Vietnam to Require Mandatory Health Declarations for All Travelers Starting July 1, 2026

Travelers planning a trip to Vietnam this summer will need to factor an extra layer of paperwork into their itinerary. The Vietnamese government has officially announced a new, wide-reaching health declaration policy that will apply to nearly everyone crossing its borders.

According to the newly issued Government Decree No. 165/2026/ND-CP, the mandate takes effect on July 1, 2026, coinciding with the implementation of the country's updated Law on Disease Prevention.

The regulation is designed to strengthen border medical safety, giving health authorities a more robust mechanism for early detection and containment of infectious diseases. However, for everyday vacationers, business travelers, and expats, it introduces a necessary pre-flight step to avoid bottlenecks at airport customs.

Who is Impacted by the New Rules?

Unlike previous localized or targeted travel restrictions, this policy leaves very little room for exceptions. The mandate is uniform and applies regardless of an individual's nationality, visa status, or purpose of travel.

The declaration is legally required for:

• Inbound Travelers: International tourists, expats, and returning citizens arriving by air, land, or sea.
• Outbound Travelers: Anyone departing Vietnam through any official border checkpoint.
• Transit Passengers: Travelers merely passing through a Vietnamese airport on their way to a third country.

Strict 7-Day Window for Submission

The core logistical rule of the new system is the timing. Travelers must complete and submit their health declaration within seven days prior to entering, exiting, or transiting through Vietnam.

The Ministry of Health confirmed that the official template will be entirely bilingual, offered in both Vietnamese and English. While authorities have noted that other languages may be added in the event of active global outbreaks, English will remain the standard choice for international visitors.

Electronic vs. Paper Forms

To accommodate different entry points—including busy hubs like Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport and Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport, alongside remote land borders—Vietnam will allow two methods of submission:

1. Electronic Submission: An online portal or dedicated app will allow travelers to fill out the information digitally before departure. Once submitted, a confirmation or QR code can be saved to a smartphone.
2. Paper Forms: For those unable to access the digital system, standard printed templates based on the decree's specifications will be made available directly at border gates.

Note: While the Ministry of Health is expected to finalize and publicize the official digital links as the July 1 launch date approaches, travel industry experts strongly recommend using the electronic method to ensure faster processing at immigration lanes.

What to Expect at Border Checkpoints

Once the law is active, health quarantine officers will be stationed at border gates to actively monitor incoming traffic. Beyond checking the digital or physical health declaration forms, officers will utilize thermal imaging and medical surveillance gear to flag passengers running high temperatures.

If a traveler exhibits symptoms or has a travel history that suggests a risk of communicable disease, they may be pulled aside for an on-site medical inspection. Under Decree 165, these detailed screenings—which include travel history interviews and symptom checks—are capped at a maximum duration of two hours per person.

Furthermore, depending on global health trends, travelers coming from specific regions may occasionally be asked to provide proof of relevant vaccinations.

Preparing for Your Trip: A Quick Guide

With airport immigration queues in major Vietnamese cities already prone to peak-hour congestion, adding a mandatory screening layer means travelers should prepare for slightly longer wait times at arrival gates.

To make your entry into Vietnam as smooth as possible come July, keep this checklist in mind:

• Watch the Calendar: Set a reminder to fill out the form no earlier than 7 days before your departure.
• Go Digital: Complete the form online if possible and take a screenshot of the confirmation QR code on your phone so it's accessible without Wi-Fi.
• Pack Documentation: If you carry physical vaccination records or recent medical certificates, keep them in your carry-on luggage just in case.
• Build in a Buffer: If you have tight connecting domestic flights within Vietnam, allow extra time to clear international customs and health screenings.