The decision came to realize Vietnam’s policy of safely, flexibly adapting to and effectively controlling COVID-19 pandemic, to help recover the country’s economy and to welcome overseas Vietnamese return home for the traditional lunar new year. Deputy PM Minh also asked related ministries and sectors to apply the Covid-19 vaccine passports and other measures to facilitate foreign entries to Vietnam, and to work with partners to accelerate the mutual recognition of vaccine passports.

Accordingly, list of countries and territories deemed safe from Covid-19 include Beijing/Gwangzhou (China), Tokyo (Japan), Seoul (the Republic of Korea), Taipei (China), Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore, Vientiane (Laos), Phnompenh (Cambodia), San Francisco/Los Angeles (US).