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To optimize immigration control procedures and minimize waiting times for international travelers, Vietnam has officially launched the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card. This step-by-step guide from Joey Visa Vietnam provides full legal information, crucial updates, and detailed instructions to help you complete your arrival procedures smoothly and quickly before your flight.
💡 Quick Summary: Vietnam Digital Arrival Card & PAI Rules (2026)
| Category | Details |
| System Name | Vietnam Digital Arrival Card (via Pre-arrival Information System – PAI) |
| Managing Authority | Immigration Department – Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam |
| Official Website | prearrival.immigration.gov.vn |
| Submission Window | Within 72 hours (3 days) prior to entry |
| Confirmation Format | Digital QR Code (saved on mobile devices or printed out) |
| Mandatory Airports | Tan Son Nhat (from Apr 15, 2026) & Phu Quoc (from Jun 01, 2026) |
1. What is the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card (PAI System)?
The Vietnam Immigration Department manages the official Vietnam Digital Arrival Card through the Pre-arrival Information (PAI) system.
This digital solution completely replaces the traditional paper arrival cards. Travelers simply fill out their information online before their departure and receive a confirmation QR code for rapid scanning upon arriving at Vietnam border checkpoints.
👥 Who Needs to Fill Out the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card?
Mandatory Requirement:
- Foreign passport holders.
- Overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu) entering with a visa/visa exemption.
Exemptions:
- Vietnamese citizens holding Vietnamese nationality.
- Transit passengers who do not cross the immigration counter to enter domestic Vietnam.
⏰ Declaration Timeframe & Method
- Official Portal: Access the official website at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn or scan the official system QR code.
- Submission Window: Must be completed within 72 hours (3 days) prior to arrival in Vietnam using any internet-connected device.
2. Benefits of Filing the Digital Arrival Card Online
Transitioning to the digital arrival card system brings practical advantages for both immigration authorities and international travelers:
- Saves Time for Tourists: Significantly reduces queue time at the immigration area, especially during peak travel hours.
- Modernizes Entry Procedures: Processes data in real-time, aligning with smart travel trends and modern global aviation standards.
- Supports Airlines & Travel Agencies: Enables travel operators and airlines to proactively guide passengers, offering seamless and professional services.
3. Applicable Airports & Important Mandates
Vietnam Immigration schedules the entry system launch as follows:
📌 MANDATORY Airports:
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN – Ho Chi Minh City): Mandatory starting April 15, 2026.
- Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC – Kien Giang): Mandatory starting June 01, 2026.
💡 Important Notes for Other International Airports:
At other major air gateways like Noi Bai (HAN), Da Nang (DAD), and Cam Ranh (CXR), the online declaration portal is fully operational.
Major carriers (such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, etc.) strongly recommend completing the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card before boarding. Travelers who hold a valid QR code will receive priority access through dedicated fast lanes (QR-scanning lanes), avoiding long queues for manual processing.
4. 5-Step Guide to Completing Your Vietnam Digital Arrival Card Fast
To ensure a smooth entry procedure, follow these 5 standard steps:
📄 Step 1: Prepare Required Documents & Details
Before accessing the portal, gather the following:
- Original Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from your intended entry date.
- Flight Information: Flight number, arrival date, and entry airport code.
- Accommodation Details: Full address of your hotel or residence in Vietnam and contact number.
- Active Email Address: To receive the confirmation email and QR code.
🌐 Step 2: Access the Official Portal
Go directly to the official Vietnam Immigration portal: https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn.
📝 Step 3: Complete the Online Declaration Form
- Select Language: The system supports multi-language navigation (English, Vietnamese, Chinese, French, etc.).
- Enter Personal Details: Full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, and passport number (must match your passport 100%).
- Enter Itinerary: Arrival date, flight number, and port of entry.
- Provide Stay Information: Input your local address in Vietnam.
- Health & Customs Declarations: Answer short standard questions required by the platform.
- Double-check all information carefully before clicking submit to avoid delays at the border checkpoint.
📱 Step 4: Save Your Digital QR Code
After you submit, the system automatically sends a confirmation email with your QR code within minutes.
- Take a screenshot of the QR code or download the PDF file to keep an offline copy on your smartphone.
🛂 Step 5: Present the QR Code at Immigration Counter
Upon landing at the airport (e.g., Tan Son Nhat – SGN), proceed to the passport control area:
- Present: Original Passport + Visa/e-Visa (if applicable) + Digital QR code on your mobile device.
- The immigration officer will scan your QR code and stamp your passport.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. Filing your arrival card on the official website is 100% free.
At mandatory airports, you must fill it out on your phone or at airport support desks before joining the entry line. This will delay your exit.
No. The Vietnam Digital Arrival Card is only an arrival form. If you need a visa to enter Vietnam, you must still apply for a valid Vietnam e-Visa.
Need Help with Vietnam Visas?
Proactively registering your Vietnam Digital Arrival Card within 72 hours prior to your trip guarantees a safe, fast, and hassle-free journey to Vietnam.
If you need professional advice regarding Vietnam e-Visa applications, updates on immigration policies, or airport Fast-Track immigration services, contact Joey Visa Vietnam today for expert, dedicated assistance!
