15/3/2022 is the date Vietnam reopened tourism under the new normal, after scheduled international routes had frequency limits lifted from 15/2. Demand for outbound and inbound travel rose quickly, but flight schedules are still recovering gradually and entry requirements differ by country. Here is what to know before booking international tickets.
Two dates to tell apart: 15/2 and 15/3
- 15/2/2022: The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam announced that frequency limits on scheduled international passenger flights no longer apply. Flight schedules are still increasing gradually along a roadmap that ensures safety and epidemic control, and airlines need operating approval from partner countries. According to the Authority, all countries with which Vietnam proposed restoring routes agreed, except China.
- 15/3/2022: The Government agreed to reopen tourism. According to press reports at the time, visa-issuing restrictions ended and returned to the pre-pandemic arrangements (including e-visas and visa-exempt categories), and international visitors no longer had to travel on tours or pre-registered itineraries as in the pilot phase.
This means flights may be available, but entry requirements are still set by the Ministries of Public Security, Foreign Affairs and Health.
Vietnam entry requirements (as of 15/3/2022)
The press cited the Ministry of Health's rules for international visitors as follows:
| Message | The requirements above were reported by |
|---|---|
| Vaccination | Meet the Ministry of Health's COVID-19 vaccination rules |
| Testing before boarding | Negative: rapid test within 24 hours or RT-PCR within 72 hours |
| Health app | Install and turn on at least one health management app designated by Vietnam |
| Insurance | Covered by COVID-19 treatment insurance (reported coverage limit up to USD 10,000) |
After entry, visitors follow the health monitoring steps issued by the Ministry of Health. Because these rules are adjusted continuously, check the official portals of the Ministry of Health and the Immigration Department before your flight date.
Tips for booking international tickets right now
- Check the destination country's requirements before buying a ticket. Each country has its own requirements for vaccination, testing, quarantine and health declarations. Check the website of that country's embassy or government.
- Confirm the flight is still operating. Schedules are recovering, so times may change or flights may be cancelled. Keep an eye on emails and messages from the airline.
- Read the change and refund conditions carefully. Prefer fare classes that allow date changes if your plans are uncertain. Note down change fees, refund fees and the ticket validity period.
- The name on the ticket matches the passport. A single wrong character can cause trouble at check-in. Many countries also require a passport valid for at least a few months.
- Watch the baggage. Fare classes are defined differently by each airline, for example some international fares allow 40kg or 2 pieces of 23kg. Read the baggage conditions for the exact fare you choose.
- Allow time between connections. For journeys with a layover, leave more time than usual because health document checks can take longer.
- Keep copies of your documents. Vaccination certificates, test results, insurance and tickets should be kept in both paper and electronic form.
Expected fares and demand
When demand for flights rises quickly but the number of flights is still low, fares on some routes may be higher than usual, especially during holidays. So it is better to book early once your plans are firm, but not to book in a rush while the destination's entry requirements are still unclear.
Update 2026: The COVID-19 requirements mentioned in this article (testing, health apps, COVID-19-specific insurance) were lifted after this period. Today, before an international flight you mainly need to check your visa or visa exemption, passport validity and the airline's baggage rules.
FAQ
From what date did international routes reopen?
Vietnam lifted frequency limits on scheduled international flights from 15/2/2022. Tourism fully reopened from 15/3/2022.
Do international visitors still have to travel on tours?
According to press reports at the time, from 15/3/2022 visitors no longer had to register on tours as in the pilot phase, but still had to meet the Ministry of Health's health requirements.
Should I buy a fully refundable ticket?
If your plans are uncertain, a ticket with flexible change or refund conditions helps reduce risk even though it may cost more. If you need support, you can contact the HVSC flight ticket team.
Reference sources
- VOV, 13/2/2022 — https://vov.vn/xa-hoi/tin-24h/tu-152-mo-lai-toan-bo-duong-bay-quoc-te-di-den-viet-nam-post923968.vov
- Saigon Liberation Newspaper — https://www.sggp.org.vn/chinh-phu-dong-y-mo-cua-lai-hoat-dong-du-lich-tu-ngay-15-3-post627004.html
- Tuoi Tre — https://tuoitre.vn/mo-cua-hoan-toan-hoat-dong-du-lich-tu-15-3-20220216121509069.htm
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FAQ
From what date did international routes reopen?
Vietnam lifted frequency limits on scheduled international flights from 15/2/2022. Tourism fully reopened from 15/3/2022.
Do international visitors still have to travel on tours?
According to press reports at the time, from 15/3/2022 visitors no longer had to register on tours as in the pilot phase, but still had to meet the Ministry of Health's health requirements.
Should I buy a fully refundable ticket?
If your plans are uncertain, a ticket with flexible change or refund conditions helps reduce risk even though it may cost more. If you need support, you can contact the HVSC flight ticket team.
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