In Vietnam, the rules for entry and exit through seaports have changed
From October 1, 2026, new border control rules for seagoing vessels, their crews, and passengers came into force in Vietnam. The procedure is established by Decree No. 289/2026 and applies to entry, exit, transit, as well as the movement of vessels between Vietnamese ports.
For foreign vessels, the principle of the first and last port applies. Entry procedures must be completed at the first port the vessel arrives at after crossing Vietnam’s maritime border. Upon departure, the relevant procedures are carried out at the last port before the vessel leaves the country’s maritime border zone.
Separate rules are предусмотрены for transit. A vessel must complete the necessary procedures when entering Vietnam’s maritime border zone. During transit, passengers and crew members are prohibited from leaving the vessel. Other vessels and watercraft are also not allowed to approach it without permission from the competent authorities.
The new procedure also regulates movement between ports within the country. The document defines procedures for vessels that have already passed entry control but then proceed from one Vietnamese port to another.
For a number of vessels, clearance is provided electronically through Vietnam’s National Single Window Portal. If the electronic system is temporarily unavailable, documents may be submitted in the usual manner directly to the competent authorities.
Separate requirements have been established for international cruise ships. Travel companies must provide border authorities in advance with the vessel’s itinerary and the necessary information about passengers and crew. In cases предусмотренных by law, foreign passengers on cruise ships may also be issued a visa directly on board.
The new rules are intended to unify border control procedures at seaports and to define in more detail the порядок действий for different routes — from international arrival and departure to transit and movements between ports within Vietnam.
Source: https://en.baochinhphu.vn/new-policies-take-effect-from-october-2026-111260930163055018.htm
