Is that safe to travel to Vietnam? Guide about Vietnam visa and Travel during the fatal Coronavirus outbreak

Currently, our world is in chaos with a dangerous disease caused by Wuhan corona virus (China) - nCoV/Covid-19. This disease is continuing to spread throughout China and many other countries in the world, including Vietnam – the country shared the land border with China. It affects directly the tourism industry of Vietnam in particular and other countries in general.

Here are some specific information about this disease and useful tips when traveling in Vietnam in the context of the coronavirus disease.

What is coronavirus?

Coronavirus is type of coronavirus – a family of viruses that can cause fever or disease related to respiratory problem and sometimes, gastrointestinal symptoms as well. There are some symptoms can be detected including runny nose, sore throat, fever, cough or breathing issue. As given by its name, corona means “crown” as it looks like under a microscope.

Coronavirus can be transmitted from animals to humans, from person to person causing respiratory infections, if not detected early and timely treatment can be fatal.

How does it impact on the tourism in Vietnam?

The travel demand of both Chinese and Asian people is limited due to the Coronavirus. It is reason for tourism will be one of the most severely affected aspects in the "storm" of the Coronavirus that is spreading worldwide.

There are threemajor impacts on tourism in Vietnam:

The first and most noticeable impact is a significant decline in the number of Chinese tourists. While this is the largest tourist market to Vietnam, accounting for more than 30% of total international visitors in 2019.

The Vietnamese government has issued a notice to stop operating all flights to and from Vietnam and epidemic areas in China. On the other hand, in order to prevent the spread of the virus, the Chinese government has also set out export restriction policies on Chinese people.

Up to the present time, many airlines in the world such as Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airlines, Cathay Pacific have simultaneously reduced or canceled flights to and from China due to the complicated situation of the disease.

The second impact is the decline in international arrivals in Asia because it is thought to be more contagious regions than other tourist destinations.

The third impact must be that the demand for domestic tourism will also significantly decline because most people tend to avoid going to crowded places such as airports, train stations, bus stations and even restaurants or entertainment areas. Whether domestic demand can improve or not depends mainly on the prevention of epidemic of Vietnam in the near future.

Currently, the Aviation Administration of Vietnam has stopped granting permits for regular flights from Vietnam connecting with Chinese cities and provinces.

However, if the epidemic is successfully controlled and prevented in the world in general and Vietnam in particular in the coming time, Vietnam's tourism industry will recover in the second half of 2020.

Vietnam Visa Changes

As a result of the Coronavirus, the Vietnam Immigration Department temporarily stops providingVietnam visa on arrival for Chinese citizens or other travelers flying from or through China.

Any travelers who want to apply for Vietnam visa, need to submit us their return ticket to be assure that you will not travel through infected areas. It is highly advised to re-direct your flight routines if you tended to transit at China or fly from there to Vietnam.

For Chinese citizens currently staying in Vietnam, you can extend your visa before it is expired in case, returning your home country is not your option or do visa run through the neighboring countries of Vietnam such as Laos, Cambodia, Thailand to reset your visa.

What if I already booked a train/flight from or through China to Vietnam?

If you have booked flight or train from or through China before entering Vietnam, chances are that your flight can be cancelled. In this scenario, you need to check the coverage eligibility or cancellation policy with your airlines.

Many airlines have issued change fee waiver and offered refund to their customers due to the novel coronavirus. In case you do not want to cancel your trip to Vietnam, you can book an alternative itinerary. Keep yourself updated the situation of the disease then decide whether or not you should cancel your flight if your trip is still 5 or 6 months later from now.

Is Vietnam still safe to travel?

Since there are 02 first confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Vietnam, the Government banned anyone travel from China and stop to provide visa for Chinese travelers with the aim to preventing the spread of the virus. More security measures at airport or land border are taken to make sure that any suspected cases infected with the virus are timely quarantined.

When it comes to travelling to Vietnam, there is NO special warnings issued by FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) related to travel to Vietnam during the outbreak of Coronavirus, instead of that, the FCOstates “You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the local authorities”.

Tour activities are still operated as normal although there are just some sight-seeing places are temporarily closed. Restaurants, hotels or public transport have taken more steps up hygiene procedures.

How to protect yourself against coronavirus while visiting in Vietnam?

Infected patients by coronaviruses are through some basic symptoms such as coughs, sneezes and touching contaminated objects.

By the morning of February 4, 2020, the number of people suffering from acute respiratory infections caused by coronavirus worldwide has reached 20,627 cases and 426 deaths, mostly in China.

There are some preventive measures that visitors can take include:

Wear masks is proper and essential. According to all medical experts’ advice, wearing a face mask is an effective way to be against the spread of the virus. Actually, people can prevent transmitting through coughs and sneezes from person to person. Now there are so many photos in China, Vietnam and other countries in the world show people taking this preventive measure. The precaution should be taken by those who are travelling in closed environment such as airplane or crowed spots in big cities.

Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods, especially foods are rich in vitamin C and healthier foods. Some flu prevention foods such as garlic, grapefruit, oranges, kiwi, etc. This is an good way to help increase the body's resistance, against disease.

Ensure clean body hygiene daily, especially washing hands with soap and mouthwash clean with antibacterial mouthwash.

Although you travel, you also should avoid thecrowded places orcontact with wild animals.

Although the number of virus infections is still rising, some health professionals are optimistic as it has increasing in the number of cases cured each day. They considered that it is an evidence that current treatment worked and corona virus had a lower mortality rate than SARS.

According to Worldometer statistics, 637 people have been cured worldwide. SARS has a mortality rate of 9.6%, while up to now, about 2% of people infected with corona virus have died. So visitors in Vietnam should not be too worried about this disease. Instead of that, people need to have effective prevention ways.

What should you need to do if you feel sick in Vietnam?

The incubation period for acute respiratory infections caused by nCoV/Covid-19 ranges from 7-14 days. Common symptoms of the novel coronavirus include some basic symptoms such as stomach issues, fever, diarrhea, dry cough, mild breathing difficulties, and general body aches. Here is something you should do if you get sick in Vietnam:

First and foremost, you should wear a facial mask and avoid big crowd or situations where you might contact with a lot of people and surfaces.

When detecting any symptoms similar to the disease, it is advisable to immediately go to medical facilities or hospitals for timely examination and treatment. If the disease is found, doctors will have an isolation plan. In addition, it is necessary to notify health facilities and local authorities to supervise, handle and guide the earliest quarantine.

Currently, the mortality rate of nCoV (Covid-19) is about 3% compared to 16% for SARS and 30-36% for MERS-CoV. However, the mortality rate depends on the readiness and treatment experience of the health system. There is currently no specific drug for corona virus, the main treatment measures are to support the immune system, symptomatic treatment, and isolation to avoid contacting the contact.

In conclusion, hope that the above article will provide a lot of useful information for you about the nCoV (Covid-19). You will have more peace of mind when traveling to Vietnam in the situation of this coronavirus pandemic. Wishing you safe, healthy and united solidarity to push back the Coronavirus pandemic and have fun trips