Starting April 15, 2026, Vietnam officially launched the “Digital Arrival Card” (PAI system). Initially piloted at Tan Son Nhat Airport, the system has gradually expanded to the country’s three major international airports. This new regulation affects all foreign passport holders entering Vietnam—including travelers from Taiwan, those under the 30-day visa-free policy for Phu Quoc Island, and e-visa holders.
Important Note: The Digital Arrival Card is not a visa and cannot replace one; it is an independent arrival declaration tool.
Policy Overview: Implementation Timeline & Eligibility
Implementation Schedule:
| Airport Name | Code | Implementation Date |
|---|---|---|
| Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) | SGN | April 15, 2026 |
| Phu Quoc International Airport | PQC | June 1, 2026 |
| Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) | HAN | June 10, 2026 |
Who needs to file?
- ✅ Foreign passport holders (including Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau passports).
- ✅ E-visa or Visa-on-Arrival holders.
- ✅ Travelers under the 30-day visa-free policy for Phu Quoc Island (New regulation!).
- ✅ Overseas Vietnamese entering with a visa.
Who is exempt?
- ❌ Vietnamese passport holders.
- ❌ Transit passengers who do not pass through immigration.
⚠️ Note: Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is not yet mandatory, but it is expected to be included in the expansion. We recommend completing the pre-arrival form for any international airport entry to avoid inconvenience.
Digital Arrival Card vs. E-visa: Don’t Get Confused
Many travelers confuse the two. While the names are similar, they serve different purposes and both are required.
| Feature | Vietnam E-visa | Vietnam Digital Arrival Card |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Eligibility to enter Vietnam | Declaring personal/trip details upon arrival |
| When to Apply | 1–4 weeks before departure | Within 72 hours before arrival |
| Cost | From approx. $25 USD (Gov. fee) | Free |
| Issued By | Vietnam Immigration Dept. | Vietnam Immigration Dept. |
| Order | Must be obtained first | Filed after receiving Visa Number |
💡 Key Step: Obtain your E-visa first, then use your Visa Number to complete the Digital Arrival Card.
Online Pre-filing Steps (Complete in 5 Minutes)
Official Website: https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn/
Required Documents: Passport (valid for 6+ months), E-visa number, flight details, and accommodation address in Vietnam.
- Step 1: Visit the official website and switch the language to “English” (or your preferred language) in the top right corner.
- Step 2: Click “Create and Submit Pre-arrival Information” and enter the verification code.
- Step 3: Fill in passenger information (nationality, passport number, name, DOB, etc.). You can upload your passport photo for auto-identification.
- Step 4: Fill in visa information (Visa type and Visa number). The Visa number is mandatory.
- Step 5: Fill in trip information (Flight number, arrival airport, accommodation address). Fields with an asterisk (*) are mandatory.
- Step 6: Review and submit. Enter the verification code received via email to obtain your QR Code.
- Step 7: Take a screenshot of the QR Code, save it to your phone, email it to yourself, and print a hard copy for the best backup.
On-Site Filing: Not Recommended
If you fail to pre-fill the form, you can scan the on-site QR code at the airport. However, we do not recommend this because:
- ❌ Airport Wi-Fi may be unstable.
- ❌ You may spend an extra 30–60 minutes waiting in line during peak season.
- ❌ It can slow down the customs clearance for your entire group.
We strongly recommend completing the form at home within 72 hours before your departure.
FAQ
Q: Is the Digital Arrival Card free? A: Yes, it is completely free. If a third-party website requests a fee, ensure you are using the official URL: https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn/.
Q: Does the 30-day visa-free stay for Phu Quoc require the card? A: Yes. Visa-free entry and the Digital Arrival Card are separate requirements.
Q: Do family members need individual cards? A: Yes, every traveler needs their own, including children. Parents can complete the forms for their children.
Q: Can I edit my information after submission? A: Names, passport numbers, birth dates, and arrival dates cannot be updated. If you find an error, it is recommended to submit a new form; the latest QR code will be the one used.
Q: Will I be denied entry if I don’t pre-fill? A: You will not be denied entry, but you will have to fill it out at the airport, which will significantly slow down your customs clearance.
Q: Is it required for land borders (Cambodia/Laos)? A: It is currently mandatory for airports only. However, we recommend completing it in advance as a precaution.
Why Choose Our Services?
Vietnam’s entry policies change rapidly. From the initial pilot at Tan Son Nhat to the expansion to Phu Quoc and Hanoi, regulations are evolving quickly. Avoid the pitfalls with our professional assistance.
We offer:
- 📋 Full Visa Service: Expert tracking from application to approval.
- ⚡ VIP Fast-Track Service: Dedicated staff to greet you at the airport and skip the queues.
- 🚀 Expedited Visa Processing: Stuck on your visa? We help accelerate the process.
- 🌐 Multilingual Support: Instant support via LINE/WeChat.
Our Strengths:
- Years of expertise in Vietnamese visa regulations and policy updates.
- Close connection with local partners for first-hand information.
- Comprehensive one-stop service from visa application to customs clearance.
📞 Contact us now to ensure a smooth journey to Vietnam!
- 🌐 Apply Here: https://www.vietnam-visa.in/apply-vietnam-visa/
- 📧 Email: info@vietnam-visa.in
- 💬 LINE/WeChat: vietnam-visa
🔗 Quick Service Links:
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