What is the Vietnam Electronic Arrival Card (PAI System)?
PAI (Pre-arrival Information) is an online pre-arrival information declaration system launched by the Vietnam Immigration Department. Before arriving in Vietnam, travelers pre-fill their personal details, visa information, and itinerary details via the official website. Once completed, the system generates a unique QR Code, which can be presented upon arrival to accelerate customs clearance.
Please remember: The electronic arrival card is NOT a visa and cannot replace a visa—it is an independent entry declaration tool and is completely separate from an e-visa. You need to complete both, and the correct sequence is “Apply for E-visa first → Receive Visa Number → Fill out Electronic Arrival Card”.
The core purpose of the PAI system is to simplify airport immigration procedures and reduce queueing times. The Vietnam Immigration Department stated that this system is a major step forward in promoting digital transformation and smart tourism.
2026-2027 Complete List of Implemented Airports (Continuously Updated)
The PAI system is being rolled out gradually. As of June 2026, the following five major international airports have implemented mandatory declarations:
| Airport Code | Airport Name | Implementation Date |
|---|---|---|
| SGN | Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) | Starting April 15, 2026 |
| PQC | Phu Quoc International Airport | Starting June 1, 2026 |
| HAN | Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) | Starting June 10, 2026 |
| DAD | Da Nang International Airport | Starting June 15, 2026 |
| CXR | Cam Ranh International Airport (Nha Trang) | Starting June 22, 2026 |
⚠️ Important Reminder: The PAI system is continuously expanding nationwide, and land ports may be included in the future. It is highly recommended to pre-fill it when entering from any Vietnamese international airport just to be safe.
What is the Vietnam Electronic Arrival Card (PAI System)?
Who Needs to Fill It Out? Who is Exempt?
✅ Required to fill out:
- Holders of foreign passports entering the country (including Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau passports)
- Travelers entering with an e-visa or visa on arrival
- Phu Quoc Island 30-day visa-exempt travelers (Visa-exempt travelers must still fill it out!)
- Vietnamese overseas citizens (Viet Kieu) entering with a visa
❌ Exempt from filling out:
- Vietnamese passport holders
- Transit passengers who do not clear customs (restricted to staying within the airport duty-free/secure zone only)
🧒 Do children need to fill it out? Yes—one copy per person, including children. Parents or guardians can fill it out on their behalf.
Why Must It Be Filled Out Before Departure? (Don’t Gamble on Doing It on Site!)
According to statistics from the Vietnam Immigration Department, during the 15-day trial period from April 15 to April 30, 2026, a total of 161,596 passengers made declarations at Tan Son Nhat Airport, and about 70% of international travelers had already used the PAI system.
Advantages of pre-filling:
- ✅ Shortens immigration inspection time and reduces queuing (saves more than 30 minutes)
- ✅ Immigration units can pre-process entry formalities before the flight arrives
- ✅ Especially suitable for travelers with tight schedules who need to optimize their time
Risks of filling it out on site:
- ❌ Unstable airport Wi-Fi signals
- ❌ Queuing to fill it out during peak seasons could take an extra 30–60 minutes
- ❌ May slow down the clearance speed of the entire tour group
The Vietnam Immigration Department explicitly warns that failing to complete the declaration in advance may result in significantly longer customs clearance times.
Complete Online Declaration in 5 Minutes | Illustrated Steps
Step 1: Access the Official Website
Open your browser and head to the only official declaration website of the Vietnam Immigration Department: 🔗 https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn/
⚠️ Important Reminder
- The PAI system is completely free. Any third-party website requesting payment is a scam.
- The official URL ends with
.gov.vn; please check it carefully. - You can also scan the official QR Code provided at the airport check-in counter to enter the system directly.
Step 2: Prepare the Following Information
Before you begin filling it out, please gather all the following details and documents:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Passport | Must be valid for more than 6 months and have at least 2 blank pages |
| E-visa Number | The approval number of your E-visa, formatted as a combination of numbers and letters, usually starting with EV |
| Flight Information | Flight number (e.g., VJ841, BR391) and arrival date |
| Vietnam Address | Hotel name or detailed address (just fill in the first hotel you will stay at) |
| Email Address | Used to receive the system verification code (OTP) and confirmation notifications |
| Passport Bio-Page Photo (Optional) | A clear photo taken with a smartphone; the system can automatically recognize name, passport number, and date of birth |
Step 3: Fill Out the Declaration Form
- 3-1 Switch Language: After entering the official website, click the language menu in the upper right corner and select “Chinese” (or English). The system supports multiple languages including Vietnamese, English, Chinese, and French.
- 3-2 Start Declaration: Click “Create & Submit Pre-arrival Information”.
- 3-3 Enter Verification Code: The system will display a CAPTCHA code; please enter it as shown on the screen.
- 3-4 Fill in Passenger Information: You can choose to upload your passport photo page, and the system will automatically recognize and fill in your name, passport number, date of birth, etc. If you do not upload a photo, enter it manually:
- Full English Name (must match your passport exactly)
- Passport Number
- Date of Birth
- Nationality
- Passport Type: Generally choose “P – Popular Passport”
- 3-5 Fill in Visa Information:
- Visa Type: Select “E-VISA”
- Visa Number: Enter the string of numbers and letters starting with
EVfound on your e-visa - Purpose of Entry: Select according to your actual situation (tourism, business, etc.)
- 3-6 Fill in Travel Information:
- Flight Number: e.g., VJ841, BR391
- Arrival Date: Select your actual date of entry
- Destination Airport: Select your arrival airport
- Accommodation Address: Enter the name or complete address of your first hotel in Vietnam
- ⚠️ All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory.
- 3-7 Review and Submit:
- Carefully check whether all filled content is correct (flight number is the most common mistake)
- Click the submit button
- The system will request an email One-Time Password (OTP). Please check your inbox and enter it.
