Vietnam Cruise-Port Decree Sets 12-Hour Document Deadline

Decree 289/2026 requires cruise operators at covered Vietnamese port gates to submit passenger documents at least 12 hours before arrival.

Vietnam’s Decree 289/2026 took effect on October 1, setting new port-clearance procedures for vessels, crew and passengers at border gates managed by the Ministry of Public Security. For international tourist ships covered by the decree, the travel company receiving passengers must submit the tour itinerary and required supporting documents at least 12 hours before the ship reaches port.

What cruise operators must submit

The decree’s procedure calls for the passenger itinerary, a copy of the international travel business licence on the company’s first passenger reception at that port, and visa-related paperwork when a passenger requests a visa at the port. It provides exceptions for passengers who already hold a Vietnamese visa or qualify for visa exemption. The 12-hour submission is an operator deadline, not a new rule requiring every traveller to file the paperwork personally.

For ships entering Vietnam’s maritime border area, immigration procedures are handled at the first port of call; exit procedures for foreign vessels are completed at the last port before leaving the maritime boundary. Vessels in transit must complete transit procedures when entering the area. The decree’s specified port border gates include My Tho, Vinh Long, Can Tho and Hau Giang; its scope is not a blanket rule for every port or every land and air arrival.

If you are travelling on an international cruise that calls at one of the covered ports, confirm document and visa arrangements with the cruise operator or tour company well before arrival. The decree sets port procedures; it does not itself change Vietnam’s general visa eligibility rules.

Sources: VietnamPlus’ report and Government Decree 289/2026/ND-CP.