Visa Application to Enter Vietnam in 4th Quarter of 2020

Is entering Vietnam in the 4th quarter of 2020 part of your plan? Due to COVID-19 situation, there have been some changes in the immigration requirements and restrictions in Vietnam. Read on to learn about the latest updates on how to enter Vietnam.

Flights from and to Vietnam

Currently, Vietnam has just restored commercial flights to six cities in: China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Cambodia, and Laos. So far there has been no news about commercial flights between Singapore and Vietnam and it is forecast until the first quarter next year. Therefore, all flights from Singapore to Vietnam must be approved and licensed by the Vietnamese Government (specific flights).

Entering Vietnam: Restrictions and Quarantine

The up-to-date regulations about the instruction of quarantine has untightened the term of quarantine to the foreign experts who immigrate into Vietnam from the countries that have controlled the pandemic (countries which no new cases for the last 30 days, this list might be changed at anytime) well.

The time of quarantine in centralised quarantine centers might be decreased from 14 days to six days if the foreign experts has two negative covid test results on the 1st day and the 6th day. They can then move to their own facility to self-quarantine but under the supervision of health department until the end of the 14th day.

The following is the procedure of examination and quarantine to undertake if you want to enter Vietnam:

1. Before entry 

• Register with a concentrated facility for quarantine upon arrival in Vietnam together with a specific work schedule in Vietnam.
• Prepare a certificate confirming negative SARS-CoV-2 result (in English) tested by the viral RNA (RT-PCR/RT-LAMP, etc.) detection from a competent health authority 3-5 days before entry.

2. Upon entry

• Take a COVID-19 test at the border checkpoint (the 1st day of COVID-19 test).
• If the test result is positive, the medical isolation at the medical facility shall be applied immediately.
• If it is negative or not clear, the entrants are taken to their registered quarantine facility.

3. At the concentrated quarantine facility

• All cases are sampled for the second test on the 6th day of entry or as soon as they have suspected symptoms of disease.
• If the test result is a positive, immediate isolation at a medical facility shall be applied.
• If it is negative, they are allowed to move to their accommodation for further quarantine until full 14 days of entry and follow the epidemic prevention measures in accordance with the current guidance of the Ministry of Health.

4. At the accommodation

• Strictly implement measures of medical supervision, quarantine, epidemic prevention, avoid contact with the community and immediately notify the health authorities upon any sign of suspicion of being infected with COVID.
• The local health authorities carry out medical supervision according to regulations and take samples for SARS-CoV-2 test on the 14th day of entry or upon any suspected symptoms. If the test result is positive, the medical isolation at the medical facility shall be applied immediately.

Entering Vietnam with a Business Visa: The Procedure

The following procedure is to be undertaken for those who wish to come to Vietnam with a business visa:

Step 1: Submit the required legal documents to the Labour department (1 week).

Step 2: The Labour department will check and deliver those documents to the People’s Committee Ho Chi Minh City (2 weeks).
-> Get the approval list.

Step 3: Book a flight ticket and hotel (in advance).

Step 4: Submit the results of (2) and (3) to the Immigration Authority (5 working days).
-> Get the business visa.

Step 5: Go to the Vietnamese Embassy to take the business visa (upon your schedule).

Step 6: Take the COVID -19 test 3-7 days before the flight (upon your schedule).

Step 7: Submit the results of (2),(3), and (4) to International Medical Quarantine Center in Ho Chi Minh City (1 working day).

Consult with Cekindo Prior to Your Visit to Vietnam

The immigration regulations may change from time to time based on the newest situation related to COVID-19 crisis. Therefore, it would be best to consult with a visa specialist who always keeps up with the latest changes pertaining to visa application, entering Vietnam and quarantine requirements.

Fill in the form below should you have a plan to visit Vietnam. We will be happy to provide you with professional advice and assistance.