Vietnam makes health declaration mandatory for all travelers from July 1, 2026

The decree, effective July 1, 2026, also tightens declaration requirements for cash, gold and other high-value items at the border, with stricter penalties for non-declaration. Combined with the digital immigration system upgrades rolling out this year, travelers should complete all pre-arrival paperwork (health declaration plus, where applicable, e-visa or the Ho Chi Minh City pre-arrival declaration launched in April 2026) before departure rather than at the airport, to avoid delays. The rules apply to all nationalities and all entry modes — air, land and sea.