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Vietnam introduces a mandatory health declaration for all travelers from July 1, 2026. Here's everything you need to know — what it is, how to fill it out, and what happens at the border.
What Is Vietnam's New Health Declaration?
Starting July 1, 2026, all travelers entering, exiting, or transiting through Vietnam must complete a mandatory health declaration. This new requirement was established under Decree No. 165/2026/ND-CP, issued by the Vietnamese government as part of strengthened border health surveillance measures.
The declaration applies at all border gates — international airports, land border crossings, and seaports. It is a separate requirement from your visa and the digital arrival card.
This requirement takes effect July 1, 2026 and applies to ALL travelers regardless of nationality, visa type, or purpose of visit. Non-compliance may result in delays at immigration checkpoints.
Who Needs to Complete It?
The health declaration is mandatory for:
- All foreign nationals entering Vietnam (tourists, business travelers, students)
- Vietnamese citizens returning from abroad on a foreign passport
- Transit passengers clearing immigration
- Travelers departing Vietnam (outbound)
Exemptions: Vietnamese citizens traveling on a Vietnamese passport may have a simplified process. Transit passengers who remain airside (do not clear immigration) are generally exempt.
How to Submit the Health Declaration
You have two options:
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Electronic (recommended) | Complete online via the official portal before arrival |
| Paper form | Fill out a bilingual (Vietnamese/English) form at the border |
Electronic Submission (Recommended)
- Visit the official health declaration portal (provided by the Ministry of Health)
- Fill in your personal details, passport information, and flight/transport details
- Answer health screening questions (symptoms, recent medical history, vaccination status)
- Submit the form — you will receive a QR code
- Save the QR code (screenshot on your phone or print it)
- Present the QR code to health quarantine officers upon arrival
Submit your electronic health declaration within 7 days before your arrival in Vietnam. Submitting too early means it may expire and you'll need to redo it.
Paper Form (Backup Option)
If you cannot complete the electronic version, paper forms are available at all border checkpoints. However, this option may result in longer processing times. The form is bilingual (Vietnamese and English) and follows the standardized template from the Ministry of Health.
What Information Is Required?
The health declaration form typically asks for:
- Full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number
- Flight number or transport details
- Accommodation address in Vietnam
- Countries visited in the last 21 days
- Current health symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing, etc.)
- Vaccination history (COVID-19, yellow fever, or other relevant vaccinations)
- Contact information for emergency purposes
Have your hotel booking confirmation and flight itinerary ready before filling out the form. You'll need the exact address of your accommodation in Vietnam.
How Is This Different from Other Entry Requirements?
Vietnam now has multiple digital entry requirements. Here's how they differ:
| Requirement | What It Is | Required For | Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa | Your visa to enter Vietnam | Nationals without visa exemption | evisa.gov.vn |
| Digital Arrival Card | Pre-arrival immigration form | Arrivals at Tan Son Nhat (SGN) | prearrival.immigration.gov.vn |
| Health Declaration | Mandatory health screening form | ALL travelers from July 1, 2026 | Ministry of Health portal |
These are three separate requirements. Having an eVisa does not exempt you from the health declaration, and vice versa. Complete all applicable forms before your trip.
What Happens at the Border?
Upon arrival at any Vietnamese border gate after July 1, 2026:
- Health quarantine officers will be stationed before or alongside immigration counters
- You will be asked to present your QR code (electronic) or paper form
- Officers may conduct a brief visual screening (temperature check, symptom observation)
- If you show symptoms, you may be subject to additional screening (interview, rapid test)
- Once cleared, proceed to the normal immigration queue
Processing is generally quick if you have your QR code ready. Travelers without a completed declaration may face delays while filling out a paper form on the spot.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Complete the electronic form 1-3 days before arrival for the smoothest experience
- Save the QR code as a screenshot AND bookmark the confirmation page
- Carry vaccination records — while not always required, officers may request them
- Don't confuse portals — the health declaration, digital arrival card, and eVisa use different websites
- Allow extra time at border checkpoints during the initial rollout period (July-August 2026)
- Check for updates — requirements may evolve as the system matures
Impact on Your Travel Planning
The health declaration adds one more step to your Vietnam arrival process, but it's straightforward. For a typical tourist arriving by air, the full pre-arrival checklist as of July 2026 looks like this:
- ✅ Apply for your eVisa (if required for your nationality)
- ✅ Complete the digital arrival card (if arriving at Tan Son Nhat)
- ✅ Submit the health declaration (within 7 days of arrival)
- ✅ Print your eVisa and save all QR codes
- ✅ Carry your passport, boarding pass, and accommodation details
For the latest visa requirements specific to your nationality, check our country guides or read the complete Vietnam visa guide.