Vietnam has fully opened to international tourists. COVID-19 tests are no longer required for entry to Vietnam and travelers are welcome to visit regardless of vaccination status.
The only requirements for tourists include proof of valid medical/travel insurance covering COVID-19 treatment with a USD10,000 minimum cover and installing the PC-Covid mobile app (Apple/Google Play). Masks are also required in public spaces.
To aid a robust tourism recovery, the government has resumed its visa policies for many nationalities. Specifically, visitors from the following countries may enter visa-free: Brunei, Myanmar (14 days); Japan, South Korea (ROK) (15 days); the Philippines (21 days); Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand (30 days); Belarus, Denmark, Italy, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom (15 days). Visitors from 80 other countries can easily apply for a tourist e-visa which costs USD 25 (e-visa eligibility can be found here). The processing time is three working days and visitors will receive their code to print the visa by email.
The relaxed restrictions are expected to benefit the nation’s tourism industry, which suffered greatly during the pandemic. In the first half of 2022, Vietnam welcomed 954,600 foreign visitors (bringing in USD509.85 million in revenue) which, though short of the pre-pandemic figure, is 10 times higher than the figure in the same period last year. Vietnam targets 5 million international arrivals by the end of 2022.
The “Live fully in Vietnam” campaign is crucial for Vietnam to reach out to international visitors again after over two tough years as a safe, hospitable, and sustainable destination with spectacular nature, exceptional cuisine, cultural diversity, and excellent service. Check out the “Why not Vietnam?” video that highlights the best parts of Vietnam’s scenery, culture, and people, or hit social media and check out the hashtags #MyVietnam or #VietnamNow to get local perspectives and personal stories about Vietnam from the people, from north to south, who call it home.
Vietnam also offers endless enriching experiences for those who want to explore, learn, and relax while giving back to communities along the way. The most obvious way to do so is to pick from a list of accommodations committed to delivering excellent service and sustainability at the same time.
Whether it’s a local homestay or an opulent seaside resort, there is no shortage of sustainable options to stay in Vietnam. A number of responsible and ethical tours are available to take travelers exploring in the wildest nature of Vietnam, including many off-the-beaten-path adventures that leave a limited footprint.
There are also countless shopping options for locally produced silks, clothing, home accessories, souvenirs, and all kinds of handicrafts for travelers who want to buy high-quality, fair-trade products while directly supporting the local economy. Dining at a social enterprise restaurant is also an excellent way to experience delicious Vietnamese food while supporting underprivileged, ambitious, and hard-working youth who are trained to work in the hospitality industry.
With 54 ethnic groups and diverse cultures, Vietnam hosts exhilarating events and festivals year-round. September is one of the most special and exciting times of the year for Vietnamese people, since it hosts the country’s Independence Day – September 2. On this day in 1945, Vietnam declared its independence in its capital city. If you happen to be in Hanoi, pay a visit to the historic Ba Dinh Square in the early morning to witness the sacred flag-raising ceremony in front of the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, then head into the streets to join locals in an exuberant celebration of patriotism and pride. Various celebrative public events can be found in cities across Vietnam too, so do check out local media wherever you are at this time of the year to avoid missing out on anything.
