I just moved to Vietnam, and it is not a surprise that they have completely smashed COVID (just 1.300 cases). Entering the country has been a completely different experience.

First: the country is closed (even for citizens and folks with Work Permit). To access it you need:

- People's Committee Approval (arguing that you are an expert required for the country economy)
- Visa confirmation
- Negative RT-PCR issued at least 5 days before the flight.

Finding a flight was hard. I flew from Munich to Doha, and then Doha to Saigon. No more than 8 people per flight, including crew. Plastic face shields and masks required during all the flight.

When you land, the process is efficient but meticulous. Everybody at the airport has full body protection. They check all your documents, and you slowly start going through immigration. There were never more than 20 people at an otherwise bustling airport.

You have to previously have paid for a hotel for quarantine and transportation. You are individually collected at the airport, and taken to the quarantine place with full-body protection, and alone in a bus.

When you arrive at the hotel, everybody wears also full-body protection. They always keep a couple of meters of distance. Your keys are already left on a table. You are guided through the hall to the elevator, always alone with a few folks telling you where to go.

The day you arrive, they take your temperature twice a day, and you get a PCR test. You are not allowed to leave the room. People come with full-body protection to check you out. After that, there is a PCR and a temperature check every 5 days.

Outside your door, you have a small table where the stuff needs everything you need. They allow external delivery (SIM card, fruits, tea...)

The reception is always available, but everything is strict. You need to communicate every day how you feel, besides the temperature check and the tests. You are not allowed to leave the room under any circumstances (I have fortunately a balcony that let me get a breeze of air)

When I went to Spain this summer, I had to fill a questionnaire explaining if I had any symptoms or I was positive, and committing to self-quarantine. It felt more like:

- Do you have Corona, or any Corona symptoms?
- I don't
- Come bro, give me a hug and come in.

After 14 days you are free to go, if you have tested negative through the 3 compulsory PCRs. Vietnam is living a fully normality, and it is in fact expected to grow its GDP by 1.5% this year. Bars and restaurants are open, people move freely in the street.