Coronavirus and South East Asia (Updated 18 March)

Our industry is facing challenging times and we thank you for your support. At this time it is important we give you updated information concerning COVID-19 in Vietnam. The situation is rapidly changing in our region and we appreciate your patience and understanding.

Please see below the latest official updates regarding the coronavirus outbreak in Vietnam. Please be aware there are a lot of circulations of false news and hype. However, as your Vietnam & Indochina experts we will do our very best to make sure you are in the know.

UPDATE ON VIETNAMThe government in Vietnam continues to be highly proactive in limiting the spread of this outbreak and have enacted the following:

Update 18 March

• As of March 16, Vietnam’s Ministry of Health confirmed a total of 61 cases of COVID-19. The latest cases were two Vietnamese and a French national.
• As of 12:00 pm on March 15, Vietnam will suspend all visas and deny entry to travelers from the UK and the 26 Schengen countries; this includes travelers that have visited or transited through these countries in the past 14 days. This will be effective for 30 days.
• In addition, Vietnam has suspended visa on arrival for all foreign nationals except for those on official or diplomatic trips. Those who currently hold visas to enter Vietnam will need to undergo screenings and may be quarantined when entering the country.
• Masks must be worn in public areas, on all flights, transport vehicles and shopping centres.
• The Formula 1 (F1) Vietnam Grand Prix in Hanoi scheduled for April 5 has been postponeddue to the epidemic.

Cambodia has been largely unaffected by the outbreak.  The local Government has taken precautionary measures and has closed all schools (as of Monday 9th March), including large clubs, music venues and cinema’s.  All markets, shopping centres and tourist attractions (excluding Phare Circus) remain open to the public at this stage.VISA FOR CAMBODIAAs of 17th March:The latest announcements out of Cambodia:The Cambodian Ministry of Health (MOH) announced on March 14 a 30-day suspension of entry into Cambodia on "foreigners traveling from" the United States, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The suspension will go into effect on Tuesday March 17.Cambodian authorities have not clarified the application of this suspension for individuals currently outside of the country with valid Cambodia residence or work permits, or for individuals from the five cited countries seeking to enter Cambodia from other points of origin.American citizens traveling in the region who wish to travel or return to Cambodia in the near-term should make every effort to do so before this suspension of entry goes into effect on March 17, 2020.Entry and Exit Requirements:On March 14, 2020, the Cambodian authorities announced that foreigners traveling from the following countries will not be allowed to enter Cambodia: the United States, Italy, Germany, Spain, and France. American citizens traveling in the region who wish to travel or return to Cambodia in the near-term should make every effort to do so before this 30-day suspension of entry goes into effect on March 17, 2020. Individuals with specific questions should contact the nearest Cambodian Embassy or Consulate for answers.Travelers are required to complete a health declaration form before disembarkation in Cambodia.CURRENT SITUATIONAs of 17th March:Cambodia has had 24 officially confirmed cases of people being affected by the virus, one death occurring in the early warning stages of the virus..  Eleven people have now recovered and been released from hospital. The remaining were recently diagnosed after arriving into the country from a religious holiday in a neighboring country and are currently hospitalised.UPDATE ON THAILANDThai Government takes all possible measures to stop COVID-19 from spreading in the country. It includes:

• Temperature check stations in all airports, in public places (shopping malls, entertainment centres) and in office buildings
• Hand sanitiser is available for everyone in all public places

VOA is no longer available for citizens of all countries who previously were part of VOA scheme: Bulgaria, Bhutan, China (excluding Hong Kong & Macau), Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Taipei, Uzbekistan & Vanuatu.People who visited South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Italy and Iran in the past 2 months have to present a T8 health form to the Health Control staff in the airport.Thai Airways require passengers who are flying from high risk areas (South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Italy and Iran) to present a doctor’s note prior to checkin in on the flight. https://www.thaiairways.com/en_TH/news/news_announcement/news_detail/certificate-covid19.page[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]