https://www.trip.com/blog/vietnam-travel-guide/

[Updated] Vietnam Reopening: Quarantine Free Travel

TripBlog
TripBlog
May 16, 2022

Catalogue

  • Disclaimer
  • Who can travel to Vietnam for tourism?
  • Requirements for Tourism-related Travel
    • Vaccination
    • Pre-Departure Testing
    • Proof of Insurance
    • Health Declaration
  • Entry Visas
    • Visitors from Asia
    • Visitors from Europe
    • All Others
  • Destinations & Things to Do
    • Ho Chi Minh City
    • Hanoi
    • Hue
    • Hoi An
    • Da Nang
    • Nha Trang
    • Halong Bay
  • Show More

Vietnam, the jewel of Southeast Asia, has reopened its borders to travelers from around the world. The country of delicious foods, pristine tropical beaches, and amazing vacation experiences is once again eager to welcome visitors. Following years of stellar economic growth prior to the onset of COVID-19, Vietnam has invested heavily in its tourism infrastructure. It is now easier than ever to visit this remarkable destination. In this short guide, we detail Vietnam's current travel restrictions and let you know just what you have to do before booking two tickets to paradise. Read on to find out how you too can "live fully in Vietnam."

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

A quick disclaimer. The information we provide here is for reference only. All travelers are advised to check the latest announcements published in official government channels prior to finalizing travel plans. While we make every effort to provide accurate and timely information, conditions may have changed since this guide was written. Always double-check the latest official information. It's better to be safe than sorry.

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bowl of Vietnamese pho

Vietnam is open to travelers from around the world, regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status. Vietnam's successful domestic vaccination campaign and efforts to create a safe travel environnement have paid off. Combined with visa-free and e-visa access for travelers from nearly 100 countries, Vietnam is once again a prime vacation destination.


Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccie vials

Vietnam does not require foreign nationals traveling for tourism to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Health authorities in Vietnam have sought to aggressively promote COVID-19 vaccines domestically and a relatively high proportion of Vietnamese are vaccinated against COVID-19. This has allowed the government to relax its concern about foreign visitors' vaccination status. Obviously, being fully vaccinated and bosted is a good idea; however, it is not a requirement to visit Vietnam.


COVID-19 rapid antigen test kit

A negative COVID-19 test result is not required to enter Vietnam.


insurance policy document; us dollars

Foreign nationals must have proof of medical or travel insurance valid for use in Vietnam for the entire duration of their stay. The minimum coverage amount must be at least US$10,000 and must cover all costs associated with the testing and treatment of COVID-19. Travelers with existing health insurance plans should inquire if they can purchase additional travel coverage for Vietnam, or should contact a travel insurance provider in order to purchase a stand-alone travel policy.


cell phone registration form

A specific health declaration form is not required to enter Vietnam. Travelers may be asked to install and use the PC-COVID mobile application on their Android or iOS device. This app may be required when entering some public establishments in Vietnam.


passport book with entry stamps

Beyond specific COVID-19 travel restrictions, travelers will also need to obtain a valid entry visa if necessary. Fortunately, Vietnam has greatly simplified the process for obtaining a visa. Visitors from certain countries and regions are allowed to enter Vietnam visa free for short duration stays. The list below will help you determine if you qualify for visa-free travel. To stay beyond the allowed number of days, you should apply for a visa extension when you arrive in Vietnam.

Country / Region Maximum Visa-Free Stay
Brunei Darussalam, Myanmar 14 Days
Japan, South Korea 15 Days
The Philippines 21 Days
Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand 30 Days
Country / Region Maximum Visa-Free Stay
Belarus, Denmark, Italy, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom 15 Days

Travelers who hold a passport issued by a country or region not listed above may be eligible to apply online for a 30-day tourist e-visa. Processing time is approximately 3 business days. To find out if you can apply for an e-visa, check with the Vietnam Immigration Department.


bicycle rickshaw vietnam

Vietnam is a wondrous country with diverse landscapes and much to see. How you structure your vacation will depend on your personal preferences. Do you want to explore amazing natural wonders? Consider visiting Ha Long Bay or Phong Nha. Are you more into learning about Vietnamese culture and history? Make for the ancient capital of Hue. Want a bit of the country's modern nightlife? Ho Chi Minh city is for you. The following recommendations will help to get you started but they only begin to scratch the surface.


