International travelers to Vietnam need to have health or travel insurance that covers Covid-19 treatment worth at least $50,000 as well as book a package tour of a travel agency.

Phu Quoc Island is one of the first destinations to welcome foreign visitors under a pilot program. Photo: Grand World Phu Quoc

It was one of four requirements under a pilot guide to welcome international tourists to Vietnam that is expected to begin this month, according to Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong.

Cuong said international visitors are required to have a certificate of full vaccination against Covid-19 recognized by the competent authority in Vietnam. 

Or they must have proof of recovery from Covid-19, issued by a competent authority in the host country and recognized by Vietnam. The time of hospital discharge must be within the six months prior to departure.

They need to present negative results for the SARS-CoV-2 test by RT-PCR/RT-LAMP method within 72 hours before boarding and be certified by the competent authority of the country conducting the test.

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular travel destination in Quang Ninh province. Photo: Bamboo Airways

Under the three-phase pilot plan to welcome international tourists, five localities are allowed to open from November 20 to international tourists in the first phase, including the southern provinces of Kien Giang (Phu Quoc Island), Khanh Hoa, the central province of Quang Nam, the beach city Danang and the northern province of Quang Ninh.

The second phase would start from January 2022 and after assessing results from these two phases and the situation of Covid-19 development, the country will fully be reopened to international travelers.