This page compiles the most frequently asked questions about the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Registration Form (also known as the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card). The form has been mandatory for foreign travelers since April 15, 2026, and many travelers have questions about how it works, who needs it, and what happens at the airport.
General Questions About the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form
What is the Vietnam pre-arrival form?
The Vietnam Pre-Arrival Registration Form is a free digital declaration that all foreign passport holders must complete before arriving at an international airport in Vietnam. It collects personal, travel, and visa details and generates a QR code that is scanned at immigration. Submit it at the official portal: prearrival.immigration.gov.vn
When was the Vietnam pre-arrival form introduced?
The form became mandatory on April 15, 2026, under Official Dispatch No. 1474/CACK TSN from the Vietnam Immigration Department. It was initially introduced at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and is expanding to other airports.
Is the Vietnam pre-arrival form free?
Yes – the form is completely free at the official government portal prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. Third-party websites may charge fees, but these are unnecessary. Always use the official portal.
Is the pre-arrival form the same as a visa?
No. The pre-arrival form is a declaration, not a visa. It does not authorize entry to Vietnam. Your visa or visa exemption is a separate requirement. Many travelers need both a visa (or are visa-exempt) AND must complete the pre-arrival declaration.
What is the official portal for the Vietnam pre-arrival form?
The official portal is prearrival.immigration.gov.vn, operated by the Vietnam Immigration Department. Only use this portal to submit your declaration.
Who Needs the Form
Do US citizens need the Vietnam pre-arrival form?
Yes. US citizens are foreign passport holders and must complete the pre-arrival form before arriving in Vietnam. US citizens currently enjoy 90-day visa-free access to Vietnam, but the pre-arrival declaration is still required. More details: Vietnam pre-arrival form for US citizens.
Do UK citizens need the Vietnam pre-arrival form?
Yes. British citizens must complete the pre-arrival declaration regardless of their visa status. UK citizens can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days.
Do Vietnamese citizens need the pre-arrival form?
No. Vietnamese citizens with Vietnamese passports are exempt from the pre-arrival form requirement.
Do transit passengers need the form?
No. Transit passengers who remain airside and do not pass through Vietnamese immigration are exempt from the pre-arrival form requirement.
Do children need to be included on the form?
Yes. Children with their own passport must have their details included in the pre-arrival declaration – either as part of a group/family form or individually. Infants on a parent’s passport can be included under that passport’s entry.
How to Submit the Form
How long does the Vietnam pre-arrival form take to complete?
Most travelers complete the form in 3-5 minutes. No document uploads are required – only data entry. For step-by-step instructions, see: how to fill the Vietnam pre-arrival form.
When should I complete the form?
Submit the form within 72 hours before your arrival. The ideal time is 2-3 days before your departure flight, giving you time to fix any errors and save your QR code.
What information do I need to fill in the form?
You need: full name (as in passport), passport number, gender, nationality, arrival date, visa type and details, flight number, departure location, purpose of visit, accommodation address in Vietnam, and departure date from Vietnam. Full list: Vietnam pre-arrival form requirements.
Can one form cover a group of travelers?
Yes. You can add multiple travelers to a single declaration. This is ideal for families and travel groups. Each person’s data must match their individual passport.
What happens after I submit the form?
You immediately receive a QR code – both on screen and via email. Save it on your phone or print it. Present it to the immigration officer when you arrive in Vietnam.
At the Airport
What if I arrive without completing the form?
QR kiosks are available in the airport immigration area where you can complete the form on arrival. However, this adds time to your airport process and is not recommended during busy periods.
Which airports currently require the form?
Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City requires the form as of April 2026. It is expanding to Noi Bai (HAN) in Hanoi and Da Nang (DAD). Full details: Vietnam pre-arrival form airports.
Can I use a printed QR code instead of my phone?
Yes. A printed QR code works just as well as the digital version. Have a printout as backup in case your phone battery dies.
Does the pre-arrival form replace the need to see an immigration officer?
No. You still proceed through the standard immigration counter. The form speeds up the officer’s processing time since your data is pre-entered, but you still present your passport and QR code in person.
Technical Issues
The portal is not loading – what should I do?
Try a different browser or device, clear your cache, or use a different network. The portal may occasionally be under maintenance. Check again after a few hours. For full troubleshooting: Vietnam pre-arrival form troubleshooting.
I did not receive my QR code email – what should I do?
Check your spam folder. Verify that your email address was entered correctly on the form. You can resubmit the form with a corrected email if needed. The QR code is also displayed on screen immediately after submission – take a screenshot.
Can I edit my form after submission?
The official portal does not have an “edit” function once submitted. If you need to correct information, submit a new declaration with the correct details. Contact the immigration department if you need to flag a specific issue.