Since April 15, 2026, Vietnam has introduced a new mandatory step for all international travelers arriving by air. The Vietnam Pre-Arrival Registration Form – officially known as the Pre-Arrival Information Submission system – is a digital declaration that foreign nationals must complete before landing in Vietnam. This page explains exactly what it is, why it exists, and how it works.
What Is the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Registration Form?
The Vietnam Pre-Arrival Registration Form is an online declaration system operated by the Vietnam Immigration Department. It is a QR-based digital form that collects your personal, visa, and travel information before you arrive at the airport. Once you submit the form at the official portal prearrival.immigration.gov.vn, the system generates a QR code that is sent to your email.
When you arrive at immigration in Vietnam, you present this QR code – either on your phone screen or as a printout – and the immigration officer scans it to access your pre-submitted details. This speeds up the processing of your entry and reduces manual data entry at the desk.
The form is also referred to as the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card and was introduced under Official Dispatch No. 1474/CACK TSN from the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Why Vietnam Introduced the Pre-Arrival Declaration
Vietnam’s international airports – particularly Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City and Noi Bai in Hanoi – process millions of international arrivals each year. During peak travel seasons, immigration queues can stretch well beyond 40 minutes. The pre-arrival system is designed to:
- Reduce congestion at immigration counters
- Streamline data collection before travelers land
- Enable faster processing for travelers who have pre-declared
- Support Vietnam’s broader digital transformation of its border control system
The system is part of a wider modernization push that also includes the e-visa system at evisa.gov.vn.
Who Must Complete the Pre-Arrival Form?
The following travelers are required to submit the Vietnam pre-arrival declaration before arrival:
- All foreign nationals traveling with a non-Vietnamese passport
- Overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu) entering Vietnam with a valid visa
The following travelers are exempt:
- Vietnamese citizens with a Vietnamese passport
- Transit passengers who do not proceed through immigration
The requirement applies to all eligible travelers regardless of their visa status. Whether you hold an e-visa, are entering under a visa exemption agreement, or have a visa on arrival approval – you still need the pre-arrival declaration. Visit our page on who needs the Vietnam pre-arrival form for a detailed breakdown.
What Information Does the Form Collect?
The pre-arrival form collects the following information:
- Full name (exactly as in your passport)
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Gender
- Expected arrival date
- Visa type (e-visa, visa exemption, or temporary residence card) and details
- Flight number
- Departure location
- Purpose of entry (tourism, business, family visit, etc.)
- Accommodation address in Vietnam
- Planned departure date from Vietnam
No documents need to be uploaded – the form only requires data entry. All information must exactly match your passport. See the full checklist at Vietnam pre-arrival form requirements.
Is the Pre-Arrival Form the Same as a Visa?
No – these are entirely separate requirements. The Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form is a declaration, not a travel authorization. It does not replace your visa and does not grant you permission to enter Vietnam.
Here is how they differ:
- Pre-arrival form: Free, mandatory declaration for all foreign travelers, submitted at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn
- Vietnam e-visa: Paid travel authorization (USD 25 single entry / USD 50 multiple entry), required for nationalities not covered by visa exemption agreements, applied for at evisa.gov.vn
If you are from a country with visa-free access to Vietnam (such as the US, UK, Australia, or most EU nations), you do not need an e-visa – but you do still need the pre-arrival declaration form. Read the full comparison: Vietnam pre-arrival form vs eVisa.
How to Submit the Pre-Arrival Form
The submission process takes 3-5 minutes. Access the portal at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn, complete the data entry across three steps (personal info, visa info, travel details), and submit. You will receive a QR code by email instantly. Save it on your phone and present it at immigration upon arrival.
For full step-by-step instructions, visit how to fill the Vietnam pre-arrival form online.
Is the Pre-Arrival Form Free?
Yes – the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Registration Form is completely free at the official government portal. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge fees to “assist” with the submission. The official portal is straightforward to use without assistance. Full fee breakdown: Vietnam pre-arrival form fee and cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vietnam pre-arrival form called officially?
The system is officially called the Pre-Arrival Information Submission system, operated at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. It is also known as the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card.
Is the pre-arrival form the same as an arrival card?
The digital pre-arrival form has replaced the traditional paper arrival card at participating airports. Instead of filling in a paper form on the plane, you submit the declaration online before departure.
Can I fill in the form at the airport?
Yes – QR kiosks are available in the airport immigration area. However, completing it at the airport may cause delays, especially during busy periods. Completing it before your flight is strongly recommended.
Does the pre-arrival form guarantee faster immigration?
It helps speed up processing since your data is already in the system. However, it does not eliminate queues entirely. For guaranteed fast-track immigration, some travelers use airport fast-track services separately.