- Once verified, the system will automatically generate a unique QR Code.
📌 Submission Time Limit: The PAI declaration can only be filled out within 3 days (72 hours) prior to entry, and cannot be declared too far in advance.
Step 4: Triple Backup for Maximum Safety
After completing the declaration and obtaining your QR Code, please make sure to back it up in the following three ways:
- 📱 Phone Screenshot: Screenshot the QR Code screen and save it directly in your phone’s photo album.
- 📧 Save to Email: Save the confirmation email sent by the system.
- 🖨️ Print a Physical Copy: Print out the QR Code and place it in your carry-on bag or passport holder—a physical printout is the most reliable backup.
⚠️ Strong Recommendation: The Wi-Fi connection at local airports in Vietnam can be unstable. Please make sure to complete the declaration and save your QR Code before departure, rather than waiting until you arrive at the airport.
Step 5: Present Upon Arrival
- 5-1 Arrive at the Airport: After the plane lands, follow the yellow “Immigration / Arrival” signs to the immigration hall.
- 5-2 Note for E-visa Holders: The e-visa cannot be used directly; you must first exchange it for a pink “Loose-leaf Visa” at the airport:
- Go to the window marked “VISA ON ARRIVAL” and line up.
- Hand your original passport + printed e-visa paper copy to the counter staff.
- Collect your loose-leaf visa after about 5-10 minutes.
- 5-3 Immigration Inspection: Go to the lane marked “ALL PASSPORTS” and hand over the following documents together to the immigration officer:
- ✅ Passport
- ✅ Loose-leaf visa (or E-visa)
- ✅ PAI Declaration QR Code (either a screenshot on your phone or a printed paper copy)
- The immigration officer will scan the QR Code, verify the details, and clear you for entry.
- 5-4 Baggage Claim: After passing the immigration check, go downstairs to the baggage carousel area to collect your checked luggage.
Key Reminders Summary
| Item | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Official Website | https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn/ |
| Declaration Fee | Completely free, watch out for scams |
| Declaration Time | Within 3 days (72 hours) prior to entry |
| Applicable Airports | Tan Son Nhat (SGN), Phu Quoc (PQC), Noi Bai (HAN), Da Nang (DAD), Cam Ranh (CXR) |
| Exempt from Declaration | Vietnamese passport holders, transit passengers (staying in duty-free/secure zones only) |
| QR Code Backup | Phone screenshot + Email + Printed copy—do all three |
| E-visa Usage | E-visas must be exchanged for a loose-leaf visa at the airport and cannot be used directly |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does the electronic arrival card cost money? A: It is completely free. If you see a third-party website requesting payment, please make sure to access via the official URL: prearrival.immigration.gov.vn.
Q: When can I fill it out? A: You can fill it out online anytime within 72 hours (3 days) prior to entry.
Q: Do I need to fill it out for the Phu Quoc Island 30-day visa exemption? A: Yes. Visa exemption and the arrival card are two different things—anyone holding a foreign passport entering from Phu Quoc Island (starting June 1, 2026) must fill it out.
Q: Does every person in a family trip need to fill it out? A: Yes, one copy per person, including children. Parents can fill it out on behalf of their children.
Q: Can I modify my details if I made a mistake? A: Name, passport number, date of birth, and arrival date cannot be updated. If you find a mistake, it is recommended to fill out and submit a new one; the last submitted QR Code will prevail.
Q: Will I be denied entry if I don’t pre-fill it? A: You won’t be denied entry; you can fill it out on site at the airport. However, it will drastically slow down your customs clearance speed, so it is not recommended.
Q: Do land ports (Cambodia/Laos borders) require it? A: Currently, it is only implemented at airports; land and sea ports have not made it mandatory yet. However, the system is expanding, so it is recommended to fill it out just in case.
Why Choose Us?
Vietnam’s entry policies change rapidly—from the trial at Tan Son Nhat in April 2026 to its expansion to Phu Quoc, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Nha Trang in June, the five major airports fully implemented it within just over two months. The policy is still continuously expanding (more airports and land ports could follow at any time), and travelers can easily step into pitfalls if they aren’t careful.
We provide:
- 📋 Full Visa Services: From application to issuance, tracked by dedicated specialists throughout the process.
- ⚡ VIP Fast Track Service: Dedicated personnel meet you at the airport to skip the lines.
- 🚀 Expedited Visa Services: Visa stuck in processing? We can help speed it up.
- 🌐 Chinese Customer Service: Instant replies via LINE / WeChat, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers.
Our Advantages:
- Deeply rooted in the field of Vietnam visas for many years, staying on top of the latest policy changes.
- Close contact with local partners to grasp first-hand information.
- Extensive experience serving travelers from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau.
- Providing a one-stop service from visa application to customs clearance.
📞 Contact us now to ensure your trip to Vietnam goes smoothly! Choose Vietnam-Visa.in and let our professional team escort your journey to Vietnam.
- 🌐 Application Website: https://www.vietnam-visa.in/apply-vietnam-visa/
- 📧 Email: info@vietnam-visa.in
- 💬 LINE / WeChat: vietnam-visa
#VietnamElectronicArrivalCard #VietnamPAIDeclaration #VietnamArrivalCard #TanSonNhatAirportEntry2026 #NoiBaiAirportCustomsClearance #PhuQuocVisaFreeEntryRules #DaNangAirportArrivalDeclaration #CamRanhAirportPAI #VietnamArrivalCard2026 #VietnamEvisaTutorial #VietnamTravelMustRead2026 #VietnamCustomsClearanceGuide #PAISystemDeclarationSteps #VietnamEntryRegulations2026 #VietnamDigitalArrivalCard
