Advice for UK Education Institutions on Covid-19 impact in East Asia 

Summary 

At the British Council, the health and safety of all our visitors, staff and the communities in which we operate is our top priority. We support and cooperate with all local government agencies to put all necessary measures in place to ensure the continued well-being of all with whom we engage in the course of our operations.    

This post is to keep UK institutions updated on disruptions across the East Asia region caused by the Covid-19 outbreak.  

For travel advice, please refer to FCO updates, and we would encourage institutions who are considering travelling to sign up for alerts - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also strongly encourage visiting local government health websites to stay abreast of the prevailing health advisory and precautionary measures in any country.  

For IELTS test arrangements as a result of Novel Coronavirus precautions, please see: https://www.ielts.org/news/2020/changes-to-ielts-test-arrangements-in-some-locations-due-to-novel-coronavirus.  

We are monitoring the situation very closely and will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. Please find current information by country/territory as per below:  

Key Updates 

Indonesia: The rising cases and concerns over the Omicron variant have brought back the tighter safety measures and SOPs for education institutions.

Malaysia: International students enrolled at Malaysian institutions from most countries are now able to return to Malaysia provided that they meet the rules and protocols regarding testing and quarantine.  

Myanmar: Higher Education Institutions have started to re-open on 6 January 2022.

Thailand: The Covid-19 alert in Thailand has entered level 4. People are asked to refrain from certain activities. Many schools temporarily change their teaching method to online, and people are asked to work from home.

 

China 

Updated 10 January 2022

Overview

By 9 Jan 2022, there are 157 reported new cases (60 imported cases located in places including Shanghai. Guangdong, Yunnan, Fujian, Tianjin etc.), leading to a total of 3404 confirmed cases in mainland China.   

According to the government’s risk area update, there are 18 high risk areas that concentrate in Tianjin, Henan and Xi’an, 84 medium risk areas, most of which are located in Xi’an and Henan. 

Education Sector

In December 2021, the Ministry of Education organised the national education system pandemic prevention dispatching meeting. 

All levels of education institutions are required to implement regular pandemic prevention methods for the winter holiday and spring semester, and adapt the measures with local situation and regulations, some highlights as below:  

• Strict entry regulation and monitoring for the campuses  

• Strengthen health management and travel monitoring of key groups of staff/students and their family members 

• Implement the vaccination among teachers and students, strengthen the monitoring for key stage of the pandemic prevention plan  

• Improve the contingency plan, local plan shall include the programmes covering perspectives of quick first- aid and treatment, quarantine and transfer, environment disinfection and alternative teaching approach  

• Strict control for gatherings  

• Promote the humanistic care for teachers and students, provide timely services including logistic support and mental health care etc. 

Domestic travel

• Regular pandemic prevention and control measures in the public space and transportation- wearing masks, green health code check    

• People are not encouraged to travel to medium / high risk areas,    

  • If travellers are from medium/high risk areas, they shall comply with local prevention & control policy to go through test and quarantine etc.   

• Shanghai: people travel from high-risk area to shanghai, they shall take 14 days quarantine in designated place + 4 covid tests; people from medium risk areas – 14 community based quarantine + 2 covid tests 

• Beijing: strict entry requirement with covid test within 48 hours + green health code; people from places with more than 1 confirmed covid cases are not allowed into Beijing; strict control for national meetings and gatherings in Beijing 

International entry

• Beijing – 14 +7 +7 (14 days quarantine in designated places + 7 home quarantine + 7 days health monitoring)   

• Guangzhou – 14 days quarantine in designated places + 7 days home-based quarantine + 7 days health monitoring   

• Shanghai – 14 days quarantine in designated places + 7 days community- based health monitoring (6 tests)    

Sources: 

http://bmfw.www.gov.cn/yqfxdjcx/risk.html 

http://www.gov.cn/xinwen/2021-12/31/content_5665754.htm 

 

Hong Kong  

Updated 11 January 2022

Given an increasing number of preliminary confirmed cases in Hong Kong recently, the city is now on verge of the fifth wave of Covid-19. Effective from 07 January, the government has tightened the social-distancing rules, including the cessation of mass events and dine-in services at catering businesses during the evening time for 2 weeks. Meanwhile, tighter inbound travel rules are in place, including flights from the UK to Hong Kong suspended, starting from 08 January. Non-Hong Kong residents who have stayed in a Group A specified place within 21 days will not be allowed to enter the city. 

