Two of the most commonly confused Vietnam travel documents in 2026 are the Pre-Arrival Registration Form and the e-visa. While both involve online applications before traveling to Vietnam, they serve completely different purposes. This guide explains the difference clearly.
What Is the Difference?
In short:
- The Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form is a free declaration – it does not authorize your entry
- The Vietnam E-Visa is a paid travel authorization – it allows you to enter Vietnam
Many travelers need both. Some travelers need only the pre-arrival form. No traveler can replace one with the other.
Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form Explained
The Vietnam Pre-Arrival Registration Form (Vietnam Digital Arrival Card) is a mandatory digital declaration introduced on April 15, 2026. It collects your personal, travel, and visa details before landing and generates a QR code that immigration officers scan at the airport.
Key characteristics:
- Cost: Free at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn
- Purpose: Declaration/registration – helps speed up immigration processing
- Who needs it: All foreign passport holders without exception
- Outcome: QR code sent by email instantly
- Processing time: Instant – 3-5 minutes to complete
- Does it authorize entry? No – it is a declaration only
Vietnam E-Visa Explained
The Vietnam e-visa is an electronic visa issued through the official portal at evisa.gov.vn. It is required for nationals of countries that do not have a visa exemption agreement with Vietnam.
Key characteristics:
- Cost: USD 25 (single entry) / USD 50 (multiple entry)
- Purpose: Travel authorization – permits entry to Vietnam
- Who needs it: Nationals of non-exempt countries (check the official list)
- Processing time: Approximately 3 business days
- Valid stay: Up to 90 days per entry
- Does it replace the pre-arrival form? No – both are required separately
Do You Need Both?
Whether you need one or both depends on your nationality:
- Visa-exempt nationals (US, UK, Australia, most EU countries): Need only the pre-arrival form. No e-visa required for stays within the exemption period
- Non-exempt nationals: Need both the e-visa AND the pre-arrival form. Apply for the e-visa first, then complete the pre-arrival form with your e-visa details
Check whether you are visa-exempt in our visa-free countries guide and our nationality-specific pages for US citizens and EU citizens.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Pre-Arrival Form | E-Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | USD 25-50 |
| Portal | prearrival.immigration.gov.vn | evisa.gov.vn |
| Purpose | Declaration | Entry authorization |
| Who needs it | All foreign travelers | Non-exempt nationals only |
| Processing | Instant QR code | ~3 business days |
| Required from | April 15, 2026 | Ongoing |
| Authorizes entry | No | Yes |
Order of Application
If you need both:
- Apply for the Vietnam e-visa first at evisa.gov.vn (takes ~3 business days)
- Once your e-visa is approved, complete the pre-arrival declaration at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn (instant QR code)
- Bring both your e-visa document and pre-arrival QR code to the airport
If you are visa-exempt, skip step 1 and go straight to the pre-arrival form 2-3 days before departure. Full guide: Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form 2026 Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip the pre-arrival form if I have a Vietnam e-visa?
No. The pre-arrival form is required in addition to the e-visa. Having a valid e-visa does not exempt you from the pre-arrival declaration.
Does the pre-arrival form cost money?
No – the official pre-arrival form is completely free at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. The e-visa costs USD 25 for single entry or USD 50 for multiple entry.
Which should I apply for first – e-visa or pre-arrival form?
Apply for the e-visa first (takes ~3 business days). Then use your e-visa details when completing the pre-arrival form (instant). Apply for the pre-arrival form 2-3 days before your flight.
If I am visa-exempt, do I still need the pre-arrival form?
Yes. Visa exemption removes the need for an e-visa but does not exempt you from the pre-arrival registration form. All foreign passport holders need the form.