[Covid 19] Specialists and Diplomatic Visitors on Short Visit to Vietnam No Need to Isolate

• Automatic Stay Extension for Foreign Nationals in Vietnam to 31 Nov 2020
• Proposal Was Made To Use More Than 1,600 Hotel Rooms In Ho Chi Minh City As a Paid Isolation Point

Even though Vietnam has been successful in containing the Coronavirus outbreak, it still has not opened up to international tourists. The Vietnamese government is careful enough not to allow another wave of infections, such as the case in Da Nang recently.

And although tourists are not yet welcome, Vietnam allows high-skilled foreign workers, specialists, and diplomatic visitors to enter. These foreign visitors will arrive in Vietnam on special flights. If their visit is only for a short time, they are exempted from the mandatory quarantine. 

Who Can Enter Vietnam In This Covid 19 Season?

Guidelines for Foreigners Entering Vietnam

According to the recent guidelines released by the Ministry of Health, foreign workers, and experts who are coming to the country will no longer be required to isolate. This guideline also applies to business people, foreign investors, and visitors on diplomatic and official visits.

The Ministry of Health has requested from the local agencies and ministries to continue to invite experts and foreign visitors into the country for short-term work visits. These foreign visitors can be a big help to the country in fighting the spread of the COVID-19 disease.

No Need for Medical Isolation

These medical experts, along with the other foreign visitors, will no longer need to go on medical isolation. Earlier, the Vietnam government requires all foreign arrivals to isolate for 14 days. But for those who will only be visiting for a short time, they will be exempted from this requirement. Nevertheless, they will be required to strictly adhere to the guidelines set by the Ministry of Health in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19. This includes maintaining social distance and the wearing of a facemask.

Anyone who has come into contact with other persons who are entering for official or diplomatic purposes should go on isolation if they are showing symptoms of Covid-19. These symptoms include cough, fever, sore throat, difficulty in breathing, and tiredness. They must make sure to notify Vietnam’s local health authorities so that they will be closely monitored.

Passengers Must Shoulder Isolation Expenses

They must shoulder all the expenses that will be incurred for their medical isolation in Vietnam. If they are a representative of some companies or organizations, these organizations must cover the cost of their isolation expenses. They should also pay for the medical treatment and hospitalization expenses in case the visitor will be admitted to the hospital. However, all foreign visitors that are entering Vietnam for a diplomatic visit will be exempted from these charges.

After 14 days of entering Vietnam, the visitor or expert who is entering for diplomatic purposes will be tested for the virus. If they turn out negative for the Covid-19 virus, they can start to do their work in the country and will no longer need to isolate or fulfill any other requirements.

Establish Specific Work Plans

Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has also requested that before entering the country, these visitors should develop specific work plans. The plan must include information on where they will stay in the country, how long they plan on staying in the country, and what are their modes of transportation. In addition, these experts should be tested for the Covid-19 virus using the PCR technique. The test must be taken 3 to 5 days prior to their arrival in Vietnam. They must show negative on the test before they can be allowed entry.

Health Measures at the Airport Upon Arrival

On their arrival at the airport of Vietnam, these experts will have separate reception streams from the rest of the other foreign visitors. Furthermore, they will be asked to submit electronic medical declarations. Their body temperature will also be checked and they will be asked to undergo medical screening to check for symptoms. These visitors will also be advised to install the Bluezone app while in the country.

At the accommodating facilities, these visitors should be isolated in a separate place. Medical professionals must supervise them at all times and they should refrain from getting into contact with the public. Before leaving Vietnam, their samples will be taken for testing.

Ensure the Epidemic Prevention Process is followed

When these foreign experts and representatives start working, they are required to follow all the prevention procedures that were put in place to stop the spread of the Covid-19 disease. During their meeting, they will be required to submit a list of attendees and all participants will be asked to sign.

Everyone who will be attending the meeting will undergo a medical check. Their body temperature will also be checked. All participants are advised to wash their hands frequently with soap and water. They must follow social distancing measures and must wear a mask as much as possible. During breaks, everyone must ensure a safe distance from each other.

Prevention measures must also be followed during fieldwork. The number of people congregating should be minimized and the place must be disinfected at all times.

For inquiries, feel free to contact:

info@vietnamimmigration.org