Vietnam opens doors for international travelers with normal conditions as before Covid.
Following the outbreak of COVID-19 beginning from Wuhan (China), Vietnamese government associated with all sectors and departments have been seriously promulgating strict policies, regulations as well as taking drastic actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Vietnam.
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February 27th: CDC USA removed Vietnam from list of areas vulnerable to community spread of SARS-CoV-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on February 27 decided to remove Vietnam from the list of destinations vulnerable to community transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
The decision was made during a teleconference between the Vietnamese Embassy in the United States and the United States Department of State, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the CDC.
See information at the CDC website
This might be helpful: Coronavirus: Is It Safe to Travel to Vietnam Now?
35 Days of Non-community COVID-19 Infection
Vietnam is SAFE to visit now! As one of the countries affected by Covid-19, Vietnam’s rapid response to aggressive and effective disease prevention has been praised by many foreign newspapers such as Germany’s World Youth Daily, English Times Asia, Asia Times, etc. Therefore, more than ever, Vietnam tourism is proud and ready to open and welcome foreign visitors from all over the world to travel to and explore our beautiful S-shaped country!
Until 2020 May 21, Ministry of Health of Vietnam do not record any positive case of nCoV, marking 35 days without detecting cases of infection in the community.
Moreover, among total of 324 infections, 264 were cured. Of the 60 patients being treated, three patients had a negative test one time, five ones had a second negative test. The latest 184 detected cases were ALL from abroad, as known as the “entry” cases and quarantined immediately upon their arrival.
Vietnam’s Efforts and Actions to Prevent COVID-19 in Vietnam
1. Cancellation of all flights from and to China from 13:00 on February 1st and from and to South Korea until further notice.
2. 14-day quarantine for all cases having contact with people from the epidemic area (1) returning from China, (2) contact with infected people as well as those at risk of COVID-19 infection.
3. Closure of overland border crossings between China and Vietnam.
4. Medical declaration and screening of all travelers before entry to Vietnam.
5. Strengthened disease screening at international points of entry.
6. 45 quick response medical teams set up to assist hospitals nationwide.
7. Four hospitals designated with more than 4,000 beds by Ministry of Defense to handle potential cases.
8. Cancellation of festivals and tourism activities countrywide until further notice.
9. Temporary closure of public schools in 63 provinces.
10. Recommendation to strictly follow standard prevention measures according to WHO, especially washing hands frequently.
Important Information for Travelers on COVID-19 in Vietnam
Suspended visa exemptions for travelers to Vietnam
Vietnam has temporarily suspended visa exemptions for citizens of these countries:
- South Korea
- Spain
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
- Denmark
- Finland
- Norway
Countries with more than 500 confirmed cases of COVID-19, or more than 50 new cases per day, can also expect to have visa exemptions to Vietnam suspended at this time. Vietnam may refuse to grant visas to travelers showing symptoms of COVID-19.
With special exceptions only, all travelers arriving from and who have transited through mainland China, Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk within the past 14 days will be refused entry to Vietnam at this time.
Flight changes related to COVID-19 in Vietnam
Since February 1, all flights to and from mainland China on all airlines have been indefinitely suspended by the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam. Flights connecting to Macau, Hong Kong and Taiwan are operational with many airlines running reduced routes.
Flight changes related to COVID-19 in Vietnam in detail: Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways have suspended flights between South Korea and Vietnam, while other airlines have reduced flights between the two countries. Jetstar Pacific will suspend flights from Da Nang to Kaohsiung and Taipei from March 5 to 31, while Vietjet will suspend flights between Vietnam and Korea from July 7.
E-mail medical declarations, medical checks & quarantines
1. From March 7, all inbound travellers coming to Vietnam will be required to submit a health declaration upon arrival. Travellers can fill out the declaration at the airport or submit it in advance here.
2. Travellers showing symptoms of COVID-19 may be required to carry out medical checks, and placed in a 14-day quarantine at designated health facilities in Vietnam.
3. All travellers entering Vietnam from or having transited through mainland China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Italy, and Iran must carry out medical declarations and medical checks upon entering the country.
4. All visitors are required to comply with regulations on epidemic prevention and health screening upon landing in Vietnam’s airports.
