Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form

Vietnam Pre Arrival Form

Travelling to Vietnam has become more convenient with the introduction of the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form, a digital declaration designed to simplify immigration procedures and improve the arrival experience for international travellers.

If you are arriving at any international airport in Vietnam, you may be required to complete the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form before your flight. After submitting your information, you will receive a QR code that can be presented during the immigration process, helping reduce paperwork and improve processing efficiency at one of Vietnam’s busiest international airports.

The Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form is not a visa and does not replace a Vietnam eVisa or visa exemption. Instead, it serves as a digital immigration declaration that allows travellers to provide their arrival information before landing in Vietnam.

At present, this requirement applies to eligible international arrivals at every International Airport. As Vietnam continues to modernise its immigration system, similar digital procedures may be introduced at additional international airports in the future.

Whether you are travelling for tourism, business, visiting family or any other permitted purpose, understanding how the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form works will help you prepare for a smoother arrival.


Travelling Through Tan Son Nhat International Airport?

The Vietnam Pre-Arrival Declaration was first introduced as a pilot program at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) from 15 April 2026.

Following the initial trial period, this arrival procedure has been expanded to other international entry points across Vietnam. However, travelers arriving through Tan Son Nhat Airport may still find our dedicated guide helpful, as it provides more detailed information about the airport-specific arrival process, QR code submission, and immigration procedures.

👉 Read our complete guide to the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form for Tan Son Nhat International Airport.


Where Does the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form Apply?

The Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form currently applies to travellers arriving at five major international airports in Vietnam, including:

  • Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
  • Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
  • Da Nang International Airport (Da Nang)
  • Cam Ranh International Airport (Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa)
  • Phu Quoc International Airport (Phu Quoc, Kien Giang)

Travellers arriving through any of these airports should complete the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form before departure and keep their QR code readily available for immigration inspection upon arrival.


What Is the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form?

The Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form is an online immigration declaration introduced by the Vietnam Immigration Department to collect essential traveller information before arrival in Vietnam.

Instead of completing certain arrival procedures manually at the airport, eligible travellers can submit their information online before travelling. Once the declaration has been successfully submitted, a QR code confirmation is generated for presentation during the immigration process.

The information requested generally includes:

  • Full name
  • Passport number
  • Nationality
  • Flight number
  • Arrival date
  • Accommodation or local address in Vietnam
  • Vietnam visa, eVisa or visa exemption details (where applicable)

The purpose of the declaration is to improve the efficiency of immigration processing, reduce manual paperwork and help minimise congestion at every Vietnam’s International Airport.

It is important to understand that the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form does not grant permission to enter Vietnam. Travellers must still satisfy Vietnam’s immigration requirements by holding a valid passport and, where required, an approved Vietnam visa or qualifying for visa-free entry.


Why Was the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form Introduced?

Vietnam continues to modernise its immigration procedures to accommodate the increasing number of international visitors arriving each year.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Southeast Asia and frequently experiences long queues during peak travel periods. By introducing a digital pre-arrival declaration, immigration officers can receive passenger information before travellers reach the immigration counter, allowing for a more organised and efficient arrival process.

The Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form helps:

  • Improve immigration efficiency
  • Reduce manual paperwork
  • Shorten waiting times during busy periods
  • Improve the accuracy of passenger information
  • Support faster verification of travel documents
  • Enhance the overall arrival experience for international travellers

While completing the declaration may help streamline the arrival process, travellers should remember that immigration officers will continue to verify passports, visas and supporting travel documents upon arrival.


Who Needs to Complete the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form?

The Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form applies to eligible international travellers entering Vietnam through Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) and completing immigration clearance.

You should complete the declaration if you are:

  • A foreign passport holder travelling with a valid Vietnam visa.
  • A foreign passport holder travelling with an approved Vietnam eVisa.
  • A traveller entering Vietnam under an eligible visa exemption programme.
  • An overseas Vietnamese travelling with a foreign passport.
  • A traveller included within an eligible group declaration where permitted.

Before travelling, ensure that the information entered into the declaration matches your passport and travel documents exactly. Even small spelling mistakes or incorrect passport numbers may cause delays during immigration processing.


Who Is Exempt from the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form?

Not every traveller arriving in Vietnam is required to submit the digital declaration.

Generally, the following travellers are exempt:

  • Vietnamese citizens travelling with Vietnamese passports.
  • Transit passengers who remain in the international transit area and do not pass through Vietnamese immigration.
  • Travellers who do not complete immigration clearance in Vietnam.

If you are simply connecting to another international flight without entering Vietnam, the pre-arrival declaration is generally not required.

