Great news for overseas tourists as Vietnam halts Covid testing requirements

American tourists wear Vietnamese conical hats 'non la' and traditional checkered black and white shawl 'khan rang' at a welcome ceremony in HCMC on April 8, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Huynh Nhi

Foreigners are happy with the government's decision to scrap the pre-departure Covid-19 test requirement and many are keen to visit Vietnam as soon as possible.

American Justin Douglas told VnExpress International he was glad to hear the test requirement went on May 15.

"At this point I think Covid is endemic and that testing serves no significant purpose anymore besides presenting a bureaucratic hassle for traveling.

"In addition to the excessive costs, there was the added stress of finding out where you can get a suitable test and getting it at the right time."

"Vietnam is my favorite country and I have been waiting to go back."

Yves Badaroux also of the U.S. said he backed the government's decision as many countries across the world have already done so.

"Removing the test conveys a message that the country really wants tourists to come back.

"We plan to visit Vietnam in October and November. We miss Vietnam. We have been there five times already and cannot wait to come back."

Singaporean Ben Teh said: "This is great news. We don't have to bother to get a PCR or antigen rapid test done because it's really costly and makes no sense."

On March 15 Vietnam scrapped quarantine requirements for visitors and resumed its pre-pandemic visa exemption for citizens of 24 countries, including Japan, South Korea, and some EU members.

Foreign tourists entering Vietnam now only must show travel insurance of at least US$10,000.

Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php