Vietnam Entry Requirements 2026: Pre-Arrival Declaration and eVisa Basics
Written by Andrew Duong, visa consultant at Joey Visa Vietnam · Last updated:
Since 15 April 2026, Vietnam's Immigration Department has been rolling out a free online Pre-Arrival Information (PAI) declaration, also called the digital arrival card. You fill it in online up to three days before you arrive and show the QR code at immigration. It is not a visa and does not replace your eVisa or visa exemption. Vietnamese authorities strongly encourage all foreign travellers to complete it, and we recommend you treat it as required.
What is the Vietnam pre-arrival declaration?
The Pre-Arrival Information (PAI) declaration is an online form run by the Immigration Department of Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security. You enter your passport details, visa or exemption details, flight, arrival date and your address in Vietnam. When you submit it, the system generates a QR code to show at passport control. The aim is to cut waiting time at immigration. The only official portal is prearrival.immigration.gov.vn .
Which airports are covered?
The Pre-Arrival Information system has been introduced at Vietnam's major international airports: Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Noi Bai (Hanoi), Da Nang, Cam Ranh (Nha Trang) and Phu Quoc. It started at Tan Son Nhat on 15 April 2026 and was extended to the other airports in stages. The Immigration Department has said it plans to extend it further, so check the official portal for the current list before you fly. We have not found official confirmation that land border crossings or seaports are covered. See all eVisa entry points.
Is it mandatory?
Official notices from Vietnamese authorities say they strongly encourage all foreign travellers to complete the declaration before travelling, to reduce waiting times. Some travel sources describe it as mandatory. Because the rules are changing, we recommend completing it for every arrival at a covered airport. If you do not, expect a longer wait at the immigration counter.
Who should complete it?
Foreign passport holders arriving at covered airports, including travellers on an eVisa and travellers from visa-exempt countries. One declaration per person, including children.
Holders of a Vietnamese passport and transit passengers who stay airside and do not pass through immigration do not need to complete it.
How to submit it
- 1Go to prearrival.immigration.gov.vn on the official portal.
- 2Choose your language and start a new declaration.
- 3Enter your passport details, visa or exemption details, flight, arrival date and address in Vietnam. Details must match your passport exactly.
- 4Submit within three days (72 hours) before arrival.
- 5Save the QR code on your phone and keep a screenshot or printout in case you have no signal at the airport.
It is free: beware of paid third-party sites
The declaration on the official portal is free. Some websites charge a fee to fill it in for you. These are private services, not the government. You do not need to pay anyone to submit it.
What has not changed
The pre-arrival declaration does not replace a visa. You still need a valid eVisa, another visa, or a visa exemption to enter Vietnam. The official government fee for a single-entry eVisa is $25 USD, and you can apply directly at evisa.gov.vn . See our guide to visa requirements by country. If you would like a person to review your eVisa application before submission, see our eVisa service.
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Need help with your eVisa application?
The pre-arrival declaration is free and you submit it yourself. If you need help with the eVisa itself, our team reviews your application before submission.