Vietnam to temporarily ban all foreigners from entering country

Vietnam will temporarily ban all foreigners, except for entrants on diplomatic or official purposes or other special cases permitted, from entering the country from 0:00 a.m. Sunday local time in a bid to control the COVID-19 outbreak, the Vietnamese government announced Saturday.

The exception cases, also including those entering the country to participate in major diplomatic events and experts, business managers and highly skilled workers, may obtain a visa if necessary, but will be subject to mandatory medical declaration and need to isolate themselves at places of resident as currently regulated, the government said.

The country will also temporarily deny entries of overseas Vietnamese and their spouses and children holding visa exemption certificates starting from Sunday, according to the government announcement.

The Vietnamese government ordered strict control of inbound travelers by sea, water, land and air, saying that the country would continue to limit and reduce the frequency of flights carrying passengers inbound, including those run by foreign carriers, and facilitate flights transporting foreigners to leave Vietnam.