Visiting Vietnam in 2026 comes with updated entry requirements that every international traveler should understand before booking flights. The most significant change is the introduction of the mandatory Vietnam Pre-Arrival Registration Form, effective April 15, 2026. This guide covers all entry requirements in one place.
Overview of Vietnam Entry Requirements 2026
To enter Vietnam in 2026, international travelers need:
- Valid passport – minimum 6 months remaining validity from arrival date
- Entry authorization – visa or visa exemption status confirmed
- Pre-arrival declaration – mandatory free digital registration for all foreign nationals
The pre-arrival requirement is the newest addition, introduced under Official Dispatch No. 1474/CACK TSN. It applies to all foreign passport holders regardless of nationality, visa type, or purpose of travel.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must meet the following criteria to enter Vietnam:
- At least 6 months validity remaining from your arrival date
- At least one blank page for the entry stamp
- Not damaged, altered, or mutilated
Emergency passports (12-page booklets) may be refused for e-visa applications. If traveling on a limited-validity emergency passport, contact the Vietnamese embassy before booking.
Visa Requirements by Nationality
Vietnam’s visa exemption program covers 45+ countries. Key exemptions in 2026:
- 90-day visa-free: USA, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Japan, South Korea, and others
- 45-day visa-free: United Kingdom, and several other European nations
- ASEAN countries: Most ASEAN nations have separate visa-free agreements
- All other nationalities: Must obtain a Vietnam e-visa ($25 single / $50 multiple) at evisa.gov.vn or a visa on arrival approval letter
Visa exemption periods reset with each entry. Travelers should not overstay their permitted period – penalties apply. For country-specific information, see guides for US citizens, UK citizens, and EU citizens.
The New Pre-Arrival Registration Form
Since April 15, 2026, all foreign travelers must complete the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Registration Form before landing at a Vietnamese international airport. Key facts:
- Cost: Free at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn
- Time to complete: 3-5 minutes
- When to submit: Within 72 hours before arrival (ideally 2-3 days before departure)
- What you receive: A QR code by email, presented at immigration
- Who is exempt: Vietnamese citizens and transit passengers not clearing immigration
Full guide: Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form – Complete 2026 Guide.
Health and Vaccination Requirements
As of 2026, Vietnam has no mandatory COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry. General health recommendations for travelers to Vietnam include:
- Hepatitis A and B vaccinations (recommended)
- Typhoid vaccination (recommended for adventure travelers)
- Rabies vaccination (recommended for extended stays or those interacting with animals)
- Malaria prophylaxis (for rural or highland areas)
Travel insurance covering medical emergencies is strongly recommended.
Customs and Baggage Rules
Key customs rules for entering Vietnam:
- Duty-free allowance: USD 200 worth of goods, up to 1.5 liters of alcohol, 200 cigarettes
- Currency: No limit on bringing foreign currency in, but amounts over USD 5,000 must be declared. Amounts over VND 15 million must also be declared
- Prohibited items: Drugs (zero tolerance), weapons, materials deemed offensive to the Vietnamese government or culture
- Drones: Must be registered and may require permits for commercial use
Frequently Asked Questions
What changed in Vietnam entry requirements in 2026?
The main change in 2026 is the mandatory pre-arrival registration form for all foreign nationals, effective April 15, 2026. This is a free digital declaration submitted before arrival at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn.
Do I need a COVID vaccine to enter Vietnam in 2026?
No – Vietnam removed all COVID-related entry requirements. No vaccination proof or testing is required as of 2026.
What happens if I enter Vietnam without completing the pre-arrival form?
You can complete the form at airport kiosks upon arrival, but this may cause delays. Completing it before your flight is strongly recommended.
Can I enter Vietnam by land without the pre-arrival form?
The pre-arrival form requirement was introduced specifically for air arrivals. Land border crossing requirements may differ – check with the Vietnamese embassy or immigration department for land entry rules.