People Advisory Services Tax Alert | June 2026 | New regulations on mandatory health declaration at border checkpoints effective from 1 July 2026

The Government of Vietnam has issued Decree 165/2026/ND-CP¹ on 15 May 2026, providing detailed regulations and guidance for the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Disease Prevention and Control.

Effective 1 July 2026, the health declaration requirement will apply to all individuals entering, exiting or transiting through Vietnam’s border checkpoints, as well as certain other subjects as prescribed. This regulation is introduced to strengthen disease surveillance, enable early detection and prevention of infectious diseases, safeguard public health and ensure medical safety at border checkpoints.

Relevant individuals and organisations should note the following key requirements regarding health declarations:

• Health declarations must be completed within seven days prior to entry, exit or transit through Vietnam’s border checkpoints.
• Declarations may be submitted electronically or in paper form, using templates issued by the Ministry of Health. These templates are available in Vietnamese and English, and may be supplemented with additional languages depending on the global disease situation.
• Required declaration information includes personal details, travel itinerary, accommodation address, health status, exposure history and vaccination records.
• Health quarantine authorities at border checkpoints are authorised to carry out monitoring, insection, and necessary medical measures for individuals entering, exiting or transiting, in accordance with applicable regulations.

To avoid potential delays or complications in immigration procedures, individuals, businesses and organizations sponsoring foreign nationals in Vietnam are advised to take note of and ensure full compliance with the new health declaration requirements.