Current Covid Test Requirement for Entering Vietnam

PCR test 72-hours, RAT test 24-hours before entering.

- @colinoscapee

Another vote for Colin's answer 👍

PCR test 72-hours, RAT test 24-hours before entering.

- @colinoscapee

Thanks but does the PCR test specifically have to be signed off by a doctor? In the states CVS and Walgreens does PCR tests and you get a QR code but no Doctor signing off. I heard without a signature it won't qualify.  In addition I they don't give you a hard copy only the results online. I heard you need a hard copy and a Dr. signature. I'm a new traveler and a bit nervous and I want to try to make the travel as smooth as possible.

There is a difference between a PCR test and an RT-PCR test.  Your airline will tell you exactly what you need to get.  When I went in Feb and when I left in March I needed an RT-PCR test both ways.  It's quite a bit more expensive and available in a few hours.  I paid $259 in the US and $120 in Vietnam.

- @SteinNebraska

The one at Walgreens is a RT-PCR test and it's free (or at least is covered by insurance). I had one done last December. And I will call the airline as well. Should I assume If I can get on the airline with it then it's the correct one for VN customs to enter?

PCR test 72-hours, RAT test 24-hours before entering.

- @colinoscapee

Thanks but does the PCR test specifically have to be signed off by a doctor? In the states CVS and Walgreens does PCR tests and you get a QR code but no Doctor signing off. I heard without a signature it won't qualify.  In addition I they don't give you a hard copy only the results online. I heard you need a hard copy and a Dr. signature. I'm a new traveler and a bit nervous and I want to try to make the travel as smooth as possible.
- @MikeTVN

Unfortunately, a "doctor's signature" is not enough in Vietnam.

Testing and vaccination requirements

- Passengers must have a negative test result for SARS-CoV-2 (except for children under 2 years old) before departure within 72 hours if using RT-PCR/RT-LAMP method or within 24 hours if using the rapid antigen test method for SARS-CoV-2 and certified by the competent authority of the country performing the test.

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So you would need to determine if the testing facility itself is a "competent authority" for certifying your test results for international travel.

- @OceanBeach92107

There is a difference between a PCR test and an RT-PCR test.  Your airline will tell you exactly what you need to get.  When I went in Feb and when I left in March I needed an RT-PCR test both ways.  It's quite a bit more expensive and available in a few hours.  I paid $259 in the US and $120 in Vietnam.

- @SteinNebraska

Did you need a hard copy? What type of facility did you go to in the states? Is the test proof for the airline or customs or both?

I plan to enter for the first time in May, 2022 and I need to know what is the exact requirement for a Covid test coming from the US? Thanks. I know it's been posted before but perhaps outdated.

- @MikeTVN

Thing is Mike, when do you plan to travel? reason being it changes by the day if not the minute. You are right to get things lined up but be prepared for changes. From what I can see on the interweb for example Cambodia has done away with any testing to enter there & who is to say Vietnam wont do the same tomorrow or the next day or the next day!!!

I plan to enter for the first time in May, 2022 and I need to know what is the exact requirement for a Covid test coming from the US? Thanks. I know it's been posted before but perhaps outdated.

- @MikeTVN

Thing is Mike, when do you plan to travel? reason being it changes by the day if not the minute. You are right to get things lined up but be prepared for changes. From what I can see on the interweb for example Cambodia has done away with any testing to enter there & who is to say Vietnam wont do the same tomorrow or the next day or the next day!!! - @goodolboy

PCR test 72-hours, RAT test 24-hours before entering.

- @colinoscapee

Thanks but does the PCR test specifically have to be signed off by a doctor? In the states CVS and Walgreens does PCR tests and you get a QR code but no Doctor signing off. I heard without a signature it won't qualify.  In addition I they don't give you a hard copy only the results online. I heard you need a hard copy and a Dr. signature. I'm a new traveler and a bit nervous and I want to try to make the travel as smooth as possible.
- @MikeTVN

Mike, google RT-PCR testing for your area. It will show labs in your area that will do the test and give you the results quickly. Yes more expensive but you will tell them where you are flying to and make sure they produce the right paperwork. The competent authority in USA are the designated labs that are certified by the state to do the testing. RT-PCR testing for travel is not covered by any insurance. Have a great trip.

- @pogiwayne

There is a difference between a PCR test and an RT-PCR test.  Your airline will tell you exactly what you need to get.  When I went in Feb and when I left in March I needed an RT-PCR test both ways.  It's quite a bit more expensive and available in a few hours.  I paid $259 in the US and $120 in Vietnam.

- @SteinNebraska

Did you need a hard copy? What type of facility did you go to in the states? Is the test proof for the airline or customs or both?
- @MikeTVN

Okay next question. we talked about hard copy one place says they will email the results the same day.  I assume that is not a hard copy?. What exactly constitutes a hard copy? is it a certificate with a stamp on it?

