Vietnam is slowly moving toward a paperless arrival process for international travellers. Since April 15, 2026, the country has been testing a new digital arrival card system at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport, the country’s busiest airport.
The new system is called “PAI,” short for Pre-arrival Information. It lets foreign travellers submit their travel details online before landing in Vietnam.
According to a notice issued by the Vietnam Ministry of Public Security, the pilot project is expected to expand across Vietnam after the testing phase ends.
What Is Vietnam’s Digital Arrival Card?
The Vietnam digital arrival card is an online form that travellers can complete before entering the country. Passengers need to enter basic details such as:
- Passport information
- Flight details
- Visa details, if required
- Travel information
The form can be completed online within three days before arriving in Vietnam using any internet-connected device. After submitting the form, travellers receive a QR code that can be shown during immigration checks.
Important: This Is Not a Vietnam e-Visa
Vietnamese authorities have made one thing very clear. The PAI system is not a visa application platform.
Travellers who need a Vietnam visa must still apply separately under the normal visa rules. The digital arrival card only helps immigration authorities process passenger information faster.
Vietnam Plans Nationwide Expansion
Right now, the system is only available at Ho Chi Minh City airport. But Vietnam plans to expand it to more international airports soon.
Authorities are also studying whether the system can later be used at land border crossings.
This move is part of Vietnam’s larger push to modernise immigration procedures and reduce waiting times for travellers.
More Than 119,000 Successful Submissions Already
Vietnam says the early response has been positive. Between April 15 and April 30, 2026:
- 161,596 travellers submitted declarations
- 119,854 forms were successfully validated
- Around 70% of eligible travellers used the system
Some applications failed because travellers entered incorrect flight numbers, making it difficult for the system to match airline records.
Beware of Fake Websites
Vietnamese authorities have also warned travellers to avoid unofficial websites asking for payments or credit card details.
The official Vietnam digital arrival card portal is: Vietnam Pre-arrival Information Portal
What Travellers Should Know
If you are flying to Vietnam in 2026, especially through Ho Chi Minh City, there’s a good chance you may see the new digital arrival card system during your trip.
For now, the process remains voluntary. But with Vietnam planning a nationwide rollout, the PAI system could soon become a regular part of entering the country.
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