Since 15 March 2022, Vietnam's borders have been open again to international travellers. In 2023, both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers can travel to Vietnam again. A Covid-19 test before departure is no longer required. However, travellers must take out mandatory health insurance and apply for a Vietnam visa.

The COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam

Since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak in 2020, the Vietnamese government has taken measures to protect the inhabitants as much as possible and to relieve the healthcare system. One of the measures was a ban on foreign travellers entering the country. By now, almost 90% of the population of Vietnam has been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, which means that the government considers it safe again to fully open the borders to international travellers.

Following a successful vaccination campaign, holidays and business trips to Vietnam are again permitted.

Am I allowed to travel to Vietnam again?

On 15 March 2022, the Vietnamese government lifted the travel ban for foreigners. It is therefore again possible to travel to Vietnam for a holiday or business trip. The English government also no longer advises against travel to Vietnam. This means that it is safe to travel to the country in most cases. Travellers are advised to be well prepared, because the security situation in Vietnam differs from the situation in the United Kingdom.

Since 15 May 2022, vaccinated and unvaccinated people are allowed to travel to Vietnam. A coronavirus test is no longer required, regardless of vaccination status. However, a number of COVID-19 rules still apply. Below, you can read which steps you must follow to be allowed to travel to Vietnam in 2023.

Applying for a visa

Most travellers need a visa to travel to Vietnam. However, since 15 March 2022, Vietnam has reintroduced visa waivers for some countries, including the UK. You can travel with this visa waiver if you are staying in Vietnam for up to 15 days. If you are staying for longer than that, you must have a visa. You can easily apply for a visa for Vietnam online before your departure. To do so, you need to fill out an application form and provide some documents. The application process takes only 10 minutes and the visa will be sent to you digitally after it has been approved.
Apply for the Vietnam visa now

Download PC-COVID app and arrange health insurance

The government of Vietnam has developed an app that maps the spread of coronavirus, the PC-COVID app. Use of this app is no longer mandatory, but it is still available and use can prevent further spread of the coronavirus. The app can be downloaded through the Google Play Store or the App Store.

In addition, travellers must have health insurance that covers the costs of possible COVID-19 treatment in Vietnam to an amount of at least USD 10,000. Travellers may choose their own insurance company, but must be able to prove on arrival in Vietnam that they are adequately insured.

Return trip to the UK and Ireland

Different rules apply per country for the return trip to Europe or the United Kingdom. The UK dropped all COVID-19 related measures for travellers returning from Vietnam. Similarly, Ireland no longer has any COVID-19 rules for travellers returning from abroad.

Disclaimer: the coronavirus has had a major impact on travel to Vietnam and is expected to continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Coronavirus measures can change rapidly and although this page has been carefully compiled, it is not possible to guarantee that all information is complete and entirely accurate at all times. Please check with your airline, travel agent or tour operator before making any travel plans.