Travelling to Vietnam from Malaysia? Here’s what Malaysians need to know
Vietnam is a fascinating mix of modern cities, stunning beaches and vibrant culture, with food to die for and friendly people. If you’re considering Vietnam for your next trip abroad you’re in for a treat - whether you fancy shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, hiking in Dalat, or doing very little on a beach in Phu Quoc.
But - can Malaysians travel to Vietnam now? What are the covid rules in Vietnam? And what do I need in terms of paperwork? This guide has you covered. Plus, we’ll touch on how Wise can help you spend VND with lower fees, so you can do more on your well deserved break.
Covid: Vietnam travel restrictions
We know countries are opening their borders now after years of pandemic related closures and disruption. But what about Vietnam?
Vietnam Tourism Board has kept handy updates online to keep tourists informed of the covid requirements in Vietnam. They confirm that from May 2022, tourists have been allowed to enter the country with no specific covid test pre departure or on arrival. There’s no need to make a medical declaration either, although you’re asked to follow basic common sense health precautions such as self monitoring of health and wearing a mask if you feel unwell.
It’s worth remembering that border rules can change at short notice, so while all information in this guide is correct at the point of writing, you’ll need to double check the situation before you travel, just in case.
Vietnam travel requirements for Malaysians
So there are no specific covid restrictions to worry about - but does a Malaysian need a visa to Vietnam? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that Malaysians travelling to Vietnam can enter for up to 30 days with no visa. That’s perfect for a short trip to explore Vietnam’s vibrant culture.
If you’re staying for longer, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends you apply for a Visa on Arrival online in advance, through this service which is approved by the Vietnamese immigration authorities. If you plan to work, or if you’re headed over to Vietnam for business, the rules may be a little different - get in touch with the Vietnamese authorities if you’re unsure what paperwork is required in your specific situation.
As with most countries, you’ll have your passport stamped by immigration authorities when you get to Vietnam, so make sure your passport has blank pages. You may also need to complete an entry card before passing through immigration - you’ll usually be given this on the plane if it’s needed, to make your journey through the airport faster.
How to travel to Vietnam from Malaysia
There are plenty of different flight options from Malaysia to Vietnam, including direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Danang. Phu Quoc and Nha Trang - both popular beach destinations - are also served with some direct flights from KL. Bear in mind, Vietnam is a large country, so flight times can vary quite a bit. Getting from KL to a southern point of entry, like Phu Quoc or Ho Chi Minh City will take a couple of hours, or maybe even less. Arrive in the north - in Hanoi for example - and your flight will take over 3 hours.
Not travelling from Kuala Lumpur? There are also flights from Malaysia to Vietnam from Penang and Johor Bahru. Airlines including Vietnam Airlines and AirAsia serve these routes, so you can pick the carrier and flight time that suits your needs and budget.
Travelling to Vietnam? Get the Wise card to spend VND without losing ringgit on exchange rates and foreign transaction fees
Before you head off to Vietnam, check out Wise as a smart way to hold, exchange and spend VND, with lower fees and the mid-market exchange rate.
You can open your Wise account easily online or in the Wise app to top up in MYR and switch to VND - or any of the other 40+ supported currencies you may require - with the mid-market exchange rate and low fees from 0.43%. Order a Wise card for simple spending and withdrawals while you’re away, with some fee fee ATM usage every month, and low charges after that.¹
Don’t want to switch over to VND before you travel? That’s fine too. Just let the card do the conversion for you, with the mid-market rate and the lowest available fees.
| Want to see how Wise compares with other travel cards like MAE card and BigPay? Compare here |
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Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information
- Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
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