Vietnam is set to introduce a significant change to its entry and exit procedures, requiring all individuals traveling through the country to submit a health declaration. Effective July 1, 2026, this new regulation will apply to everyone entering, departing, or even transiting through Vietnamese territory, including tourists, business travelers, students, and expatriates.
What the New Health Declaration Rule Entails
Under the updated framework, travelers will be mandated to complete a health declaration form within seven days prior to their arrival, departure, or transit in Vietnam. The specific infectious diseases that will trigger this requirement will be determined by the Ministry of Health, based on ongoing global health assessments and the risk of disease importation.
Submission Process and Disease Scope
While the requirement for a health declaration has been confirmed, the exact submission process has not yet been finalized. Authorities are expected to release details regarding the designated digital platform or form in the coming weeks. This digital-first approach aims to streamline clearance, but it also signifies an increased focus on large-scale personal data collection for security monitoring.
Anticipating Initial Delays
Immigration firm Fragomen has advised that travelers and employers should prepare for potential disruptions during the initial implementation phase of the new health declaration system. Delays in immigration processing are anticipated as both authorities and travelers adjust to the revised procedures.
Lessons from the Ho Chi Minh City Pilot
This nationwide expansion follows a pilot program initiated in April 2026 at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. During this pilot, foreign nationals were required to complete an online declaration form within three days of arrival. The experience from this pilot suggests that travelers should factor in additional time for immigration checks, especially immediately after the new rules come into full effect.
Advice for Travelers
For anyone planning travel to Vietnam from July 2026 onwards, it is crucial to stay informed. Travelers should regularly check official Vietnamese travel guidance and communications from their airlines for updates on the submission platform and specific requirements. It is also advisable to build in extra time for immigration processing and to keep digital copies of any submitted health declarations and supporting documents. Importantly, the new rules extend to transit passengers, meaning even those briefly passing through a Vietnamese airport will need to comply.