Vietnam did not reopen to tourists today as planned, reopening date remains unknown
Although Vietnam was expected to welcome back international tourists starting March 15, Vietnamese authorities haven't formally confirmed entry requirements, adding nothing but confusion for tourists waiting to go back to the Asian nation.
If you are eagerly awaiting news on when Vietnam will officially reopen and what entry requirements might look like, here's everything we know so far.
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Entry protocols remain unclear as of March 15
Although Vietnam's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism sent proposed entry requirements to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in February to facilitate the resumption of international travel starting March 15, no official word on entry requirements has been released to the public. This has effectively delayed the official reopening of Vietnam to tourism to an unknown date.
Currently, there's no application for entry and entry requirements remain speculative, based on suggestions by Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam.
The deputy prime minister allegedly told the country's Ministry of Health to “promptly revise regulations and requirements” for incoming travelers, according to recent reporting by Bloomberg, which also said the government recently resumed 15-day visa exceptions for travelers from specific countries, not including the U.S.
Proposed entry protocols
On Feb. 15, the MOCST suggested a variety of reopening protocols, which we may see apply to travelers when the country officially reopens:
Proof of vaccination
All visitors age 12 and older to Vietnam would need to either show proof of full vaccination or recent recovery from COVID-19 to enter the country.
To be considered fully vaccinated, one’s final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine must be administered at least 14 days and no more than six months before departure, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. Alternatively, travelers could potentially present documents certifying recovery from COVID-19 within the previous six months.
Testing requirements with quarantine
Secondly, travelers over the age of 2 may need to show results of a negative COVID-19 test, specifically an RT-PCR/RT-LAMP test taken within 72 hours or a rapid test taken within 24 hours. In addition to the predeparture test, you may need to take a second rapid test within 24 hours of entry and quarantine, although the length of quarantine has not yet been specified.
On March 1, the Health Ministry proposed a three-day isolation period for tourists, per Bloomberg.
Travel insurance
Additionally, visitors might be asked to buy and show proof of medical or travel insurance with a minimum liability of $10,000 to cover any COVID-19-related costs.
Visa required
Lastly, and this was also the case pre-pandemic, Vietnam requires Americans to obtain a visa to travel to the country. Visa applications are available via the Vietnam Embassy in Washington, D.C., which states you can apply for a visa in person, by mail, online or by email.
Neither the MOCST nor embassy officials responded to requests for comment or clarification on the proposed entry requirements or when Vietnam might officially reopen to tourists.
How this uncertainty affects travelers
Until the country announces firm reopening details, there's no application or online portal for tourists to apply for entry to the country, which has been a necessary component with most countries during the pandemic.
Unfortunately, this means many travelers are putting their trips to Vietnam on hold.
“I was interested in visiting Vietnam later in March, but with unclear entry requirements, I’ve shifted gears on focusing on Thailand, which has clear guidance on how to enter the country," TPG credit cards reporter Chris Dong said.
Bottom line
Answers to questions about when and how travelers from across the world will be able to once again visit Vietnam remain unknown as of March 15. Updated guidance is not currently available from the MOCST, Vietnamese government, U.S. Embassy in Vietnam or Vietnam Embassy in Washington, D.C.
This story will be updated when new information becomes available.
Related: Ahead of the game: A review of the InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort in Vietnam
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Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip.Pros
- 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