Travellers can now make that bucket-list vacation to Vietnam a reality. After two years of strict border restrictions, the “land of the ascending dragon” is set to lift all restrictions on international passenger flights from February 15, with no limitations on the number of flights. Several tourist attractions in the country have also been given the thumbs up to reopen. By Eshita Srinivas
Between dramatic tropical coastlines, stunning historical spots, mouth-watering local cuisine, and a bustling nightlife, there’s a host of adventures to choose from in Vietnam. That, along with the low prices of most everything in the country, make it a hit with backpackers and luxury travellers alike. However, COVID-19 put a plug in the country’s tourism activities, with restrictions on international travel and shutdown of popular attractions. That said, the country recently announced that it would resume all international passenger flights from February 15. Popular attractions have also begun opening up for vaccinated visitors.
Frequency of flights to Vietnam to be restored to pre-pandemic levels
The deputy director of the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam, Dinh Viet Son stated that the Southeast Asian country would resume all international flights, adding “The frequency of flights will be restored to pre-pandemic levels,” according to a report by Reuters. The details of this new policy have been communicated to all of the country’s partners and only China, which has imposed strict restrictions in some parts at the moment, has not agreed to resume commercial flights.
Vietnam, which has been closed for nearly 2 years, will fully reopen to international flights on Tuesday
— BNO Newsroom (@BNODesk) February 13, 2022
Vietnam had already begun resuming international flights with a few countries from the beginning of this year while simultaneously easing quarantine requirements. Vaccinated passengers, as per the current mandate, only need to self-isolate for three days, Asia One reports. A negative RT-PCR test not longer than 72 hours prior to departure is needed as well. In addition to this, Vietnamese tourists might be able to travel abroad from March 31.
Vaccinated individuals can pre-book package tours to visit popular attractions
Tourism accounts for 10 percent of Vietnam’s gross domestic product (GDP). The pandemic dealt a blow to this sector, shutting down most attractions and experiences. However, recently, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism sent the government a proposal to determine how the country could fully open up tourism.
As a part of the plan, from now until March 30, Vietnam will open up the country in different phases. To begin with, vaccinated travellers can now visit Phú Quốc island (Kiên Giang Province), Khánh Hòa, Danang, Quảng Ninh, Bình Định Province, HCM City, and Quảng Nam, The Star reports.
In addition to this, museums, parks, eco-tourism zones, cinemas, and historical sites have reopened in the region. A notable attraction is the spiritual destination, Hương Pagoda which will welcome tourists from February 16. Vietnam also plans on expanding the scope of travel to localities where residents have received the third dose as well as other low-risk areas.
Proof of two doses or recovery from COVID-19 not older than six months will have to be presented and visitors can only participate in tourism activities through package tours registered in advance.
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