Vietnam’s anti-COVID-19 song excites ‘Last Week Tonight’ host, int’l viewers
Closures and Cancellations Due to COVID-19 in Vietnam
1. A number of festivals and events in Vietnam have been cancelled or postponed in alignment with the government’s directive to avoid public gatherings. Among the cancelled festivals this year are:
- Yen Tu Festival in Quang Ninh
- Tam Chuc Festival in Ha Nam
- Tran Temple Festival in Nam Dinh
- The Huyen Tran Festival in Hue
- Activities for Visit Vietnam Year 2020 in Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu have been postponed to a more appropriate time.
2. Organizers have also announced that several tourism and sporting events will be postponed or cancelled:
- Hue Festival 2020 – Postponed to August 28, 2020
- Da Lat Sufferfest – Postponed
- Quang Binh Marathon – Postponed
- Techcombank Ha Noi Marathon – Postponed
- Sunrise Sprint – Postponed to May 3, 2020
- Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2020 – Cancelled
- Da Lat Ultra Trail 2020 – Postponed to June 19-21, 2020
Vietnam’s inaugural Formula 1 Vietnam Grand Prix 2020 which expected to take place from April 3th to 5th, 2020 will be postponed.
3. Pedestrian and walking zones in Hue and Hanoi — common gathering places for locals and tourists — will be closed until the situation improves. Tourism sites across the country are also setting aside closure days to disinfect their premises.
NOTE: From March 12 to March 26, Ha Long Bay and other attractions in Quang Ninh such as Bai Tu Long Bay and Yen Tu Complex will not be receiving guests.
How Many Cases of COVID-19 in Vietnam?
COVID-19 in Vietnam – Statistical data (10 July 2020)
Epidemic respiratory infection caused by a new strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. To date, 215 countries/ territories (including 2 cruises) around the world have recorded cases.
The world: 12.374.030 infected people; 556.443 deaths.
Vietnam:
| Number of cases | Number of cured | Number of deaths |
| 369 | 347 | 0 |
Of which:
For that reason, Vietnam has been implementing prevention measures including tightly controlling tourists from European countries or other epidemic areas. Italy and Denmark are 2 first European countries that began country-wide lockdown due to the serious situation of COVID-19 in those nations.
Testing For COVID-19 in Vietnam
At present, coronavirus tests in Vietnam has applied new technology that gives quick results only after 24h. Upon receiving specific primers from WHO via Japanese partners, Vietnam has applied the Realtime RT – PCR (molecular technique) for more accurate results and faster time than gene sequencing.
COVID-19 Overview
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
Coronaviruses are zoonotic. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.
Transmission of Coronavirus
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people such as with MERS, SARS, and now with COVID-19.
Most often, spread from person-to-person happens among close contacts (about 6 feet).
Person-to-person spread can occur via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread; because COVID-19 is not light enough to float in the air. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Moreover, coronavirus can spread through the GI tract (Gastrointestinal tract) since the viral nucleic acid (DNA) of this virus is found in the patient’s excretion and rectum.
Common Signs of Infection
For confirmed COVID-19 infections, reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. Symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS viruses.
Prevention and Treatment of Coronavirus
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure to this virus. Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include:
- Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water;
- When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands;
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever and cough;
- If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your healthcare provider;
- When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals;
- Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.
What You Should Do?
Wash your hands
Practice food safety
Shopping/ Working in wet markets in China and Southeast Asia
Stay warm and healthy while travelling
At a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius and humidity reaches 80-90%, the virus will plummet after 24 hours. Humidity reaches 95%, they will decrease even faster. Therefore, you need to keep yourself warm to prevent the coronavirus’s infection.
At temperatures above 57 degrees Celsius, the coronavirus will die in 30 minutes. In addition, the antiseptic mixture contains 75% alcohol, chlorine and peracetic acid is also effective in killing this virus.
Therefore, travelers can be assured to visit Vietnam for some tans in upcoming summer because it it very hot and sunny this time, thanks to the country’s tropical weather.
Wear face masks
You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live with you should not stay in the same room with you, or they should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
How to wear a mask properly?
