Vietnam Launches Digital Arrival Card System at Ho Chi Minh City Airport

Vietnam has launched a new digital immigration system to improve border control efficiency. From April 15, 2026, certain international travellers must complete a Digital Arrival Card. The system currently applies to arrivals at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. This initiative aims to reduce queues and modernise entry procedures for passengers. As a result, travellers should prepare to complete the process before arrival.

Who Must Complete the Digital Arrival Declaration

The Digital Arrival Card applies to specific categories of travellers entering Vietnam. Foreign passport holders arriving with valid visas must complete the online declaration. Overseas Vietnamese travelling with visas are also required to submit the form. Additionally, travellers visiting for tourism, business, study, or work purposes must comply. Applicants can submit details online before travel or scan a QR code at the airport.

Who Is Exempt from the Requirement

Certain travellers are not required to complete the Digital Arrival Card before arrival. Vietnamese citizens travelling with national passports are fully exempt from this process. Transit passengers who do not pass through immigration also do not need to apply. Additionally, travellers not formally entering Vietnam through border control are excluded. Therefore, only those completing entry procedures must submit the declaration.

When to Submit the Digital Arrival Form

Travellers must complete the declaration within a specific timeframe before their journey. The arrival date can only be selected within seventy-two hours before entry into Vietnam. This timing is similar to the process used for online flight check-in systems. Authorities recommend completing the form before departure to avoid delays at immigration. Travellers must present the QR code confirmation during arrival procedures.

Information Required for the Digital Arrival Card

The declaration process involves submitting personal and travel-related information through an online system. Travellers must provide personal details such as name, passport information, and nationality. They also need to include travel details, including the departure country and accommodation address. After submission, applicants verify their information using a one-time password sent by email. Finally, they receive a QR code to present at immigration checkpoints.

Current Scope and Possible Expansion

The system currently applies only to arrivals at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. However, the platform includes options for land and sea entry points across Vietnam. This suggests authorities may expand the system to other international gateways in the future. Therefore, travellers should stay updated on further announcements regarding expansion.

Why Vietnam Introduced the Digital System

Vietnam introduced the Digital Arrival Card to improve efficiency at border control points. The system is expected to reduce paperwork and speed up immigration clearance processes. Additionally, it helps manage passenger flow more effectively at busy international airports. This move aligns Vietnam with other countries adopting digital entry systems worldwide.

Important Update on Vietnam E-Visa Processing

Travellers should also note temporary pauses in e-visa processing during specific holiday periods. Processing will stop between April 25 and April 27, 2026, due to national holidays. It will also pause from April 30 to May 3, 2026, during Reunification Day and International Workers’ Day. During these periods, no visa approvals or decisions will be issued. Therefore, travellers should apply well in advance to avoid disruptions.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s Digital Arrival Card marks a significant step toward modernising its immigration system. By shifting to digital declarations, authorities aim to improve efficiency and reduce waiting times. Travellers who prepare in advance will experience smoother entry procedures. Although currently limited to one airport, expansion is likely in the future. Ultimately, this change supports a faster and more convenient travel experience in Vietnam.

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