Foreign tourists may take COVID-19 rapid test, travel freely in Vietnam: proposal
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) has proposed to let foreign visitors test for COVID-19 using rapid antigen test kits and those who have negative testing results travel freely when they are in Vietnam, as the country plans to welcome foreign tourists back from March 15.
Tourists from the RoK holding the 'vaccine passport' travel to Phu Quoc (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – ꦺThe Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) has proposed to let foreign visitors test forCOVID-19 using rapid antigen test kits and those who have negative testing results travel freely when they are inVietnam, as the country plans to welcome foreign tourists back from March 15.
Under the ministry's latest proposal now being circulated for opinions of relevant agencies, the country will receive foreign visitors travelling to Vietnam by land and sea insteadof just by air during the period of pilot re-opening of tourism.
Regarding conditions for entry, the proposal suggests that travellers of age 12 and above must have certificates of full vaccination againstCOVID-19 or recovery from the disease. A negative COVID-19 test result is compulsory with both results of quick tests taken within 24 hours prior to departure or RT-PCR tests within 72 hours before departure acceptable.
💝 After entry, those arriving by air will take rapid tests at their accommodations with results to be returned within 24 hours. Meanwhile, those arriving by land or sea are required to take rapid tests at the border gates.
Children under 12 and senior citizens over 65 who have yetto receive COVID-19 jabs can enter Vietnam but must be accompanied by theirguardians and purchase health insurance. If testing negative, they can travelfreely inside the country. The MoCST also proposed visa exemption like before COVID-19broke out in 2020, with an aim to attract foreign tourists. Vietnam aims to serve 65 million visitors, including 5million foreigners this year. The country welcomed 40 million domestic tourists in 2021,together with 3,800 foreigners within the framework of the pilot vaccine passportprogramme./.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will coordinate with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to complete plans on tourism resumption and devise a policy on visas for foreign tourists, the ministry’s spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang said at a press conference on February 17.
Foreign visitors and overseas Vietnamese returning home can take regular commercial flights from now to March 15 when Vietnam fully reopens tourism activities, instead of charter flights as previously.
Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Tourism (DoT) on February 18 publicised a list of hotels eligible to welcome foreign tourists arriving in the city in the coming time.
A recent report, City Pulse 2025, by Gensler Research Institute, ranked HCM City among the world’s top cities for resident retention, placing it second globally. This underscores the city's reputation as a liveable, dynamic urban centre, an image that supports efforts to attract investors, experts, and MICE travellers.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Tourists from the RoK holding the 'vaccine passport' travel to Phu Quoc (Photo: VNA) 
