As one of the most beautiful country in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is attracting travellers with its lush mountains, bustling cities, and golden sand beaches. Two biggest cities, Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, are full of historical landmarks and colonial structures as well as long-time traditions among its people. Vietnam is a perfect destination for nature lovers, city hoppers, and foodies for sure. If you're planning to go to Vietnam, here's everything you need to know regarding to current situation - from COVID-19 updates to travel advisory.

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COVID-19 situation

Vietnam seems to have dealt the COVID-19 pandemic effectively. Since the start of COVID-19 outbreak, Vietnam has closely monitored the situation and installed a series of proactive and comprehensive measures to combat the spread of coronavirus. Public health facilities also being prioritised to protect its population. According to Worldometers, the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 appeared in Vietnam on 23 January 2020. With population of 96.46 million, currently there's only 2,852 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 35 deaths.

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Vaccination progress

Vietnam launched its COVID-19 vaccination programme on 8 March 2021. The first phase of vaccination was focused on healthcare workers, security forces, diplomats, teachers, and people of 65 or older. Vietnam used AstraZeneca vaccine with 117,600 doses for the first batch. This is the country's largest ever immunisation campaign. The country is expected to reach its vaccination coverage target of 80% in June 2022.

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Can I travel to Vietnam now?

Since 22 March 2020, the countrys's border have been closed to foreign travellers. Only Vietnamese nationals, foreigners on diplomatic or official business, and highly skilled workers allowed to enter Vietnam at this time. From 1 February 2021, anyone entering Vietnam will need to undergo medical check and 21 day quarantine upon arrival.

Vietnam's Immigration Department has announced that all foreigners who entered Vietnam after March 1 on visa exemptions, e-visas or tourism visas will be given automatic stay extensions at no charge until Apr. 30, 2021. Travellers still in the country must declare their temporary residence to local police, through their landlords or hotels, and must complete Vietnam's online health declaration here.

Visitors who entered the country before March 1 may be considered for the extension, provided they can show an official letter from their embassy or consulate stating they were unable to leave the country due to objective reasons (letter must be translated to Vietnamese).

Foreigners who have undergone quarantine or treatment for COVID-19 in Vietnam are also eligible for the extension. They must bring their certification documents to show immigration officials when leaving Vietnam.

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Tourist attractions in Vietnam

Vietnam is an astonishing mix of nature destinations and cultural diversity. While the rural areas brim with fantastic panorama, the big cities offer contemporary and modern life as well as tasty culinary highlights. Here's some well-knowed tourist attractions in Vietnam:

Halong Bay : an UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers thousands of limestone islands in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Ho Chi Minh City : one of the largest city in Vietnam, one of the biggest commercial hub. The streets filled with restaurant and cafe scene, with plenty of historical building and green parks.
Hue : one of the most historical town in Vietnam, back to the 19th century of Nguyen Emperors.
Hoi An : a beautiful small town with well-preserved historical buildings and merchant houses, back on the 15th century.
Sa Pa : a beautiful countryside in the northern side of Vietnam, dubbed as the top trekking destination in the country.
Hanoi : the capital, heartbeat of the nation. The old town quarter has plenty activities to offer.

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Important articles and reliable sources

7D6N Muslim-Friendly Vietnam Itinerary for an Epic Adventure
New COVID-19 tourism policies in Vietnam here
Vietnam's online health declaration here
Health and safety in Vietnam here
Updated statistics on COVID-19 can use the Coronavirus app.
Updates from the Vietnamese government here
News updates from Vietnam Tourism here

HHWT Advisory: Can I Travel to Vietnam?