Encountering issues with the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Registration Form portal can be stressful, especially close to your departure date. This troubleshooting guide covers the most common errors and how to resolve them quickly.
Common Errors on the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form Portal
The portal at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn is a government system that may occasionally experience issues. Here are the most frequently reported problems and their solutions:
CAPTCHA Not Loading
If the CAPTCHA image does not load on the initial form page:
- Refresh the page (F5 or pull-to-refresh on mobile)
- Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
- Disable browser extensions that may interfere with CAPTCHA
- Clear browser cookies and cache, then reload
- Try on a different device or network connection
Form Freezing or Not Responding
- Check your internet connection – the form requires a stable connection
- Avoid using VPNs while completing the form – some IP addresses may be blocked
- Try on a different browser or incognito mode
- Do not use the browser back button – use the form’s navigation buttons only
Error Message After Submission
- Check that all required fields are completed
- Verify that your passport number matches exactly (common: O vs 0, I vs 1)
- Ensure your arrival date format matches the required format
- Try resubmitting from the beginning with fresh data
What to Do If You Don’t Receive the QR Code Email
After submitting the form, the QR code email should arrive within a few minutes. If it does not:
- Check spam/junk folder – automated emails from government portals are often filtered
- Search for emails from the prearrival.immigration.gov.vn domain
- Check the email address you entered – a typo in your email means it went elsewhere
- Screenshot the QR code immediately after submission – it is displayed on the confirmation screen. This is your backup if email fails
- If no email arrives after 30 minutes, resubmit the form with a corrected or alternative email address
Can You Edit or Resubmit the Form?
The current portal does not have an “edit” function for submitted declarations. If you need to correct information:
- Submit a new declaration with the correct information
- The most recent valid submission will be used by immigration officers
- Keep the correct QR code and discard the incorrect one
If you have made a mistake that you notice only after arriving at the airport, inform the immigration officer directly. Minor discrepancies (such as a middle name variation) are often handled at the desk.
Portal Technical Issues – Planned Maintenance
The official portal may occasionally be unavailable for maintenance. If you cannot access the portal:
- Wait 1-2 hours and try again
- Check the Vietnam Immigration Department official announcements for maintenance notices
- If the portal is down close to your departure, complete the form at airport kiosks upon arrival – entry is not refused for portal-related technical issues
- Submit as early as possible (2-3 days before flight) to allow buffer time for technical issues. See processing time guide
QR Code Problems at the Airport
If your QR code does not scan correctly at the immigration counter:
- Increase screen brightness on your phone
- Clean the screen if there are smudges
- Try a printed copy – many immigration scanners work better with paper
- Show the officer the full confirmation email or form reference number
- If the QR code cannot be verified, the officer may manually enter your data or direct you to a secondary processing area
What Happens If You Cannot Complete the Form Before Flying?
If you are unable to complete the form before your flight due to technical issues:
- QR code kiosks are available in the immigration areas of Vietnamese airports
- Complete the form at the kiosk before approaching the immigration counter
- The process takes the same 3-5 minutes at the kiosk
- Entry is not refused for technical issues with the pre-arrival portal
- Inform the immigration officer if there were portal issues preventing submission
For airport-specific information, see Vietnam pre-arrival form airports guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a VPN to access the pre-arrival form portal?
Avoid using a VPN while completing the form. Some VPN IP addresses may trigger security blocks on the government portal. Disable your VPN and try again on a direct connection.
What if I entered the wrong passport number?
Submit a new declaration with the correct passport number. The most recent submission is used by immigration. Discard the QR code from the incorrect submission.
The form accepted my submission but I see “pending” status – is this normal?
The QR code is generated instantly in most cases. A “pending” status may indicate a temporary system delay. Wait 15-30 minutes and check your email. If still pending, resubmit.
My QR code shows as invalid at the airport scanner – what do I do?
Show the officer your email confirmation or form reference number. Increase screen brightness. Try a printed copy. The officer can manually process your entry if needed.
Can I contact the Vietnam Immigration Department for portal issues?
The official portal prearrival.immigration.gov.vn should have contact or support information. You can also contact the Vietnamese embassy in your country for pre-travel assistance.