Ho Chi Minh City skyline

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's largest city and a gleaming modern metropolis. Still known to many locals as Saigon, this is a place where old and new Vietnam combine in unique and surprising ways. Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is Vietnam's busiest airport and, for most people, their gateway into the country. Make sure to explore the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. Ho Chi Minh City Hall is great for some architectural photos, as are Tan Dinh Catholic Church and Notre-Dame Basilica. For a bit of the nightlife experience check out Pham Ngu Lao Street. Finally, Ho Chi Minh City is an excellent base from which to explore the Mekong River Delta with its many scenic towns and villages.



Hanoi Train Street

Like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi is a bustling city with numerous historic attractions and some great urban parks. Go for a stroll on Ba Dinh Square and pay a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Afterwards you can visit Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House and tour the museum there. The famous One Pillar Pagoda is also nearby as is the city's beautiful West Lake area, where you'll find many restaurants and cafes perfect for an afternoon snack or coffee. Or check out Hanoi's "Train Street," where you're sure to find many visitors snapping photos. History buffs will want to visit Hoa Lo Prison, the site of the famous "Hanoi Hilton." St. Joseph's Cathedral is a lovely church built to resemble Notre Dame in Paris. At night, wander around Hanoi's Old Quarter where you will find people sitting out drinking beer and order all sorts of delicious foods until late into the night.



Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc, Hue, Vietnam

Vietnam's ancient city of Hue is a place to experience authentic Vietnamese culture. Here visitors can explore ruins dating back to the 4th Century CE, wander through the famous Imperial City, and stroll along the Perfume River. At night, restaurants serve up the regional specialties that make Hue a famous culinary hotspot. Modern Hue is dominated by the old Imperial City, a walled enclosure set within the former citadel. Today, the remains are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and extensive efforts have been made to preserve and restore this cultural gem. Resembling the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Imperial City in Hue is no less awe inspiring. If you fancy exploring Vietnam's long history, Hue is one place you certainly want to visit.



old town Hoi An

Hoi An is arguably one of the most beautiful towns in Vietnam and certainly one of the most popular to visit due to its historic city center, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The city's famous Japanese Bridge is a great place to snap some photos. Make sure to check out all of the well-preserved traditional architecture, some of which dates back to the as far as the 16th Century. Looking for accomodations in nearby An Bang, where you'll find several excellent resorts with beach access. Motorbike tours are a great way to get around and you might consider renting a scooter for a couple days and taking the trip up the coastal road to Da Nang. It's a fabulous drive.



Da Nang Cathedral pink church

Da Nang is located just north of Hoi An and is one of Vietnam's major port cities. My Khe Beach is simply stunning and a near perfect place to stretch out and relax in the cool Pacific waters. Follow the ocean road up to Son Tra Peninsula and visit Linh Ung Pagoda with its large white Buddha. The pagoda offers great panoramic views of Da Nang. Visit the Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone hills famous for its many caves, tunnels, and iconic Buddhist Temples. In Central Da Nang, pay a visit to Da Nang Cathedral with its famous pink exterior. Downtown is also where you'll find lots of great bars and restaurants. After dark, Da Nang's many bridges are lit up in a nice visual display that spans the Han River.



Vinpearl Nha Trang resort island

Nha Trang is a lovely resort destination popular with Russian and Eastern European travelers. The city’s long sandy beaches are fantastic for relaxing, enjoying a swim, or going for a nice stroll. Among the city’s best known attractions is the Vinpearl Nha Trang resort and VinWonders amusement park. Located on an island in Nha Trang Bay, this is a popular vacation destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway. Families can visit the adjacent VinWonders Nha Trang, a sort of local Vietnamese Disneyland complete with a fairytale castle, rides, games, and more. Check with your hotel for local tour operators running snorkeling or scuba diving expeditions to some of the surrounding reefs. The waters around Nha Trang are excellent for exploring.



Ha Long Bay karst mountains

Halong Bay is a coastal region located just over 90 mi (150 km) east of Hanoi. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its thousands of limestone karst formations and small islands. Many regard it as one of the most beautiful scenic spots in all Vietnam. Tour operators ferry visitors around the bay in small sampan-style pontoon boats. Visitors can explore the countless inlets and secluded cliff sides or visit one of the many caves and grottos containing Buddhist sculptures. Snorkeling is popular here as are game fishing tours farther out in open waters. Look for accomodations in nearby Ha Long city, which is where most tours of the bay originate.


Vietnam is one of those destinations where you can experience the vacation of a lifetime. Easily as attractive as Thailand but with less of a touristy feel, Vietnam is truly the jewel of Southeast Asia. Now that it's possible to travel again, don't miss your chance to see Vietnam while you can.

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Contact Center of the year 2022
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Google Material Design Awards 2019