Covid-19 in Vietnam: A Practical Guide for Travelers

Vietnam now welcomes international travelers under normal conditions. The former Covid-19 restrictions – such as testing, vaccination certificates, or quarantine – have all been lifted. That said, it is still advisable to check entry requirements before departure, as health and immigration procedures can change. On the ground, daily life, transportation, and tourist activities run as usual. There is therefore no need to give up your travel plans. With good preparation and a few simple precautions, you can protect your health and make the most of your trip.

What documents should you prepare? What habits should you adopt during the trip? What should you do if symptoms appear? This practical guide brings together the essential information for traveling to Vietnam with peace of mind.

3D illustration of the coronavirus responsible for Covid-19

The coronavirus behind Covid-19, a disease worth knowing about before traveling to Vietnam

Can you travel to Vietnam right now?

Yes. Vietnam welcomes international travelers under normal conditions. No Covid-19 test, Covid-19 vaccination certificate, or arrival isolation is generally required. A health check remains possible, however, if a traveler shows symptoms suggestive of an infectious disease.

The former restrictions specifically tied to Covid-19 have been lifted. Travelers can therefore enter Vietnam without systematically presenting a PCR or antigen test, a vaccination certificate, or proof of recovery. No automatic quarantine is planned on arrival either. This does not mean, however, that all health checks have disappeared. Vietnamese authorities may step up border surveillance depending on the epidemiological situation. A traveler showing fever or symptoms suggestive of an infectious disease may therefore be subject to further checks.

Requirement or precaution	Current situation
PCR or antigen test	Not generally required on entry
Covid-19 vaccination certificate	Not generally requested
Quarantine on arrival	No systematic quarantine
Health declaration	Not permanently mandatory, but may be requested depending on the health situation
Mask on the plane	Depends on the airline’s rules or the transit country’s rules
Travel insurance	Strongly recommended to cover medical care and potential repatriation
Checks in case of symptoms	Possible at the airport or another entry point

It is therefore still advisable to check the information issued by Vietnamese authorities as well as your airline’s requirements a few days before departure. You should also check the rules that apply in any transit countries, as these may differ from those of Vietnam.

What should you check before departure?

Entry requirements for Vietnam

Some steps requested before arrival in Vietnam can be mistaken for the former Covid-19 restrictions. It is therefore important to distinguish between health-related formalities, which concern the traveler’s health, and immigration formalities required to enter the country.

Screenshot of the prearrival.immigration.gov.vn portal for online registration before arriving in Vietnam

Good to know: pre-arrival registration

Since April 15, 2026, an online pre-arrival declaration system has been piloted for foreign travelers arriving on international flights at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.

As of this article’s last update, the process remains optional, but it is recommended as it helps speed up immigration checks. The declaration can be submitted, within the three days before entering Vietnam, on the official Pre-arrival Information portal. Once the information has been submitted, the traveler receives a QR code to keep on their phone or print out.

This procedure is purely administrative: it is neither a Covid-19 test, a vaccination certificate, nor a health declaration. It does not replace either the passport or any visa formalities that apply to the traveler.

To make arrival formalities easier, it is advisable to:

save the QR code on your phone;
take a screenshot that can be accessed without an internet connection;
keep your passport and visa within easy reach;
use only the official portal of the Vietnamese administration;
check before departure whether the procedure has been changed or extended to other entry points.

Keep in mind: a form requested before arrival is not necessarily health-related. The Pre-arrival Information system is an immigration formality, separate from the former Covid-19 health measures.

Travel insurance

Even when health conditions are stable, travel insurance is still strongly recommended. It allows you to handle a health issue or unexpected event during your trip with greater peace of mind. Before subscribing, make sure it covers:

medical consultations;
hospitalization costs;
a possible change or interruption to your trip;
repatriation;
international phone assistance.

It is also useful to save the insurer’s assistance number on your phone and to share a copy of the contract with someone close to you.

Your health before the trip

Travelers with a chronic condition, on regular treatment, or in fragile health can ask their doctor for advice before departure.

It is recommended to bring enough personal medication for the entire length of the stay, preferably in its original packaging. The corresponding prescriptions should also be kept, especially for specific treatments. In case of high fever, breathing difficulties, or significant symptoms in the days before departure, it is best to see a healthcare professional before traveling.

What should you pack in your travel kit?

