Vietnam to Require Health Declarations for Inbound, Outbound and Transit Travelers from July 1, 2026

Vietnam is set to introduce mandatory health declaration requirements for travelers entering, leaving or transiting through the country from July 1, 2026, under the newly issued Decree No. 165. This regulation forms part of Vietnam’s broader implementation of the Law on Disease Prevention and strengthens health quarantine measures at border gates.

As a visa and immigration consulting company with over 20 years of experience, Tân Văn Lang would like to update travelers, foreign visitors, businesses and agencies on this important change so that they can better prepare for their Vietnam entry, exit or transit procedures.

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What does the new regulation require?

According to Decree No. 165, travelers entering Vietnam, departing from Vietnam or transiting through Vietnamese border gates may be required to complete a health declaration in accordance with regulations ^[1].

The health declaration can be submitted either:

Electronically; or
On paper form, based on the official declaration template.

The declaration forms will be available in Vietnamese and English. Depending on the global disease situation at the time, additional languages may also be provided at border checkpoints.

A key point travelers should note is that the health declaration must be completed within seven days before entry, exit or transit through Vietnam’s border gates.

Who will be subject to health declaration requirements?

The Ministry of Health will decide who must submit health declarations and how long the requirement will apply, depending on:

The global infectious disease situation;
The risk of disease transmission into Vietnam;
The specific situation at each border gate;
And the type of infectious disease that may pose a public health risk.

This means the requirement may not always apply to all travelers at all times. However, travelers should be prepared for the possibility that health declarations may be required when entering, exiting or transiting Vietnam.

Travelers may need to provide vaccination or prevention documents

In some cases, travelers may also be requested to provide proof of vaccination or evidence of preventive measures, depending on instructions from the Ministry of Health.

From Tân Văn Lang’s practical experience in supporting foreign travelers and businesses with Vietnam visa and immigration procedures, we recommend that travelers keep relevant health documents ready, especially when traveling during periods of disease outbreaks or heightened health inspection.

These documents may include vaccination certificates, medical records or other proof of preventive measures, if applicable.

Health monitoring at border gates

Under the new regulation, quarantine officers at border gates will conduct both direct and indirect health monitoring. This may include temperature checks using medical surveillance equipment to detect suspected infectious disease cases among inbound, outbound and transit travelers.

If a suspected case is identified, quarantine officers may conduct an on-site inspection, including:

Checking relevant documents;
Interviewing the traveler about their travel history;
Asking about preventive measures already taken;
And recording any symptoms related to infectious diseases.

The decree states that on-site inspection for each individual must be completed within no more than two hours.

Health quarantine will apply to more than just travelers

The Law on Disease Prevention, also taking effect on July 1, 2026, states that health quarantine measures will be carried out at border gates.

The subjects of health quarantine include:

People entering, leaving or transiting through Vietnam;
Means of transport entering, leaving or transiting Vietnam;
Imported, exported or transiting goods;
Corpses, remains and ashes transported across Vietnam’s borders;
Biological specimens, tissues and human body parts transported across Vietnam’s borders.

This shows that Vietnam is moving toward a more comprehensive health quarantine system to manage infectious disease risks at international entry and exit points.

Tân Văn Lang’s advice for travelers

To avoid delays at immigration or border checkpoints, Tân Văn Lang advises travelers to check the latest entry, exit and health declaration requirements before their trip to Vietnam.

Travelers should pay attention to the following points:

Complete the health declaration within the required time frame if requested.
Keep a copy of your health declaration confirmation, especially if submitted electronically.
Prepare vaccination or health-related documents when traveling during periods of infectious disease concern.
Ensure your passport, visa, e-visa or temporary residence documents are valid and consistent with your travel plan.
Follow instructions from immigration officers and health quarantine officers at border gates.

For foreign citizens planning to enter Vietnam, health declaration requirements should be considered together with visa requirements, e-visa validity, permitted length of stay and the correct port of entry.

Need support with Vietnam visa and entry procedures?

With more than 20 years of experience in Vietnam visa and immigration consulting, Tân Văn Lang supports individuals, businesses and travel agencies in preparing Vietnam visa applications, e-visas, entry documents and updated immigration guidance.

As entry regulations may change depending on public health conditions, travelers should not rely only on old information or unofficial sources. Preparing documents correctly in advance can help reduce the risk of delays, additional checks or entry complications.

For assistance with Vietnam visa, e-visa or immigration procedures, travelers may contact Tân Văn Lang for professional guidance and timely support.

Contact 08.666.000.63 (WhatsApp) now!