⚠️ From April 15, 2026, a Digital Arrival Card (Vietnam Digital Arrival Card) is mandatory for most foreign nationals entering Vietnam. It replaces paper arrival cards and speeds up entry into the country.
It is currently required mainly at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN, Ho Chi Minh City), with gradual expansion expected to other airports such as Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi and Da Nang Airport.
You complete the form online before your trip and receive a QR code, which you present upon arrival. It is recommended to complete it online before departure, earliest 72 hours before arrival, to avoid possible delays at the airport.
Last updated in April 2026.
👉 Vietnam Digital Arrival Card
🌐 Where to complete it: official portal https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn
⏱️ When: earliest 72 hours before arrival
💸 Cost: free of charge (do not confuse with a Vietnam visa)
Step-by-step guide
1. Open the official website
2. Upload a photo of your passport
3. Fill in your travel and stay details
4. Confirm the form using the code (OTP) sent to your email
5. Save the generated QR code (mobile / print)
📄 What documents to prepare
Before filling in, prepare:
🛂 Travel documents
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- passport (valid for at least 6 months after entry)
- scan or high-quality photo of the data page
✈️ Travel information
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- your flight number
- arrival date
🏨 Accommodation details
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- hotel name or accommodation address (Find accommodation in Vietnam here)
- province and district
📱 Contact details
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- your email (for OTP and QR code)
- phone number
⚠️ Important notice
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- ❗The Arrival Card does not replace a visa – you must still have: a valid visa (e.g. e-Visa) or meet the conditions for visa-free entry
- Also beware of unofficial websites – use only the official government portal.
💡 Practical tips
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- complete the form before departure (you’ll save time upon arrival)
- take a screenshot of your QR code (e.g. on your phone)
- keep it accessible offline as well, and printed if possible
- follow updates – the system is gradually expanding
✈️ Summary
The Vietnam Digital Arrival Card is a new requirement that significantly changes arrival procedures in Vietnam:
✔️ online form instead of paper
✔️ QR code instead of manual filling
✔️ currently mainly Ho Chi Minh City
✔️ gradually expanding across the country
If you prepare well before your trip, the entire airport process will be quick and hassle-free.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card:
1. What is the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card?
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- The Vietnam Digital Arrival Card is a mandatory online arrival form introduced on April 15, 2026, replacing paper cards and helping to speed up entry into Vietnam. It can also be referred to as an “arrival form”; currently, it mainly applies at Ho Chi Minh City Airport but is expected to expand to other major airports.
2. Who needs to complete the Digital Arrival Card?
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- The card must be completed by most foreign nationals entering Vietnam, including travelers who are eligible for visa-free entry.
3. Where do you complete the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card?
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- The form is completed online via the official government portal prearrival.immigration.gov.vn.
4. When should the form be completed?
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- The form can be completed as early as 72 hours before arrival, and it is recommended to complete it before departure to avoid delays at the airport.
5. How does the check work upon arrival?
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- After completing the form, you will receive a QR code which you present to the immigration officer upon arrival in Vietnam.
6. Is the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card free?
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- Yes, completing the Digital Arrival Card is free of charge. However, do not confuse it with the fee for a visa (e.g. e-Visa).
7. Does the Digital Arrival Card replace a visa for Vietnam?
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- No, the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card does not replace a visa. To enter the country, you must have a valid visa or meet the conditions for visa-free entry.
