Eased restrictions

Nguyen Quy Phuong, Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism’s (VNAT) Travel Department, said Vietnam will likely reopen inbound and outbound tourism from March 15 with eased restrictions and restore the pre-2020 entry visa policies for foreign visitors.

Under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s proposal, as it fully reopens its air, land and sea borders, Vietnam would only require foreign tourists to furnish a certificate that they have been fully vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19.

Instead of having to submit a negative PCR test result done 72 hours before departure, tourists will be allowed to show a negative rapid antigen test result done within 24 hours at their accommodations after arrival.

They also only need to furnish medical or travel insurance including coverage for Covid-19 treatment worth at least US$20,000, instead of US$50,000 as previously required.

Fully vaccinated tourists can book three-day tour packages with designated travel agencies, while unvaccinated tourists have to book a seven-day tour package at a minimum. They can freely move around after that.

Vietnam is set to remove restrictions on international flights starting February 15, allowing frequency to return to pre-pandemic levels.

Localities nationwide will also reopen their doors to domestic visitors according to continuing proper, adequate pandemic control measures.

The ancient town of Hoi An in the central province of Quang Nam is always a favorite destination of tourists

Travel businesses ready

Many tour operators have been preparing since late last year for the reopening. The Saigontourist Group, for example, has been preparing to welcome international guests since the fourth quarter of 2021. Saigontourist Group has reopened about 100 of its accommodation, restaurant and entertainment service facilities across the country. During the complicated outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Saigontourist hotel system served medical delegations.

Along with preparing to welcome foreign visitors, tourism businesses have restarted their outbound tours with new, attractive programs. BenThanh Tourist is ready to offer tours to Southeast Asian destinations, Dubai and the US. Initially, BenThanh Tourist received many tour registrations and information requests associated with such key markets as Thailand, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and the US. The company plans to offer tours to remote markets such as Israel, Africa, and South America to diversify customer choices.

Vietnam's tourism industry needs to renew its promotion methods and strengthen tourist promotion through digital platforms, and ensure tourist safety and security, environmental protection and pandemic control.

Thanh Tam