Vietnam’s border entry policies are undergoing a major digital transformation. As of April 2026, Vietnam has officially launched the Digital Arrival Card (PAI System). Within just two months, this system was rapidly expanded to cover the country’s four major international airports. This new requirement affects all foreign passport holders—whether you are traveling for business in Ho Chi Minh City, sightseeing in Hanoi, or taking advantage of the 30-day visa exemption in Phu Quoc.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the 2026-2027 Vietnam Digital Arrival Card, from policy updates and step-by-step instructions to specific notes for Phu Quoc visa-exempt travelers.
I. 2026-2027 Policy Updates: From Pilot to Nationwide Rollout
The deployment of the Vietnam PAI (Pre-arrival Information) system has been swift. Following a successful pilot program at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in April 2026, the system has been expanded to major hubs across the country.
Implemented Airports & Timeline (As of July 2026)
| Airport | Code | Implementation Date |
|---|---|---|
| Tan Son Nhat International Airport (HCMC) | SGN | April 15, 2026 |
| Phu Quoc International Airport | PQC | June 1, 2026 |
| Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) | HAN | June 10, 2026 |
| Da Nang International Airport | DAD | June 15, 2026 |
⚠️ Important Note: According to the Vietnam Immigration Department, the PAI system is being rolled out nationwide. Cam Ranh Airport (CXR) is already included. It is highly recommended to complete your declaration regardless of your port of entry.
Why the Digital Transformation?
- APEC 2027: Vietnam will host the APEC summit in 2027. The PAI system is a foundational pillar in building “Smart Airports” and improving clearance efficiency.
- Digitalization: The government is shifting from paper-based processes to real-time data management, allowing immigration officers to verify passenger information before arrival.
II. Who Needs to File?
- ✅ Required:
- All foreign passport holders (including Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau).
- Travelers entering with an E-visa.
- Travelers entering with a Visa on Arrival (VOA).
- Phu Quoc 30-day visa-exempt travelers (This is crucial: exemption does not waive the requirement for the arrival card).
- Overseas Vietnamese holding a foreign passport.
- ❌ Exempt:
- Vietnamese passport holders.
- Transit passengers remaining in the airport duty-free/transit area.
III. E-visa vs. Digital Arrival Card: Know the Difference
| Feature | Vietnam E-visa | Vietnam Digital Arrival Card (PAI) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Eligibility to enter Vietnam | Pre-arrival data declaration |
| When to Apply | 1–4 weeks before departure | Within 72 hours of arrival |
| Cost | From $25 USD (official fee) | Free |
| Requirement | Must have this before filling out the PAI | Must provide E-visa number |
Process Order: Apply for E-visa → Receive Visa Number → Complete Digital Arrival Card.
IV. Special Notes for Phu Quoc Visa-Exempt Travelers
As of June 1, 2026, all foreign travelers flying directly to Phu Quoc must complete the PAI declaration.
- Mandatory: Failure to complete the declaration may result in being denied boarding by your airline.
- Category: Select the “Phu Quoc Visa Exemption” category in the system.
- Restricted Travel: This exemption is valid only for the island. Do not mention plans to visit the mainland (HCMC, Hanoi, etc.) during customs; doing so may lead to entry denial.
- Address: Provide the full name and detailed address of your hotel. Avoid vague terms like “Phu Quoc.”
V. Online Submission Steps (5-Minute Process)
Official Portal: https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn/
- Access the Portal: Switch language to English if needed.
- Create Submission: Click “Create and submit pre-arrival information.”
- Passenger Info: Enter passport details (or upload a photo for auto-fill). Note: Ensure the name matches the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) of your passport exactly.
- Visa Info: Enter your E-visa type and number.
- Travel Info: Input flight number, arrival airport, and full hotel address.
- Submit & Verify: Validate via email and receive your QR Code.
- Backup: Screenshot the QR code, save to your phone, and consider printing a hard copy.
VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Is there a fee? A: No, it is completely free. Only use the official government website.
- Q: Can I fill it out at the airport? A: It is possible, but not recommended due to unstable airport Wi-Fi and long queues.
- Q: What if I make a mistake? A: If name, passport, or birth date are wrong, simply submit a new form. The latest submission is the valid one.
- Q: Do I need to fill it for transit? A: Only if you plan to clear customs and enter Vietnam.
IX. Why Choose Our Services?
The rapid changes in Vietnam’s entry policies can be overwhelming. We provide end-to-end support to ensure your trip starts smoothly.
Our Services:
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Quick Links:
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