*This Vietnam coronavirus update will post the latest report every week. 

Vietnam Covid-19 in Numbers (as of January 1, 2024)

• Total Number of Cases: 11,624,114

• Total Number of Recovered Patients: 10,640,971

• Total Number of Reported Deaths: 43,206

*Data lifted from the latest Wikipedia report and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

What Is the Current COVID -19 Situation in Vietnam?

The risk of COVID-19 in Vietnam is now low. With only a few active cases, Vietnam is among the countries that have responded well to the coronavirus threat, despite being a small country with limited resources. Based on the numbers, new cases are few and far between. 

The government’s strong leadership and coordination, rapid case detection, dedicated contact tracing, and strict quarantine measures are the reasons behind its success in fighting the virus’s spread.

Until this day, the Vietnamese government is closely monitoring the situation and has proactively put in place several proactive and extensive measures to prepare its public health facilities to help its citizens and tourists who are passing through. 

Is It Safe to Travel to Vietnam Now?

Yes, it is safe to travel to Vietnam now since there the risk of infection is only minimal. Since September 22, Vietnam has begun resuming its international commercial flights going out of the country. During the height of the COVID-19 spread, those stuck in the country can now go out of the country to go to Taiwan, Tokyo, Guangzhou, Phnom Penh, and Vientiane. 

Entry into the country is only applicable for skilled workers, investors, diplomats, and Vietnamese who wish to return home.

What Do I Need to Prepare If I Want to Fly to Vietnam Now?

All foreign nationals who wish to visit the country must provide necessary paperwork before they can enter Vietnam. Also, click here for your application of an e-Visa before traveling to Vietnam.

All foreigners presently staying in the country at the moment must fill out and submit their health declarations online via https://tokhaiyte.vn/. They should also provide their hotels or landlords with temporary residence declarations. 

Here is a sample of the health declaration: 

Is a COVID-19 Test Necessary Before Entering Vietnam?

All incoming travellers are NOT required to present a negative RT-PCR test anymore. But those who show COVID-19 symptoms may have to get tested. There is also no need to undergo quarantine once you arrive in Vietnam.

If you tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival in Vietnam, you need to self-quarantine until you tested negative. Quarantine rules will depend on every province or city's COVID-19 current situation. Failure to comply with self-quarantine may lead to significant punishments for offense. Self-quarantine testing requirements and periods may vary between locations at short notice.

Self-quarantine for COVID-19 positive tests needs a minimum of 7 days or until you tested negative. Many provinces in Vietnam allow self-isolation in your preferred locations, as long as you adhere to the requirements of the local government. Some may provide a designated quarantine hotel or center.

What Safety Health Practices Must I Observe While in Vietnam?

While the threat of the coronavirus is low in Vietnam, foreigners and locals, particularly those staying in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hanoi, and Dong Nai, are required by law to wear masks in public. Those who violate may pay a fine from 100,000 VND to 300,000 VND. 

Health officials are also encouraging all to maintain a safe distance from each other and to avoid crowded places as much as possible. It also helps if travellers can get updates from the government through their official website: https://ncov.moh.gov.vn. 

Below are some of the quarantine regulations if you test positive with COVID-19 while in Vietnam: 

• Self-quarantine at home or hotels with regular check-ups by local health authorities if found to have an exposure to a person who tested positive with the COVID-19. However, these are only for those who remain asymptomatic. 
• Travellers returning from high-risk areas may do self-isolation in non-medical establishments. 
• Individuals presenting symptoms of the virus and those who tested positive for COVID-19 must undergo quarantine in health establishments. 
• The Vietnamese government can also decide to lock down a community if there will be a notable increase in confirmed infections. 

What If I Have Been Exposed to COVID-19 While In Vietnam?

Travellers exposed to the COVID-19 virus should call Vietnam’s COVID-19 health hotline at 1900 3228. One of the prevention measures that Vietnam has taken against the spread of the virus is setting up screening centres throughout the country. These screening facilities can do testing and diagnosis of the disease. It also has  45 quick response teams to assist the handling and management of patients.

Are Vietnam Tourist Spots Open Now?

As of the latest announcement from the Vietnamese government, tourist spots are now open. Most establishments have spent considerable time to disinfect their surroundings. Festivals in the country now resume. 

Note: This Vietnam coronavirus update was first published in October 2020 and has been updated to include the latest developments.