Vietnam reopens borders to foreign visitors

Vietnam has reopened its borders to international passenger flights at pre-pandemic levels.

Vietnam.- Authorities in Vietnam have allowed the resumption of all pre-pandemic air routes starting today. The move aims to revive a tourism sector “which has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic over the past two years,” the government said.

Visitors will have to present a negative Covid-19 test result issued within 72 hours prior to intended entry to the country, (children under two are exempt). Visitors will also need to make a health declaration. Unvaccinated or partially-vaccinated travellers will need to monitor their health and take Covid-19 tests on the third and seventh day after entry.

It will be welcome news for Vietnamese casinos that had thought they would have to wait until April to receive foreign visitors. Vietnam’s gaming industry was one of the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic as the government has tight restrictions on locals entering casinos. 

Last March, casino operators asked the government to expand Vietnamese citizens’ access to casinos in major tourist destinations such as Quang Nam and Ba Ria-Vung Tau to help casinos face the loss of revenue from tourists due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the government said the current scheme won’t be expanded.