Preparing a small health kit makes it easier to deal with common inconveniences during the trip. There is no need to bring a full pharmacy, but a few essential items can be useful:

Travel first-aid kit with essential medication for a trip to Vietnam

A well-prepared first-aid kit is still useful for traveling to Vietnam with peace of mind

a few masks, especially for transportation, crowded places, or in case of symptoms;
a small bottle of hand sanitizer;
a thermometer;
tissues;
paracetamol, after advice from a doctor or pharmacist;
personal medication in sufficient quantity for the entire trip;
a digital or printed copy of your insurance certificate;
the contact details for medical assistance and the Horizon Vietnam team.

Personal medication should ideally be kept in its original packaging, along with the prescription when required. For important treatments, it is best to keep them in your carry-on bag so they remain accessible during the journey. Finally, it is not advisable to bring or take antibiotics without a medical prescription. They are not effective against viral infections such as Covid-19, and inappropriate use can pose health risks.

What precautions should you take during the trip?

A few simple habits can reduce risks while still allowing you to fully enjoy your trip. The goal is not to drastically change your stay, but to adopt good reflexes depending on the situation.

On transportation

On planes, trains, buses, or shared vehicles, wearing a mask can be helpful when spaces are crowded or poorly ventilated. It is also recommended to wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer.

Passengers wearing masks inside a bus in Vietnam

Wearing masks is still common on crowded public transportation in Vietnam

In case of high fever or significant symptoms, it is best to avoid long trips and seek advice from a healthcare professional. During car or minibus journeys, it can also help to regularly air out the vehicle when conditions allow.

A couple wearing protective masks on a motorbike in a Vietnamese street

Many Vietnamese people still wear a mask every day, especially on motorbikes

In hotels and restaurants

At the hotel, remember to air out your room regularly, especially after a long day of sightseeing. Washing your hands before meals also remains a simple and effective habit. If you feel unwell, have a fever, or experience unusual fatigue, let the front desk, your guide, or the Horizon Vietnam team know right away. A day of rest is sometimes all it takes to regain your energy and continue your trip in good conditions.

At tourist sites

During visits, keep a mask in your bag so you can use it in enclosed or particularly crowded places. If you are not feeling well, avoid very crowded areas as much as possible and opt for a quieter pace.

Two people wearing surgical masks in a busy street

Wearing a mask remains a common habit in crowded places, including at tourist sites

Also remember to drink water regularly, especially on hot days or during longer excursions. Listening to your body and temporarily adjusting the schedule can often help prevent fatigue or symptoms from getting worse.

What should you do if you have symptoms in Vietnam?

A cough, fever, or unusual fatigue does not necessarily mean you have contracted Covid-19. These symptoms can also be linked to another infection. It is therefore important to monitor how they develop and adjust your response based on their severity and your overall health.

First steps to take

If symptoms are mild, a few simple measures can help you rest while limiting the risk of passing it on to those around you:

temporarily limit close contact;
wear a mask when around other people;
rest and drink water regularly;
take a Covid self-test if one is available;
monitor how your fever and other symptoms develop;
let your guide, tour leader, or accommodation know;
contact your insurer or assistance service before an expensive consultation, when the situation is not urgent.

Keep your policy number, your assistance service’s contact details, and a copy of your insurance certificate close at hand. Your insurer can direct you to a suitable facility and explain how coverage works.

When should you see a doctor?

A prompt consultation is recommended when symptoms worsen, persist, or affect someone particularly vulnerable.

Illustration of the main symptoms of Covid-19: fever, cough, fatigue

Covid-19 symptoms remain similar to those of a cold or flu: fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat

See a doctor promptly if you experience:

difficulty breathing or significant shortness of breath;
persistent chest pain or pressure;
persistent high fever;
a decline in your overall condition;
faintness, unusual drowsiness, or confusion;
signs of dehydration or inability to drink enough fluids;
worsening of a pre-existing chronic condition;
symptoms in an elderly, immunocompromised, or pregnant person, or someone with a chronic condition.

If you experience difficulty breathing, intense chest pain, confusion, loss of consciousness, or a rapid decline in your health, seek medical care immediately. Do not delay treatment to contact your insurer.

Where can you get medical care in Vietnam?

The choice of facility depends on your location, the severity of your symptoms, and your insurer’s recommendations. Your hotel, your guide, or the agency’s local team can also help you find a suitable healthcare facility.

Modern facade of Hong Ngoc Hospital in Hanoi

Hong Ngoc Hospital in Hanoi, another private international clinic recognized by expats and foreign travelers

In major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Danang, choose a well-known hospital or a clinic that accepts international patients. When the situation is not urgent, contact your insurer before the consultation.

