Vietnam is strengthening its border health security while maintaining its reputation as one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing travel destinations. From 1 July 2026, all international travellers entering, leaving or transiting through Vietnam are required to complete a health declaration before travelling, as part of the country's latest disease prevention measures.
Hoi An ancient town
Despite the additional travel requirement, Vietnam continues to welcome growing numbers of international visitors thanks to its liberal visa policies, expanding airline network and world-class attractions. For leisure travellers, business visitors and the global travel industry, the new regulations demonstrate Vietnam's commitment to balancing public health with sustainable tourism growth.
New Health Declaration Required from 1 July 2026
Under Vietnam's Decree No. 165/2026/ND-CP and the country's new Law on Disease Prevention, all international travellers must submit a health declaration within seven days before arriving at, departing from or transiting through a Vietnamese border checkpoint.
The declaration can be completed electronically or in paper form and is initially available in both Vietnamese and English.
The new system applies to every international traveller, regardless of whether they are entering Vietnam for tourism, business, family visits or simply passing through the country on a connecting flight.
The measure forms part of Vietnam's long-term strategy to strengthen border health security while continuing to encourage international tourism and investment.
Additional Health Screening Measures
Alongside the health declaration, Vietnamese health authorities may request additional documentation or conduct health assessments when necessary.
Depending on public health circumstances, travellers may be asked to provide evidence of vaccinations or comply with other disease prevention measures.
Health quarantine officers stationed at border checkpoints are authorised to monitor arriving passengers, conduct epidemiological interviews and review travel documents if signs of infectious disease are detected.
Additional screening procedures may also be introduced during periods of heightened global health risk.
The latest initiative follows Vietnam's continued digital transformation of border procedures, including the introduction of online pre-arrival health declarations at Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport earlier in 2026.
Vietnam Continues to Offer Traveller-Friendly Visa Policies
![]() |
| Trang An Grottoes in Ninh Binh, Vietnam |
Its highly successful electronic visa programme allows eligible travellers to apply online for visas valid for up to 90 days with either single or multiple entries.
In addition, Vietnam has significantly expanded its visa exemption programme.
Citizens from numerous countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Belarus, can enjoy visa-free entry for stays of up to 45 days.
Additional visa-waiver arrangements introduced since 2025 now benefit several other European countries, further strengthening Vietnam's appeal to long-haul visitors.
Travellers from ASEAN member nations also continue to enjoy generous visa-free access, helping maintain strong regional tourism growth.
International Visitor Numbers Continue to Rise
Vietnam's tourism recovery continues to gain momentum, with Northeast Asia remaining the country's largest source of international visitors.
South Korea continues to rank as Vietnam's leading inbound tourism market, supported by extensive airline connections, leisure travel and business links. China has also experienced a strong recovery and once again ranks among Vietnam's largest visitor markets.
Other major international source markets include Taiwan, Japan and the United States, while neighbouring Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Cambodia continue to contribute significant visitor numbers through regional travel.
Europe has emerged as one of Vietnam's strongest growth regions following the expansion of visa-free travel. Countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the Nordic nations continue to record increasing visitor numbers as improved accessibility combines with Vietnam's outstanding value for money.
India has also become one of Vietnam's fastest-growing tourism markets, driven by expanded direct air services and growing demand for leisure holidays and business travel.
Tourism Remains Resilient Despite Global Challenges
![]() |
| rice terraces of Sa Pa in northern Vietnam |
Because Vietnam receives relatively few visitors directly from the Middle East compared with some neighbouring destinations, the immediate impact on visitor demand is expected to be limited.
However, travellers from Europe may experience slightly higher airfares as airlines continue adjusting flight paths around affected regions.
Even with these challenges, Vietnam remains an attractive destination thanks to its affordable accommodation, excellent cuisine, modern tourism infrastructure and favourable visa policies.
The country continues to attract both leisure travellers and the growing meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) market from across Asia and beyond.
A Bright Future for Vietnam Tourism
Vietnam's introduction of mandatory health declarations reflects a modern approach to tourism management—one that protects public health while maintaining an open and welcoming destination for international visitors.
Combined with flexible visa arrangements, improved digital services and expanding international air connectivity, the new regulations are expected to have minimal impact on the country's impressive tourism growth.
From the spectacular limestone islands of Ha Long Bay and the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An to the vibrant cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam continues to offer unforgettable experiences for travellers from around the world.
With visitor numbers expected to remain strong throughout 2026, Vietnam is well positioned to continue its rise as one of Asia's leading tourism destinations.
Vietnam National Authority of Tourism
Website: https://vietnam.travelVietnam Immigration Department Website: https://evisa.gov.vn
Ministry of Health of Vietnam Website: https://moh.gov.vn
For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/


.png)



.webp)




.jpg)








.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)





.jpg)