(VOVWORLD) - Although the COVID-19 pandemic remains complicated, Vietnam has changed the goal from completely containing the epidemic to adapting to and living with it. The vaccine passport, also known as the electronic health passport, the green travel card, and the digital health certificate, is considered a feasible way to reopen economic activities, particularly the tourism and service sectors.
 Nguyen Thi Huong Lan, Director of the Consular Department (Photo: baoquocte.vn) |
Nguyen Thi Huong Lan, Director of the Consular Department of the Foreign Ministry, says the vaccine passport, or vaccination certificate, can be used to ensure safer travel.
A vaccine passport holder is understood to have been fully vaccinated, with the last dose at least 14 days but no more than 12 months, prior to the date of travel.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has coordinated with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Information and Communications to develop criteria and mechanisms for recognizing foreign vaccination certificates and vaccine passports in Vietnam.
The criteria have been approved by the Government and are being used as a basis for negotiating mutual recognition of vaccine passports with other countries and territories
Lan said that this mutual recognition is the key to opening the door to the world, relaxing entry restrictions, resuming regular international commercial flights, and restoring the tourism, travel, and hotel sectors.
She added, "The current trend globally is to adjust immigration and quarantine policies to give priority to vaccine passport holders. Vaccine passport holders from epidemic areas will enjoy exemption from, or a shorter time for quarantines, and fewer tests. Vietnam cannot remain outside of this trend. Many of our industries and services need to be reconnected to the world. Safe travel is the life-line of our economy.”
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh recently said that mutual recognition of vaccine passports between Vietnam and other countries is very important now.
Last month, Van Don International Airport in Quang Ninh province welcomed three flights carrying passengers eligible for the Ministry of Health’s pilot vaccine passport program.