An entry protocol for short-term stay of Japanese and Vietnamese passengers, also known as priority travel regulation for Japan travelers with stay of under 14 days in Vietnam and Vietnamese businesses entering Japan for short term visit, will take effect from November 1, according to the latest agreement between the two countries.

Vietnam and Japan agree on entry protocol for short term visits. Photo: Vietjet Air

According to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this agreement is aimed at facilitating investment, trade, high-tech labor, diplomacy, public services of the two countries’ citizens without putting them under mass isolation.

To ensure the prevention of the pandemic, before entering, the incoming passenger must test negative for SARS-Cov-2 and undergo safety screening and body temperature measurement. Upon entry, the incoming passenger will continue to take medical examinations, as well as only perform activities under the work program approved by the competent authorities of the host country. 

The authorities of Vietnam and Japan will specifically give guidance on the subjects, conditions, principles and steps to implement the short-term travel protocol between the two sides.

Earlier, in September, authorities of Vietnam and Japan agreed on the reopening of international flights after discussing destinations, frequency and preventive measures, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.

After more than one month of reopening international air routes to countries/territories with low Covid-19 risk, only two flights from Hanoi to Tokyo (Japan) and Seoul (South Korea) were conducted in late September. Currently, inbound flights to Vietnam are temporarily halted pending guidance from the Ministry of Health on the process of passenger isolation.

The poor preparation of hotels for paid isolation and the collection of isolation fees from Vietnamese citizens are to blame for the harsh resumption of international flights.