Sources: 

• Social distancing measures tightened: https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2022/01/20220105/20220105_164244_810.html?type=category&name=covid19&tl=t 

• Boarding rules for 7 places tightened: https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2022/01/20220108/20220108_165321_064.html?type=category&name=covid19&tl=t  

Education

Suspension of face-to-face classes for primary schools and nurseries after CNY

In view of rapid escalation of COVID-19 epidemic in the community recently, all primary education schools and nurseries are required to suspend face-to-face classes from 14 January, according to Chief Executive Hong Kong. Classes are set to resume after Chinese New Year holiday. In addition, the government has also decided to further lower the age of taking Sinovac vaccinations to 5 years old after campuses reopened. 

Source:  

Kindergartens, primary schools to suspend classes: https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1628296-20220111.htm  

JUPAS 2022: nearly 40% drop in the number of applications, compared to 2012 

Hong Kong has seen only 38,955 applications for the Joint University Programs Admissions System (JUPAS, is equivalent to UCAS in the UK) this year, which is also 1,057 less than the last year’s figure (2021). This year marks as the eleventh anniversary since JUPAS launched in 2012. Over the decade, there has been a dwindling trend in numbers of HKDSE students applying through JUPAS due to the decline of secondary school demographic. This year, it had recorded the lowest number of applicants yet. Local news reports suggested that the trend may be resulting in the emigration wave.  

Source:

JUPAS applications near 10-year low:  https://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news/section/4/237734/JUPAS-applications-near-10-year-low  

British Council operations     

In line with the HK government’s new social-distancing rules, The British Council remains closed to the general public. For the most up-to-date information on our services, please visit our website: www.britishcouncil.hk/en/covid-19 . We are of course happy to hold meetings with the UK Education sector by means of online calls.  

Hong Kongo office to close between 31 January-03 February for CNY holiday 

Due to a fresh outbreak of Covid-19 seems to be developing in Hong Kong, our office will be closed from Monday 31 January for Chinese New Year holiday and will reopen on Friday 04 February.  

Travel restrictions in summary

• Non-Hong Kong residents will be denied entry into HK    

• Transit flight services at Hong Kong International Airport resumed from 01 June 2020  

• Residents and valid visa holders travelling from outside of China (excluding very high-risk places specified otherwise) must supply a negative Covid-19 test result 72 hours prior to flight departure time and a confirmation letter of hotel reservation for 21-day self-quarantine before boarding for HK.  

• Travellers who stayed in Taiwan over the past 14 days require to comply with the same rules as passengers travelling from outside of China. Non-HK residents will be denied for entry.  

Sources:   

https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html     

Centre for Health Protection (CHP), HKSAR  

Government further tightens quarantine and testing arrangements for persons arriving from Taiwan 

Macau

• Macao government also lowered the age limit for Pfizer/BionTech vaccine to 12. 

Source: 

https://macaonews.org/covid-19/macao-to-lower-biontech-jab-age-limit-to-12/  

  

Indonesia

Updated 12 January 2022

The number of Coviod-19 cases in Indonesia have increased over recent weeks following higher mobility among citizens during the Christmas and New Year holiday period. Government authorities are introducing tighter measures to control the spread of infections, particularly considering the Omicron variant. This has impacted previous relaxations introduced for education institutions in terms of face-to-face learning, travel requirements, stricter SOPs for general movement and government advisories. 

Sources:

https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-indonesia-jakarta-c16ce87cfb8616540d1c96eb58e9aa65 

https://en.tempo.co/read/1549074/indonesias-covid-19-cases-rising-in-past-2-weeks-task-force 

Education

The increase in the number of positive Covid-19 cases has impacted the “100% offline classes” plan particularly for schools and Indonesia are back to limited face to face model for education institutions as was previously in place. 

The rising cases and concerns over the Omicron variant have brought back the tighter safety measures and SOPs for education institutions.  

Source:

https://en.antaranews.com/news/207437/limited-face-to-face-learning-in-jakarta-starts-on-monday 

Travel

The Indonesian government has urged people to refrain from travelling abroad after the country detected the first Omicron cases.  

The increase in COVID-19 positive cases, especially the Omicron variant, is attributed to international travellers. The government has officially extended the quarantine period to ten days for international visitors and Indonesians arriving from overseas. This has been introduced as a direct response to the new Omicron variant. New travel requirements for international travellers include increased frequency of RT-PCR tests on arrival and during quarantine. 