However, if you leave the transit area, collect your baggage or pass through immigration, you should confirm whether the declaration applies to your journey before departure.


When Should You Complete the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form?

To avoid unnecessary delays, travellers are encouraged to complete the declaration before departing for Vietnam.

Submitting the form before your flight provides several advantages:

  • Your information is already available for immigration processing.
  • You can avoid completing forms after landing.
  • You have time to review your details and correct any mistakes.
  • You can save your QR code before arriving at the airport.

Waiting until you arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport may increase your overall processing time, particularly during busy travel periods when many international flights arrive within a short timeframe.

Completing the declaration in advance helps make your arrival smoother and allows you to proceed to immigration with your QR confirmation already prepared.


Is the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form the Same as a Vietnam eVisa?

No.

Many travellers mistakenly believe that the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form replaces a Vietnam visa or Vietnam eVisa. These are two completely different requirements.

The Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form is an online immigration declaration that collects traveller information before arrival.

A Vietnam eVisa, on the other hand, is an official travel authorisation that allows eligible foreign nationals to enter Vietnam.

In simple terms:

Requirement

Purpose

Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form

Digital arrival declaration before entering Vietnam

Vietnam eVisa

Official permission to enter Vietnam

Visa Exemption

Allows eligible travellers to enter Vietnam without applying for a visa

If your nationality is not eligible for Vietnam’s visa exemption programme, you must still obtain a valid Vietnam visa or Vietnam eVisa before travelling, even after completing the Pre-Arrival Form.


Official Vietnam Pre-Arrival Portal

Travellers should complete the declaration only through the official Vietnam Pre-Arrival Information Portal provided by the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Using the official website helps ensure that your information is submitted securely and reduces the risk of using unofficial or fraudulent websites.


What Information Do You Need Before Completing the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form?

Before accessing the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Information Portal, travellers should prepare all necessary travel documents to ensure the declaration can be completed accurately.

Having your information ready in advance helps reduce mistakes and makes the submission process much quicker.

Generally, you should prepare the following:

Passport Information

Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your intended date of arrival in Vietnam.

You may be asked to provide:

  • Full name (exactly as shown on your passport)
  • Passport number
  • Nationality
  • Date of birth
  • Passport issue date
  • Passport expiry date

Always double-check that every detail matches your passport exactly. Even a minor spelling mistake may cause delays during immigration clearance.


Vietnam Visa or Entry Information

Depending on your nationality, you may need to provide information relating to your permission to enter Vietnam.

This may include:

  • Vietnam eVisa number
  • Vietnam visa details
  • Visa exemption information (if applicable)
  • Purpose of travel

If you are unsure whether you need a visa before travelling, you can review the Vietnam Visa Exemption Guide to determine your eligibility before completing the declaration.


Flight Information

Travellers should also prepare their flight itinerary.

Information may include:

  • Airline name
  • Flight number
  • Departure country
  • Arrival airport
  • Expected arrival date

Providing accurate flight information allows immigration authorities to process your declaration more efficiently.


Accommodation Details

You should also prepare your accommodation information in Vietnam.

Examples include:

  • Hotel name
  • Hotel address
  • Apartment address
  • Family or friend’s residential address

If you plan to visit multiple cities, simply provide the address of your first accommodation after arrival.


Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form

Vietnam Pre Arrival Form

How to Complete the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form

The Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form can usually be completed within a few minutes if you have all the necessary information ready.

Follow these simple steps before your departure.


Step 1 – Visit the Official Vietnam Pre-Arrival Portal

Open the Official Vietnam Pre-Arrival Information Portal using your preferred web browser. Always ensure you are using the official government website rather than unofficial third-party websites. Using the official portal helps protect your personal information and ensures your declaration is submitted correctly.


Step 2 – Enter Your Personal Information

Complete the required personal details exactly as they appear on your passport.

These normally include:

  • Full name
  • Passport number
  • Nationality
  • Date of birth
  • Passport validity

Avoid using nicknames, shortened names or alternative spellings.

Your declaration should match your passport character-for-character.


Step 3 – Enter Your Travel Information

Next, provide your travel details.

This typically includes:

  • Arrival date
  • Flight number
  • Arrival airport
  • Country of departure
  • Purpose of visit

Take a few moments to verify every detail before moving to the next step.

Incorrect flight information may delay your immigration processing.


Step 4 – Provide Your Vietnam Accommodation

Enter the address where you will stay after arriving in Vietnam.

