If you are planning to travel to Vietnam in 2026, the entry process has just seen its most significant change in years. As of April 15, 2026, a new mandatory Vietnam Arrival Card (Digital) has been implemented for all foreign nationals landing at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City.
As an international immigration law firm at Duong Global Business Consulting, we’ve seen firsthand how “minor” paperwork changes can lead to denied boarding or hours of delays at the border. This guide breaks down the new digital requirements to ensure your entry into the “Land of the Ascending Dragon” is seamless.
Watch the Full Breaking Alert & Step-by-Step Tutorial
Before reading the details, watch our latest legal alert for a visual walkthrough of the government portal:
What is the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card?
The Vietnam Digital Arrival Card is a mandatory electronic declaration required for entry through Tan Son Nhat International Airport. While Vietnam simplified the process years ago by removing paper cards, this digital “iteration” requires travelers to submit their personal, visa, and flight information via an official government portal before landing.
Who Must Fill Out the Arrival Card?
Unlike some entry requirements that only apply to tourists, this rule is broad. You must complete the declaration if you are a non-Vietnamese passport holder entering SGN under any of these categories:
- E-visa Holders (Tourist or Business)
- Visa-Free Entries (45-day exemptions for UK, France, Germany, South Korea, etc.)
- 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate holders
- Temporary Residence Card (TRC) or Permanent Residence Card (PRC) holders
- Work Permit and Student Visa holders
Note: Vietnamese citizens, diplomatic passport holders, and transit passengers (who do not pass through immigration) are currently exempt.
The 72-Hour Rule: Timing Your Application
The most critical aspect of the Vietnam Arrival Card is the timing.
- Window: You can only submit the form within 72 hours (3 days) of your arrival in Saigon.
- Sequence: You must have your flight ticket and your approved Vietnam E-visa (if applicable) ready before you can finish the arrival card.
Pro Tip: Do not wait until you land at SGN to fill this out. The airport Wi-Fi can be unreliable and standing in a crowded immigration hall while trying to receive an email OTP (One-Time Password) is a recipe for stress.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your QR Code
To get your mandatory QR code, visit the official government site: prearrival.immigration.gov.vn.
- Access the Portal: Click on “Create & Submit Pre-arrival Information.”
- Upload Passport: Use the auto-fill feature by uploading your bio page to minimize typos.
- Select Visa Type: This is the most confusing section. If you are visa-exempt, ensure you select “Default Visa Exemption by Country.” TRC holders should select “TRC.”
- Trip Details: Enter your flight number and the address of your first night’s accommodation in Vietnam.
- Save Your QR Code: Once submitted, you will receive a QR code. Screenshot this and print a hard copy. —
FAQ: Common Questions from the Community
Q: Does this apply if I am flying into Da Nang or Hanoi?
A: Currently, as of April 2026, this is a pilot program enforced only at Tan Son Nhat (Saigon). However, the system is designed for land, air, and sea borders, so expect expansion soon.
Q: What if I am already in Vietnam and flying domestically to Saigon?
A: No. This is an International Arrival requirement. If you are flying from Hanoi to Saigon, you do not need to fill this out.
Q: Is there a fee for the Vietnam Arrival Card?
A: No. The form is 100% free. Beware of “copycat” websites or “visa agents” charging $20-$50 for this. Always use the official .gov.vn link.
Q: I am a senior citizen and not tech-savvy. What should I do?
A: Many travelers have expressed concerns about the “digital barrier.” If you cannot use the portal, you may face significant delays. We recommend having a family member or your airline agent assist you 72 hours before your flight.
Q: The website keeps glitching. What if I can’t get a QR code?
A: This is a common complaint. Try using a desktop browser (Chrome) rather than a mobile phone and ensure your image uploads are under the size limit. If the site is down, have your flight details and visa ready to show the officer manually.
Need Expert Legal Assistance?
Navigating Vietnam’s evolving immigration landscape can be a “fatal error” for your business or travel plans. If you need a formal legal consultation regarding your Vietnam Visa, TRC, or Citizenship, reach out to our team at Duong Global.
External Resources:
Internal Related Posts:
