Take 2: Vietnam reopens with minimal restrictions for travelers
After much confusion surrounding Vietnam's reopening to international travelers on Tuesday, travelers are officially welcomed back to the Asian nation as of March 16, according to the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam.
Entry protocols: Pre-departure COVID-19 test and visa
Tourists are once again allowed to enter Vietnam by presenting negative results of a negative COVID-19 test — either a PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel or a rapid test conducted within 24 hours.
Note that these tests must be "administered and certified by competent health authorities," per the Embassy, which also says the testing requirements apply to anyone 2 years of age and older entering the country via land, air, rail and sea.
According to the Embassy and other news outlets, an arrival test is the only entry requirement for visitors at this time. However, Vietnam's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MOCST) provides guidance on their website stating that quarantine is required for incoming travelers.
"For passengers traveling by air, there is a testing and quarantine process before boarding," according to MOCST. "For passengers traveling by land, sea or rail, it takes longer to travel, so additional safety measures such as testing at the border gate."
As a result, tourists hoping to visit Vietnam in the immediate future should be prepared for either option.
We will update this post as soon as more concrete information from the government is released.
Per ABC News, Vietnam "reinstated visa exemptions and the issuance of visas on arrival similar to their pre-pandemic status," meaning Americans still need 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. The Embassy did not respond to a request for comment for this story.
Lastly, travelers should complete an online health form before departure, according to Vietnam Airlines.
There is no information to suggest there are any other on-the-ground COVID-19 restrictions in Vietnam at this time.
Bottom line
Although the Vietnamese government had previously proposed stronger entry requirements for travelers, including requiring proof of vaccination and travel insurance, those no longer appear on any official government websites.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.