[UPDATE Feb. 12, 2020] Read more: Info for travellers on coronavirus in Vietnam

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[UPDATE Feb. 1, 2020] The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has released instructions to the People's Committees of local provinces and cities to temporarily cancel all festivals, including ongoing festivals, in provinces that have announced cases of the nCoV virus.

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HA NOI, Vietnam (Jan. 30, 2020) -- Vietnam has announced it will halt visa processing and the entrance of tourists to Vietnam from areas in China with confirmed outbreaks of the Novel Coronavirus (nCoV), as well as restrict the movement of Chinese visitors already in the country.

Tourism authorities assured the public that the government is taking a proactive stance to control the situation, with policies and early measures already in place.

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) issued the temporary ban on Jan. 30, 2020. Travel and tour companies are requested to cancel all tours to and from areas where the virus have been detected, and to actively monitor their guests for respiratory symptoms. The travel restrictions will also be applied to nationals of other countries who have visited outbreak areas within the past 14 days.

The Prime Minister has established a National Steering Committee for prevention and control of respiratory diseases caused by nCoV. The committee will assist the Prime Minister in directing and coordinating among ministries, agencies, and localities to prevent the spread of the virus. 

In addition, Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has established 45 Emergency Response Teams to combat infections of nCoV. These teams are tasked to respond quickly to any reports of the virus and provide professional support to hospitals that are caring for individuals with nCoV infections.

Travellers within Vietnam are encouraged to follow hygienic guidelines such as those listed by the World Health Organization for protection against the spread of nCoV.

Measures include covering one’s nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, wearing face masks in shared transportation, and regularly washing hands with antibacterial soap and hand sanitizer. As well travellers can take extra precautions by avoiding undercooked meat and dairy.

Travellers are advised to report to the Ministry of Health by calling 19003228 if they have visited outbreak areas in the last 14 days, are experiencing flu symptoms and have a compromised immune system. 

For more advice and information on protection and prevention, visit the World Health Organization’s official website.

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