The government of Vietnam will suspend the visa issuance for all foreigners from March 18 in a bold measure to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The decision will be effective for 30 days from 00:00 of March 18, 2020, and not applicable to entrants holding diplomatic and official passports.

Passengers seen at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Photo: VGP

Entrants who are exempt from entry visas, holders of visa-exempt certificates (people of Vietnamese origin and their family members) or other special cases (experts, corporate managers, skilled labor) must present Covid-19 negative certificate issued by competent authorities of their country of residence at their arrival in Vietnam.

The certificate must be approved by Vietnamese competent authorities prior to their arrival, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on its website.

Entrants shall be subject to medical screening and other preventive measures or quarantine in accordance with the regulations.

Vietnam has informed all diplomatic missions, consular offices and representative offices of international organizations in Vietnam of the decision.

The government of Vietnam will maintain close collaboration with other countries, international organizations and partners to protect health and safety of Vietnamese citizens and all foreigners in Vietnam in line with the country’s ultimate goal in this combat against the pandemic, the ministry emphasized.

Since the outbreak of the epidemic, Vietnam has suspend the entry of visitors from South Korean, Italian, the UK and Schengen countries.

Vietnam has confirmed 66 infected cases at the end of March 17, including 16 cured. Of 50 active cases found since March 6, 18 are foreigners.