- @MikeTVN

Okay next question. we talked about hard copy one place says they will email the results the same day.  I assume that is not a hard copy?. What exactly constitutes a hard copy? is it a certificate with a stamp on it?

- @MikeTVN

You get a PDF in the email and print it out.  That is your hard copy. You need to present a hard copy when you enter Vietnam.  They won't take it from your phone.

- @SteinNebraska

Okay next question. we talked about hard copy one place says they will email the results the same day.  I assume that is not a hard copy?. What exactly constitutes a hard copy? is it a certificate with a stamp on it?

- @MikeTVN

Replying to my own post. I just spoke to 2 separate agents at United Airlines and questioned them thoroughly about this. First of all they are basically pre-approving you to get into Vietnam as part of the contractual responsibility. And they both said an email printed out or not is sufficient as you can upload it to their online pre-admission website. So they would approve boarding with soft or hard copies. They also both said that the Walgreens RT-PCR would qualify. It also says on their website *meets travel requirements.

However I just spoke to the lab that does Walgreens, Aegis Sciences Corp, and they provide a PDF for the results but NO QR code. So I guess that's a deal breaker.

Okay next question. we talked about hard copy one place says they will email the results the same day.  I assume that is not a hard copy?. What exactly constitutes a hard copy? is it a certificate with a stamp on it?

- @MikeTVN

You get a PDF in the email and print it out.  That is your hard copy. You need to present a hard copy when you enter Vietnam.  They won't take it from your phone.

- @SteinNebraska

Okay next question. we talked about hard copy one place says they will email the results the same day.  I assume that is not a hard copy?. What exactly constitutes a hard copy? is it a certificate with a stamp on it?

- @MikeTVN

You get a PDF in the email and print it out.  That is your hard copy. You need to present a hard copy when you enter Vietnam.  They won't take it from your phone.

- @SteinNebraska

Thanks for that. So the 'hard copy' is solved.

So a PDF from the lab is all I need and NOT a QR code from the lab. I bring the printed PDF on the flight and since I don't have a VN phone yet I wait to get there  and get a sim card and a phone number. Then I can register at the 'tokhaiyte' website and get the QR code from there since you need a VN number to register? And that's the QR code I need not one from the lab? If that's the case I can get the RT-PCR test from Walgreens. ?? I hope?

- @MikeTVN

I just picked up my quick test result here in Cambodia and no QR code. Will fly in about 9 hours.

I just finished filling out my Health declaration. You do NOT need a VN phone number, you can put your phone number in USA. You cannot finish the declaration until you have your negative test result.

Why do you want to use Walgreens?

You are worrying too much.

- @pogiwayne

I just picked up my quick test result here in Cambodia and no QR code. Will fly in about 9 hours.

I just finished filling out my Health declaration. You do NOT need a VN phone number, you can put your phone number in USA. You cannot finish the declaration until you have your negative test result.

Why do you want to use Walgreens?

You are worrying too much.

- @pogiwayne

Last I checked I thought that was the case so thanks for correcting me on the phone number.

Walgreens because it's free for me and only a few blocks away instead of a 10 mile drive at time when I'm sure I'll have plenty of other things to do.

Thanks for your information and words of understanding.

- @MikeTVN

This information is dated but in January I asked about using Walgreens or CVS for the RT-PCR and was told that insurance would not cover the test unless it was diagnostic. Good luck.

- @pogiwayne

It looks as if the health declaration is no longer required...

- @OceanBeach92107

It looks as if the health declaration is no longer required...

- @OceanBeach92107

Does that mean no more PCR tests needed or am I confused?

- @MikeTVN

It looks as if the health declaration is no longer required...

- @OceanBeach92107

Does that mean no more PCR tests needed or am I confused?

- @MikeTVN

You are confused

- @OceanBeach92107

I heard Saigon airport will no longer require the test also.

- @MikeTVN

I heard Saigon airport will no longer require the test also.

- @MikeTVN

I heard Saigon airport will no longer require the test also.

- @MikeTVN

I think you are getting confused between Covid test and medical declaration.

[link under review]

- @colinoscapee

I heard Saigon airport will no longer require the test also.

- @MikeTVN

Well hey, let's get that rumor started, right?

What reliable source did you hear this from?

- @OceanBeach92107

I heard Saigon airport will no longer require the test also.

- @MikeTVN

Well hey, let's get that rumor started, right?

What reliable source did you hear this from?

- @OceanBeach92107

I heard Saigon airport will no longer require the test also.

- @MikeTVN

Well hey, let's get that rumor started, right?

What reliable source did you hear this from?

- @OceanBeach92107

I was hoping someone could confirm or deny. But I see your point.

- @MikeTVN