Sources:

https://en.tempo.co/read/1543601/omicron-cases-hit-46-govt-dont-travel-abroad 

https://en.tempo.co/read/1535166/indonesia-quarantine-extended-to-10-days-over-omicron-escalation 

Vaccination 

Indonesia is rolling out the vaccine booster drive starting 12 January, with priority given to the elderly and those at risk. 244 regencies and cities in Indonesia are qualified to participate in this nationwide programme as they have reached more than 60% for second dose recipients The other regions will focus on raising the vaccination rate (primary dose) before declaring eligibility for booster jabs.  

Source:

https://en.tempo.co/read/1546340/health-ministry-to-kickstart-booster-shots-on-january-12 

 

Japan

Updated 11 January 2022

Latest news

The number of confirmed cases has been increasing in the capital and across the country again. The government placed three prefectures - Okinawa, Hiroshima and Yamaguchi - under a quasi-state of emergency on January 9 in response to a surge in COVID-19 infections that local governors say are linked to the spread of the omicron variant at U.S. military bases. 

Schools and Universities 

MEXT has continued to encourage elementary schools, junior high schools and high schools to continue to provide educational activities, including school events and club activities, as much as possible in consideration of the situation of infection in the region.  For universities and other institutions, they should take appropriate measures to ensure both the prevention of infection and the availability of learning opportunities through the face to face classes and online classes.  

British Council Activities

Considering the government announcement, all the universities are still postponing the onsite exchange programs and it is difficult for the students to realize their plan to study abroad. On the other hand, we have been receiving some request from Japanese Universities. We will conduct inhouse StudyUK webinar and attend one webinar for Niigata Prefectural Government later this month. 

 

Malaysia  

Updated 11 January 2022

Malaysia’s successful vaccination drives have resulted in 97.8% of the adult population being fully vaccinated and more than 87.9% of adolescents between 12 to 17 years old are vaccinated. Malaysia has reduced the interval period for booster vaccinations as one of the measures to check spread of new cases and new variants. 

Most public places are open to the fully vaccinated, though tight measures and SOPs are in place including wearing of masks, checking of temperature and checking of vaccination certificates at entry points.  

Source:

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/01/11/covid-19-watch-978-per-cent-of-malaysias-adult-population-fully-vaccinated 

Education

The Ministry of Education announced that institutions with a 90% vaccination rate will resume physical classes on a face-to-face basis while certain categories will continue to attend classes on a rotation basis. Secondary school students in Form 4, 5, 6 and pre-university cohorts will be back to on campus to attend physical classes without attendance on a rotation basis - if the vaccination rate has reached 90%. This is applicable to international examination students as well. For institutions where the vaccination rate is below 90% the third term of the academic year 2021/2022 physical classes will continue on a rotation basis.  Students for Form 1, 2 and 3 will continue attendance on a rotation basis; and students with special needs and Integrated Special Education Programme will continue face to face classes without rotation.   

Source:

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/12/31/full-physical-classes-for-secondary-schools-with-90-vaccination-rate 

International students enrolled at Malaysian institutions from most countries are now able to return to Malaysia provided that they meet the rules and protocols regarding testing and quarantine. Requirements include taking RT-PCR Covid-19 tests three days prior to travel, PCR tests on arrival, on day 10 and possibly day 18; quarantine for 14 days or periods stipulated by the Ministry of Health among other rules. 

Sources:

https://monitor.icef.com/2021/12/international-students-permitted-to-return-to-malaysia-if-they-adhere-to-strict-rules/ 

https://educationmalaysia.gov.my/news_update/reminder-regarding-the-requirement-for-new-and-existing-international-students-to-enter-malaysia/ 

Travel

Malaysia had placed a ban on international arrivals from eight African countries due to the high number of Omicron cases in the countries, however, this ban has now been lifted. The Ministry of Health announced a list of 18 high risk countries that include Australia, India, Saudi Arabia, the UK and USA. Travellers from these countries require a PCR test two days prior to travel, a test on arrival and will also be issued a digital tracker during the quarantine period. 

