Vietnam is planning to soon re-open Phu Quoc Island for foreign tourists to resume international tourism. Strict safety measures will be implemented to ensure the health of all visitors.

Phu Quoc Island, well known as “Pearl Island” is the largest island in Vietnam. It became the top tourist destination after an international airport was built there in 2012 and the government subsequently rolling out a 30-day visa free policy for foreigners in 2014.

Mr. Trinh Thi Thuy, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, confirmed that the Tourism Ministry has been working on a pilot plan to bring the international tourists to selected islands including Phu Quoc Island.

The ministry has assigned the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism and Vietnam Tourism Association to work with Kien Giang Authorities on the pilot plan.

Mr. Trinh Thi Thuy said, “We are working with the Health Ministry to develop a set of criteria to ensure safety for international visitors. The tourism industry only wants to receive visitors from countries where the disease has been controlled.”

In a meeting on May 28, The National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, has asked the Tourism Ministry to prepare a schedule and road map to welcome foreign tourists to island destinations on a trial basis with strict safety measures in place to safeguard both them and locals.

The Tourism Ministry is also ready to work with relevant ministries and agencies to easing the restrictions on visa issuance and air travel for international tourists from countries and regions where the spread of COVID-19 is under control.

Vietnam had earlier suspended all domestic and international passenger flights operations with border closure since March 25 to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

As of Friday (June 4), Vietnam has reported 328 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 302 recoveries and no death caused by the virus. Moreover, there has been no local transmission of COVID-19 in the last 49 days.