Short answer: Vietnam now asks foreign travellers arriving at its main international airports to file a free online pre-arrival declaration at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. It is not a visa and doesn't replace one. You still need an eVisa or a visa exemption. You fill it in up to three days before arrival and show the QR code at passport control.
Where it applies
It started at Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) on 15 April 2026 and has since been extended to Noi Bai (Hanoi), Da Nang, Cam Ranh (Nha Trang) and Phu Quoc. More checkpoints are expected to follow, so if you are arriving elsewhere, check before you travel.
Who fills it in
- Every foreign passport holder entering through those airports, including visa-exempt travellers.
- One declaration per person, including children.
- Not needed if you stay airside in transit and don't pass immigration.
How to do it
- Go to prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. Beware of lookalike sites that charge for it: the official form is free.
- Choose your language and start a new declaration.
- Enter your passport details, visa or exemption details, flight, arrival date and address in Vietnam.
- Submit and save the QR code, as a screenshot and printed if possible.
File it within three days before arrival. If your arrival date changes, submit a new one. If you forget, you can usually complete it at the airport, but expect a slower line.
At passport control
Have ready: the QR code, your passport, your eVisa printout (or exempt passport), and your onward ticket.
Still need the visa itself? The declaration doesn't count as permission to enter. If your nationality isn't exempt, get your eVisa first.
Need your eVisa?
We handle the visa; the arrival declaration takes you five minutes.
Start applicationQuick answers
Is the arrival card the same as the eVisa?
No. It is a separate, free declaration. You need both, unless you are visa-exempt, in which case you need only the declaration.
Does it cost anything?
No. Any site charging for it is not the official form.
How early can I submit it?
Up to three days before you arrive.
This guide is general information. Vietnam visa rules and processing times change — always check the current requirements. evisavietnamexpress.com is a private visa assistance service, not the official government portal.