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/omicron-covid-19-malaysia-lifts-africa-travel-ban-vaccine-booster-jab-interval-2404311 

Malaysia and Singapore launched the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) at end of November; however, it was temporarily suspended between 23 December to 20 January over concerns regarding the Omicron variant. Malaysia has announced that the decision to end the suspension will be reviewed two days prior to 20 January before restrictions on VTL are eased again to facilitate smooth travel between Malaysia and Singapore.  

Source:

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/decision-to-lift-singapore-malaysia-vtl-suspension-to-be-made-2-days-before-jan-20 

 

Singapore 

Updated 10 January 2022

Singapore has implemented several updates to the management protocols for Covid-19, as the country continues to transition towards an endemic situation. However, as omicron cases continue to increase, tightened restrictions remain in place for dining out and group sizes. Current protocols include differentiated safe management measures for vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals.  

Source: https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19-phase-advisory 

Vaccinations  

The National vaccination programme is progressing well, with 87% of the population fully vaccinated. Regular testing is also being implemented in schools and workplaces, and Antigen Rapid test (ART) kits are being distributed to all households, workplaces and primary schools. Vaccination-differentiated measures have been implemented. Sinovac has been added to the National vaccination programme.  

Source: https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/vaccination

Vaccinations (Pfizer) have also been rolled out to primary school children from 5-11 years of age. 

Source: https://www.gov.sg/article/updates-to-singapores-vaccination-programme 

Booster shots are being administered to those aged 18 years and above. From 14 Feb 2022, individuals will be considered as fully vaccinated for 270 days after completion of their primary vaccination series. This is to encourage people to take their booster doses as soon as they are eligible to do so (i.e. within five months of completion of their primary vaccinations).  

Source: https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/vaccination/faqs---booster-doses 

Travel advisory   

Border controls now include differentiated measures for travellers from countries/regions that have controlled the pandemic well and have also vaccinated large parts of their population. These are premised on a traveller’s 14-day travel history prior to their entry into Singapore. Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) have been established with 11 countries, including the UK. 

Source: https://www.gov.sg/article/adjusting-border-measures-and-extending-vaccinated-travel-lanes 

However, with the numbers of omicron cases increasing globally, new ticket sales on VTL flights have been suspended from 22 Dec 2021 onwards. 

Source: https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/vtl/requirements-and-process 

On-arrival PCR test for travellers entering Singapore on non-VTL flights have been suspended with effect from 7 Jan 2022. Instead, these travellers will have to undergo a PCR test at the end of their 7-day or 10-day quarantine (SHN) period.  

Source: https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/files/MOH_Updates%20on%20Border%20Measures_31%20Dec%202021.pdf 

Travel for studies

For international students, Student Pass Holder Lane (STPL) regulations apply. These health control requirements (including pre-departure tests, quarantine measures upon arrival in Singapore, further testing in-country, and contact tracing measures) would also be stated as conditions of entry approval where relevant.  

Source: https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/stpl/overview 

For students, the governmental advisory continues to allow travel for studies for students pursuing academic studies or professional qualifications overseas, for courses or examinations which require physical presence in the foreign educational institution. Students enrolled in local educational institutions may travel overseas to complete a compulsory course component or examination that cannot be completed locally. Students below the age of 18 may be accompanied by an adult. Mature students may travel overseas with their dependents who will be residing with them for the duration of their studies.   

The autonomous universities have announced the resumption of their overseas (outbound) student programmes for fully vaccinated students, to Sweden, China, Australia and the UK. These had been suspended by the Ministry of Education since March 2020. Student exchange programmes are slated to begin from January 2022 onwards.  

Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/overseas-student-programmes-by-spore-universities-to-resume-as-early 

The Ministry of Health in Singapore provides a regularly updated status report on the daily Covid-19 situation at  https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19    

 

Myanmar

Updated on 11 January

Covid 19 Updates 

The current Covid-19 situation in Myanmar is less severe than it has been in recent months. Whilst there have been a total of 19,282 Covid-19 deaths in Myanmar since March 2020, 124 new cases were identified out of 10,311 tests on 8 January 2022, representing a positivity rate of  of just 1.2%. COVID-19 vaccines are being administered nationwide for the prevention and control of the disease. Only three townships in the country, Hakha in Chin State, Natogyi and Thazi in Mandalay Region, are left officially under “Stay at home” orders.  

Situation in Myanmar 

The situation in Myanmar has been closely monitored since February 2021. Security incidents remain frequent with security measures and Covid-19 restrictions being strictly maintained. The Curfew of 22:00-04:00 is still in effect in some regions, including Yangon. 

