed safe and virus-free. However, if you feel unwell or are in a crowded place, it’s best to check your temperature or any symptom of COVID-19. Wear a facemask at all times when in public.
Experience Vietnam to the fullest
Upon exit from the airport and clearing all requirements and paperwork, all that’s left to do is revel in the beauty of Vietnam. There are thousands of places to see, things to do, food to eat, and people to meet. Whatever kind of traveler you are — an adventurer, a history buff, or a laidback type — Vietnam’s S-shaped land has so much to offer. Let this journey be the start of your “new normal” while you help this country bounce back better from the pandemic.
Need help with your travel itinerary? Check out our Essential Vietnam Travel Guide.