Vietnam launches digital arrival card for travelers entering the country

Foreign nationals and overseas Vietnamese with visas must submit information online before arriving at the border

Vietnam has introduced a digital arrival card requirement for travelers entering the country, with the new system officially taking effect on April 15, 2026.

According to a notice published by the Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Office, all foreign visitors must now provide their details through the official portal ahead of their trip. This applies regardless of whether a visa is required. Overseas Vietnamese who hold a visa must also complete the process.

After submitting the form and receiving approval, travelers are issued a confirmation QR code to present to immigration officers when they land. Authorities advise completing this step before departure to avoid delays, although the portal can still be accessed upon arrival if needed.

Complete the form within 72 hours of your flight

This is not a form to fill out weeks in advance. The portal only allows travelers to select arrival dates within a 72-hour window. Skipping this step could mean longer processing times at the border. The notice also stresses that all details provided must be correct and complete.

Who does not need to complete the form

Not everyone is affected. Vietnamese citizens traveling on a Vietnamese passport do not need to submit the declaration. Transit passengers who do not pass through immigration are also exempt.

Other airports and borders could follow

For now, official messaging centers on Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. But the portal hints at broader plans. The form includes options for air, land, and sea travel, and the entry point field lists locations beyond Ho Chi Minh City.

No timeline has been announced, but the infrastructure suggests Vietnam intends to roll out the system nationwide.