Travel Tips Travelling to Vietnam

Travelling to Vietnam from Malaysia? Here’s what Malaysians need to know

Hannes Ausmees
Hannes Ausmees
30.01.26 (last updated)
Read time 3 minutes

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.

We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.

Covid: Vietnam travel restrictions

We know countries have now opened their borders 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 AirAsia serve these routes, so you can pick the carrier and flight time that suits your needs and budget.

Looking for a Vietnam travel guide? Click here to learn more about when the best time to visit Vietnam is and find out how you can get the most out of VND conversions with Wise

Pay Local, Wherever You Roam with Wise

The Wise card lets you spend in 40+ currencies at the mid-market rate including CNY, JPY, GBP, and SGD so you know you'll be getting a great deal in over 150+ countries. Simply create a free Wise account, order a card and top-up MYR to get started.

Virtual cards are free and can be added to your Google or Apple Pay wallet, while a physical Wise card can be ordered for a low fee of 13.70 MYR. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as two free ATM withdrawals to the value of 1,000 MYR each month, before low fees start.

While abroad, you can choose to spend with directly in MYR and let auto-conversion do the trick, or convert to your desired currency with your Wise account. Either way, you’ll get the exchange rate you see on Google, with low, transparent fees from 0.25%.

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