Travelers heading to Vietnam in 2026 should be aware of a significant update to entry procedures at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Beginning April 15, 2026, a new digital pre-arrival declaration system will be in effect. This enhancement aims to streamline immigration, reduce wait times, and improve the overall experience for international visitors arriving at one of Vietnam's busiest air hubs. Preparing this declaration before your flight can help ensure a more efficient entry process.
Understanding Vietnam's Digital Entry System for 2026
The pre-arrival declaration is an online form designed for submitting personal, travel, and visa information before landing in Vietnam. Upon successful submission, travelers receive a unique QR code. This code is then presented to immigration officers upon arrival, allowing them to access pre-submitted data quickly. This digital approach replaces the need for manual form completion at the airport and helps accelerate processing, particularly during busy travel periods.
This initiative is part of Vietnam's broader strategy to digitize its tourism and immigration services. The goal is to create a more convenient and traveler-friendly experience from the moment international guests step off their aircraft. For those who complete the declaration ahead of time, the benefit is a noticeably faster passage through immigration checkpoints.
Who Must Complete the Pre-Arrival Declaration?
According to Official Dispatch No. 1474/CACK TSN, specific categories of travelers are required to complete this declaration when entering Vietnam via Tan Son Nhat Airport. It is important to confirm if your travel status falls within these groups to avoid potential delays.
- Foreign nationals holding non-Vietnamese passports.
- Overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu) entering the country with a visa.
If your travel purpose is tourism, business, or visiting family, and you hold a foreign passport, it is generally expected that you will need to complete this declaration. Conversely, certain groups are exempt from this requirement:
- Vietnamese citizens traveling with Vietnamese passports.
- Passengers in transit who do not pass through immigration control.
Verifying your status before departure is a recommended step for all international arrivals.
When to Submit Your Entry Information
The pre-arrival declaration can be submitted up to 72 hours before your scheduled arrival in Vietnam. While it is technically possible to complete the form closer to your landing time, it is strongly advised to finalize it before your flight departs. Early submission offers several advantages:
- It helps prevent any last-minute technical issues or internet connectivity problems.
- Your QR code will be ready and accessible, even offline.
- It contributes to a more relaxed arrival experience, reducing potential stress.
Travelers who arrive without having completed the declaration may still be processed, but they should anticipate longer waiting periods at immigration compared to those who have submitted their details in advance. For those planning a first trip to Vietnam, this preparation is a small but impactful step.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Online Declaration Process
To ensure a clear and straightforward process, follow these steps to complete your pre-arrival declaration before your journey:
Step 1: Access the Official Portal
Navigate to the official website: https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn/. Once on the page, select your preferred language, then click on “Create and Submit Declaration.” You will need to enter a CAPTCHA code to proceed. Always ensure you are using the correct official website to prevent errors or fraudulent submissions.
Step 2: Enter Passenger Information
This section requires your fundamental personal and travel identification details. Accuracy is crucial; ensure all information matches your passport precisely. You will need to provide:
- Your anticipated arrival date.
- Your passport number.
- Your full name.
- Your gender.
Under the visa section, carefully select your visa type (e.g., E-visa, Visa exemption, Temporary residence card). Then, input your visa number, issue date, and expiry date. If you are traveling with family members, their information can often be included within the same declaration to simplify the overall process.
Step 3: Provide Flight and Accommodation Details
Next, you will input information concerning your travel itinerary and intended stay in Vietnam. This data assists immigration authorities in understanding your travel purpose and plans. Required details include:
- Your departure location.
- Your purpose of entry (e.g., tourism, business, visiting family).
- Your flight number.
- The address of your accommodation in Vietnam (e.g., hotel or private residence).
- Your intended departure date from Vietnam.
Be as precise as possible, particularly with your accommodation details, as this information might be referenced during your time in the country. Many itineraries, such as a Southern Vietnam family discovery tour, will have these details readily available.
Step 4: Submit and Receive Your QR Code
After carefully reviewing all the information you have entered, tick the confirmation box and click “Submit.” The system will then generate a QR code and send it to your registered email address. It is important to save this code in multiple ways:
- Save it directly onto your mobile phone.
- Take a screenshot of the QR code.
- Print a physical copy as a reliable backup.
Arrival Procedures at Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Upon landing at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the process is considerably more efficient if you have already completed your declaration. Instead of needing to fill out forms on arrival, you will simply:
- Present your QR code, either digitally on your device or as a printed copy.
- Proceed directly to the immigration counter.
Since your data is already stored in the system, immigration officers can process your entry more swiftly, allowing you to move through the airport with greater ease, especially during peak arrival times. This streamlined approach helps travelers quickly transition from their flight to exploring their destination.
Benefits of Preparing Your Declaration in Advance
While the pre-arrival declaration might appear as an additional step in travel planning, it significantly influences your arrival experience. Ho Chi Minh City, where Tan Son Nhat Airport is located, experiences a high volume of international arrivals daily. During busy periods, immigration queues can become lengthy and slow-moving, which is precisely what this new system aims to alleviate.
By completing your declaration before you travel, you are effectively pre-processing a portion of the entry requirements. This proactive measure can lead to:
- Reduced waiting times at immigration counters.
- Less stress upon arrival, especially after long international flights.
- A smoother start to your trip, allowing you to begin your Vietnam travel planning with ease.
This small amount of preparation can make a considerable difference, setting a positive tone for your entire visit to Vietnam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the pre-arrival declaration mandatory for all travelers?
Yes, it is mandatory for foreign nationals and Overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu) using visas who are entering Vietnam through Tan Son Nhat International Airport, effective April 15, 2026.
What occurs if I do not complete the form before my arrival?
You may still be permitted to enter Vietnam, but you should anticipate extended processing times and potential delays at immigration checkpoints.
Do I require internet access at the airport to show my QR code?
It is strongly recommended to save your QR code beforehand, either as a screenshot on your device or as a printed copy. This ensures you do not rely on airport internet connectivity, which may be unreliable.
Can I complete the declaration form once I arrive at the airport?
While technically possible, completing the form upon arrival is not recommended due to potential time constraints and possible issues with internet access or device availability.