Arrival Card Vietnam — Pre-Arrival Form in English
Fill out your Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form in English with our online form. Coming soon — prepare your trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi or Da Nang with peace of mind.
Welcome to Vietnam
Since April 15, 2026, the Pre-Arrival Form has been mandatory at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) for most international travelers. Launched by the Department of Immigration via prearrival.immigration.gov.vn, it replaces the old paper arrival slip. It can be submitted up to 3 days before arrival and generates a QR code to present at immigration. This formality is free and separate from the visa or eVisa.
Progressive rollout
Pre-Arrival Form: why only Tan Son Nhat is covered in April 2026
Vietnam chose a progressive rollout for its Pre-Arrival Form, starting exclusively at Tan Son Nhat airport (SGN, Ho Chi Minh City) on 15 April 2026. An unusual pilot strategy for the region.
Why SGN first? Tan Son Nhat is Vietnam's most saturated hub, with 41 million annual travellers pre-2020. The Ministry of Public Security wanted to test the system on the busiest terminal before extending — a cautious approach after several failed rollouts in neighbouring countries.
The announced timeline: Hanoi (HAN) in Q3 2026, Da Nang (DAD) in Q4 2026, Phu Quoc (PQC) and Nha Trang (CXR) in early 2027. Sea ports (Hai Phong, Halong Bay cruises) follow in late 2027.
For travellers today: if your flight lands somewhere other than SGN, you don't need to file the Pre-Arrival Form. But verify your itinerary — many Paris-Hanoi or Brussels-Da Nang flights stop at SGN, which triggers the Pre-Arrival Form requirement if you cross South Vietnamese immigration.
Concrete case
Paris → SGN → Hanoi flight with connection: if you stay airside at SGN, no PAF. If you leave airside (transit > 8 hours, stay in Saigon before Hanoi), the PAF becomes mandatory.
Who needs the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form?
Since 15 April 2026, the Pre-Arrival Form is mandatory for international travellers arriving at Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City). Roll-out to other entry points is progressive.
Travellers arriving at SGN
Every foreigner arriving at Tan Son Nhat (SGN) must file the Pre-Arrival Form, regardless of e-Visa, classic visa, or exemption status.
All ordinary passport types
The Pre-Arrival Form applies to ordinary passports. Diplomatic passports follow a dedicated procedure.
Minors included
Every traveller, including children, must have their own Pre-Arrival Form linked to their passport.
Progressive rollout
Hanoi (HAN), Da Nang (DAD) and other international airports will join in the coming months.
Independent from visa
The Pre-Arrival Form complements but does not replace the e-Visa Vietnam or a visa exemption.
Documents for the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form
Prepare these items before accessing prearrival.immigration.gov.vn.
- Valid passport
- Vietnam visa (e-Visa, physical) or exemption proof
- Flight number and airline to Tan Son Nhat
- Planned arrival date and time
- Full address of your first accommodation in Vietnam
- Health self-declaration (vaccinations, recent travel)
- Email address for confirmation
Validity of the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form
The Pre-Arrival Form is tied to one specific flight and entry.
Duration
Valid for the declared entry only
Entries
One form per entry
Extension
Not extendable: new submission each trip
Exit
No associated exit form
PAF and e-Visa articulation
Pre-Arrival Form and Vietnamese e-Visa: two portals, two roles
Vietnam now combines two digital systems for arrival at SGN: e-Visa for authorization, Pre-Arrival Form for declaration. Here is the articulation to know.
The Vietnamese e-Visa is issued by the Department of Immigration via evisa.immigration.gov.vn. Single or multiple entry, 30, 60, or 90-day duration. French nationals also benefit from a 45-day exemption that does not require an e-Visa for short stays.
The Pre-Arrival Form, on prearrival.immigration.gov.vn, is independent. Required for any arrival at SGN, whether you travel under e-Visa, 45-day exemption, or physical visa from an embassy.
The logical order: 1) verify your visa eligibility (e-Visa or exemption), 2) apply for e-Visa if needed (4-5 business days), 3) at H-72 from SGN arrival, file the Pre-Arrival Form entering your e-Visa number or exemption reason.
Vietnam Arrival Card Information
What does the Pre-Arrival Form consist of?
The procedure can be completed up to 3 days before your arrival in Vietnam. The online form requires personal data, passport and visa details, flight information, accommodation address, and a self health declaration. Once submitted, you receive a QR code to present at immigration.
Which nationalities are concerned?
Since April 15, 2026, the Pre-Arrival Form is mandatory at Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) for travelers requiring a visa, e-Visa, visa on arrival, as well as overseas Vietnamese traveling with a foreign passport. Vietnamese citizens and airside transit passengers are exempt.
Which entry points are concerned?
Currently, the Pre-Arrival Form is mandatory only at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Extension is planned to Noi Bai (Hanoi, HAN) and Da Nang (DAD) once system stabilization is confirmed.
