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Vietnam Reopening for Tourists, With Conditions

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SteinNebraska
Plus, if I stay out of the US 330 days per year my income in Vietnam is exempted from US taxes for the first $124,000 per year.  That is not so important for the taxes on that money as I'll still pay 25% on Vietnam income in Vietnam.

That is earned income, right?  Not retirement/investment income?

- @Travelfar
Correct.  I checked that to see if 401k would be exempt.  It is not.  The exclusion is for foreign earned income so
401k would not apply as not being foreign earned.
SteinNebraska

Plus, if I stay out of the US 330 days per year my income in Vietnam is exempted from US taxes for the first $124,000 per year.  That is not so important for the taxes on that money as I'll still pay 25% on Vietnam income in Vietnam.

That is earned income, right?  Not retirement/investment income?

- @Travelfar
It exempts only foreign earned income so that rules out investment income on US stocks, etc and also 401k.

paulmsn
I received my Vietnam one-month e-visa and have booked a flight to Singapore, then will fly to Vietnam from there.  It was difficult finding any flights using AA miles to Saigon in May, and all required a transfer from NRT to HND in Japan, with a long layover.  I'd rather spend a day in Singapore, which is pretty open now.  I'll finally get to see my Saigon friends that I couldn't see under the lockdown last year.
OceanBeach92107
I received my Vietnam one-month e-visa and have booked a flight to Singapore, then will fly to Vietnam from there.  It was difficult finding any flights using AA miles to Saigon in May, and all required a transfer from NRT to HND in Japan, with a long layover.  I'd rather spend a day in Singapore, which is pretty open now.  I'll finally get to see my Saigon friends that I couldn't see under the lockdown last year.
- @paulmsn
Friend of the forum Mrs. C ran into an unexpected glitch in Singapore doing her VEC run a little over a week ago.

As usual she planned out everything meticulously, making sure she & hubby were covering all requirements that she had found through official sources.

The requirement she found for leaving Singapore was for a test within 48 hours of the flight, and they had theirs done 45 hours ahead of time.

At Singapore airport, the check-in agent told them that the test must be taken within 24 hours of departure.

She showed the agent the regulation that worked for her 3 days prior on arrival.

“You’re in ICA now, and ICA requires 24 hours”, the agent replied.

ICA is Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, a Singaporean government agency.

They had to make a mad dash across the airport concourse to a Raffles clinic and get tested again.

Luckily they had arrived at the airport four and a half hours early and just barely got onto their airplane on time.

FYI
paulmsn
Has anyone tried extending their 30-day e-visa?  I find that I can only use my miles for a return without a train trip from HND to NRT in Tokyo if I fly on the 15th of June, and my visa expires on the 10th. 

Thanks, OceanBeach92107, for the info.  I can get another test while I'm at Changi airport or in the city. 
pogiwayne
Has anyone tried extending their 30-day e-visa?  I find that I can only use my miles for a return without a train trip from HND to NRT in Tokyo if I fly on the 15th of June, and my visa expires on the 10th. 

Thanks, OceanBeach92107, for the info.  I can get another test while I'm at Changi airport or in the city. 
- @paulmsn
You cannot extend Evisa. Get another evisa then exit and return.
Or exit and wait in Japan
paulmsn
Has anyone tried extending their 30-day e-visa?  I find that I can only use my miles for a return without a train trip from HND to NRT in Tokyo if I fly on the 15th of June, and my visa expires on the 10th. 

Thanks, OceanBeach92107, for the info.  I can get another test while I'm at Changi airport or in the city. 
- @paulmsn
You cannot extend Evisa. Get another evisa then exit and return.
Or exit and wait in Japan
- @pogiwayne
Thanks for the info.  As it turns out, another option popped up today -- flights on JAL from Saigon to Haneda to San Francisco on 10 Jun, the last day of my visa, so I jumped on it, even though I'll have a 9.5 hour layover at Haneda.  It bothers me some, though, because the flight from SGN leaves at 11:25 pm.  If it is canceled or delayed, I'll exceed my visa limit.  I will go to the airport early and get beyond security -- if the flight is delayed I'll just try to stay there until I can leave.  I bought flight insurance -- that might possibly help.
MarkinNam

https://xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/en/tin-tuc/ … ation-news

OceanBeach92107

https://xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/en/tin-tuc/ … ation-news

- @MarkinNam

Is there something new there you want us to see?

OceanBeach92107
Is it possible that Health Declarations are a thing of the past?

