Entering one of Australia's favourite destinations is about to get harder

If Vietnam is on your holiday radar this year, you're about to face some fresh red tape before you can even leave the airport.

The popular Asian holiday spot is bringing in a new health declaration requirement from July 1.

Smartraveller says people travelling to or transiting through Vietnam may be required to complete the health declaration, which may include providing proof of vaccinations.

But there aren't a whole lot of other details available, around how this will be enforced or managed just yet.

World Expeditions chief executive officer, Sue Badyari, said some of the finer details are still being finalised.

"We understand travellers will be able to complete the declaration electronically, and paper forms may also be available at some border points," Badyari told Explore.

"The Vietnamese Ministry of Health is expected to provide further guidance on submission channels and any supporting documentation requirements.

READ ALSO: Vietnam's new '72-hour' rule: what every Aussie traveller needs to know

"Our advice is for travellers to monitor official government updates and follow instructions provided by their airline or travel company before departure."

Badyari also advised travellers allow a little extra preparation time before travelling.

"Australians should check Smartraveller advice, ensure they have completed any required health declaration within the specified timeframe, and keep copies of relevant travel and health documentation easily accessible."

Badyari said she didn't expect this requirement "to significantly impact travel plans", but it was another reminder that "regulations can change quickly."

G Adventures managing director ANZ, Sean Martin, said the health declaration is an "added step" that Aussie travellers didn't have to complete previously.

He said he was concerned it would complicate the process to enter Vietnam.

"In our experience, any additional red tape, such as health declarations are typically seen as a barrier to customers," Martin said.

"We completely understand and respect the need for such measures, we just ask that governments keep these as simple as possible for visitors to ensure it doesn't turn them away."

Vietnam was the fourth most popular country for Australian visitors in March 2026, according to the latest ABS data showing short-term resident returns.

More than 58,000 Aussies returned from Vietnam during the month, up from 46,000 in March 2025, and 39,000 in March 2024.

Martin said Vietnam continues to be among G Adventures' most popular destinations.

"This year particularly, we have seen a lot of customers that were booked to go to Europe and the Middle East shifting to Vietnam," Martin said.

He said Vietnam suits every kind of traveller and budget, including young travellers and those seeking nature or luxury.

"Travellers are seeking out more authentic moments that make their travel experiences even more memorable, and these experiences always involve interaction with local communities."

Community tourism is growing in Vietnam. One such experience, called Oodles of Noodles, involved travellers taking a noodle-making class taught by at-risk youth enrolled in a hospitality program with Streets International in Hoi An.

Badyari from World Expeditions said Vietnam is one of the most sought-after destinations in Asia for Australian travellers.

"We're seeing travellers spend more time exploring regional Vietnam rather than focusing solely on the traditional highlights of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Long Bay," she said.

"Active and immersive experiences are particularly popular, including cycling, trekking, food focused journeys and community based travel experiences

"Central Vietnam continues to attract strong interest, particularly around Hoi An and Hue, while destinations such as Ha Giang in the far north are increasingly appealing to travellers seeking spectacular mountain scenery and more authentic cultural encounters."