Vietnam has introduced a digital immigration declaration, also known as the Digital Arrival Card, for certain international travellers arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. The new rule took effect on April 15, 2026, as part of the country’s push to modernise border procedures and reduce queues at immigration counters.
Who Must Complete the Digital Arrival Declaration
The newly introduced requirement of the Digital Arrival Card applies to specific travellers entering Vietnam through Ho Chi Minh City.
Required to submit the form
- Foreign passport holders entering Vietnam
- Travellers entering with a valid visa
- Overseas Vietnamese travelling with a visa
- Visitors arriving for tourism, business, study, or work purposes
Travellers must submit their personal and travel details online before arrival or scan the QR code available at the airport immigration area.
Who Is Exempt From the Requirement
Not all passengers need to complete the digital arrival card.
Exempt travellers
- Vietnamese citizens travelling on Vietnamese passports
- Transit passengers who do not pass through immigration
- Travellers not entering Vietnam formally through the border control
Authorities clarified that only passengers completing entry procedures must submit the declaration.
When Travellers Should Submit the Form
The declaration must be completed shortly before travel.
- Arrival date can only be selected within 72 hours before entry
- Similar timing to online flight check-in
- Recommended to complete before departure to avoid delays
- QR code confirmation must be shown at immigration
Failure to complete the form in advance may result in a longer processing time upon arrival.
Information Required in Vietnam’s Digital Arrival Card
The online declaration is completed in four simple steps.
1. Passenger Details
Travellers must provide personal and passport information:
- Full name, gender, date of birth
- Passport number and expiry date
- Nationality and contact details
- Visa or entry document details (if applicable)
- Passport image upload (optional)
2. Travel Information
Travellers must share trip details:
- Country of departure
- Purpose of travel
- Mode of transport (air, land, sea)
- Flight number or vehicle details
- Accommodation address in Vietnam
- Planned departure date
3. Review and Verification
Travellers confirm details using a 6-digit OTP code sent by email.
4. QR Code Confirmation
After submission, travellers receive a confirmation QR code to present at immigration on arrival.
Currently Applies to Ho Chi Minh City, Expansion Possible
For now, the system applies to arrivals at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. However, the online form includes options for land and sea entry points, suggesting a possible future rollout across Vietnam’s other international gateways.
Why Vietnam Introduced the Digital Arrival Card
Several Asian destinations have already adopted digital border systems, and Vietnam is now following this shift toward digitalised entry procedures. Authorities expect the new process to:
- Speed up immigration clearance
- Reduce paperwork at airports
- Improve passenger flow
- Modernise border control procedures
Travellers heading to Vietnam should complete the declaration within 72 hours before departure and keep the QR code ready for inspection on arrival.
Vietnam E-Visa Processing Paused on Key Holiday Dates
Travellers planning a trip to Vietnam in late April or early May 2026 should expect temporary delays in e-visa processing due to public holidays. Processing will be paused on:
- 25 to 27 April 2026
- 30 April to 3 May 2026
These dates coincide with major national holidays, including Reunification Day (30 April) and International Workers’ Day (1 May). During this period:
Travellers are advised to apply well in advance to avoid delays in travel plans.
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