- Wash your hands before wearing a mask;
- Wear the right layer (the inside is usually pale and smoother, the outside is usually dark with colors of red, green, blue, etc.) and right direction;
- Pull the mask that covers the nose-mouth-chin;
- Press the metal rim of the mask close to the bridge of the nose;
- 01 face mask should be used within/ less than 24h;
- Only touch the ear strap when removing/ changing the mask;
- Wash your hands after putting the mask in the trash;
- If only wearing a face mask is not enough to prevent the disease. You need to combine wearing face masks and cleaning your hands properly to earn the effectiveness.
Which one between surgical mask and N95 mask is enough for Coronavirus prevention?
Because coronavirus’s main route of infection is through contact (hands with germs then placed in mouth/ nose/ eyes) and through droplets (coughing/ sneezing to spread germs around), many experts say that surgical mask and N95 are effective enough at the community level.
- Surgical mask: 3 layers, the outer layer is blue or yellow.
- N95 mask: N95 means 95% fine dust is filtered out of 0.3 micron in the air, which means that N95 can theoretically filter air better than a medical mask. However, the actual achievement in the prevention of infectious diseases in the community is unknown. and affected by many factors.
Some notes when wearing N95:
- N95 must be worn tight on the face. If you can breathe easily in N95, you are wearing it in a wrong way.
- N95 is not suitable for children because of their small faces, and often reduces effectiveness in people with facial hair (beard) due to not wearing tight.
- The sealing also causes shortness of breath and people with lung disease, cardiovascular disease are usually unable to wear N95 in a long time.
- N95 is pretty expensive and has limited supply. Therefore, users tend to wear it for long, even re-use this mask many times. However, this carries the risk of spreading germs through contact by touching the contaminated surface of a mask repeatedly.
Who needs a mask?
EVERYONE should wear masks to prevent COVID-19, especially:
– People who have a fever, cough or sneeze.
– People who are recovering should wear a mask frequently as this is a good way to prevent spreading germs to others.
– People who go into a crowded place or in a closed room because you cannot anticipate the risk of infection in that environment.
What You Should NOT Do?
- You should not show prejudice to people of Asian descent upon concerns of this new virus. Do not assume that someone of Asian descent is more likely to have COVID-19.
- Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people in your home. After using these items, you should wash them thoroughly with soap and water.
- You should not make direct contact with public objects to avoid the risk of cross-contamination, because some outside environments are at a high risk of transmitting viruses such as phones, computer keyboards, water valves, etc.
- Do not make contact closely to any person without wearing a face mask.
In conclusion, tourists staying in or traveling to Vietnam at present should not be over worried. Vietnam is taking a lot of effective moves and putting practical policies into action to prevent COVID-19 in Vietnam. Meanwhile, you should follow the prevention guidance as mentioned above to protect yourself and others around.
Coronavirus – Questions and Answers
1. Is Coronavirus dangerous?
The answer is YES. Because this is a very new virus to the human body. The virus differs from bacteria in that it cannot live independently in an environment but must have a host to live, otherwise they will die. The host here may be a plant, animal or human body. Each virus has its own host and usually stays in those hosts.
Because they are a strange virus to the human body, our immune system has not yet been able to recognize and destroy them immediately, it needs a learning process. Scientists have not yet been able to study what the new virus replication and pathogenesis mechanism is to find treatment and vaccines to prevent it.
2. Is Vietnam in the center of epidemic?
The answer is NO. There is no evidence to say that Vietnam has an epidemic (epidemic means the virus affects many people in that locality). Besides, Vietnam has the previous SARS prevention experience so that our country will continuously take action to prevent rapid spread of COVID-19 in Vietnam.
3. Can COVID-19 be treated successfully in Vietnam?
The answer is YES. Because the disease is caused by a virus, symptomatic support is essential. The evidence is that the first cases of COVID-19 in Vietnam have been cured.
4. Can cloth face masks prevent infection?
The answer is NO. The ability to prevent COVID-19 virus as well as other viruses of fabric masks + polyurethane fiber masks is very low. This kind of mask doesn’t isolate the saliva droplets and the large holes of fabric do not prevent the pathogen.
5. Does checking the temperature of tourists at airports and railway stations prevent viruses from spreading across borders?
The answer is NO. Coronavirus can spread during incubation. The incubation period of coronavirus lasts up to 14 days, during which time the person infected with the virus has no symptoms.
Therefore, checking the temperature of tourists cannot screen 100% of those who are infected with the virus. If there are no fever symptoms, this measure can not detect patients.