Required Information Table
| INFORMATION TO PROVIDE | PERSONAL DATA |
|---|---|
| PERSONAL DATA | Name, First Name, Date of Birth, Nationality, Passport Number, Passport Expiration Date |
| TRAVEL DETAILS | Arrival Date, Departure Date, Purpose of Travel, Country of Residence |
| FLIGHT INFORMATION | Airline Name, Flight Number, Port of Embarkation |
| ACCOMMODATION | Name and Address of Accommodation in Vietnam, City, Province, Contact Phone |
| ITINERARY | Countries visited in the last 14 days, Next destination after Vietnam |
Pitfalls to avoid with the Pre-Arrival Form
The system is recent. Here are the most reported issues since the April 2026 launch.
Mixing Pre-Arrival Form and visa
The Pre-Arrival Form does not replace the e-Visa. Many travellers think they are set while missing the visa.
Wrong airport declared
If you are not arriving at SGN, first check whether your airport (HAN, DAD...) is already covered before filing.
Outdated flight data
A flight change after submission usually requires a new updated Pre-Arrival Form.
Vague accommodation address
Enter the full hotel name and address. Generic entries like "Saigon" are refused.
Places to visit in Vietnam
Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), a vibrant southern metropolis, blends French colonial heritage (Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office) with bustling markets like Ben Thanh, and the Cu Chi tunnels witnessing the war.
Hanoi, the millennial capital, charms with its old-world feel: 36 streets old quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, and Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum.
Halong Bay, a UNESCO site, is Vietnam's icon with its 1,600 karst peaks emerging from emerald waters. An unforgettable cruise on a traditional junk.
Hoi An, a central jewel, is an ancient merchant town with yellow houses and colorful lanterns. Its UNESCO-listed old town magically lights up at night.
The terraced rice fields of Sapa and the Mai Chau valley in the northern mountains offer spectacular landscapes and encounters with Hmong, Dao, and Thai ethnic minorities.
When to submit the Pre-Arrival Form
The portal accepts submissions within a strict window before arrival at SGN.
Earliest
3 days before arrival
Optimal
48 hours before departure
Latest
Before flight check-in
Document Timeline
History and evolution of the document.
2017
Vietnam launches its e-Visa system for travelers from many nationalities.
2017
Vietnam launches its e-Visa system for travelers from many nationalities.
2020
COVID-19 pandemic introduces the PC-Covid digital health form.
2020
COVID-19 pandemic introduces the PC-Covid digital health form.
2023
Expansion of e-Visa to 80 days and to more eligible nationalities.
2023
Expansion of e-Visa to 80 days and to more eligible nationalities.
April 15, 2026
Mandatory launch of the Pre-Arrival Form at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.
April 15, 2026
Mandatory launch of the Pre-Arrival Form at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.
2026 (later)
Planned extension of the Pre-Arrival Form to Hanoi (HAN) and Da Nang (DAD) airports.
2026 (later)
Planned extension of the Pre-Arrival Form to Hanoi (HAN) and Da Nang (DAD) airports.
A reliable and secure service.
Processing Time
Your arrival card is typically processed within 24 hours. We recommend applying at least 3 days before your travel date.
Requirements
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity, recent passport photo, travel itinerary, and accommodation details.
Fees
The service fee is €29 incl. tax per arrival card issued, excluding any consular fees. This covers form translation, application verification, and customer support.
Frequently Asked Questions — Vietnam
What is the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form?
The Pre-Arrival Form (digital arrival card) is the mandatory electronic form set up by the Department of Immigration of Vietnam. It replaces the old paper slip and generates a QR code to present at immigration.
Is the Pre-Arrival Form mandatory?
Yes, since April 15, 2026, it is mandatory at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) for most foreign travelers requiring a visa. Extension to Hanoi and Da Nang is planned.
How to fill out the Vietnam arrival card online?
You can fill out your Pre-Arrival Form through ArrivalCards. The form asks for your personal details, passport and visa information, flight details, and accommodation address.
When should I fill out the Pre-Arrival Form?
It can be submitted up to 3 days before your arrival in Vietnam. We recommend completing it as soon as your travel plans are confirmed.
Do I need a visa in addition to the Pre-Arrival Form?
Yes, the Pre-Arrival Form does not replace the visa. Depending on your nationality, you will need to obtain an eVisa, visa on arrival, or traditional visa before your trip.
Which Vietnamese airports use the Pre-Arrival Form?
Currently, it is mandatory only at Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Extension to Noi Bai (Hanoi, HAN) and Da Nang (DAD) is planned soon.
How much does the Pre-Arrival Form cost?
It is free on the official portal prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. On ArrivalCards, the service fee is €29 incl. tax per arrival card issued, excluding any consular fees.
Is the form available in my language?
The official Vietnamese portal is available in Vietnamese and English. ArrivalCards offers a translated and simplified form in 9 languages.
What documents are needed?
To complete the Pre-Arrival Form, you will need a passport valid for at least 6 months, your Vietnamese visa or eVisa, flight details, and accommodation address.
Is the Pre-Arrival Form required for children?
Yes, every foreign traveler, including children and babies, must have their own Pre-Arrival Form. Airside transit passengers and Vietnamese citizens are exempt.