Aidan in HCMC

Is it possible that Health Declarations are a thing of the past?

This...
- @OceanBeach92107



Well, perhaps for now, anyway.
"Vietnam temporarily (?) suspends COVID-19 medical declarations for people entering the country..."

Seems the primary reason for implementing the health declaration was to assist in contact tracing.
"We do not declare (health declaration) because we do not carry out tracing anymore" - Minister Nguyen Thanh Long speak.

Now, I can't quite figure that part out. If a traveler indicates on their health declaration that they are exhibiting symptoms, presumably the relevant health authorities would spring in to action at the VN entry point of the traveler.
So then, how can maintaining a database of ostensibly healthy travelers assist in contact tracing? Probably obvious to some forum members, but had me scratching my head.

Thanks for posting, OceanBeach92107
AndyHCMC
Latest data Omicron numbers down to when it started
https://i.postimg.cc/qqBHvg40/Screenshot-2022-04-30-203646.jpg

Death data is same

https://i.postimg.cc/2ySgfJ7S/Screenshot-2022-04-30-203752.jpg

Latest data today - 3 Deaths out of 98 million people --- do you think we still need masks?
OceanBeach92107
Ok everyone...

We know from past experiences that when we begin trading off-topic rants (even small ones) about Covid-related issues, admin gets quickly involved, deleting off-topic posts, especially in a sticky thread such as this one.

Try creating a new thread for memes and other off-topic stuff.
Aidan in HCMC
@OceanBeach92107
Touché. Point taken
Clip
Hopefully the need for PCR tests will be dropped soon.
Sorin.d

@Andybris2020 since I return to Vietnam in 1st of March, I used the mask just in the stores and mall and using the bus! ...also I saw I  aeon mall people walking inside without using mask... so... I think the mask and health declaration are just required in some places...

Brick23
If I am flying to Saigon, but arrive first in Hanoi and then get a connecting flight, what should my "Entry via checkpoint" be for e-visa purposes?

I would assume Hanoi, because the connecting flight will, I assume, offload me at the domestic terminal in Saigon, there's no immigration there AFAIK. 

Even before I set off, the bureaucracy is aggravating me 1f602.svg
Brick23
Nevermind, I checked the FAQ at https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/faq and apparently an e-visa allows entry at any of the 33 possible locations so not sure why you have to specify one on the application.
OceanBeach92107
Nevermind, I checked the FAQ at https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/faq and apparently an e-visa allows entry at any of the 33 possible locations so not sure why you have to specify one on the application.
- @Brick23

"Apparently", it appears you are reading that to say what you want it to say:


V. Entry & exit with an e-Visa
1. Which entry & exit checkpoints allow e-Visa holders to enter and exit Vietnam?
E-Visa holders can enter and exit Vietnam through any checkpoint in 33 international checkpoints.

I highly recommend that you contact immigration directly and get them to interpret that passage for you.

Or don't...
Brick23
I highly recommend that you contact immigration directly and get them to interpret that passage for you.

Or don't...
- @OceanBeach92107

"Contacting immigration directly" would achieve nothing, even if I spoke fluent Vietnamese. But you know this 1f600.svg

I wondered if anyone who'd received an e-visa could say whether it specified an entry point on it.

I'll go through immigration in Hanoi and hope they let me back in to take the ongoing flight to HCMC. If not, I'll book another one. 
OceanBeach92107
I highly recommend that you contact immigration directly and get them to interpret that passage for you.

Or don't...
- @OceanBeach92107

"Contacting immigration directly" would achieve nothing, even if I spoke fluent Vietnamese. But you know this 1f600.svg

I wondered if anyone who'd received an e-visa could say whether it specified an entry point on it.

I'll go through immigration in Hanoi and hope they let me back in to take the ongoing flight to HCMC. If not, I'll book another one. 
- @Brick23

You could always perform a public service by testing your interpretation for the sake of others:

Fill out the form and choose "MỘC BÀI" land border crossing from the drop-down menu.

Or maybe "SÀI GÒN" river port of entry.

Then book a flight to "NỘI BÀI" International Airport in Hà Nội and see if it doesn't really matter which port you list on your eVisa.


pogiwayne
If I am flying to Saigon, but arrive first in Hanoi and then get a connecting flight, what should my "Entry via checkpoint" be for e-visa purposes?

I would assume Hanoi, because the connecting flight will, I assume, offload me at the domestic terminal in Saigon, there's no immigration there AFAIK. 