6. Where can I come for aids in case of having infection symptoms of COVID-19 in Vietnam?
1. MOH hotline for information of acute respiratory infections caused by COVID-19: 1900 9095 and 1900 3228
2. 21 hotlines of hospitals providing follow-up and isolation treatment for suspected and infected patients of COVID-19 in Vietnam:
- Bach Mai Hospital: 0969.851.616
- National Hospital of Tropical Diseases: 0969.241.616
- E Hospital: 0912.168.887
- Vietnam National Children’s Hospital: 0372.884.712
- National Lung Hospital: 0967.941.616
- Vietnam – Switzerland Hospital: 0966.681.313
- Thai Nguyen National General Hospital: 0913.394.495
- Hue National Hospital: 0965.301.212
- Cho Ray Hospital: 0969.871.010
- Can Tho National General Hospital: 0907.736.736
- Hanoi-Saint Paul Hospital: 0904.138.502
- Hanoi Vinmec Hospital: 0934.472.768
- Da Nang Hospital: 0903.583.881
- Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Tropical Diseases: 0967.341.010
- Children’s Hospital 1: 0913.117.965
- Children’s Hospital 2: 0798.429.841
- Dong Nai General Hospital: 0819.634.807
- Khanh Hoa Hospital of Tropical Diseases: 0913.464.257
- Khanh Hoa Hospital: 0965.371.515
- Thai Binh Hospital: 0989.506.515
- Lang Son Hospital: 0396.802.226
Or you can contact directly at the hotlines of local health facilities.
7. Is it safe to travel to Vietnam now?
See more: Coronavirus: Is it safe to travel to Vietnam now?
My husband (a Spanish passport holder and Spanish resident) has been in Vietnam since the end of January so is not a passenger that has recently arrived and is currently in Nha Trang, his scheduled return is 16th April however he is concerned that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find accommodation that will allow him in as he’s making his way to HCMC… is there a list anywhere of hostels or hotels that are definitely confirmed as open.
Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide…
Dear Kezio,
Thank you for your question.
The situation is not under anyone’s control at the moment. Almost all hotels, hostels are required to close until 15 April 2020…
You should contact Spain Embassy in Vietnam (Hanoi City) for help:
TELEPHONE(+84) 24 3771 52 07
(+84) 24 3771 52 08
EMAIL: emb.hanoi@maec.es
More exaggerated hype from poor sources. Coronavirus is no more dangerous than the seasonal flu caused by Influenza H1N1. Both viruses are almost always mild illness in people who are under the age of 65 and people without underlying medical conditions. Infants are also at risk. In fact it may be less harmful than the Influenza virus.
According to the WHO, each year the Influenza virus is responsible for 290,000 to 650,000 deaths worldwide. Do the math. More than 3 months and Coronavirus has killed 4000?
Meanwhile in the USA alone the Influenza virus has already been responsible for 20,000 to 40,000 deaths since the start of flu season (October 1, 2019).
And nearly all of those who died from Coronavirus were elderly (so it’s expected) and/or had some kind of underlying medical condition that made them more vulnerable to fatality.
The hype surrounding Coronavirus is a pathetic joke caused by all officials and the media. These are the people responsible for creating what is now a global recession and soon to be financial crisis. The Coronavirus hype is a disgusting display of stupidity.
Any questions?
Thank you for the figures. Yes, you are right.
Many people think that we are overreacting to COVID-19.
But the only matter is that no vaccine nor medicine yet found for the virus.
It seems impossible that Vietnam had 16 cases early on, and no one else has been effected since, even though South Korea is the second worst country infected, and 60% of Vietnam air flights come from South Korea. Can we trust the Vietnam government statistics?
Vietnam discovered 17th COVID-19 case on 6 March 2020. We trust the Vietnam government statistics. This epidemic requires the whole community to prevent so there is no reason to hide the epidemic and if it is hidden it will be extremely dangerous.
thanks for the precious infos! I am about to visit Vietnam for business next month. hope i never gets any deadly virus. please supply me with the necessary hospitals where i can come for aids in case of reacting positively with nCoV.
Thank you for your comment. For the list of necessary hospitals, I will send you via your email. Please check your mail box and let me know if you have any further questions.