Starting June 10, 2026, Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) has officially mandated the use of the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card (PAI) system. Whether you are traveling with an e-visa, visa-on-arrival, or are eligible for visa-free entry, all foreign passport holders arriving at Noi Bai Airport must complete this declaration before departure. This guide is designed to help you avoid pitfalls and ensure a smooth entry into Vietnam.
I. What is PAI? How is it different from an E-visa?
Many travelers confuse PAI with an E-visa. Simply put:
- E-visa: Your legal authorization to “enter” Vietnam.
- Digital Arrival Card (PAI): Your pre-declaration of entry details to ensure “smooth” immigration processing.
PAI is a free online declaration system designed to help customs officials process passenger data in advance, speeding up immigration and reducing wait times. PAI does not replace a visa. Even with a completed PAI, you cannot enter without a valid visa. Both are required, and the order matters: obtain your E-visa first, receive your visa number, then complete the PAI.
II. Noi Bai Airport Implementation & Who Must Apply
Implementation Date in Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) officially mandated the PAI system on June 10, 2026. Regardless of slight variations in reported dates, all passengers flying into Hanoi from mid-June 2026 must complete the PAI declaration.
Who needs to fill it out?
- ✅ Foreign passport holders (including Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau passports)
- ✅ E-visa and Visa-on-Arrival holders
- ✅ Those eligible for visa-free entry (including 30-day visa-free travelers to Phu Quoc)
- ✅ Overseas Vietnamese entering with a foreign passport
Who is exempt?
- ❌ Vietnamese passport holders
- ❌ Transit passengers who remain in the airside transit area and do not pass through immigration
Current Status at Other Airports As of June 2026, the PAI system is active at Vietnam’s five major international airports:
| Airport | Code | Implementation Date |
|---|---|---|
| Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) | SGN | 2026/4/15 |
| Phu Quoc International Airport | PQC | 2026/6/1 |
| Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) | HAN | 2026/6/10 |
| Da Nang International Airport | DAD | 2026/6/15 |
| Cam Ranh International Airport (Nha Trang) | CXR | Late June 2026 |
The government plans to expand this to all international airports and is currently researching implementation for land border crossings. We recommend completing the PAI regardless of your entry airport to be safe.
III. Step-by-Step Online Application (Complete in 5 Minutes)
Official Website https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn/ ⚠️ Important: PAI declaration is completely free. If you encounter third-party sites requesting payment, please note that this is not the official portal.
Required Information
- Passport (at least 6 months validity)
- E-visa number (or visa exemption proof)
- Flight details (flight number, arrival date)
- Accommodation address in Vietnam (Hotel name + full address)
Operating Steps
- Step 1: Access the official website and switch to your preferred language in the top right corner.
- Step 2: Click “Create and Submit Pre-Arrival Information” and enter the CAPTCHA.
- Step 3: Fill in passenger information (nationality, passport number, full name, date of birth, etc.). You can upload a photo of your passport for automatic recognition to save time and reduce errors.
- Step 4: Fill in visa information (visa type, visa number – mandatory).
- Step 5: Fill in travel information (flight number, destination airport, accommodation address – fields with * are mandatory).
- Step 6: Review and submit → Enter the OTP sent to your email → The system will generate a QR Code.
- Step 7: Backup your QR Code in three ways: screenshot on your phone, save the email, and print a hard copy.
When to Apply We recommend completing this within 72 hours before arrival. Submitting too early may not be possible, while submitting too late could result in issues due to unstable internet or system maintenance. Doing it the day before your departure is the safest bet.
IV. Airport Arrival Strategy
Upon arrival at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport:
- Proceed to the immigration area after deplaning.
- Present your passport + paper or electronic visa.
- Present your PAI QR Code (digital screenshot or printed copy).
We strongly recommend completing this before departure. While Noi Bai Airport has on-site kiosks, airport Wi-Fi can be unstable. Attempting to fill it out upon arrival can add 30-60 minutes to your wait time and potentially delay your travel group.
V. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Top 5 Common Errors
- Name Mismatch: The name must exactly match the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) at the bottom of your passport. Do not omit middle names if they appear on your passport. Do not swap Surname and Given Name.
- Wrong Visa Number: The visa number is mandatory. Double-check your E-visa PDF (usually starting with “EV”).
- Incorrect Flight Number: Mistakes here lead to PNR mismatch. Verify your flight number on your ticket.
- Incomplete Accommodation Address: You must provide the full address, including the street, district/ward, and city.
- Procrastination: Do not wait until the last minute. Complete it 48-72 hours in advance to avoid technical issues.
What if I made a mistake? Fields like name, passport number, DOB, and arrival date cannot be updated. If you find an error, it is best to simply re-submit a new application. The system will recognize the latest submission as your valid QR Code.
VI. 2027 Outlook: PAI Expansion
Vietnam’s digital border management is evolving rapidly:
- Airport Expansion: PAI has expanded to five major airports in just two months.
- Land Borders: The government is studying the deployment of PAI at land border checkpoints.
- APEC 2027: With Phu Quoc hosting APEC in 2027, Vietnam is accelerating “Smart Airport” infrastructure, with PAI as a key component.
- Health Declaration: A new health declaration system is expected to launch on July 1, 2026.
VII. Why Choose Us?
Vietnam’s immigration policies are changing rapidly. From the trial in Ho Chi Minh City in April 2026 to the rapid expansion across major airports by June, travelers can easily get caught off guard.
We provide:
- 📋 Comprehensive Visa Services: Full tracking from application to approval.
- ⚡ VIP Fast-Track: Personal meet-and-greet at the airport, skip the lines.
- 🚀 Expedited Service: Need your visa fast? We can speed up the process.
- 🌐 Multilingual Support: Instant replies via LINE/WeChat to bridge language barriers.
Our Strengths:
- ✅ Years of experience in Vietnamese visa policy and regulations.
- ✅ Close ties with local partners for the most up-to-date information.
- ✅ Extensive experience serving travelers from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau.
- ✅ One-stop service from visa application to arrival.
📞 Contact us today to ensure a smooth start to your Vietnam journey!
🌐 Application Website: https://www.vietnam-visa.in/apply-vietnam-visa/
📧 Email: info@vietnam-visa.in
💬 LINE/WeChat: vietnam-visa
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