2026 Update

Vietnam Health Declaration 2026: Not Required by Default

Correction (October 2026): An earlier version of this page stated that the health declaration was mandatory for every traveler from July 1, 2026. That is not correct. Vietnam's Ministry of Health has clarified that it is not required by default.

What this means for you: Right now you do not need to submit a health declaration to enter, leave or transit Vietnam. Airports run routine thermal screening. The form becomes required only if the Ministry of Health announces measures for a specific disease outbreak.

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Vietnam Health Declaration 2026: Not Required by Default

Under Decree No. 165/2026/ND-CP, effective July 1, 2026, Vietnam has a standby health declaration framework for travelers crossing Vietnamese borders. It is not mandatory by default — it only applies if the Ministry of Health activates it during a declared disease outbreak. It is separate from the Pre-Arrival Form.

What Is the Vietnam Health Declaration?

Decree 165/2026/ND-CP took effect on July 1, 2026. It gives the Ministry of Health a legal basis to require health declarations from people entering, leaving or transiting Vietnam. It does not switch the requirement on permanently. The Ministry activates it only in response to an infectious disease outbreak or another public health emergency.

Who Needs to Complete It Right Now?

At the moment, no one needs to complete it as a routine step. If the Ministry of Health activates the requirement, it can apply to travelers crossing Vietnamese border gates by air, land or sea. The scope and any exemptions will be set in that announcement.

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How Will You Know If It Becomes Required?

Before travel, check announcements from Vietnam's Ministry of Health and your airline. If the requirement is activated, the announcement will state the deadline, the submission channel and who must comply. We will update this page as soon as that happens.

What Happens at the Airport Now

Airports carry out routine health screening with thermal scanners. Travelers who show signs of illness may be referred to the airport's medical unit for further assessment. No form is collected.

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Is This the Same as the Pre-Arrival Form?

No. These are two separate requirements managed by different government ministries.

AspectHealth DeclarationPre-Arrival Form (PAI)
AuthorityMinistry of HealthImmigration Department
Required now?No, only if activated during an outbreakYes, at covered airports
WhereAny border gate, if activatedSGN, PQC, HAN, DAD, CXR
TimingSet in the activation noticeWithin 3 days (72 hours) before arrival
CostFreeFree

The Pre-Arrival Form remains mandatory at SGN, PQC, HAN, DAD and CXR. The Health Declaration is not currently required unless activated by the Ministry of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not at the moment. If the Ministry of Health activates the requirement, the announcement will specify whether transit passengers are included.
No. It is not required by default. It applies only if the Ministry of Health introduces measures for an outbreak.
Visa status does not matter here. The health declaration is a public health measure. Right now it is not required for anyone.
Vaccination requirements depend on active Ministry of Health directives at the time of your travel. Carry standard, up-to-date international vaccination records. The yellow WHO vaccination card is a widely accepted format.
No. They are separate. The Pre-Arrival Form is required at SGN, PQC, HAN, DAD and CXR. The health declaration is not currently required.
Quỳnh Đỗ
Vietnam Immigration Documentation Specialist · LL.B. HCMC University of Law · 1,500+ travelers assisted
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