Vietnam's entry rules in 2026 add a digital arrival card at Ho Chi Minh City airport and a possible health declaration, alongside e-visa, passport and insurance requirements.
Cover image: the arrivals hall at Tan Son Nhat airport Ho Chi Minh City where Vietnam's new digital arrival card is being trialled — photo by Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Vietnam in 2026 still runs on e-visas, but two new digital steps are being added this year. From 15 April 2026 all foreign nationals entering via Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City are encouraged to complete a digital arrival card online at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn before arrival, and from 1 July you may need a health declaration that can include vaccination proof when travelling to or transiting Vietnam. Your passport must have 6 months validity after arrival and two blank pages, and the Vietnamese authorities set and enforce the rules — the UK FCDO guidance for British citizens is based on its understanding of those rules, not a substitute for them.
If you are planning a 2026 trip, get the e-visa first, then add the digital card if you fly into SGN. This guide explains what has changed, what stays the same, and what to check before you board.
Do British travellers need a visa for Vietnam in 2026?
Vietnam sets visa rules by nationality. For British citizen passport holders travelling from the UK, the FCDO notes the authorities in Vietnam set and enforce entry rules and advises contacting the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK if you are unsure.
In practice for 2026 most UK visitors still need an e-visa applied for before travel via Vietnam's official immigration portal for stays beyond the short visa-exempt window that Vietnam periodically offers to select European nationals. Do not use unofficial visa agencies that mimic the official site and charge mark-ups. Apply directly, pay the official fee, and print the grant. Airlines at Heathrow, Manchester or other UK airports will ask to see it alongside your passport.
For a parallel example of tightening entry, see our coverage of Thailand tightening visa-free stays back to 30 days, and our broader explainer do you need a visa for Vietnam which remains relevant for passport-type differences.
What is Vietnam's new digital arrival card at Tan Son Nhat?
From 15 April 2026, the Vietnamese Government encourages all foreign nationals entering via Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) — the country's busiest gateway for Ho Chi Minh City — to complete a digital arrival card online at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn before arrival.
- Is it mandatory? Not currently for SGN, the FCDO says, but this may change or be rolled out to other airports with limited notice.
- Who should complete it? All foreign nationals on international arrivals at SGN. Even if not yet compulsory, completing it speeds immigration and reduces queries at the desk.
- What do you need? Passport details, flight number, arrival date and address in Vietnam. Submit before departure and keep the confirmation on your phone and in print.
The card is separate from the e-visa — you need the e-visa first, then the arrival card. Other airports — Noi Bai (Hanoi HAN), Da Nang (DAD) and Phu Quoc (PQC) — are not yet in the system but could be added quickly, so check the pre-arrival site and your airline's check-in messages within 72 hours of travel.
Will Vietnam require a health declaration from 1 July?
From 1 July, if you travel to or transit through Vietnam you may be required to complete a health declaration, which may include providing proof of vaccinations. The FCDO advises checking official guidance from your nearest Vietnamese Embassy for instructions.
That means the requirement is possible, not guaranteed, and may vary by border point and nationality. Practical tips:
- Carry your routine vaccination record and any COVID or other certificates you hold, even if not asked.
- Read our do I need vaccinations for Thailand guide for the type of vaccines often checked in Southeast Asia, and keep the same file for Vietnam.
- Allow extra time at check-in — health declarations, if required, are often checked by airlines before boarding, not just on arrival.
What passport validity does Vietnam require in 2026?
To enter Vietnam, your passport must have:
- an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive
- at least two blank pages
- no damage — the FCDO warns British nationals have been denied entry and exit due to passport damage, including small tears, water damage or laminate lifting
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport reported lost or stolen. Check with your travel provider that documents meet requirements and renew your passport if you need time. A common mistake is to count validity from the issue date — Vietnam counts from arrival date.
How long is a Vietnam e-visa valid and how do you apply?
Vietnam typically issues 30-day and 90-day single and multiple-entry e-visas. The validity period and permitted stay are printed on the approval. Apply via the official portal, not a third party. Use the exact name and passport number as in your passport, upload a compliant photo, and apply at least 7-10 days before travel; processing is usually 3-5 working days but can be longer at peaks.
Tips for 2026:
- Make sure the e-visa arrival airport matches your ticket if the form asks — mismatches can trigger secondary questioning, though most e-visas are valid at all international airports and land borders.
- Carry a printed e-visa and the digital arrival card confirmation together with travel insurance documents. The FCDO warns insurance can be invalidated if you travel against advice — for Vietnam that includes checking health, safety and any regional risks before you go.
- If you are combining Vietnam with Cambodia, note the Thailand-Cambodia border travel warning 2026 has suspended land crossings next door, so plan flights between Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City rather than overland buses.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an e-visa or the new digital arrival card for Vietnam in 2026?
Most nationalities need an e-visa before travel, obtained from Vietnam's official immigration portal. From 15 April 2026 travellers arriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City are also encouraged to complete a digital arrival card at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn before arrival. The card is not yet mandatory at SGN and not yet required at other airports, but this may change with limited notice.
What passport rules does Vietnam enforce in 2026?
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after your arrival date, at least two blank pages, and no damage. British nationals have been denied entry and exit for damaged passports. Airlines can deny boarding if you do not meet these rules, even with a valid e-visa.
Will Vietnam require a health declaration or vaccination proof in July 2026?
From 1 July travellers to or transiting Vietnam may be required to complete a health declaration that can include proof of vaccinations. The FCDO advises checking your nearest Vietnamese Embassy for instructions on how to complete the declaration before you fly, as implementation may vary by airport and nationality.
How long is a Vietnam e-visa valid in 2026?
Vietnam typically issues 30-day and 90-day single and multiple-entry e-visas. The exact validity and days allowed are printed on your e-visa grant. Always apply via Vietnam's official portal, carry a printed copy, and check your passport is valid for the whole stay plus 6 months, as overstays trigger fines and exit delays.
Post a comment