To mitigate the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Vietnam’s government has devised policies and guidance in respect of relaxing (under strict conditions) restrictions on international travel, to balance economic recovery and safety concerns. The government has recently issued guidance to allow entry of long-term and short-term foreign investors, managers, experts, highly-skilled workers, and their family members.

Preparation steps before entering Vietnam:

Step 1: Apply for a visa at the Immigration Department and receive results within 5-7 working days from submission of full documents.

Step 2: In general, airlines will require foreign investors to provide documents prior to issuing air tickets:

– Passport (valid at least 6 months before departure date);
– Certified copy of business registration certificate, investment registration certificate;
– Letter of entry proposal for foreigners (form) to the People’s Committee of the province / city directly under the Central Government and the Department of Health of the province / city where the sponsoring company is located;
– Elimination plan and medical commitment (form): Investor will register a centralized isolator for entry quarantine, together with a specific work schedule in Vietnam;
– International health insurance with the scope of payment for medical examination and treatment in Vietnam in accordance with the length of stay;
– Certificate (in English language) of negative for SARS-CoV-2 (using RT-PCR method) from the competent health authority, from 5-7 days before arrival in Vietnam.

Regulations on immigration procedures

From October 15, 2020, all subjects when entering Vietnam strictly comply with regulations on health declaration, quarantine and medical supervision (concentrated isolation) for at least 28 days. Investors entering Vietnam continue to participate in 3 times of SARS-CoV-2 tests and pay their own costs: test immediately after entry, during isolation and one day before leaving the isolation ward

According to the regulations of the Ministry of Health, investors can make online medical declaration via https://tokhaiyte.vn/ within 24 hours before entering Vietnam, to avoid waiting time and inconvenience when completing immigration procedures.

Advice for investors when entering Vietnam during the Covid period

Facing complicated developments of the Covid-19 epidemic, foreign investors should also regularly update information and instructions of local authorities:

– Vietnamese Government continues to advise people to wear masks in public and to avoid crowds.
– Hanoi City from November 11 announced mandatory wearing of a mask creating locations: 1) hospital; 2) parking lot terminals; 3) public transportation; 4) shopping mall; and 5) supermarkets, markets. Other areas may also apply similar measures without prior notice.

Source: Ministry of Health website