This may be:

  • Hotel
  • Apartment
  • Guesthouse
  • Family residence
  • Business accommodation

If you have not booked every hotel during your trip, your first night’s accommodation is generally sufficient.


Step 5 – Review Your Information Carefully

Before submitting your declaration, review every section.

Check:

✅ Passport Number

✅ Full Name

✅ Nationality

✅ Arrival Date

✅ Flight Number

✅ Hotel Address

Submitting incorrect information may require you to update your declaration before travelling.


Step 6 – Submit the Declaration

After confirming that all information is correct, submit your Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form online.

Once your submission has been accepted, the system generates a QR Code Confirmation.

This QR code serves as proof that your declaration has been successfully completed.


Save Your QR Code

After submitting your declaration, you should immediately save your QR code.

Recommended methods include:

  • Screenshot your QR code.
  • Save it to your phone.
  • Download a copy if available.
  • Email it to yourself.
  • Print a backup copy.

Having multiple copies ensures you can still access your confirmation even if your phone battery runs out or your internet connection becomes unavailable.


Can You Complete the Form After Arriving?

In some situations, travellers may still be able to complete the declaration after arriving at every Vietnam’s International Airport.

However, doing so is not recommended.

Completing the form after landing may require you to:

  • Connect to airport Wi-Fi.
  • Scan the airport QR code.
  • Complete the online declaration.
  • Wait for the QR confirmation.
  • Join the immigration queue afterwards.

During busy arrival periods, this can significantly increase your waiting time.

For a smoother travel experience, Vietnam Visa Express strongly recommends completing the declaration before your departure.


Can One Form Be Used for Families or Groups?

Where permitted by the official system, travellers may submit information for accompanying family members or travel companions within a single declaration.

However, every traveller must still:

  • Hold a valid passport.
  • Meet Vietnam’s entry requirements.
  • Hold a valid visa or qualify for visa exemption where applicable.

Parents should carefully review all information entered for children before submitting the declaration.


Can You Edit Your Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form?

If you discover an error after submitting your declaration, you should update the information through the official portal if an edit or lookup function is available.

Common reasons for updating include:

  • Incorrect passport number
  • Wrong flight number
  • Incorrect arrival date
  • Change of hotel
  • Typographical errors

Always save the updated QR confirmation after making any changes.


What Happens If You Lose Your QR Code?

Losing your QR code does not necessarily mean you must submit the declaration again.

You should first check:

  • Phone screenshots
  • Downloads folder
  • Email
  • Cloud storage
  • Printed copies

If necessary, you may be able to retrieve your declaration using the official portal’s lookup function.

To avoid unnecessary stress while travelling, always keep both digital and printed copies of your confirmation.


Common Mistakes Travellers Should Avoid

Many travellers experience unnecessary delays because of simple mistakes.

Avoid the following:

  • Entering an Incorrect Passport Number -Your passport number must exactly match your passport.
  • Using a Nickname– Always use your full legal name as printed on your passport.
  • Entering the Wrong Flight Number– Double-check your itinerary, especially if you have connecting flights.
  • Forgetting to Save the QR Code– Take a screenshot immediately after submission.
  • Waiting Until Arrival- Complete the declaration before boarding your flight whenever possible.
  • Assuming the QR Code Replaces Your Visa-The Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form is not a visa. Travellers must still obtain a Vietnam visa or qualify for visa-free entry before travelling.
  • Providing an Incorrect Hotel Address-If you’ve already booked accommodation, ensure the address entered is accurate.Incorrect accommodation details may require additional clarification during immigration.

Benefits of Completing the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form Early

Although travellers can complete the declaration after arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, submitting it before departure offers several important advantages.

Preparing your declaration in advance allows you to travel with greater confidence and helps reduce unnecessary stress upon arrival.

Some of the key benefits include:

  • Faster Immigration Processing– Since your travel information has already been submitted electronically, immigration officers can verify your details more efficiently, helping reduce processing time at the immigration counter.
  • Less Paperwork at the Airport– Instead of completing forms after landing, travellers can proceed directly to immigration with their QR code ready for verification. This is especially helpful after long international flights.
  • Fewer Data Entry Mistakes– Completing the declaration in advance gives travellers enough time to review their passport details, visa information and accommodation address carefully before submission. Small mistakes can often be corrected before travelling instead of creating delays after arrival.
  • Better Travel Preparation– Having your passport, visa, flight information and accommodation details prepared beforehand helps ensure a smoother journey from departure to arrival.

Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form vs Vietnam eVisa

Many first-time visitors mistakenly believe that the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form and the Vietnam eVisa serve the same purpose.

