Vietnam eases reentry curbs in move to live with COVID-19

Hanoi takes big step in return to normalcy before Lunar New Year holiday

Vietnamese Prime Minister Chinh, second from right, appears on stage without a mask on Jan. 20, signaling his determination to return Vietnam to normalcy. (Photo courtesy of Vingroup)

TOMOYA ONISHI, Nikkei staff writer

January 26, 2022 18:07 JST

HANOI -- Vietnam eased reentry procedures for foreign workers and overseas Vietnamese, taking crucial steps to coexist with coronavirus before Tet, the Lunar New Year holidays starting on Saturday.

The government relaxed procedures on Jan. 18. Expatriates and their families with residence cards or visas no longer need approval from immigration authorities to reenter the country. Although they remain subject to COVID-19 protocols, those fully vaccinated can quarantine at their own residence for three days.