The People’s Committee of Kien Giang province on October 21 issued a pilot plan to welcome international tourists using "vaccine passports" to Phu Quoc Island beginning November 20.

Illustrative image (Source: VNA)

The plan aims to gradually restore the international tourism market, ensure security in tourism activities, and contribute to socio-economic development targets set for 2021.

The provincial People’s Committee requests all international tourists to have a vaccine passport and strictly comply with epidemic prevention measures in Viet Nam.

At least 90 per cent of the population and workers in Phu Quoc have to be fully vaccinated in order to be ready to welcome international guests in the future.

The pilot plan will be implemented in two phases within the course of six months.

Specifically, from November 20, a number of charter flights will go to Phu Quoc for authorities to test the process of picking up and serving guests.

Based on the experience, authorities will then evaluate the plan’s feasibility, make adjustments if necessary, and follow the official roadmap from December 20 onwards.

During the first phase from December 20 to March 20, Phu Quoc will welcome 3,000 to 5,000 tourists per month via charter flights and allocate private experiences within limited locations and areas for guests.

The second phase, which starts from March 20, 2022 to June 20, 2022, involves evaluation of the first phase and a scale of 5,000 to 10,000 guests per month if all requirements are met.

With regards to the target audience, international tourists will be allowed to visit from countries and territories with high safety in COVID-19 pandemic prevention.

They will enter Phu Quoc International Airport via charter flights with a certificate of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a proof of COVID-19 recovery recognised by relevant authorities in Viet Nam.

Injection of the second shot must have been done at least 14 days before and no more than 12 months from the day of arrival. Visitors who have recovered from COVID-19 have to submit proof that their discharge from the hospital to the date they enter Phu Quoc has not exceeded six months.

In addition, an English certificate of negative COVID-19 test results via the RT-PCR method within 72 hours before departure must be prepared by visitors.

Children under 18 years old with a valid negative COVID-19 test result are allowed to travel to Phu Quoc with a fully vaccinated parent or guardian.

Visitors to Phu Quoc must have a return air ticket and register to participate in a package tour programme with health insurance from a travel agency proposed by Kien Giang province.

Kien Giang province has created a backup plan and set up a testing and isolation zone for 2,000 people. Preparation of COVID-19 treatment capacity for 1,000 people is part of the plan as well.

All workers involved in the process of welcoming and serving visitors will be trained in safety measures in COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control.

Source: VNA