🇻🇳 Vietnam Eases Borders — Phu Quoc First, More Destinations Coming (Nov–Dec)

Vietnam has begun a phased reopening for leisure travel. The government plans a cautious restart: Phu Quoc opens to fully vaccinated visitors from selected low‑risk countries in November, with Halong Bay, Hoi An, Dalat and Nha Trang expected to follow from December. Safety and vaccination coverage remain the top priorities.

🛬 Phu Quoc Pilot (November)

The island of Phu Quoc (Kien Giang Province) is the first site for Vietnam’s leisure pilot. The plan allows fully vaccinated travellers from selected low‑risk countries to stay at approved hotels and visit designated entertainment areas using set travel routes between Phu Quoc Airport and the tourist zones.

Only selected hotels (initial pilot hotels) and entertainment zones are open to international guests.
Service resume includes casinos, amusement parks, hotels, restaurants, safaris and cable cars; some non‑essential indoor services remain closed.
Local authorities require at least 90% full vaccination among the local population in the pilot area.

🌍 Who’s Eligible — Countries & Timelines

The government plans to prioritise visitors from countries where the pandemic is well controlled and vaccination rates are high. Early lists include: China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Russia, France, Germany. Australia, the USA and Canada are being considered for later phases but final lists are subject to change.

🧾 Entry Requirements & Health Protocols

Travellers should prepare the following documents and apps before travel:

Digital vaccination certificate (fully vaccinated; last dose at least 14 days before arrival).
Negative COVID‑19 test certificate (PCR or recognised test) as required by airlines and authorities.
Install the Vietnam Safe Travel (VST) app and complete health declarations.
Follow local testing, monitoring and movement routes set by the pilot authorities.

🏝️ What’s Open in Phu Quoc

Tourism services in the pilot will operate in a controlled manner; below are some highlights for leisure travellers:

Luxury hotel examples: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach, La Veranda Resort, Salinda Resort.
Activities: beaches (Long Beach, Bai Sao, Ong Lang), marine park visits, diving and snorkelling in Ganh Dau Coral Gardens, Vinpearl Golf Club (27‑hole).
Designated travel routes. Selected entertainment and dining venues open to pilot guests.

🟢 Next Destinations (Expected from December)

If the Phu Quoc pilot proves safe and manageable, Vietnam aims to extend leisure access to:

Halong Bay — UNESCO World Heritage seascape and overnight cruise visits.
Hoi An — the well‑preserved ancient town and cultural circuits.
Dalat — cool highland escapes, lakes and colonial-era architecture.
Nha Trang — beach destination, diving sites and coastal resorts.

⚠️ Risks, Vaccination Coverage & Return Quarantine

Vietnam’s national vaccination rate is variable: some provinces (Kien Giang, Quang Ninh, Khanh Hoa, Ho Chi Minh City) show high coverage, while national figures are lower. Travel demand may be affected by:

Local outbreaks that could trigger sudden restrictions or cancellations.
Requirement to quarantine on return in travellers’ home countries (no bilateral green lanes yet).
Possible postponement of phases if local vaccination rollouts slow down.

✍️ Practical Tips for Travellers

Carry digital and printed copies of your vaccination certificate and PCR test results.
Check airline and country entry rules both for Vietnam and your return journey.
Download and register in the Vietnam Safe Travel (VST) app before arrival.
Purchase travel insurance that covers COVID‑19 medical costs and trip disruption.
Plan flexible bookings — pilot programmes may change at short notice.