Even before I set off, the bureaucracy is aggravating me 1f602.svg
- @Brick23

Your profile shows you are living in Vietnam so why are you asking this IF question? This is identical to a question on the Vietnam Visa FB page and was answered there.

IF the bureaucracy is aggravating you now maybe you shouldn't come to Vietnam.

IF you did contact immigration they have people there that speak Fluent English so they could answer you question.
Brick23
I see this forum still maintains its high standards of grumpy 1f606.svg
Guest2023
I see this forum still maintains its high standards of grumpy 1f606.svg
- @Brick23



Yet to see a forum that doesn't have the same issues. Stay away from Facebook, it's much worse.
AndyHCMC
I see this forum still maintains its high standards of grumpy 1f606.svg
- @Brick23


Yeah the other 6 dwarfs are still trying to get back in to Vietnam.
telehandler12
@Brick23

youl be fine. they only want to see your visa. they dont bother with entry or exit points.
pogiwayne
@Brick23

youl be fine. they only want to see your visa. they dont bother with entry or exit points.
- @telehandler12

Some have been denied boarding/entry. It is really ignorant to not have the entry point correct on the evisa.
OceanBeach92107
(sent to me by my fiancée in Việt Nam)

Finally, as of 15 May 2022, COVID testing will no longer be required to enter Vietnam:


Screenshot of Google Translation:

screenshot_20220513-103847_chrome.jpg
OceanBeach92107
The official document ceasing COVID testing for entry into Vietnam, effective 0000 hrs, 15 May 2022

fb_img_1652464888569.jpg

fb_img_1652464893968.jpg
OceanBeach92107
A Google Translation of the main section of the decree:

According to the announcement of the World Health Organization , the current COVID - 19 epidemic has begun to tend to reduce both the number of cases and deaths on a global scale;  Basic vaccines are still effective against variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.  Many countries and territories have gradually eased anti-epidemic measures, including the requirement for COVID-19 testing for people entering the country.  In Vietnam, after a period of drastic and synchronous implementation of solutions for epidemic prevention, safe and flexible adaptation, and effective control of the COVID-19 epidemic, epidemic prevention and control has brought about positive results. The number of new cases in the country has decreased continuously since March 15, 2022 until now, the number of severe disease transfers, the number of deaths related to COVID-19 has decreased low, the coverage of COVID-19 vaccines has decreased.  high .  In that context, the Ministry of Health has issued a document directing the cessation of medical declaration for people entering Vietnam from April 27, 2022.  In order to ensure the application of epidemic prevention and control measures, and at the same time create favorable conditions to promote socio-economic recovery and development activities in accordance with the spirit of the Government's Resolutions, the Prime Minister  Directives:
1. Temporarily suspending the requirement to be tested for SARS-CoV-2 virus before entering Vietnam from 00:00 on May 15, 2022. The Ministry of Health closely monitors the epidemic situation and promptly guides  appropriate anti-epidemic measures. 
2. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall direct overseas Vietnamese agencies to notify persons wishing to enter Vietnam to comply with the requirements for epidemic prevention and control under the guidance of the Ministry of Health.
3. The Ministry of Transport directs airlines to take measures to prevent and control the epidemic on means of transport under the guidance of the Ministry of Health.
4. Presidents of People's Committees of provinces and centrally run cities shall strictly implement measures on epidemic prevention and control in their localities according to the guidance of the Ministry of Health and relevant ministries and branches.
5. Request the Ministers, the Heads of the ministerial-level agencies, the Governmental agencies, the Presidents of the People's Committees of the provinces and centrally-run cities to continue focusing on directing the implementation of preventive measures,  fight against COVID-19 epidemic;  regularly inspect and promptly handle arising problems according to their competence or report them to competent authorities as prescribed.
OceanBeach92107
With the lifting of requirements for proof of vaccination, health declaration, covid testing AND health insurance (according to the Vietnam Airlines website) it seems that the only "restrictions" remaining are on the citizens of countries not currently allowed to enter on a 30 day e-Visa AND the continuing restrictions on Visa On Arrival (VOA) longer term visas (both tourist and business visas).

I'm personally hoping that the VOA services are allowed again by July 1st, though there still is no proof that's going to happen.
RTLisSB
@OceanBeach92107

Great info. Ocean.

Can you tell me how long the VOA are good for, i.e., if they come back, could I get one for the full two months of my stay?

Best regards,

Roger
OceanBeach92107
Great info. Ocean.

