Vietnam has officially rolled out a Digital Arrival Card system, mandatory for all international visitors before entering the country. The policy took effect on April 15, 2026, part of a broader immigration modernization wave, following similar moves by Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia.
What Is the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card?
The Vietnam Digital Arrival Card is an online immigration declaration form introduced by the Vietnam Immigration Department. It replaces the old paper arrival card and is filled out through an official portal before departure. Once processed, the system generates a QR code you'll need to show immigration officers when you arrive.
Who Needs to Fill It Out?
Filling out the Digital Arrival Card is mandatory for nearly all foreign arrivals. covering travelers from all kinds of countries, whether you're a tourist or on a business trip.
Those required to complete the form:
- Foreign nationals, with or without a visa
- Overseas Vietnamese using a foreign passport with a valid visa
- Transit passengers who go through immigration checks
Exemptions apply to:
- Vietnamese citizens using a Vietnamese passport
- Transit passengers who don't pass through immigration (sterile area transit)
Which Airports Are Already Enforcing It?
Right now, the Digital Arrival Card requirement is only in effect at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's busiest international gateway. Other airports like Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Da Nang International haven't implemented it yet, though the official portal hints that land and sea border crossings are next.
How to Fill Out the Digital Arrival Card
The whole process is free and done entirely online through the Vietnam Immigration Department's official site at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. Ideally, fill it out within 3 days of arrival. or before you leave your home country.
What you'll need to have ready:
- Passport details (number, expiry date, nationality)
- Visa or entry permit details
- Flight number and arrival schedule
- Accommodation address in Vietnam
- Purpose of visit
Once you submit and the form is approved, the system will send a confirmation QR code. Save it on your phone, or print a backup, to show at the immigration counter when you land.
Tips for a Smooth Process
A few things travelers have flagged that are worth keeping in mind so you don't hit any snags at immigration. A little prep goes a long way at the airport.
- Fill it out at least 24 hours before your flight to avoid system errors
- Use an active email address, confirmation is sent there
- Double-check that all details match your passport exactly. no typos allowed
- Save the QR code offline or print a physical copy
- Make sure your internet connection is stable when filling it out
- Confirm your hotel or accommodation address before submitting
Southeast Asia's Bigger Picture
Vietnam is joining a regional push toward paperless border processing. Thailand launched its Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) in April 2025, Indonesia followed with its own digital system in September 2025, and Taiwan introduced mandatory pre-arrival declarations in October 2025.
If you're planning a multi-country trip across Asia, keep in mind that each country runs its own separate system. Filling out Thailand's form doesn't carry over to Vietnam, and vice versa. Set aside time to complete each one before crossing each border.
What Happens If You Don't Fill It Out?
While some travelers have reported still getting through without the form during the transition period, Vietnamese authorities strongly recommend all visitors complete it, otherwise you're looking at longer waits at the immigration counter, since officers will need to enter your data manually.
With a bit of preparation, the Digital Arrival Card actually speeds up the whole immigration process and makes arriving in Vietnam a lot smoother. It's also Vietnam's first real step toward a more modern, efficient border experience for global travelers.
