Vietnam: International Flights Resume, Quarantine Times Shortened

Further to the recent Vietnam: Covid-19 Update on the lifting of the quarantine period for short-term business travelers, the Vietnamese government now also plans to reduce the length of the quarantine period for those arriving from “safe” countries from 14 days to 5-7 days. In addition, Vietnam’s prime minister has issued an order to speed up the resumption of international air travel, resulting in an increase in certain limited, regular commercial flights to and from destinations considered “safe.” 

What has changed?

Following the prime minister’s order to speed up the resumption of international flights between “safe” countries within the region, certain commercial flights are now allowed between Vietnam and serval APAC cities. Beginning on September 15, flights were allowed to and from certain locations in Vietnam and Taipei, Guangzhou, Tokyo and Seoul.  As of September 22, that list is expected to be widened to include Phnom Penh and Laos. Additional flights to Japan are expected to recommence on September 25th and 30th. 

The government also plans to shorten the quarantine period on arrival for those entering from countries deemed to be “safe” - or those that have the Covid-19 outbreak under control. Although the shortened quarantine period has not yet been implemented in practice, for individuals from “safe” countries it will be reduced to 5-7 days and will likely remain at 14 days for all others.

As reported last week, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health introduced new quarantine guidelines for foreign investors, business managers, experts, specialists, and highly skilled workers entering Vietnam for work purposes for a period of less than 14 days. These individuals would in theory be permitted to avoid the 14-day quarantine period and be able to complete meetings outside of their quarantine hotel following pre-approval by the Provincial Centres for Disease control and prevention (CDC). Many details remain to be finalized regarding the practicalities of this new guideline and despite consultation with the CDC, it remains uncertain whether the provincial centres will approve the request for such meetings.

Who is affected?

Those intending to travel to Vietnam for long-term assignments and short-term business activities.

What you need to do

For further information on travel and quarantine requirements for Vietnam, please contact the Sterling Lexicon immigration team.