Vietnam introduces a digital arrival card – here's all you need to know

Vietnam has quietly rolled out a new entry requirement that every international visitor should know about before they fly. As of April 15, 2026, foreign nationals arriving in Vietnam must complete a digital arrival card before reaching immigration, and skipping it could mean a longer wait at the border.

The system is currently confirmed for Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, one of the country's busiest gateways. However, the official portal already includes fields for land and sea entry points, strongly suggesting a wider rollout is on the way. This follows similar requirements for travellers by other countries in Southeast Asia, such as Thailand and Singapore. 

Who needs to fill in the digital arrival card? 

Almost everyone who isn't a Vietnamese citizen travelling on a Vietnamese passport. That includes visa-free visitors, e-Visa holders, and overseas Vietnamese entering on a visa.

What do you need to do?

Head to prearrival.immigration.gov.vn within 72 hours of your arrival – not earlier, as the system only accepts bookings within that window. You'll fill in your passport details, flight number, accommodation address, and purpose of visit. Once submitted, you'll receive a QR code via email. Save this, as you'll need to show it to immigration officers on arrival. 

Think of it like online check-in: quick, straightforward, and much better done from your hotel room than in the airport queue.

What happens if you skip it?

You won't be turned away, but authorities have made clear that processing times will be longer for those who arrive without completing the declaration.

The whole process takes around five minutes, so you should just add it to your pre-departure checklist alongside your visa and travel insurance. 

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