Vietnam, a country known for its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine, has been a popular tourist destination for years. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the country had to close its borders to international tourists in March 2020.
Since then, people have been wondering whether Vietnam has opened up for tourism again. In this article, we will explore the current situation and provide you with all the information you need to know.
Current situation
As of August 2021, Vietnam’s borders are still closed to most foreign tourists. The government has been cautious about reopening the country to prevent any potential outbreaks of COVID-19. Only certain categories of people are allowed to enter Vietnam at this time:
- Vietnamese citizens and foreigners who hold diplomatic or official passports
- Investors, highly skilled workers, and experts
- Foreigners who are spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens
- Foreigners who are relatives of Vietnamese citizens and hold a visa exemption certificate
- Other special cases that are approved by the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control.
Plans for reopening
The Vietnamese government has expressed its desire to reopen its doors to international tourists soon. However, there is no official date as to when this will happen. The government is closely monitoring the global situation and will make decisions based on how well other countries handle the pandemic.
To prepare for the eventual reopening of tourism in Vietnam, the government is working on several initiatives:
Vaccination
Vietnam’s vaccination program is in full swing with over 20 million doses administered so far. The government aims to vaccinate at least 70% of its population by early 2022. This will not only protect its citizens but also make it safer for tourists to visit the country.
Travel bubbles
Vietnam is considering the concept of travel bubbles, which would allow tourists from countries with low COVID-19 infection rates to enter Vietnam without having to undergo quarantine. This would be a great way to kickstart tourism while ensuring the safety of both visitors and locals.
Protocols and guidelines
The government has been working on developing protocols and guidelines for tourism-related activities such as transportation, accommodation, and sightseeing. These measures will ensure that tourists are safe and can enjoy their time in Vietnam without worrying about contracting COVID-19.
Conclusion
While Vietnam has not yet opened its borders to international tourists, it is taking steps to prepare for when it does. With a successful vaccination program and the implementation of travel bubbles, it is likely that Vietnam will reopen for tourism sooner rather than later. In the meantime, we will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate as of August 2021. It is subject to change based on any updates or new developments regarding COVID-19 in Vietnam.