Vietnam Extends Automatic Stay for Stranded Foreigners due to Covid-19

Foreign tourists in Hoi An, March 14, 2020. Photo: VnExpress

Accordingly, foreigners who entered Vietnam on visa waivers, e-visas or tourist visas from March 1, 2020 are entitled to automatic stay extension until November 30, 2021 and can depart from Vietnam without having to apply for stay extension, VGP News reported.

For those who entered Vietnam before March 1, 2020, the same automatic stay extension until November 30, 2021 can be considered, subject to provision of proof that the person was stranded in Vietnam due to Covid-19, accompanied by a diplomatic Note (with Vietnamese translation) from relevant diplomatic missions, or a written document from relevant Vietnamese authorities confirming that the person was required to undergo mandatory quarantine or treatment for Covid-19, or advice of other force majeure. The person is required to present the diplomatic Note or written document on departure from Vietnam.

During “automatic stay extension” period, foreigners shall be required to complete temporary residence and health status declaration.

Foreigners who violate Vietnamese laws will be treated according to applicable laws of Vietnam.

Foreigners are at beach in Mui Ne, Binh Thuan Province, March 2020. Photo: VnExpress

Meanwhile, relevant ministries have been asked to facilitate Vietnamese people and foreigners’ exit from and entry into the country, VietnamPlus said.

In a document issued by the Government Office conveying the request made by Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, the Ministry of Health was told to promptly overhaul the existing guidelines or issue new ones on testing, quarantine, and health monitoring to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese people to return to the homeland, and for foreign entrepreneurs, experts, and hi-tech workers to enter the country safely.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was demanded to coordinate with the Ministry of Information and Communications and the Ministry of Health to quickly issue detailed instructions so that Vietnamese people and foreigners who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 in the country can easily go abroad.

The Deputy PM also requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work with the Ministries of Public Security; Health; Culture, Sports and Tourism; Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs; and relevant ministries and sectors to soon reach consensus on regulations related to visa and epidemiological control for foreigners entering Vietnam in the new context./.

Vietnam To Welcom Foreign Visitors in November Foreign holidaymakers who have been fully vaccinated, recovered from COVID-19 at least six months and undergone a negative COVID-19 test are allowed to visit a ...

Absence Leaves Foreigners' Hearts Fonder, Yearn to Return to Vietnam Away from loved ones in Vietnam for various periods from months to nearly two years, many foreigners are desperate to return to their wives, fiancés ...

Hanoi Online Tours Launched For Foreigners A young tour guide in Hanoi has launched tours around Hanoi for foreigners on online platforms amid the pandemic.