In reality, they are two completely different requirements.

Feature

Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form

Vietnam eVisa

Purpose

Arrival declaration

Travel authorisation

Application Required

Yes

Yes

Government Approval

No

Yes

QR Code

Yes

No

Visa Granted

No

Yes

Required Before Travel

Yes (where applicable)

Yes (if visa required)

Entry Permission

No

Yes

Important

Completing the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form does not replace a Vietnam visa or Vietnam eVisa.

If your nationality requires a visa, you must still obtain an approved Vietnam eVisa before travelling.

(Internal Link → Vietnam eVisa Requirements)


What Happens If You Do Not Complete the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form?

Travellers who are required to complete the declaration but fail to do so before departure may still be able to submit it after arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, subject to the current procedures.

However, delaying the submission may result in:

  • Longer waiting times
  • Additional time spent completing the online declaration
  • Delays during busy arrival periods
  • Increased congestion at immigration

For the smoothest arrival experience, travellers are encouraged to complete the declaration before boarding their flight.


Travel Tips Before Flying to Vietnam

Preparing your documents before departure can make your arrival significantly easier.

Before leaving for the airport, ensure you have:

✔ Passport (valid for at least six months)

✔ Vietnam eVisa or valid visa (if required)

✔ Vietnam Pre-Arrival QR Code

✔ Flight itinerary

✔ Hotel confirmation

✔ Return or onward ticket (if applicable)

✔ Travel insurance (recommended)

✔ Emergency contact details

Keeping both digital and printed copies of important travel documents is recommended, particularly when travelling internationally.


Airport Fast Track Service

During peak travel periods, immigration queues at Tan Son Nhat International Airport can become considerably longer.

Travellers who would like additional assistance may consider using Vietnam Visa Express’s Airport Fast Track Service.

The service is designed to provide a smoother arrival experience by offering assistance throughout the immigration process.


Official Government Resources

Travellers should always refer to official government sources when checking Vietnam’s latest immigration requirements.

Vietnam Immigration Department
Vietnam Immigration Department (eVisa)
Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The requirement currently applies to eligible international travellers arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). Travellers should always verify the latest official requirements before departure.

Generally, the form applies to:

  • Foreign passport holders travelling with a valid Vietnam visa or eVisa.
  • Travellers entering under Vietnam's visa exemption programme.
  • Overseas Vietnamese travelling on foreign passports.

The declaration generally does not apply to:

  • Vietnamese citizens travelling on Vietnamese passports.
  • Transit passengers who remain in the international transit area and do not pass through immigration.

It is recommended that travellers complete the declaration before departing for Vietnam. Completing it in advance helps avoid delays after arrival and allows you to save your QR code before travelling.

The official online declaration itself is intended as an immigration requirement rather than a visa application. Travellers should use only the official government portal and avoid unofficial websites requesting unnecessary payment.

Yes. In some cases, travellers may complete the declaration after arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport by scanning the airport QR code. However, doing so may increase your waiting time during busy periods.

You may need:

  • Passport details
  • Nationality
  • Flight number
  • Arrival date
  • Accommodation address
  • Vietnam visa or eVisa information (where applicable)

Once your declaration has been successfully submitted, the system generates a QR code. Save it on your mobile device and consider printing a backup copy before travelling.

Check your:

  • Phone screenshots
  • Downloads folder
  • Email
  • Cloud storage

If available, retrieve your declaration using the official lookup function.

If your travel details change, such as your flight number or accommodation, you should update the declaration through the official portal where available and save the latest QR code.

No.

The Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form is an immigration declaration only.

Travellers who require a Vietnam visa must still obtain an approved Vietnam eVisa or another valid visa before travelling.

Where supported by the official system, one declaration may include accompanying family members or travel companions. Ensure that each traveller's information is entered accurately.

The current implementation focuses on Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). Travellers arriving at other international airports should verify the latest official guidance before departure.

If you are required to complete the declaration but do not do so before travelling, you may need to complete it after arriving at the airport. This can result in longer waiting times and additional delays during immigration processing.


Need Assistance Before Travelling to Vietnam?

Preparing your travel documents before departure helps ensure a smoother arrival experience.

If you require assistance with your:

  • Vietnam eVisa application
  • Airport Fast Track Service
  • Vietnam Business Visa
  • Urgent Vietnam Visa
  • Vietnam entry requirements

The experienced team at Vietnam Visa Express is ready to help.

From visa applications to arrival support, we are committed to making your journey to Vietnam as simple and stress-free as possible.

👉 Apply for your Vietnam visa or explore our travel services today.