Travel Advice Vietnam 2020 as at 20th August 2020
On 12th March 2020 the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. This led to travel restrictions and border closures around the world and now, in June, we are starting to see these restrictions easing and people looking again to book holidays. Travel restrictions in each country vary and here, at Travala.com, we want to ensure that you, our customers, are provided with the latest travel advice for the key destinations favoured by you.
The first cases of Coronavirus19 (COVID-19) were confirmed in the city of Wuhan, China on 31st December 2019 and since then, it has proceeded to spread to 215 countries and territories with over 20,162,47 people so far testing positive for the virus. (Source: WHO)
Vietnam confirmed its first internally transmitted cases of COVID-19 on 23 January 2020 and by 13th August, 989 cases and 26 deaths and 525 recovered cases have been declared. (Source: WHO)
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. This virus is a type of coronavirus which can cause illness in animals and humans. Coronavirus infections in humans can result in coryzal symptoms as seen in a common cold and more severe respiratory symptoms such as pneumonia. In recent years, we have seen outbreaks of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
SARS-CoV-2 is the most recently discovered type of coronavirus and it is spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth. The method of transmission is often via cough, sneeze or exhalation. People breathing in these droplets or touching the surfaces these droplets land on and who touch their eyes, nose or mouth are at risk of developing COVID-19.
The World Health Organisation continues to assess ongoing research on the means of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 but general advice is to maintain distance from others, regularly wash hands and avoid touching your face.
Many countries have implemented temporary travel restrictions and COVID-19 has impacted on events and activities. In the Travala.com travel advice newsletter, we will endeavour to provide you with the latest travel advice on key destinations.
Current Travel Advice for Vietnam, as at 20th August 2020
Is it safe to travel to Vietnam in 2020?
Vietnam has suspended the entry of all foreigners from 22 March until further notice with the exception of diplomats and officials and highly skilled workers. Entrants entering Vietnam will have to undergo medical checks and 14-day quarantine upon arrival.
In order to restrict the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, Vietnam has undertaken a series of measures in relation to travel to and within the country.
Da Nang Province, Hai Duong Province and Quang Nam Province including the areas of Hoi An, Tam Ky and Cham Islands are under strict social distancing orders until further notice. In these places, gatherings of more than two people are not allowed in public, people are requested to stay home and only go out for necessities, and must remain two meters apart and wear masks in public places. All flights from Da Nang and public transport within and out of Da Nang have been suspended.
On January 24, Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Administration cancelled all flights to and from Wuhan.
On 7 March 2020, all visitors were instructed to declare their health upon entry into Vietnam and from 11 March 2020, visa exemptions for residents of 8 European countries: Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Spain were revoked.
On 14th March, Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the Vietnam government’s decision to suspend entry for 30 days, starting March 15, 2020, for any citizens traveling from or who have passed through countries, including Schengen, the United Kingdom, and Northern Ireland, within 14 days of their planned arrival date in Vietnam. In addition, the granting of border gate visas has been suspended.
This was extended to visas for all foreigners entering Vietnam from 18th March 20220 with the expectation that it would be in place for a minimum of 30 days.
On 21st March 2020 it was declared that all passengers traveling by domestic rail, airplanes, and buses are expected to make electronic medical declarations.
From 9th April 2020, all visitors arriving in Ho Chi Minh City at the city’s airports, trains, bus stations and by private vehicles will be required to get a test for COVID-19.
Strict social distancing rules, imposed on 1st April 2020, have been lifted. Flights, public transportation, inter-provincial transportation, hotels, tourist attractions, government offices and most businesses have reopened and its citizens have been advised to wear masks, wash hands regularly and to maintain safety measures in place.
Vietnamese nationals, foreigners on diplomatic/ official business, and highly skilled workers are allowed to enter Vietnam at this time. All the entrants must undergo medical checks and 14-day quarantine upon arrival.
This page will have updates for the latest travel advice for Vietnam.
Flight changes to and from Vietnam
Vietnam has suspended the entry of all foreigners from 22th March until further notice with the exception of diplomats and officials.
Domestic flights have been reduced to one round trip a day between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; Hanoi and Da Nang; Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.
Cancelled events in Vietnam
On 26th March, 2020, the Prime Minister demanded that religious gatherings should be halted, stating “If there is an accumulation of more than 20 people in each event that will be prosecuted by the administrative municipal government”.
This follows the recommendation that several events and festivals have been cancelled and postponed, including:
- Huế Festival 2020 – Postponed to 28th August, 2020
- F1 Vietnam Grand Prix – Postponed
- Da Lat Sufferfest – Postponed
- Quang Binh Marathon – Postponed
- Techcombank Ha Noi Marathon – Postponed
- Sunrise Sprint – Postponed to 3rd May, 2020
- Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2020 – Cancelled
- Da Lat Ultra Trail 2020 – Postponed to 19-21st June, 2020
Coronavirus19 (COVID-19) FAQs – Travel to Vietnam
Question: Should I cancel my vacation to Vietnam?
Answer: In many countries, non-essential travel is being discouraged with the pandemic being a constantly evolving and changing situation. You should check for latest updates on travel advice for both your country of departure and your destination via respected Government websites and the Travala.com travel advice newsletter. With refundable bookings on Travala.com you can be assured that if you do need to cancel your vacation that you will be refunded.
Question: If I decide to travel to Vietnam, are there any precautions that can be taken to minimise the risk of infection?
Answer:
- Avoid contact with people displaying symptoms.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with hands, especially if unwashed.
- Make sure to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing at least 60% alcohol.
- While the focus is on COVID-19 please ensure that you are up to date with your routine vaccinations, such as the flu vaccine and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Question: Is there an increased risk of infection whilst travelling by air?
Answer: Due to how air is filtered and circulated on airplanes, many viruses and germs do not spread easily. Many countries now also operate immigration medical checks to identify any passengers who may pose a risk.
Question: Should travellers wear masks in Vietnam?
Answer: Anyone who displays symptoms of COVID-19 is encouraged to wear a mask as it restricts the spread of the virus. For the uninfected, the wearing of masks is not deemed to significantly reduce the risk of infection, but you may wish to consider the customs of your destination. For instance, all passengers travelling on trains in Vietnam must wear a face mask while they are encouraged on all other modes of transport.
Question: What can I expect on arriving and departing at airports?
Answer: In some countries screening for all passengers entering and leaving their country is being conducted. Before being allowed to board a flight, you may be questioned about your health and your travel history and have your temperature taken.
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