All passengers on the flight that landed at Van Don International Airport in the northern province of Quang Ninh had received two Covid-19 vaccine doses, with the second dose administered at least 14 days but no more than 12 months prior to the date of entry.

They also furnished proof of negative Covid tests using the RT-PCR method validated by authorities in the host country 72 hours before departure.

After arriving at the airport, all passengers were transported to FLC Ha Long Hotel to undergo seven-day quarantine instead of the usual 14 days.

On Sept. 4 and 12, Van Don airport welcomed three flights from Japan and the U.S., carrying over 700 vaccinated passengers who were also eligible to enjoy the vaccine passport program.

All pilot flights in September under the policy went smoothly and safely, helping create favorable conditions for the early reopening of domestic and foreign trade activities, said airport director Pham Ngoc Sau.

The government last June approved pilot implementation of a vaccine passport program in Quang Ninh, home to the nation’s first private airport and UNESCO heritage site Ha Long Bay. Vaccinated or recovered entrants will be quarantined for seven days upon arrival.

Quang Ninh resumed intra-provincial tourism and entertainment activities from Tuesday, but only for vaccinated residents.

Vietnam closed its borders and canceled all international flights in March last year. Only Vietnamese repatriates, foreign experts, diplomats, investors, and highly-skilled workers have been allowed in since with stringent quarantine requirements.