Hotels required to use QR codes as part of COVID-19 measures

Hotels and guesthouses must place QR codes in their reception areas to allow tourists to check the safety level before they make use of their services.

During a virtual meeting held on May 11, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism said it will also help visitors monitor COVID-19 prevention efforts via the "Vietnam safe travel" app.

The application has been designed by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism in co-ordination with the Vietnam Directorate of Market Surveillance in order to help tourists find safe destinations.

Travelers can therefore easily check upon the safety level of each destination, whilst also checking digital maps for safety warnings, along with searching for information about services such as restaurants and hotels via the app.

Furthermore, when using the services, visitors can use the app to check whether the facility is able to fully comply with safety standards.

During the meeting, the Ministry also proposed that the administration of centrally-run cities and provinces direct lodging operators nationwide to regularly register, update, and self-assess COVID-19 safety measures on the website https://safe.tourism.com.vn.

Those establishments that temporarily shut down or halt operations are also required to register and select the “Establishment’s operation suspended” through the system.

The Ministry also recommended local authorities strictly punish establishments that fail to follow COVID-19 prevention regulations.