Vietnam set to roll out digital arrival card system nationwide

Vietnam to roll out digital arrival card system nationwide

The Vietnam Immigration Department has confirmed plans to expand its digital arrival card system to all international airports following a successful pilot program in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to the Vietnam News Agency, the Ministry of Public Security officially announced on May 10, 2026, that the Pre-arrival Information (PAI) system will be deployed across the country.

The digital platform was first introduced as a pilot at Ho Chi Minh - Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) on April 15, 2026 , to modernize border management and reduce immigration wait times.

Government data indicates the pilot saw significant engagement, with 161,596 passengers accessing the system in its first 15 days. While the program remains voluntary for now, participation among foreign arrivals has reached 70%. Authorities intend to use feedback from this phase to refine the platform before launching it at other major gateways, including Hanoi and Da Nang.

Expanding Vietnam's digital borders beyond airports

The nationwide expansion is part of a broader administrative reform to digitise Vietnam’s entry procedures. In addition to international air border gates, officials stated they are studying a rollout adapted for land border crossings.

The system allows the Immigration Department to analyze traveler data in real time before they reach the counter. The Immigration Department noted in their official statement:

"The deployment marks an important step in establishing a management mechanism based on real-time passenger data."

How to use the Vietnamese pre-arrival information system

Travelers can submit their declarations online from any internet-connected device.

• Timeline: Submissions must be made within 72 hours of the scheduled arrival.

• Requirements: Travelers need to provide passport details, flight information, and their address in Vietnam.

• Outcome: The system generates a QR code, which must be presented to immigration officers upon arrival to facilitate faster processing.

The digital arrival card is strictly an immigration declaration and does not replace a visa. Travelers who are not visa-exempt must still obtain a valid Vietnamese visa.