Temporary guidance on piloting international arrivals announced

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Doan Van Viet signed and promulgated Document No. 4122/HD-BVHTTDL on November 5, 2021 providing temporary guidance on piloting international tourists to Vietnam.

Accordingly, after 7 days, if visitors have negative test results for SARS-CoV-2, visitors may go to localities where the welcoming of international guests is permitted.

The document clearly states and implements the Prime Minister's direction in Official Letter No. 8044/VPCP-KGVX of the Government Office, dated November 2, 2021, on temporary guidance on piloting international tourists to Vietnam, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism guides the pilot to welcome international tourists to Vietnam with specific contents including: a roadmap to welcome international tourists in three phases, starting from November 2021; conditions for international tourists to participate in the pilot programme; and the process of implementing a closed tour programme.

Tourists can select and register to participate in the tour programs of international travel agencies providing services during the pilot phase of the tourism program designed in the region, while service facilities provided by the locality are allowed, for a maximum period of 90 days.

After seven days, those who continue to stay in Vietnam must continue to test themselves for COVID-19 and may travel to other localities within the programme if the results are negative. Those who want to see their relatives in Vietnam need to register with their tour operators.

On the first day of entry, tourists will be taken to the accommodation facility and tested for COVID. They can continue their stay if the tests prove negative; otherwise, they will be taken to a medical facility and the costs will be covered by their insurance or travel agency.

During the course of participating in the tour programme, visitors ensure to comply with the "5K message" and infection prevention and control measures as prescribed by the competent health authorities in all activities of schedule and of the service provider for tourists.

The guide also clearly states the contents related to the Ministries of Health, Foreign Affairs, Public Security, Information and Communication, and Transport, and the People's Committees of provinces and cities such as Kien Giang, Khanh Hoa, Da Nang, Quang Nam, Quang Ninh and other localities, as well as tourism businesses participation in the pilot programme.

This guide will be updated and adjusted in accordance with policies and regulations on entry and exit procedures, on prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic and other regulations of ministries and branches according to the actual implementation through different policies and specific phase. In the course of implementation, if any problems arise, agencies and units shall send reports to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism so they may be promptly amended, supplemented and completed.