COVID-19 Situation and Reopening Status of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar

It’s been very exciting for us to check the news lately and see countries are opening up again for Tourism, especially in some of our neighboring countries in South East Asia.

For the most updated information regarding the reopening status and entry requirements for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, please click here.

Vietnam

Updated on December 09, 2021

Vietnam plans to resume international flights which will kick off on December 15. The proposal has been submitted to the Prime Minister and was detailed by the Ministry of Transport in two phases:

1. First phase – two weeks starting from Dec 15: resume international flights between Vietnam (with international airports of Noi Bai in Hanoi, and Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City) and Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, Beijing, Vientiane, Singapore, Phnom Penh, and either San Francisco or Los Angeles.
2. Second phase – one month starting from January 2022: expand the flight connections of the first phase by adding other destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Paris, Frankfurt, Sydney, and Moscow. Other international airports, such as Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Van Don, and Cam Ranh are also proposed to host flights in the second phase of the flight resumption.

After the second phase of reopening,  travelers who have been fully vaccinated, or recovered from the disease, or have a negative test report for COVID 19 are expected to make entries into Vietnam for any travel purpose, without quarantine requirements.

Updated on November 15, 2021

Vietnam has planned a timeline for welcoming back international travelers who are fully vaccinated starting from November 2021 in three phases:

1. First phase starting from November 2021: pilot program of welcoming international arrivals under tour packages and charter / trade flights to selected destinations including Kien Giang (Phu Quoc Island), Khanh Hoa (Nha Trang as a beach destination), Quang Nam (Hoi An Ancient Town), Quang Ninh (Ha Long Bay).
2. Second phase starting from January 2022: widen the areas for international arrivals, connecting destinations through regular international commercial and charter flights. Travelers can participate in travel programs combining multiple destinations after completing the first destinations mentioned in stage 1 in 7 days – some other destinations might be added from time to time if conditions are met and there is a proposal to welcome international tourists.
3. Third phase: completely open for international arrivals. The starting time of this phase will be based on the actual COVID-19 situation and on the evaluation of the results of welcoming international tourists in the first two phases.

To enter Vietnam, travelers from high-risk areas also need to present a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point.

Currently, there is no lockdown in Vietnam; shops, restaurants, and bars are open with restrictions.

Cambodia

Updated on November 15, 2021

Cambodia is fully open for international travelers who are fully vaccinated – effective from November 15, 2021.

Travelers need to show two negative COVID-19 tests: one PCR test taken no less than 72 hours before travel and one rapid test on arrival in Cambodia. If the results are negative, they can travel anywhere in Cambodia. Those who have not been fully vaccinated still have to undergo a 14-day quarantine and PCR tests.

Siem Reap airport is getting ready with the operating procedures to ensure effective prevention of the COVID-19, including the control of vaccination card, PCR test certificate (72 hours before arrival), and rapid test on arrival at the airport.

Laos

Updated on November 15, 2021

International flights to Laos are still suspended, only humanitarian, medevac, and repatriation flights are operated. Laos has yet to set a date for reopening.

As of November 06, there is a partial lockdown in effect, shops, bars, and restaurants are open with restrictions.

Myanmar

Updated on November 15, 2021

International flights to Myanmar are still suspended; only medevac flights are operated. Myanmar is working on procedures to reopen tourism for international travelers in early 2022 starting with visitors from South East Asia.

Currently, there is a partial lockdown in effect, shops are open while restaurants and bars are operated with delivery or takeout only.

Even though the situation might change, we are hopeful to welcome travelers back to our beautiful country in 2022. Please feel free to contact us at info@saffrontravel.net (English) or spain@saffrontravel.net (Spanish) to plan your future trip to South East Asia or simply ask us any question you might have.

Saffron Travel will keep you posted with the latest opening status of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar frequently. In the meantime, you can also visit our website and blog for more travel updates and inspiration.