Quarantine free entries for entrants with negative COVID-19 tests

The Ministry of Health on March 16 has officially issued the long-awaited COVID-19 protocols for foreign arrivals in Vietnam, which state that visitors with negative COVID tests can enjoy quarantine-free travel from day one.

  • 3-day home quarantine proposed for arrivals from overseas
  • Book giving program helps relieve people in quarantine areas

Accordingly, the regulations require air passengers to have proof of negative SARS-CoV-2 tests using RT-PCR/RT-LAMP method within 72 hours prior to departure, or 24 hours with rapid antigen tests, with the results approved by the countries where the tests are conducted.

No medical isolation requirements set for foreign arrivals -0
No medical isolation requirements set for foreign arrivals

A similar policy also applies to people entering by land and waterways. In the event that a visitor has no a negative test result, a rapid test must be performed within the first 24 hours from their time of entry.

If the test proves to be negative, then the visitor will be permitted to leave their accommodation. If the test comes back positive, they must immediately report to local health authorities for further instructions on timely handling.

Children under the age of two are allowed to enter without any test and can participate in outdoor activities with their parents and relatives.

However, visitors would still need to comply with COVID-19 prevention and control measures that are applicable to people living in Vietnam, like wearing masks, disinfecting hands, keeping a safe distance, making health declarations, and avoiding large gatherings.

The guidelines, released the day after the country fully reopened international tourism activities and reinstated pre-pandemic entry and exit regulations, replace all other previous COVID-19 rules for foreign entries.

The health ministry asked local authorities and State agencies to quickly direct the implementation of the COVID rules to avoid spreading the virus among the travellers and the community.

It is hoped the relaxed regulations will ease concerns from international tour companies who have been desperate to welcome back foreign tourists into the country after two years of severe disruptions caused by the pandemic.

During a meeting held with foreign ambassadors and various representatives of travel businesses in Hanoi on March 15, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam affirmed that foreign visitors would be treated the same as domestic visitors upon arrival.

He also requested that relevant ministries and agencies continue to receive opinions from domestic firms and localities regarding the reopening policy, including expanding visa-free markets, removing restrictions on electronic visas, and extending visitors’ stay.

By NT

Other News

Digital innovation breathes new life into Vietnam's museums

Digital innovation breathes new life into Vietnam's museums

Technology is similarly enriching exhibitions at the Vietnam Women’s Museum in Hanoi. Wartime letters, a typewriter and other artefacts linked to former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh have been digitally integrated with collections held at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. Through projection mapping, 3D displays and a virtual reality recreation of the Paris Peace Agreement, visitors can engage more deeply with the life and achievements of one of Vietnam’s most prominent diplomats.

Vesak 2026 highlights Buddhism's enduring commitment to nation in new era

Vesak 2026 highlights Buddhism's enduring commitment to nation in new era

Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang, Supreme Patriarch of the VBS Patronage Council, called on Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns, and followers to continue serving society with mindfulness and compassion, uphold the noble traditions of Vietnamese Buddhism, and spread the light of kindness to foster a better life for all.

Soul of Mong people's panpipe kept alive in mountainous schools

Soul of Mong people's panpipe kept alive in mountainous schools

In recent years, many localities across the Dong Van Karst Plateau have strengthened efforts to integrate traditional culture preservation into schools. "Khen" performances, linen weaving, folk songs and traditional games are gradually becoming more familiar once again to younger generations.

Australia – Vietnam promote cooperation in contemporary music

Australia – Vietnam promote cooperation in contemporary music

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird said: “We are thrilled to support this musical collaboration between Australia’s Matthew Ifield and Vietnam’s Mỹ Anh. Creative connections and exchange between young people in Australia and Vietnam will help build cultural understanding between our nations”.

VFF leader sends Vesak greetings to Buddhist community

VFF leader sends Vesak greetings to Buddhist community

Vietnamese Buddhism has consistently upheld the spirit of “protecting the nation and serving the people” while accompanying the nation in promoting social ethics, strengthening great national unity, and advancing national development.

Ho Chi Minh City boosts tourism appeal through culinary, cultural experiences

Ho Chi Minh City boosts tourism appeal through culinary, cultural experiences

According to Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director of Agoda Vietnam, travellers are becoming more selective when choosing accommodation, prioritising properties with strong reviews, quality amenities and distinctive dining options. This trend reflects a growing emphasis on the overall travel experience, alongside peer-based quality assurance.

Chinese destinations become increasingly popular among Vietnamese tourists

Chinese destinations become increasingly popular among Vietnamese tourists

With its majestic landscapes, rich ethnic cultures and immersive tourism experiences, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the Old Town of Lijiang are becoming increasingly attractive to Vietnamese travellers, while also contributing to stronger tourism and cultural exchanges between Vietnam and China’s Yunnan province.

Flights connecting Da Nang, Moscow resumed

Flights connecting Da Nang, Moscow resumed

The increase in flights from Russia, the CIS and Belarus to Da Nang not only helps diversify the city’s international visitor markets but also reflects growing confidence among international travel companies in Da Nang’s attractiveness and tourism capacity.

Command Cave tour breathes new life into Truong Son legend

Command Cave tour breathes new life into Truong Son legend

The Command Cave tour offers domestic and international visitors an opportunity to explore the values of the World Natural Heritage site of Phong Nha-Ke Bang while commemorating the victories and sacrifices of forces operating along the Truong Son route.

📝OP-ED: Building culture 'immunity' through high-quality works of art

📝OP-ED: Building culture 'immunity' through high-quality works of art

The representative of the Vietnam Cinema Association stated that in the context of today’s fourth Industrial Revolution, the requirement to respect and ensure historical authenticity through cinema has become more important than ever, as digital platforms and cyberspace have enabled the widespread dissemination of cross-border media products.

When millions of beautiful stories together tell of a Happy Vietnam

When millions of beautiful stories together tell of a Happy Vietnam

PSNews - "We have always affirmed that the greatest strength lies in the people, and the greatest creativity also comes from the people. When millions of positive stories are shared and spread simultaneously, we are not only promoting the image of our country, but also helping to strengthen social trust, enhance consensus, elevate national prestige, and proactively counter false and distorted information about Vietnam in the international arena", said Trinh Thi Thuy - Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Head of the Organizing Committee of the award.