Proposing to abolish testing of people entering Vietnam

The Board of Private Economic Development Research has proposed to remove the requirement that international visitors to Vietnam must have a negative test because of hindering the opening of tourism.

Proposal of the Private Economic Development Research Board (Board IV), under the Advisory Council for Administrative Procedure Reform, sent to the Prime Minister on May 6. This board also suggested that the Ministry of Health only require rapid testing at the border gate for those entering the country with symptoms such as cough and fever.

The regulation that visitors to Vietnam must have insurance "covers content for the treatment of Covid-19" is also proposed to be removed. Currently, visitors entering Vietnam must have health insurance that covers Covid-19 treatment, the minimum amount is 10,000 USD.

The above proposals come from the health regulations for international visitors "not keeping up with the situation, not being favorable and not proving clear anti-epidemic value". Domestic tourists traveling from one place to another were not required to undergo medical testing and declaration. Therefore, according to Board IV, if there is no change, international visitors will choose to go to another country with more favorable regulations than Vietnam.

Board IV said that the visa policy has not been operated as before the Covid-19 pandemic. The preferential policy on visa exemption "has not yet met the post-pandemic tourism trends, has not yet competed with other countries in the region". Visitors to Vietnam still have to do many complicated procedures and papers. Electronic visa (e-visa) does not have a mechanism to confirm the date of automatic response on the website; did not explain why the application was refused, making it difficult for visitors to enter.

Therefore, Board IV proposed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Public Security to study the plan to improve the visa policy and e-visa. Specifically, Vietnam should expand the visa exemption list to potential markets such as the US, India, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands; increase the visa-free period for markets as far away as Europe (UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Northern Europe) from 15 days to 30 days. Vietnam should apply multiple entry and exit visas and are valid for more days; reduce paperwork and procedures with travel agencies or tourists; Simple e-visa and visa on arrival.