NOTICE - "Updates regarding COVID-19 in Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao PDR"
News
29 April 2020
Travel advisory for citizens in Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao PDR
29 April 2020 (Country Specific information below)
The Government of Ireland is advising against all non-essential travel overseas at this time.
General
On the advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team, the Government of Ireland is advising against all non-essential travel overseas at this time. This advice includes travel to Vietnam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, and all cruise ship travel in the region. This decision has been taken to combat COVID-19 and in view of the imposition of new restrictions on entry by many countries and the ongoing reduction in international flight services. It also includes travel to Great Britain but does not apply to Northern Ireland.
In light of the basic level of healthcare facilities available in Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao PDR, and the added complexities of COVID-19, visitors, and particularly those with underlying health conditions, should consider carefully the potential risk and consequences of contracting COVID-19 during their time in the region.
Flight restrictions, reductions and route cancellations are happening on a daily basis in Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao PDR, and there is no guarantee that air routes will continue to operate over the coming weeks. For this reason, where commercial flights are still an option, we recommend that people who wish to do so make arrangements to return to Ireland as soon as possible.
Irish citizens who are currently travelling or residing in Vietnam, Cambodia or Lao PDR and are trying to find flights back to Ireland at this time and those experiencing visa difficulties are asked to:
- Ensure you are registered with the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam
- Contact the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam and make yourself and your situation known as soon as possible
- Follow our social media channels for the latest updates:
https://www.facebook.com/irishembassyinvietnam
https://twitter.com/irlembvietnam
Public Health
Some advice from the Health Service Executive to protect yourself from contracting COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is below.
Do:
• wash your hands properly and regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze
• put used tissues into a bin and wash your hands
Don’t:
• touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
Additional Information
See links below for additional information:
European Centre for Disease Control
Health Protection Surveillance Centre
Transit Options
Due to COVID19 preventative measures, transit is no longer permitted at airports in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia, or Vietnam.
For the latest information on airport restrictions, please see https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-news/1580226297.htm
Vietnam
For the latest updates on Vietnam, please follow this link: https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/vietnam/news-and-events/news-archive/covid-19-information-for-irish-citizens.html
Cambodia
The Cambodia-Laos, Cambodia-Thailand and the Cambodia-Vietnam land borders are all closed and will remain closed until further notice.
The Government of Cambodia recommends avoiding large gatherings. Schools in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap city are currently closed. Body temperature screenings are in place at international airports. If you have symptoms of respiratory illness including cough, you could be quarantined.
From 14 March, citizens from Italy, Germany, Spain, France and the US will be refused entry to Cambodia. In addition the suspension of tourist visas, e-visas, visa on arrival and visa exemptions came in to effect on 31 March.
On 3 April 2020 the Cambodian Ministry of Interior announced that all Irish citizens in Cambodia on a tourist visa valid from 1 January 2020 onwards, would have them automatically extended and any overstay charges would be waived until they can leave Cambodia.
We are aware of the challenges that Irish citizens who are currently travelling or residing in Cambodia and trying to find flights back to Ireland are experiencing. We ask those citizens who are trying to find flights back to Ireland at this time and those experiencing visa difficulties to contact us at the address above.
Irish citizens who are currently travelling or residing in Cambodia and are trying to find flights back to Ireland at this time and those experiencing visa difficulties are asked to:
- Ensure you are registered with the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam
- Contact the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam and make yourself and your situation known as soon as possible
- Follow our social media channels for the latest updates:
https://www.facebook.com/irishembassyinvietnam
https://twitter.com/irlembvietnam
Lao PDR
The Laos-Cambodia, Laos-Thailand and the Laos-Vietnam land borders are all closed and will remain closed until further notice.
From 20 March 2020, the Government of Lao PDR has suspended all types of visas, including visa on arrival.
Individuals should not travel between provinces, however, foreigners travelling to Vientiane to leave the Lao PDR can travel, but must present themselves to local authorities to show they are Coronavirus free.
All education institutions and entertainment venues (bars, karaoke etc.) are closed until further notice.
On 17 April 2020, the Ministry of Public Security of Lao PDR confirmed that visa services will resume from 4 May 2020. If your visa expires between 29 March 2020 and 3 May 2020, you will not be fined. For anyone applying for an extension from 4 May 2020, the commencement date of your visa extension will follow the expiry date of your current visa. Fees for visa extensions will be applied as normal.
Irish citizens who are currently travelling or residing in Lao PDR and are trying to find flights back to Ireland at this time and those experiencing visa difficulties are asked to:
- Ensure you are registered with the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam
- Contact the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam and make yourself and your situation known as soon as possible
- Follow our social media channels for the latest updates:
https://www.facebook.com/irishembassyinvietnam
https://twitter.com/irlembvietnam
Returning to Ireland
If you are returning to Ireland from any country, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days. This includes Irish citizens returning home. Self-isolation means staying indoors and completely avoiding contact with other people.
You will need to complete a ‘Public Health Passenger Locator Form’ before you arrive in Ireland and hand it to Border Management Staff on arrival.
You may be contacted during the 14 days after you arrive in Ireland to check that you are self-isolating. You can download the form: https://www2.hse.ie/file-library/coronavirus/covid-19-public-health-passenger-locator-form.pdf
Further advice for people who have recently returned from abroad from the Health Service Executive: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/coronavirus.html