Transport ministry granted autonomy in resuming int’l commercial air routes

The Ministry of Transport has been granted autonomy in deciding the resumption of international commercial air routes.

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh assigned the Ministry of Transport to work with other ministries, agencies, and localities to meticulously consider and decide on the resumption of international commercial air routes.

The guidance was made following the request by the national flag carrier, Viet Nam Airlines, to resume regularly-scheduled commercial flights to Europe and Oceania.

On December 10, the Government had approved the resumption of commercial flights between Viet Nam and nine destinations with high vaccination rates and good pandemic control measures in place, starting from January 1, 2022. 

Specifically, regular flights are scheduled to resume to Bangkok (Thailand), Beijing/Guangzhou (China), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), San Francisco or Los Angeles (the U.S.), Seoul (South Korea), Singapore, Taiwan, Tokyo (Japan), and Vientiane (Laos).

Last week, the Ministry of Health said quarantine requirement is removed for foreign arrivals entering Viet Nam and staying no more than 14 days.

This policy is applicable to:

- Those entering Viet Nam for diplomatic and official purposes;

- Foreign investors, experts, skilled workers, business managers, those who travel to Viet Nam for market research, and their relatives;

- Others mutually agreed between Viet Nam and a foreign partner

- Those coming in contact with the aforesaid arrivals.

However, foreign arrivals and those who come in contact with them shall be required to strictly comply with the Ministry of Health’s 5K message: Khau trang (facemask)-khu khuan (disinfection)-khoang cach (distance)- khong tu tap (no gathering)-khai bao y te (health declaration).

Foreign arrivals must stay in specified places of residence to prevent the risk of community transmissions, have international insurance or have treatment expenses covered by inviting organizations and agencies if they contract COVID-19.

In case foreign arrivals wish to extend duration of stay in Viet Nam, current regulations on entry and exit and on COVID-19 prevention and control shall be applied.