Vietnam could finally let tourists back in from the end of March
Adventure-thirsty travelers have received another boost after Vietnam announced plans to fully reopen its borders to foreign visitors “ideally at the end of March and no later than the end of April."
Those were the words of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh who has begun easing his country out of one of the strictest zero-tolerance COVID-19 policies in Southeast Asia.
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"We may be facing a further rise of omicron and possibly other new variants," he said at the end of January. "However, with higher rates of vaccination along with other measures, we will be able to reopen the country safely, for the sake of economic recovery and development."
Vietnam has been taking baby steps in its quest to reopen its borders to visitors, having been all but closed off from the world since the spring of 2020.
Related: These are the best times to visit Vietnam
It began with allowing visitors on package tours to enter the island of Phu Quoc, as well as Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang and other parts of the country in November. More locations were added to that list in January.
But that has not attracted the level of visitors Vietnam’s ailing tourism industry needs to climb back to its feet after a crippling pandemic.
What are Vietnam’s travel restrictions now?
Vietnam has been all but closed to foreign visitors since it suspended visa waivers, issuing of visas and the entry into Vietnam for most foreign nationals, regardless of vaccination status, in the spring of 2020. Only visitors with special reasons for visiting, such as diplomats and those with special business, were allowed in.
Limited tourists are allowed, but may only do so by joining one of the state-sanctioned tour groups operating tours to destinations approved by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
"When entering Vietnam you must quarantine in either a designated hotel or a preapproved residence for [three] days," the FCO website reads. "You will need to take a PCR test on [day three] and self-monitor up to day 14. You will be responsible for paying any hotel charges and for coronavirus testing costs."
When and how will the entry policy change?
The Ministry for Tourism has said it plans to reopen its borders to tourists from March 31, at the earliest.
Vietnam has agreed to temporarily recognize COVID-19 vaccine passports from 72 countries, including the U.K., to ease the transition to normal travel conditions.
What are the vaccination requirements?
You will have to be either fully vaccinated or can prove you have recently recovered from COVID-19, according to the ministry.
You will also be required to present a negative PCR test taken within the last 72 hours before arrival, as well as proof of £37,000 (about $50,000) medical insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment.
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- The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
- This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. (Enrollment required for select benefits.)
- The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.
Cons
- The high annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
- Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
- The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards.
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups are excluded.
- American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. There are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
- Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
- Breeze through security with CLEAR® lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Learn more.
- $695 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees