Foreign Office Issues New Travel Requirements for UK Tourists Visiting Vietnam
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued important new guidance for British tourists planning holidays in Vietnam. UK travelers must now carry a digital arrival card when entering the country, marking a significant change to entry procedures.
Mandatory Digital Arrival Card Implementation
The FCDO published this updated travel advice on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, exactly one week after the new regulation took effect on April 15. According to the official statement, all foreign nationals entering Vietnam through Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City are now encouraged by Vietnamese authorities to complete their digital arrival card online before arrival.
"The digital arrival card system is not currently a mandatory requirement for entry into Vietnam via Tan Son Nhat airport, but this may change, or be rolled out to other airports in Vietnam with limited notice," the FCDO cautioned in their advisory. The office clarified that transit passengers who remain within airport transit areas without exiting are exempt from this requirement.
Updated Driving Regulations for British Motorists
In a separate but equally important update, the Foreign Office shared revised information about road travel within Vietnam. British tourists planning to drive during their visit must now carry both the 1968 version of the international driving permit and their UK driving licence when operating cars or motorbikes in the country.
The FCDO emphasized that driving without third-party insurance remains illegal in Vietnam. They issued specific warnings against using passports as deposits for vehicle rentals or as guarantees for traffic offense fines. "Do not use your passport as a deposit for hiring vehicles or as a guarantee you will pay a fine for a traffic offence," the advisory stated clearly.
Strict Enforcement of Traffic Laws
With Vietnam continuing as a popular Asian destination for British holidaymakers, the Foreign Office highlighted serious consequences for traffic violations. Drink-driving carries particularly severe penalties, with offenders facing substantial fines and potential imprisonment if any alcohol is detected in their system.
"Compliance with road laws is poor – keep your speed down and stay alert," the FCDO warned British travelers. The office noted that involvement in accidents could lead to criminal charges and compensation payments to injured parties, even for minor injuries. There's also the possibility of travel bans during accident investigations.
The Foreign Office advised British tourists to offer full cooperation to Vietnamese police in such situations while immediately informing either the British Embassy in Hanoi or the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. These updates come as Vietnam maintains its position as a favored holiday destination for UK travelers seeking Asian cultural experiences and tropical landscapes.
