The Vietnamese government has put forth a proposal to fully reopen the country to international tourists starting from the middle of March 2022. This decision comes after a significant discussion held in Hanoi last week, involving key government departments. Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam chaired the discussion, which included representatives from the Ministries of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Health, Foreign Affairs, Transport, Public Security, and National Defense.

The discussion involved the following key government departments:

1. Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
2. Ministry of Health
3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
4. Ministry of Transport
5. Ministry of Public Security
6. Ministry of National Defense

The outcome of the discussion has prompted the government to consider reopening Vietnam earlier than the previously suggested target of April 2022. The proposal includes the abolition of almost all travel restrictions in order to facilitate the return of international tourists. However, before implementation, the new proposal will be submitted to the Prime Minister for approval.

Vietnam's Tourism Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

During a discussion held in Hanoi, deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam shed light on the negative consequences that two years of the ongoing pandemic have had on Vietnam's economy.

Tourism Sector Challenges

Deputy PM Vũ Đức Đam specifically addressed the significant challenges faced by the tourism sector, highlighting the detrimental effects it has endured.

Strict Border Control Measures

Vietnam has been among the countries implementing some of the most stringent border control measures since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. As of March 2020, the country imposed a complete ban on international tourists entering its borders.

Impact on the Tourism Industry

These stringent restrictions have taken a toll on Vietnam's tourism industry, which accounted for approximately 10% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019.

Drastic Decrease in Foreign Visitors

The consequences of the pandemic are evident in the sharp decline in foreign visitors to Vietnam. In 2019, the country welcomed 18 million tourists from abroad. However, this number plummeted significantly to a mere 157,000 in 2021.

Overall, the pandemic's impact on Vietnam's economy, particularly the tourism sector, has been severe, as the country grapples with the challenges posed by the ongoing global health crisis.

Vietnam's Vaccine Passport Initiative for Tourism

Vietnam, in its efforts to revive tourism, initiated a pilot vaccine passport program in November 2021. This program allows fully-vaccinated foreign travelers to enter the country and explore designated areas. The implementation of this policy has proven to be successful, as evidenced by the return of international tourists.

Key Points:

1. Since February 10, 2022, approximately 9,000 foreign visitors have arrived in Vietnam under the pilot vaccine passport program.
2. Vietnam boasts an impressive vaccination rate, with nearly 77% of its 98 million population vaccinated.
3. This vaccination rate positions Vietnam as one of the countries in Southeast Asia with the highest vaccination coverage.

Overall, Vietnam's strategic decision to ease travel restrictions for fully-vaccinated visitors has been fruitful, reinvigorating the country's tourism industry while prioritizing public health and safety.

Rejuvenation of Vietnam's Tourism Industry

During the discussions in Hanoi, tourism minister Nguyễn Văn Hùng stressed the importance of carefully considering Vietnam's situation and learning from the experiences of other countries and regions before reopening tourism.

• The ministry has agreed to permit all localities in Vietnam to reopen to foreign tourists, expanding the scope beyond specific provinces as done in the vaccine program.
• The ministries also discussed the possibility of removing restrictions on tourist visas, aiming to reinstate pre-pandemic visa policies.
• This includes the utilization of the online Vietnam E-visa system, which will facilitate the visa application process for tourists.

Safety Measures for Entry into Vietnam

Vietnam is considering implementing a proposal that aims to ensure the safety of its citizens and visitors amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The key element of this proposal is to allow entry into the country only for fully-vaccinated tourists. The following guidelines outline the vaccination requirements, testing protocols, and safety measures that will be enforced.

Vaccination Requirement:

•  Fully-vaccinated tourists: Only tourists who have received the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine within the last six months will be permitted to enter Vietnam.
•  Age limit: This policy applies to all travelers over the age of 12, while children under 12 are exempted as Vietnam has yet to commence vaccinating this age group.
• Proof of recovery: Foreign arrivals who have recovered from COVID-19 within the last six months can provide documentation as proof of recovery, which will also be accepted.

Testing Protocols:

• Pre-departure test: All international travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test result before departure.
• Arrival test: Upon arrival in Vietnam, international tourists will be required to undergo another COVID-19 test.
• Quarantine: During the 24-hour waiting period for the second test result, international tourists must quarantine at a registered hotel or accommodation.

Official COVID-19 App:

• Installation requirement: All passengers are obligated to install the Vietnam government's official COVID-19 app on their mobile devices.
• Duration of use: The app must remain installed and active for the entire duration of the tourists' stay in Vietnam.

Safety Measures:

•  Disease prevention and control: Upon arrival, tourists must adhere to the usual disease prevention and control measures, including wearing masks and practicing social distancing.

Conclusion:

By implementing these measures, Vietnam aims to strike a balance between reopening its tourism industry and safeguarding public health. The vaccination requirement, testing protocols, and safety measures outlined in this proposal will contribute to creating a safe environment for both tourists and residents during these challenging times.