The French Hospital of Hanoi brings together a team of experienced doctors and recognized specialists, both Vietnamese and international

In smaller towns, a pharmacy can offer initial advice for mild symptoms. If a consultation is needed, go to a provincial hospital, a local clinic, or the facility recommended by your accommodation.

In a remote area, contact your guide, your local agency, or your insurer’s assistance service right away. They can direct you or arrange a transfer to a suitable medical facility if the care available locally is not sufficient.

In case of a serious emergency, ask for help immediately and go to the nearest medical facility. Steps with your insurer can be handled once care has begun. Before a non-urgent consultation or hospitalization, check with your insurer about partner facilities, advance payment conditions, documents to keep, and reimbursement procedures.

Important: this article provides general advice for travelers. It cannot be used to make a diagnosis and does not replace the advice of a doctor or another qualified healthcare professional.

Advice for more vulnerable travelers

Some people may need to prepare more carefully before a trip to Vietnam. Age, a chronic condition, or traveling with young children do not necessarily rule out travel, but it is important to adapt the pace of the trip, your insurance coverage, and your medical kit to each situation. A pre-departure consultation is recommended to assess risks related to your health, the itinerary, and planned activities.

Older travelers

Before departure, it is advisable to consult your doctor, especially if you are on regular treatment or have significant fatigue or a cardiovascular or respiratory condition.
On the ground, choose an itinerary with a moderate pace, reasonable travel times, and days of rest. Heat and humidity can be tiring: remember to drink water regularly, avoid exertion during the hottest hours, and adapt sightseeing to your physical condition.
Also check that your insurance covers consultations, hospitalization, a possible extension of your stay, and medical repatriation.

Illustration representing the coronavirus responsible for Covid-19

Older or fragile travelers should keep up certain health precautions during their trip

People with a chronic condition

Bring enough medication for the entire length of your stay, plus a small reserve in case of a delayed flight or a change to your itinerary. Essential medication should stay in your carry-on bag, in its original packaging.
Prepare a prescription written or translated into English, ideally listing medication names using their international non-proprietary names. Before departure, also check that the products you are carrying are permitted in Vietnam. France Diplomatie recommends traveling with your necessary medication, its original packaging, and the corresponding prescription.
For a trip that includes remote areas, identify the main medical facilities along your route in advance and keep your insurer’s assistance contact details on hand.

Families with children

A family health kit should include a thermometer, the child’s usual medication, and treatments suited to their age and weight, on the advice of a healthcare professional.
Make sure children stay well hydrated, especially during hot periods, long journeys, and excursions. Watch closely for persistent fever, unusual behavior, significant fatigue, or signs of dehydration.
For an infant or very young child, seek medical advice promptly in case of high fever, difficulty drinking, unusual breathing, or a decline in their overall condition. It is also advisable to check before the trip that the child’s vaccinations are up to date.

Vietnam can now be visited under normal conditions, with no Covid test, vaccination certificate, or systematic quarantine. It is still advisable to check entry requirements, take out suitable insurance, and bring any necessary medication. On the ground, a few simple precautions are enough, especially in crowded places. Older or fragile travelers, or those traveling with young children, will simply need to plan a little further ahead for their health needs. Since health and immigration rules can change, check official recommendations before departure. With good preparation and the right habits, you can make the most of your trip to Vietnam.

Planning your trip? Horizon Vietnam’s local team can help you plan your itinerary and will stay by your side before and during your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions about Covid-19 in Vietnam

Do you need to show a Covid test or vaccination certificate to enter Vietnam?

As of this review date, no PCR or antigen test is generally required on entry. The official requirements reviewed also do not mention a Covid-19 vaccination certificate as a general condition for entry into the country.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

No, no systematic quarantine is currently planned for international travelers. Specific checks or measures may still be decided if the health situation changes.

Is wearing a mask mandatory in Vietnam?

A mask is not required at all times during your trip. It can, however, be a useful precaution on transportation, in enclosed, crowded, or poorly ventilated places, and if you have respiratory symptoms.

What should you do if you have symptoms during your stay?

Limit contact with others, wear a mask around other people, rest, and monitor how you feel. If you have a high fever, difficulty breathing, or rapidly worsening symptoms, see a healthcare professional immediately.

Is the QR code requested on arrival in Ho Chi Minh City related to Covid-19?

No. The online registration requested within 72 hours before an international arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport is an immigration formality, not a health measure. The QR code obtained must be presented at border control along with your passport and, if applicable, your visa.