Planning a trip to Vietnam in 2026 means one important new step before you board your flight. Starting April 15, 2026, all foreign passport holders must complete the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Registration Form – a free digital declaration submitted before landing. This guide covers everything you need to know about the form, who must complete it, and how to do it in under five minutes.
What Is the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form?
The Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form – also called the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card – is a QR-based digital declaration system introduced by the Vietnam Immigration Department. It collects your personal, travel, and visa details before you clear immigration at the airport. Once submitted, you receive a QR code by email that immigration officers scan when you arrive.
The form was officially launched under Official Dispatch No. 1474/CACK TSN and is part of Vietnam’s broader effort to modernize its border control infrastructure. The process is entirely online, costs nothing, and takes most travelers fewer than five minutes to complete.
Submit your declaration at the official government portal: prearrival.immigration.gov.vn
Who Must Complete the Form?
The requirement applies to a wide range of travelers. You must complete the Vietnam pre-arrival form if you are:
- A foreign national traveling with a non-Vietnamese passport
- An overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu) entering Vietnam with a valid visa
You are not required to complete the form if you are:
- A Vietnamese citizen traveling with a Vietnamese passport
- A transit passenger who does not pass through immigration
The requirement applies regardless of your visa status. Whether you are entering on an e-visa, a visa exemption, or a visa on arrival approval letter – the pre-arrival declaration is still required. Learn more about who needs the Vietnam pre-arrival form.
Which Airports Require the Pre-Arrival Form?
As of April 2026, the form is mandatory at:
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) – Ho Chi Minh City
- Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) – Hanoi (rolling out)
Expansion to Da Nang International Airport (DAD) and other international airports is underway. All travelers should complete the form regardless of arrival airport to avoid any delays. See our detailed guide on Vietnam pre-arrival form airports.
How to Submit the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form – Step by Step
Completing the form is straightforward. Here is the complete process:
- Visit the official portal at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn
- Select your language and click “Create and Submit Declaration” – enter the CAPTCHA to proceed
- Enter personal details: full name (exactly as in passport), passport number, gender, and expected arrival date
- Add visa information: select your visa type (e-visa, visa exemption, or temporary residence card) and enter the relevant details
- Enter travel details: flight number, departure location, purpose of visit, hotel or accommodation address in Vietnam, and planned departure date
- Review and submit – tick the confirmation box and click Submit
- Save your QR code – the system generates it instantly and sends it to your email. Screenshot it or print a copy
For a detailed walkthrough with screenshots, see our guide on how to fill the Vietnam pre-arrival form.
When to Complete the Form
The form can be submitted up to 72 hours (3 days) before your arrival. The recommended window is 2-3 days before your departure. Completing it early gives you time to correct any errors and ensures your QR code is ready before you board.
You can technically complete the form after landing using QR kiosks available in the airport immigration area, but this option adds time to your arrival process – especially during peak periods when queues can exceed 40 minutes.
Is the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form Free?
Yes – the official Vietnam Pre-Arrival Registration Form is completely free of charge. Use only the official government portal at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. Third-party websites may attempt to charge fees for assistance – these are not official and are not necessary.
Read our full breakdown of Vietnam pre-arrival form fees and costs.
Requirements and What You Need
Before starting the form, have the following ready:
- Valid passport (must have at least 6 months validity from your date of arrival)
- Your visa or visa exemption details (visa number, issue date, expiry date)
- Your flight number and departure location
- Your accommodation address in Vietnam (hotel name and address is fine)
- An email address where your QR code confirmation will be sent
No document uploads are required – the form is data entry only. For a full checklist, see the Vietnam pre-arrival form requirements page.
Pre-Arrival Form vs Vietnam E-Visa – Are They the Same?
No – these are two completely different things. The pre-arrival declaration form is a registration step that runs alongside your visa. It does not grant you entry permission. Your visa (or visa exemption) is what authorizes you to enter Vietnam.
If you are from a visa-free country (such as the US, UK, Australia, or most EU nations), you do not need an e-visa but you do still need the pre-arrival declaration form. Understand the full difference in our Vietnam pre-arrival form vs eVisa guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Vietnam pre-arrival form required for all travelers?
It is required for all foreign passport holders and overseas Vietnamese traveling with a visa. Vietnamese citizens and transit passengers not clearing immigration are exempt.
How long does the form take to complete?
Most travelers complete the Vietnam pre-arrival form in 3-5 minutes. The QR code is generated instantly after submission.
What is the official portal for the Vietnam pre-arrival form?
The official portal is prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. The form is completely free – do not pay third-party services.
When should I submit the form?
Submit the form 2-3 days before your departure – or at minimum within 72 hours before your arrival in Vietnam.
Do visa-free travelers need the pre-arrival form?
Yes. Travelers entering on a visa exemption (including US, UK, Australian, and EU citizens) must still complete the pre-arrival declaration form. It is separate from visa requirements.
What airports require the pre-arrival form?
Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City requires it as of April 15, 2026. Noi Bai Airport (HAN) in Hanoi and Da Nang Airport (DAD) are rolling out the requirement. Complete the form regardless of your arrival airport.