The list would exclude only a dozen countries, mostly African, where the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 was detected.

To prepare the proposal, including the preventive measures required by the case, the portfolio worked with others related to the issue and coordinated with Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines and the Vietnam Airports Corporation.

The plan considers reinforcing Covid-19 prevention and control measures at the country’s entry gates in order to prevent the entry of passengers infected with the disease in the first step and the spread of the virus in the second.

Upon entry, travelers will be required to show a certificate of vaccination and proof that they were negative for SARS-CoV-2 at least 72 hours prior to entry. In these cases, quarantine periods, currently one week, would be relaxed.

The proposal is aimed at reviving the economy. According to official estimates, the country has lost some 37 billion dollars due to the pandemic, and the tourism sector is one of the most affected.

If the Ministry of Transport’s request is approved, Vietnam would put an end to more than a year and a half of border closures.

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