The Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam (CAAV) has sent a report to the Ministry of Transport on the application of vaccine passports for people entering Viet Nam.

Vietnamese airlines' aircraft at Noi Bai International Airport (Photo: VNA)

The CAAV stressed the importance of using a mechanism on vaccine passports for those entering Viet Nam, as the quick re-opening of international commercial flights is becoming urgent.

Those who hold vaccine passports confirming they have received COVID-19 vaccinations and tested negative for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 using the Real-time PCR technique will be allowed to enter Vietnam and have their concentrated quarantine period minimised.

Viet Nam currently has no legal regulations relating to the implementation of vaccine passports in the country, the CAAV said, emphasising the need to carry out relevant agreements at the Governmental and inter-ministry levels between Viet Nam and other countries that will apply to international visitors entering or leaving Vietnam.

A top official from the authority said it is necessary to apply technology in certifying vaccine injections and negative test results to restart international passenger transport early and effectively.

Using e-data would limit the falsification of vaccine passports and negative test results, which has been detected in several countries, the CAAV added.

It also stressed the need for mutual recognition as well as system links between countries.

The CAAV earlier submitted a plan to the Ministry of Transport on the reopening of international flights in three stages.

Only “combo” flights for Vietnamese citizens will resume in the first phase. Vietnamese carriers will work with partners, diplomatic missions, and localities on arranging quarantine areas. A “combo” ticket includes a flight ticket, COVID-19 testing, quarantine, living costs, and a vehicle picking passengers up from the airport and taking them to hotels for quarantine.

The second phase is set to begin from July, with regular flights bringing passengers to Viet Nam restarting. Upon arrival, all passengers must stay in quarantine.

Flights will initially be on routes between Viet Nam and Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Taiwan (China). The number of weekly flights arriving in Viet Nam will total 24, with up to 7,000 passengers going into quarantine.

The third phase may begin in September, depending on the COVID-19 vaccination process in Vietnam and an assessment on herd immunity after that. Passengers on flights need not go to quarantine upon arrival, as vaccine passports will be in place.

The CAAV said the plan will be applied to countries and territories that accept the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines Viet Nam has authorised for use.

Source: VNA