Vietnam's Pre-Arrival Form - Step-by-Step Guide 2026

📋 What is this form?

Vietnam's Immigration Department now operates an online Pre-Arrival Information Submission system, a digital arrival card you submit before boarding. Currently piloted at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN), Ho Chi Minh City. Completing it in advance helps you pass through immigration faster and eliminates paperwork queues on arrival.

Vietnam Pre-Arrival Declaration Form - Overview

Vietnam's digital arrival card (Pre-Arrival Information Submission) is an online declaration form operated by the Vietnam Department of Immigration at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. Foreign visitors arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (IATA: SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City can now pre-register their entry information before departure, significantly reducing immigration processing time upon landing.

This guide covers every step of the process, including nationality selection, passport upload, visa type selection, trip details, and how to save and use your QR code at the airport.

STEP 1: Access the Official Vietnam Immigration Portal

Go to the official Pre-Arrival Information Submission website:

https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn/home-page

On the homepage, you will see three options. Select: "Create & Submit Pre-arrival Information"

You will be prompted with a CAPTCHA verification screen. Enter the characters displayed in the image exactly as shown, then click Verify to continue.

STEP 2: Select Your Nationality

From the dropdown menu, select the nationality of the passport you will be using to enter Vietnam. This is a critical step - it determines which visa type options will be available to you in Step 3.

💡 Important Always select the nationality matching your travel passport, not your country of residence.

STEP 3: Complete Passenger Information

This section collects your personal and document details. Fill in each field carefully.

• Expected Arrival Date

The form can only be submitted within 3 days of your expected arrival in Vietnam. The system will display three date options - select the date that matches your planned arrival.

• Passport Photo Upload (Recommended)

Upload a clear, well-lit photo of your passport data page (the page with your photo and personal details). The system will automatically extract your full name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, and expiry date. After the auto-fill, please manually add:

• Your personal phone number (with country code)
• Your personal email address

• Visa Information - Select the Correct Visa Type

This is a common point of confusion. Before selecting, tick the checkbox: "I have read and understood this information."

👥 Travelling as a Group? Click "Add Passenger +" to include travelling companions in the same submission. Each passenger will need their own passport details entered.

Once all passenger details are complete, click the "Trip Information" button to proceed to Step 4.

STEP 4: Complete Trip Information

This section covers your travel itinerary and accommodation in Vietnam.

Departure Country Before Arrival in Vietnam

Enter the country you are departing from immediately before arriving in Vietnam. For passengers on connecting flights, this is your last transit country, not your origin country.

Purpose and Mode of Travel

Select the option that accurately describes your trip (e.g. Travel, Business) and your mode of travel (Air, Land, or Sea).

Flight Code

Search for your flight number in the dropdown. If your flight does not appear in the list, select "Other" and enter it manually. Standard flight codes follow formats such as TR302, MH801, or JL79.

Border Gate

Select: SGN - Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City.

Accommodation in Vietnam

Enter the details of your first-night accommodation in Vietnam. To locate the correct administrative ward and district, search your hotel name on Google Maps and note the full address including ward/commune and city/district.

Expected Departure Date (Optional)

If you know your departure date from Vietnam, enter it here. This field is optional and can be left blank.

STEP 5: Review & Submit Your Declaration

Click the "Review & Submit" button. The system will display a full summary of all information you have entered - both Passenger Information and Trip Information. Review every detail carefully before submitting.

⚠️ Legal Declaration Notice Passengers must truthfully declare all personal information, luggage, and goods. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months. Certain nationalities require a valid visa; others are visa-exempt. This form does not replace the Temporary Residence Registration requirement for foreigners staying in Vietnam.

Once you have verified all information:

• Tick the checkbox: "I confirm that the information is correct."
• Click the "Submit" button.

STEP 6: Save Your QR Code and PDF

After successful submission, the system will generate two items. Save both to your mobile phone before your flight:

• QR Code - Screenshot it or save it to your camera roll. Immigration officers at the airport may ask to scan it.
• PDF Document - Contains all your submitted information plus the QR code. Save this file to your phone as a backup.

STEP 7: At the Airport - Present QR Code If Requested

When you arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport and reach the immigration counters, have your QR code ready on your mobile phone screen. An immigration officer may ask to scan it as part of the pre-registered arrival process.

Having the QR code visible and accessible helps facilitate a faster, smoother immigration clearance. Even if not specifically requested, showing it indicates that you have pre-registered and may assist the process.

Welcome to Vietnam! We hope you have a wonderful trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is submitting the pre-arrival form mandatory?

The form is not currently mandatory, but strongly recommended. It speeds up immigration processing and may become compulsory as the system expands to other Vietnamese airports.

How early can I submit the form before my flight?

You can submit the form within a 3-day window before your expected arrival date. The system will display your three nearest date options when you access the form.

What if my flight number does not appear in the dropdown?

Select "Other" in the Flight Code field and type your flight number manually. Examples of valid formats: TR302, MH801, JL79, VN123.

I am on a connecting flight - which departure country do I enter?

Always enter the country of your last departure before Vietnam, not your origin country. Example: London → Singapore → Ho Chi Minh City = enter "Singapore" as your departure country.

Can I submit one form for a group travelling together?

Yes. In the Passenger Information step, use the "Add Passenger +" button to include each additional traveller. All passengers in your group will be covered under one submission.

Does this form replace my visa?

No. This is an arrival declaration only. You still need a valid visa, e-visa, or qualifying visa exemption to enter Vietnam. The form does not grant entry permission.

Which airports currently accept this form?

The system is currently in pilot phase at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam's busiest international gateway. Expansion to other airports is expected.