Vietnam Expands Digital Arrival Card System Nationwide After Successful Pilot

Vietnam has taken important steps toward modernising immigration procedures for international travellers entering the country recently. Authorities are preparing nationwide expansion plans following successful testing at Ho Chi Minh City’s busiest international airport. Consequently, travellers visiting Vietnam could soon experience faster and more convenient immigration clearance procedures nationwide.

Vietnam Tests A New Paperless Arrival Process

Vietnam officially introduced a digital arrival card pilot program at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport in April 2026. Since April 15, authorities have tested the online system for international travellers arriving through Ho Chi Minh City. The country named the new platform “PAI,” meaning Pre-arrival Information for incoming international passengers nationwide. Additionally, the online platform allows travellers to submit travel details electronically before arriving in Vietnam.

According to Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security, authorities plan nationwide expansion after completing the successful testing phase. Furthermore, officials believe the system could improve immigration efficiency while reducing airport waiting times significantly.

Understanding Vietnam’s Digital Arrival Card

Vietnam’s digital arrival card functions as an online immigration declaration form for foreign travellers entering the country. Passengers must provide basic information, including passport details, flight schedules, and travel-related documentation before arrival. Additionally, travellers needing Vietnamese visas must include relevant visa information during online digital declaration submissions.

Applicants can complete the form online using smartphones, computers, or other internet-connected electronic devices conveniently. Authorities currently allow travellers to submit digital declarations within three days before arriving officially in Vietnam. After a successful submission, travellers receive QR codes required during airport immigration checks and clearance procedures.

The System Does Not Replace Vietnam’s Visa Process

Vietnamese immigration authorities clearly explained that the Pre-arrival Information system does not function as a visa platform. Therefore, travellers requiring Vietnamese visas must continue following existing immigration application procedures separately before travel.

The digital arrival card simply helps immigration officials process passenger information faster during airport arrival procedures nationwide. Consequently, travellers should understand that completing the online declaration does not guarantee visa approval automatically.

Nationwide Expansion Plans Are Already Underway

Currently, Vietnam operates the digital arrival card system exclusively through Ho Chi Minh City’s international airport facilities. However, authorities are already preparing plans to expand the online system into additional international airports nationwide.

Furthermore, officials are studying possible future expansion into land border crossings used by international travellers regularly. The government believes broader implementation could modernise immigration procedures while improving efficiency across Vietnam’s border control operations.

Thousands Of Travellers Already Used The System Successfully

Vietnam recently confirmed strong traveller participation during the initial testing period at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport facilities. Between April 15 and April 30, 2026, more than one hundred sixty-one thousand travellers submitted digital declarations. Additionally, authorities successfully validated approximately one hundred nineteen thousand electronic forms submitted during the pilot program period.

Around seventy percent of eligible travellers reportedly used the online system during the airport testing phase. However, some submissions failed because travellers entered incorrect flight numbers while completing online digital declaration forms. Consequently, authorities could not match certain traveller records with official airline passenger information successfully.

Authorities Warn Travellers About Fake Websites

Vietnamese authorities also warned international travellers about fraudulent websites requesting payments or sensitive financial information online. Officials strongly advised travellers to avoid unofficial websites requesting credit card details during immigration declaration procedures.

Instead, travellers should only use Vietnam’s official Pre-arrival Information portal when submitting digital arrival declarations online. Following official procedures carefully could help travellers avoid scams or unnecessary immigration complications before arrival.

Important Information For Future Travellers

Travellers visiting Vietnam during 2026, especially through Ho Chi Minh City, may encounter the new digital system. Currently, participation within the Pre-arrival Information system remains voluntary for international travellers arriving in Vietnam. However, Vietnam’s planned nationwide expansion suggests the online declaration system could soon become standard immigration practice nationwide. Therefore, travellers should stay informed regarding future immigration updates before planning trips to Vietnam.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s digital arrival card initiative represents another important step toward modern and paperless immigration processing nationwide. The successful airport pilot demonstrated strong traveller participation and encouraging results during the initial testing period. Ultimately, nationwide expansion could create smoother airport experiences while improving immigration efficiency for future visitors entering Vietnam.

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