On the last day of January 2020, the World Health Organization has officially declared a global emergency over Wuhan coronavirus. International tourism and business, accordingly, now have to deal with such obstacles; the Vietnam visa application is not an exception. Below is the update on the Vietnam visa for international visitors during the coronavirus outbreak.
In general, Vietnam now suspends visas for travelers from coronavirus-hit areas, leading to some certain inconveniences. However, not all countries and regions, in which people are infected, are prohibited from obtaining a Vietnam visa.
Most strikingly, Vietnam has now stopped issuing visas for Chinese tourists due to coronavirus concerns. The total number of 5 cases, along with the rapidly spreading outbreak of the virus, leads the Vietnam government to this decision. Even cross-border trade between Vietnam and China is not encouraged at the moment.
Regarding the Vietnam visa for Hong Kong and Macau citizens, the application process is conducted normally. However, it may take longer to complete the procedures, and the costs also increase due to the current situation of coronavirus. Furthermore, it is required to show evidence of round-trip flights (arrival and departure must not be any cities in China) when submitting the application.
The isolation room for passengers suspected with the new coronavirus at Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi.
Although Taiwan is having an increasing number of cases, the Vietnam visa application is available for Taiwanese without any barriers. Taiwanese can still apply for both business and tourist visas depends on their needs.
Besides, a Vietnam visa is still applicable to all Asian countries and others. There is no restriction on the Vietnam visa application for citizens from these regions.
To conclude, the restriction on the Vietnam visa application is only valid to Chinese. Citizens around the globe can still obtain a visa through the standard process as usual, particularly those holding Hong Kong and Macau passports may have certain difficulties.
International tourists, however, when traveling to Vietnam, must have proper health protection such as wearing masks and washing hands regularly to circumvent risks.
