Just an update for anyone thinking about doing a visa run to HCMC, this is the message I got today from my agent when I asked them to book my flights;
"As effective from 00:00 AM, 18 March 2020, All travelers from outside of Vietnam, including 26 Schengen countries/U.K/ U.S and ASEAN countries will be subject to a health check and mandatory 14 days quarantine => It mean that you will have to do a health check and mandatory 14 days quarantine right after you arrive TSN Airport. There are a lot of quarantine accommodations arranged by government in HCMC or somewhere outside HCMC. We cannot know which place will be arranged for you exactly, It depends on the government's decision on that time."
So looks like Saigon is out for a quick border bounce or visa renewal. Needless to say, I posponed my travel plans until a later date ... TBC! 🤷♂️
And just so you know, I've been working there for 9 years and have my TRC so no exemptions for anyone.
TLDR : Answer Summary
Travelers considering a visa run to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) should be aware that as of March 18, 2020, all travelers from outside Vietnam must undergo a health check and a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. This applies to various countries, including members of the ASEAN, the UK, the US, and Schengen countries. Quarantine accommodations are determined by the government and cannot be pre-specified, affecting the feasibility of a quick border bounce or visa renewal.
