Vietnam made a significant change to its immigration procedures in April 2026, introducing a mandatory pre-arrival registration system for all international air travelers. This article explains what changed, why it was introduced, and what it means for your trip.
What Changed in Vietnam Entry Requirements in 2026
The biggest change to Vietnam’s entry requirements in 2026 is the introduction of the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Registration Form (also called the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card). Effective April 15, 2026, all foreign passport holders must complete this digital declaration before arriving at a Vietnamese international airport.
Under Official Dispatch No. 1474/CACK TSN, the Vietnam Immigration Department made the form mandatory, initially at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, with a rolling expansion to Noi Bai Airport (HAN) in Hanoi and Da Nang Airport (DAD).
The form is submitted at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn – completely free – and takes 3-5 minutes to complete. Full guide: Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form 2026 Guide.
Why Vietnam Introduced the Pre-Arrival Declaration
The change was driven by several factors:
- Immigration congestion: Tan Son Nhat Airport has faced severe queue problems during peak periods, with wait times exceeding 40-60 minutes. The pre-arrival system allows immigration officers to process arrivals faster by accessing pre-submitted data
- Digital transformation: Vietnam is modernizing its immigration infrastructure as part of a broader digital government initiative
- Security enhancement: Pre-submission of passenger data enables better risk assessment before travelers land
- International alignment: Vietnam is following a global trend – many countries already operate pre-arrival declaration systems
Timeline of Vietnam Immigration Changes (2022-2026)
- August 2023: Vietnam extended visa exemption for US, Australian, and many European nationals from 15 days to 90 days
- 2023: Vietnam’s e-visa expanded to cover all nationalities and extended from 30 to 90 days
- April 15, 2026: Mandatory pre-arrival registration form introduced at Tan Son Nhat Airport
- 2026 ongoing: Pre-arrival form rolling out to Noi Bai, Da Nang, and all other airports
What This Means for Travelers
For most travelers, the 2026 changes add one quick step to trip planning:
- Confirm your visa status (are you visa-exempt, or do you need an e-visa?)
- Complete the pre-arrival form at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn 2-3 days before your flight (free, 3-5 minutes)
- Save your QR code and bring it to immigration
For travelers from the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and most of Europe, the e-visa step is skipped entirely (visa-free access). Country guides: US citizens, UK citizens, Australian citizens.
What Has NOT Changed
- Visa-free access periods remain the same (90 days for US/AU, 45 days for UK)
- E-visa costs remain USD 25 (single) / USD 50 (multiple)
- No health requirements or COVID restrictions
- The official e-visa portal (evisa.gov.vn) remains unchanged for those who need a visa
Future Changes Expected
Vietnam’s immigration modernization is ongoing. Expected developments in 2026-2027:
- Full rollout of the pre-arrival form to all Vietnamese international airports
- Potential introduction of automated e-gates at major airports
- Continued expansion of visa-free access agreements
For the latest updates, see Vietnam entry requirements 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Vietnam introduce the pre-arrival form?
The mandatory pre-arrival registration form was introduced on April 15, 2026, initially at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City.
Did Vietnam change its visa-free policy in 2026?
The main 2026 change is the pre-arrival form requirement. Visa-free access periods (90 days for US/AU, 45 days for UK) remain as set in 2023.
Is the pre-arrival form permanent or temporary?
The form is a permanent change to Vietnam’s immigration system – not a temporary measure. It is part of Vietnam’s long-term digital immigration infrastructure.
Do repeat visitors to Vietnam need to complete the form each time?
Yes – the pre-arrival form must be completed for each trip to Vietnam from April 2026 onwards, regardless of how many times you have visited before.
