European travelers planning to visit Vietnam in 2026 must be aware of the new mandatory pre-arrival registration requirement that came into force on April 15, 2026. This page explains the requirement for EU and European citizens, including visa exemption details by country and how to complete the form.
Do EU Citizens Need the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form?
Yes. All European citizens traveling with a non-Vietnamese passport must complete the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Registration Form before arriving at a Vietnamese international airport. This applies regardless of whether you are from an EU member state or another European country.
The form is free, takes 3-5 minutes, and is submitted at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. After submission, you receive a QR code to present at immigration.
Visa-Free Access for European Travelers
Vietnam has expanded its visa exemption program significantly in recent years. As of 2026, the following European countries enjoy visa-free access to Vietnam:
- 90-day visa-free: Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, and several other European nations
- 45-day visa-free: UK (separate from EU since Brexit), and many other European countries
- 14-day visa-free (via specific agreements): Belarus, Russia (check current status)
Citizens from European countries not on the visa exemption list must apply for a Vietnam e-visa at evisa.gov.vn before traveling. Check the current exemption list on the official Vietnam Immigration Department website, as it is updated regularly.
Regardless of visa exemption status, all European passport holders must complete the pre-arrival form. See Vietnam pre-arrival form for visa-free travelers for details.
How to Complete the Form as an EU Citizen
- Open prearrival.immigration.gov.vn
- Select English or another available language
- Click “Create and Submit Declaration” and complete the CAPTCHA
- Enter your full name (exactly as in your EU passport), passport number, gender, arrival date
- Select your visa type – “Visa exemption” if your country has an exemption, or “E-visa” if you have obtained one
- Enter your flight details: flight number, departure country/city
- Enter your Vietnam accommodation address and planned departure date
- Submit and save your QR code
For a complete step-by-step guide, visit how to fill the Vietnam pre-arrival form.
What European Travelers Need to Enter Vietnam
- Valid EU passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
- Pre-arrival registration QR code (free – from official portal)
- E-visa (only if your country is not on the visa exemption list)
- Accommodation confirmation (hotel address)
- Return or onward ticket (may be checked by airline)
Which Airports in Vietnam Require the Form?
Most European flights to Vietnam land at:
- Tan Son Nhat (SGN) – Ho Chi Minh City: mandatory as of April 2026
- Noi Bai (HAN) – Hanoi: expanding rollout in 2026
- Da Nang (DAD): expanding
Full airport information: Vietnam pre-arrival form airports.
Schengen Area Travelers – Special Note
Citizens of Schengen Area countries submit the form using their national passport details. There is no “EU passport” category – select your specific nationality (German, French, Italian, etc.) when completing the form. Each passport holder in a group must be listed individually, though one form can cover an entire travel party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the EU visa-free agreement with Vietnam cover all EU countries?
Vietnam has individual visa exemption agreements rather than a blanket EU agreement. Coverage varies by country. Most major EU countries (Germany, France, Spain, Italy) enjoy 90-day exemptions. Always verify your specific country’s status before traveling.
Can I complete the form in my language?
The portal at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn is available in English and Vietnamese. Most European travelers complete it in English. All data must match your passport exactly.
What if I am an EU citizen but not from a visa-exempt country?
You must apply for a Vietnam e-visa at evisa.gov.vn before traveling (USD 25 single entry). You must also complete the pre-arrival declaration form separately.
Is the form the same for Schengen and non-Schengen European countries?
Yes – the form is the same for all nationalities. Select your specific passport nationality rather than a regional category.