The PM said the time for Vietnam to reopen its tourism would be when certain groups of the population have received their third Covid-19 vaccine shots and appropriate immigration control policies are in place.

Foreign tourists on Bui Vien pedestrian street, one of Saigon's most popular hangouts, 2019.

Previously, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism proposed for Vietnam to completely reopen tourism starting March 31 to receive international tourists and let people travel abroad through all channels.

People coming to Vietnam must be either fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19, have a negative PCR test within the last 72 hours, and have medical insurance that covers Covid-19 treatment with at least $50,000, the ministry said. Children and unvaccinated individuals would have their own policies, which would be announced later.

Eleven airlines and travel firms last week petitioned the government to announce by early February the timeline for fully reopening the country to foreign tourists.

With borders closed, the number of foreign arrivals plunged by 96 percent last year, and the effects on the hospitality and tourism industries were predictable.

In November the government started allowing foreign tourists in under a vaccine passport program. So far, 8,500 foreign arrivals have been welcomed under the program with several pre-set conditions and constraints, half of them Vietnamese overseas coming to see their relatives.

Vinh Phuc Province’s Tam Dao recognised as national tourist area

The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Decision No.170/QD-BVHTTDL on January 25, recognising the Tam Dao tourist site in the northern province of Vinh Phuc as a national tourist area.

Community-based tourism helps to generate sustainable livelihoods for Ban Lien locals

Located 30km from Bac Ha Town, Ban Lien is a remote commune in Lao Cai Province. With a total area of 57 s.q.km, Ban Lien has picturesque natural scenery, with palm forests, tea hills, stunning waterfalls and streams, and stilt houses leaning against the mountains or terraced fields.

Hanoi, Da Nang among Asia's 25 most popular tourist destinations

A Tripadvisor listing ranks Hanoi 13th and Da Nang 21st on this year's list of 25 most popular tourist destinations in Asia as voted by the website's readers.

ASEAN Tourism Award honours Vietnam's 20 localities and units

Despite the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, Vietnam's tourism industry continues to receive valuable awards this year. Vietnam has up to 20 localities and units honoured in the ASEAN Tourism Award.

Tours along the Red River offer enjoyable travel experiences for visitors

Hanoi tourism is gradually "warming up" after a long period of being frozen, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Following the trend of safe adaptation, nature-based tourism and staycation, some ecotourism tours along the Red River area have become more sought after and gained popularity among visitors.

Source: VnExpress