If you are currently planning a trip to Vietnam, you might have come across recent news regarding a new regulation—Decree 165/2026/ND-CP—which went into effect on July 1, 2026.
Understandably, this has raised questions among international travelers wondering whether they need to fill out a health declaration form before boarding their flight.
To clear up any confusion, Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has officially clarified the rules. Here is exactly what you need to know before you pack your bags.
The Core Update: No Regular Mandatory Requirements
The most important takeaway for your travel planning is this: As of July 1, 2026, health declarations for individuals entering, leaving, or transiting through Vietnam are NOT routinely or permanently mandatory. This applies universally to all passengers of any nationality, including returning Vietnamese citizens. You do not need to worry about routinely filling out health paperwork just to pass through immigration.
Võ Hải Sơn, deputy director of the ministry’s Department of Disease Prevention, said Article 22 of Government Decree 165/2026/NĐ-CP stipulates that the Minister of Health will determine which groups of travellers are required to submit health declarations and when such measures should be applied, depending on the global infectious disease situation and the risk of diseases entering Việt Nam.
“The regulation should not be understood as a mandatory and permanent requirement for all people entering, exiting or transiting through Việt Nam from July 1,” Sơn said.
According to the ministry, health declarations at border gates will only be implemented when deemed necessary for specific infectious diseases and in line with prevailing epidemiological conditions.
How the Regulation Actually Works
Instead of a blanket rule for everyone, the implementation of health declarations is conditional, temporary, and flexible. It serves as a preventative tool rather than a daily requirement.
- Specific Activation Only: A health declaration will only be required when there is a specific, official directive issued directly by the Minister of Health for a particular infectious disease.
- Based on Real-Time Risk: This directive will only be triggered based on actual global epidemic developments and the specific risk of that disease entering Vietnam at any given time.
- No Premature Action Needed: Travelers and travel agencies should not proactively look for or fill out health declarations unless an official activation notice has been broadcasted by Vietnamese authorities.
Vital Travel Tip: Avoid Outdated Websites
When searching for travel requirements online, it is easy to run into outdated information. The Ministry of Health has issued a specific warning for travelers regarding old portals:
Important Notice: Do NOT use or attempt to fill out forms on the website
https://tokhaiyte.vn/. The Ministry of Health does not use this website for managing health declarations for incoming, outgoing, or transiting passengers.
If a health declaration is ever officially mandated in the future due to a health emergency, authorities will announce a valid, updated portal or provide paper forms. For now, ignore any third-party guides pointing you to the old URL.
What Do You Need to Do Right Now?
For the vast majority of tourists arriving in Vietnam right now, no action is required. You can safely proceed with your standard visa and entry preparations without worrying about health forms.
If a specific health declaration is ever triggered for your route in the future, the system is designed to be highly convenient:
- If required, you will be able to complete the declaration within 7 days prior to your entry into Vietnam.
- It will be accessible online through officially designated platforms or via traditional paper forms at the border gates.
Smooth Travels Ahead
Vietnam remains fully open and enthusiastic about welcoming international visitors. This new framework is simply a backend protocol allowing health authorities to react swiftly if a global health issue arises, ensuring both locals and visitors stay safe.
For now, you can focus entirely on the exciting parts of your itinerary—from the bustling streets of Hanoi and the breathtaking views of Ha Long Bay to the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City.
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Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you to Vietnam!