Can you tell me how long the VOA are good for, i.e., if they come back, could I get one for the full two months of my stay?

Best regards,

Roger
- @RTLisSB
At best I can answer your hypothetical question with a qualified response:

With your Canadian passport, under the old guidelines you should qualify for a 1 month tourist visa or 3 month business visa, possibly also a 3 month tourist visa.

If you were to get the longer tourist visa, under new rules from June, 2020, you would have to report to local immigration every 30 days and apply to extend your "permission to remain" for another 30 days and pay approximately $10 USD.

Everything I've read indicates that you wouldn't be required to do that on a business visa.

I'm personally hoping that the 3 month business visas become available soon.
THIGV

I'm personally hoping that the 3 month business visas become available soon.
- @OceanBeach92107

Why would you be going to the trouble of a business visa when soon enough you will be eligible for a TRC or VEC?  You aren't on a blacklist, are you?
OceanBeach92107

I'm personally hoping that the 3 month business visas become available soon.
- @OceanBeach92107

Why would you be going to the trouble of a business visa...?
- @THIGV
Because you aren't driving the car...😉

AndyHCMC
A Google Translation of the main section of the decree:

According to the announcement of the World Health Organization , the current COVID - 19 epidemic has begun to tend to reduce both the number of cases and deaths on a global scale;  Basic vaccines are still effective against variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.  Many countries and territories have gradually eased anti-epidemic measures, including the requirement for COVID-19 testing for people entering the country.  In Vietnam, after a period of drastic and synchronous implementation of solutions for epidemic prevention, safe and flexible adaptation, and effective control of the COVID-19 epidemic, epidemic prevention and control has brought about positive results. The number of new cases in the country has decreased continuously since March 15, 2022 until now, the number of severe disease transfers, the number of deaths related to COVID-19 has decreased low, the coverage of COVID-19 vaccines has decreased.  high .  In that context, the Ministry of Health has issued a document directing the cessation of medical declaration for people entering Vietnam from April 27, 2022.  In order to ensure the application of epidemic prevention and control measures, and at the same time create favorable conditions to promote socio-economic recovery and development activities in accordance with the spirit of the Government's Resolutions, the Prime Minister  Directives:
1. Temporarily suspending the requirement to be tested for SARS-CoV-2 virus before entering Vietnam from 00:00 on May 15, 2022. The Ministry of Health closely monitors the epidemic situation and promptly guides  appropriate anti-epidemic measures. 
2. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall direct overseas Vietnamese agencies to notify persons wishing to enter Vietnam to comply with the requirements for epidemic prevention and control under the guidance of the Ministry of Health.
3. The Ministry of Transport directs airlines to take measures to prevent and control the epidemic on means of transport under the guidance of the Ministry of Health.
4. Presidents of People's Committees of provinces and centrally run cities shall strictly implement measures on epidemic prevention and control in their localities according to the guidance of the Ministry of Health and relevant ministries and branches.
5. Request the Ministers, the Heads of the ministerial-level agencies, the Governmental agencies, the Presidents of the People's Committees of the provinces and centrally-run cities to continue focusing on directing the implementation of preventive measures,  fight against COVID-19 epidemic;  regularly inspect and promptly handle arising problems according to their competence or report them to competent authorities as prescribed.
- @OceanBeach92107

Ths may be the reason why the change  - VIETNAM covid data chart - cases top chart  - deaths bottom chart:-

https://i.postimg.cc/J4Gpp9Lm/Screenshot-2022-05-14-071415.jpg
RTLisSB
@OceanBeach92107

Cheers!

Thanks, Ocean.

Roger
Wadey
So my question is

Do I need a PCR test only to fly (Vietnam Air) but not to enter Vietnam?

I will be flying from Australia in 12 days.



Wadey
OceanBeach92107
So my question is

Do I need a PCR test only to fly (Vietnam Air) but not to enter Vietnam?

I will be flying from Australia in 12 days.



Wadey
- @Wadey

No G.

No COVID test to enter OR by Vietnam Airlines.

You might have seen a recent post by me showing the requirements listed by Vietnam Airlines.

24 hours later, the government issued this decree.

HOWEVER, if you or the casual reader is coming to Vietnam on a connecting flight through a third country, then a COVID test might be required.

As we always say, best to check with all ticketed airlines to be sure.

I'll be flying SFO to SGN nonstop on Vietnam Airlines, so no test for me.

Cheers!
Wadey
@OceanBeach92107

Thanks OB. I will check with them just in case.

Wadey
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