Travel  

• Entry to Myanmar for all visitors has been suspended until 31 January 2022. Visas are temporarily suspended with very few exceptions. Travel Advice can also be found on the FCDO travel advice pages.   

• The VFS Visa application centre in Yangon resumed their services on 27 Sept 2021 and Myanmar came off the ‘red list’ for travellers returning to the UK on 4 Oct 2021. UKVI can now process visit visa applications, which had been on hold due to red list restrictions.  

• Only Relief flights and Special flights into and out of the country are available. Direct flights are still limited. Flight bookings and trip preparations should be considered carefully and in consultation with travel agencies as well as close monitoring of travel restrictions and entry requirements for the destination. https://www.myanmaronlinevisa.com/entry-restrictions/  

Schools, universities and public events   

• Schools reopened in November 2021 and school-based exams are conducted in January 2022.  

• Higher Education Institutions have started to re-open on 6 January 2022. Plans are in place for administering vaccines for registered students in states and regions. 

• In addition, plans are in place for administering vaccines for registered students over the age of 12 in states and regions.  

• People are advised to stay at home as much as possible. Facemasks are mandatory in public places.   

• Large public events are still limited due to Covid-19 restrictions 

British Council’s activities  

Staff at the British Council are still working from home with a possibility of working in the office for agreed and approved purposes and in line with agreed processes. Staff who plan to visit the office regularly are required to take a Lateral Flow tests once a week for Covid 19 control and monitoring.   

Staff based in Myanmar have been asked to complete special training on how to remain safe in conflict situations; they have been advised to avoid crowds and not to travel around their cities unnecessarily.    

IELTS, Young Learners exams and Pearson Edexcel have just resumed ensuring Covid-19 precautions and security requirements of current situation in Myanmar are adhered to. English classes of our Teaching Centre for young learners and adults are being delivered online.   

For more information, please visit: https://www.britishcouncil.org.mm/ 

 

South Korea 

Updated on 12 January 2022

The government has reimposed toughened antivirus restrictions since mid-December after daily infections soared to nearly 8,000 under the eased "living with COVID-19" scheme. 

The current antivirus curbs, set to be in effect until 16 January, include a four-person cap on private gatherings across the nation and a 9 pm business hour curfew on cafes and restaurants. 

As the daily caseload has dropped in recent weeks, the government is reviewing whether to relax social distancing rules again from next week to help ease the burden on citizens and small businesses. 
 
Schools in the capital area resumed remote learning since mid-December 2021 as part of a government campaign aimed at stemming the fast spread of the coronavirus. Under the latest rules, schools in the capital area and overly crowded schools in other parts of the country rolled back fully in-person classes and reintroduced a mix of in-person and virtual classes. Middle and high schools would be able to run at two-thirds capacity, while third- to sixth-grade elementary school classes would be able to run at 75 percent capacity.  Only first- and second-grade elementary school classes continue to be held fully in-person.

Sources:  

KCDC (Korean government’s official website for Covid-19) 

KBR (http://www.koreabiomed.com) 

http://www.koreaherald.com/

 

Taiwan

Updated 5 January 2022

• Taiwan’s cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus, the total number of confirmed cases at 17,155, and 850 deaths since the pandemic began at the end of December 2019, according to the Central Epidemic Command Centre (CECC) (source). 

• To keep social distancing of 1.5M and to wear the masks when entering to restaurant and public transportations are requested by the CDC. For information on the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Taiwan, please visit the Taiwan Centres for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov.tw/En  

Most public large events like exhibition or show are opened but various events and activities are requested to wearing the masks, and still maintain registering name and ID numbers, temperature measures and alcohol spraying when entering the venue. 

Schools and Universities

• Schools and Universities are open and courses are running normally.  

• Taiwan first-dose vaccination rate hits 78.56% and 68.61% completed 2 vaccinations: CECC 

Travel Restrictions in summary

• All foreign nationals except for those who hold Alien Resident Certificates (ARCs), documents proving they are in Taiwan for diplomatic or official purposes or to fulfil business contracts, or special entry permits are prohibited from entering Taiwan. 

• For the latest updates on Taiwan’s entry requirements, please monitor the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control website and the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bureau of Consular Affairs website. 

