Update, January 2022: After some confusion during the past few months with various Vietnamese portals and apps, we have produced an updated instructional guide for the current method of registering your overseas vaccination certificates. Please click HERE for a step-by-step guide on how to download and register in the approved mobile phone app. The below has been updated from the original post dated October 12, 2021.
The following post is primarily focused on newly arrived expats who have been vaccinated overseas and need to obtain their green pass in Ho Chi Minh City.
What is a “Green Pass”?
As the COVID-19 crisis in Vietnam has progressed, there have been several programs and apps developed that attempt to manage residents’ movement and vaccination status. Due to the severe outbreaks in 2021 in Vietnam, these apps have become necessary for residents to enter supermarkets, shopping centers, office buildings, etc. Although these systems are far from “user friendly,” and their implementation is inconsistent, it’s important for all residents (especially those in Ho Chi Minh City) to install the appropriate app on their mobile phone and enter the required information.
The key verification required currently is the so-called “Green Pass” which shows proof of an individual’s full vaccination status. This green pass is obtained by installing the correct government-approved app on your phone (we recommend the “PC Covid Vietnam” app available on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store). Once successfully installed and your vaccination information has been entered, the app will process the information and then (once updated by the authorities), you can simply open the app on your phone and show your green pass whenever requested. The mobile app also has a built-in QR code scanner that may be requested before entry into various areas to register your movements.
It should be noted that this is not a perfect system and is still a work in progress. Even for Vietnamese (or those foreigners who got their vaccines in Vietnam), it can be frustrating to understand how to register, which app to use (there are several), and how to ensure that one’s full vaccination status actually shows up on the app.
It’s important to note that we expect the various systems and requirements to change. At this time, however, the green pass is most commonly requested in Ho Chi Minh City. In other cities, such as Hanoi, the green pass system seems not to have been fully implemented and is not commonly requested for entry.
Notes on Obtaining Your “Green Pass” (for those vaccinated overseas)
• You must have a Vietnam mobile number to register and use the green pass mobile app. Overseas numbers are not recommended.
• Whenever setting up the green pass app, your local VN phone number, name, passport number, and birthdate must match exactly and be consistent throughout.
• Each adult member of the family should have registered separately under their own Vietnam phone number and have their own phone to store the app. If children have their own phone and have been vaccinated, the app should be set for them as well.
• When registering on the app, you will be asked to select the type of vaccine you have received overseas from a dropdown list. At the time of this writing, this list only includes Astra Zeneca, Vero Cell, Moderna, Sputnik, Pfizer, etc. If you have received some other type of vaccination, we are unable to advise at this stage since there are no clear directions on how to register a vaccine that is not on the list.
• In case you are not able to register or obtain a green pass due to issues with the system, it is a best practice that you take photos of your overseas vaccination certificates and keep them on your phone. Showing these certificates to security guards may be enough proof in order for you to be allowed to enter a supermarket, medical center, residence, or another place of business. Finally, although we are trying to keep as up-to-date and as informed as possible about these systems, Resident Vietnam is limited with our ability to clarify due to a lack of customer support or info on the systems themselves.
• It may take some time for the system to process your vaccine certificates and actually produce the green pass in the app (color similar to the photo above). Again, this is not a clearly detailed process by the government so it is best to continue to check for successful registration. In the meantime, make sure to carry images of your overseas vaccination certificates.
Should you need further assistance, please contact your Resident Vietnam coordinator.
