Vietnam Travel Alerts & Entry Updates
Vietnam is transitioning to a mandatory digital entry system, requiring travelers to file online declarations and obtain QR codes within 72 hours of arrival at major airports. New regulations include mandatory health forms starting July 1, 2026, and stricter overstay penalties under Decree 282/2025 that double maximum fines to VND 40,000,000. Additionally, the Hanoi immigration office has relocated to Mac Thai To Street, and e-visa entries now span 83 border gates.
Vietnam e-visa applicants must use 2 official .gov.vn portals to avoid fraud
Vietnamese authorities are alerting travelers to a rise in sophisticated fraudulent websites using AI to mimic official portals. Foreigners must use only '.gov.vn' domains to avoid the theft of personal data and payment information during the e-visa application process.
Vietnam airports require digital arrival QR codes for foreign travelers
Travelers entering Vietnam through major hubs must now complete a mandatory pre-arrival declaration. While health forms are currently waived, the digital filing is required for immigration clearance at airports including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
A Reminder that Vietnam Raised Overstay Fines Under New 2025 Decree
As of December 15, 2025, Vietnam enforces steeper overstay penalties under Decree 282/2025, with the maximum fine doubling to VND 40,000,000 and the common 16 to 29 day bracket rising to VND 5,000,000 to 10,000,000. Beyond the higher fines, deportation can now be triggered at just 16 days, and serious overstays risk multi-year entry bans and a permanent immigration record.
Vietnam mandates digital arrival card filing within 72 hours of landing
Foreign travelers landing at Tan Son Nhat Airport must now pre-submit personal and trip data online to receive a mandatory QR code for immigration. This digital system streamlines clearance but makes advance online registration a standard entry requirement for all visitors to Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam moves Hanoi immigration office to Mac Thai To Street on June 1
Vietnam’s Immigration Department is relocating its Hanoi headquarters to 69 Mac Thai To Street starting June 1. Foreigners and visa applicants should expect temporary service handling at Tran Phu Street until June 15 to avoid processing delays.
Vietnam requires health declarations for all travelers starting July 1
Beginning July 1, all individuals entering, exiting, or transiting through Vietnam must submit mandatory health forms under Decree 165/2026/ND-CP. The requirement applies to digital nomads and expats, with screening intensity tied to current infectious disease risk levels.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways launches daily Singapore route to Vietnam on July 25
A new direct flight route now connects Singapore and Phu Quoc, offering full-service travel options for regional nomads. This expansion improves access to the island's 30-day visa-free zone for international travelers and expats based in Southeast Asia.
Vietnam requires an SGN airport health declaration from April 15
All foreign passport holders, including digital nomads and residents, must now complete a digital health declaration before arriving at Ho Chi Minh City's SGN airport. The form is required for entry and should be submitted via the official portal to avoid processing delays upon arrival.
Vietnam Airlines launches 1st nonstop route to Sri Lanka in Oct
Vietnam Airlines will begin direct service between Ho Chi Minh City and Colombo starting in Oct. This new route provides a more efficient connection for digital nomads and expats using Vietnam as a regional hub to explore South Asia.
Vietnam replaces paper arrival cards with a QR code within 72 hours of entry
International travelers entering Vietnam via Tan Son Nhat Airport must now complete a mandatory online health and entry declaration. The digital shift aims to streamline border controls and reduce processing times for tourists and expats.
Vietnam plans to bar gasoline motorcycles in central Hanoi starting July 1
Hanoi has approved a plan to phase out motorcycles in central districts to reduce emissions and congestion. Expats and nomads relying on scooters for daily transport will need to transition to public transit or electric vehicles as low-emission zones are established.
83 border gates now accept Vietnam e-visa entries after Dec. 2 expansion
Vietnam has expanded its e-visa system to include 83 total international border gates, adding new land crossings, seaports, and airports. This change provides digital nomads and expats with significantly more flexibility for regional travel and visa runs.
Vietnam rain totals hit 8 year high as travelers face Ho Chi Minh City floods
Record-breaking rainfall in Ho Chi Minh City has caused severe flooding, toppling traffic lights and sweeping away vehicles in major districts. Expats and travelers should expect significant transit delays and safety hazards during the current monsoon surge.
Flooding hits 11 points in Ho Chi Minh City
Heavy thunderstorms have caused significant flooding across 11 major areas in Ho Chi Minh City, particularly in Thu Duc City. Expats and digital nomads should expect severe traffic disruptions and limited access to popular residential neighborhoods during the early monsoon season.
Digital pre-arrival checks now cover SGN
Vietnam is set to update its immigration procedures and entry requirements for all foreign arrivals. These changes will impact how digital nomads, expats, and tourists process their arrivals at major ports of entry.
Vietnam e-visa approvals face 5-day delay during April and May holidays
Vietnam immigration offices will close from April 27 through May 3 for a series of national holidays. Travelers and expats should expect processing delays of up to 5 working days for visa approvals and extensions during this period.
Vietnam’s SGN QR Rule Adds a Fast Lane, If You File First
Starting April 15, all foreign arrivals at Ho Chi Minh City’s main airport must submit a digital pre-arrival declaration to receive a mandatory entry QR code. Travelers who fail to complete the online form before landing face significant processing delays at immigration checkpoints.
Vietnam’s SGN digital arrival card adds one more step
Effective April 15, 2026, foreign nationals and holders of overseas Vietnamese visas must complete a personal information declaration (online prior to travel or on arrival via QR code at the airport). Travelers receive a personal QR code to present to immigration officers. This applies specifically at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) but represents a new digital pre-entry step. It directly affects all foreign travelers, including digital nomads and expats.
Vietnam Tightens Passport Validity Rules for All Arrivals
Beginning March 1, 2026, Vietnam will strictly require all foreign arrivals to hold a passport valid for at least six months. This enforcement applies to all entry methods, including e-visas and visa-exempt entries, necessitating advance renewal planning for long-term expats and frequent travelers.