Sources: 

https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En 

https://www.roc-taiwan.org/uk/index.html 

https://english.moe.gov.tw/lp-117-1.html 

British Council Activities              

British Council staff return to the office to work now, all classes at the Teaching Centre are now running the online course, IELTS exams continue running followed by the country’s regulations. 

  

Thailand 

Updated 10 January 2022

• The Covid-19 alert in Thailand has entered level 4. People are asked to refrain from eating & drinking in restaurants, refrain from entering risky places, avoid meeting people outside of their home, avoid groups, refrain from taking public transport, refrain from going abroad, and quarantine on entry to Thailand. 

• New Test&Go applications continue to be suspended. Travellers with the Test&Go QR code can still enter Thailand. The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) will inform if there’re any updates, including any cut-off dates to enter. 

• Other travellers can enter Thailand under Alternative Quarantine (AQ) or Sandbox programmes only. For AQ, those who are fully vaccinated and not fully vaccinated need to spend 7 and 10 nights at AQ hotels, respectively. Fully vaccinated travellers who will arrive in Thailand under the Sandbox Programme must stay in the sandbox area for at least 7 nights. More information: https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/publicservice/requirements-for-foreigners-travelling-to-thailand-during-covid-19-tra?page=5d6636cd15e39c3bd00072dd&menu=5f4b6eb3f6ae4b236972c562  

• The VFS Visa Application Centres in Bangkok and Chiang Mai are open, with physical distancing measures in place. More information: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/tha/en/gbr  

Schools, universities and public events

• From 3 January 2022, schools may change their teaching methods to on-air, online, on hand or on-demand, as appropriate, and follow Covid measures strictly. 

• In Bangkok, 109 secondary schools under OBEC teach online until 16 January. In Chiang Mai, schools suspend all on-site classes until 16 January.  

• The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation announced on 1 September that universities may adopt onsite teaching and activities with Covid-19 control measures as necessary and appropriate.   

• People are asked to work from home until 31 January (doesn’t affect public services and the operation of the company). 

• Wearing a mask when leaving home is compulsory.   

British Council’s operation

As of 10 January 2022, our teaching centres in Bangkok offer face-to-face English courses for adults and young learners. The examination schedule is business as usual, with necessary measures in place. 

For more information please visit https://www.britishcouncil.or.th/en/about/notice      

The International Education Services Team is still in operation and will be able to help give advice and respond to queries from UK institutions, agents, and stakeholders.    

 

 Vietnam  

Updated: 6 January 2022

In the fourth wave which hit Vietnam last April, more than 1.79 million people have been infected. Of them, over 1.41 million have recovered. 

So far, 69.8 million people, or over 72 percent of the population in Vietnam, have been fully vaccinated. 

As Vietnam has switched from the zero-Covid strategy to living with it, the country has issued a set criteria to define localities' risk level, including infection tally and vaccination rate, based on which travel and economic activities, among others, can be resumed. 

Vietnam currently accepts Covid-19 vaccine passports from 72 countries and territories, and is discussing the issue with 80 others. 

Travel restrictions:  

• Vietnam has agreed to resume international flights for nine destinations that have managed high vaccination rates and good pandemic control on January 1. 

• Fully vaccinated people and those who have recovered from Covid-19 will only need to self-isolate for three days instead of enter centralized quarantine for seven days. 

• Under guidelines that the ministry has issued regarding Covid-19 prevention rules starting January 1, 2022, all arrivals must have tested negative for the novel coronavirus within the previous 72 hours and installed the PC-Covid app for health monitoring. 

Schools, universities and public events 

Students in Hanoi are still learning online. 

HCMC schools will resume in-person classes after New Year holiday. 

On December 17, the Ministry of Health requested the government to consider suspending non-essential activities with large gatherings, as well as entertainment, festive and religious activities in regions with outbreak risks during the Tet holiday. 

British Council’s operation:

Our English classes in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city are being delivered online.  

Exams services in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city are resumed and required to operate at 50 percent capacity at each test venue.  

Sources:

Vietnam accepts vaccine passports from 72 countries, territories, 21 Oct 

Vietnam allows 3-day home quarantine for vaccinated, recovered arrivals, 16 Dec 

No gathering of crowds during New Year, Tet: PM, 22 Dec 

HCMC schools prepare to welcome back over 600,000 students, 3 Jan 

 

Contact: BCEducationServices@britishcouncil.org