Vietnam Arrival Card Online: How to Complete the Form
Learn how to complete the Vietnam arrival card online, where to submit your pre-arrival declaration, what information you need, and how to save your QR code.
Planning a trip to Vietnam? Understanding how to complete the Vietnam arrival card online can help you prepare for immigration and avoid unnecessary delays at the airport. Vietnam’s Immigration Department has introduced the Pre-arrival Information (PAI) system, allowing international travelers to submit personal, visa, and travel details before arrival. At Tubudd, we recommend checking the official requirements before departure, preparing your travel documents, and keeping your confirmation QR code accessible throughout your journey.
Does Vietnam Have an Online Arrival Card?
Does Vietnam Have an Online Arrival Card?
Vietnam has introduced an online Pre-arrival Information (PAI) system for international travelers entering the country through major international airports. The system allows passengers to submit relevant information before arrival so immigration authorities can prepare for entry procedures more efficiently.
According to Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security, the PAI system was initially piloted at Tan Son Nhat International Airport on April 15, 2026. Subsequent official notices have described its expansion to other international airports, including Noi Bai, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. Travelers should check the latest instructions for their specific arrival airport before departure.
The declaration is intended to help streamline immigration procedures and reduce waiting time. After submitting the information, travelers receive a QR code to present during the entry process if requested.
It is important to understand that the PAI declaration is different from a visa application. Completing the online arrival declaration does not grant permission to enter Vietnam by itself. You must still meet the visa or visa-exemption requirements that apply to your nationality and trip.
Who Needs to Complete Vietnam's Online Arrival Declaration?
The PAI system is designed for foreign travelers entering Vietnam. Official guidance encourages eligible international passengers to complete the declaration before arrival, particularly when entering through airports where the system is operating.
Whether you need to submit it, and whether any additional procedures apply, can depend on the airport, current immigration instructions, and your travel circumstances. Check the latest official guidance before flying rather than relying solely on information from travel forums or third-party websites.
You should also distinguish between three separate requirements:
Pre-arrival declaration: Provides travel and personal information through the PAI portal.
Visa or visa exemption: Determines whether you are authorized to enter Vietnam and under what conditions.
Temporary residence declaration: Generally handled by your accommodation provider after arrival, under the applicable regulations.
These procedures serve different purposes. Completing one does not automatically complete the others.
When Should You Complete the Vietnam Arrival Card Online?
Vietnam's official guidance states that travelers can submit their PAI declaration within three days before entering Vietnam.
For convenience, prepare your passport, visa details, flight information, and accommodation address in advance. Then complete the declaration within the permitted window and check every entry carefully before submitting it.
If you are flying overnight or have a connecting flight, use the arrival date and flight details requested by the form rather than assuming they should match your departure date.
Avoid leaving the declaration until you reach the airport if you can complete it beforehand. Airport Wi-Fi, mobile connectivity, and queues may make the process less convenient.
If your flight details change after submission, check whether you can retrieve and update the declaration through the official portal.
What Information Do You Need Before Starting?
Preparing the required information first can make the online process easier. The exact fields shown on the official portal may vary, so follow the current form rather than relying on a fixed list from an unofficial guide.
Passport and Personal Details
Keep your passport available while completing the declaration. You may need to provide information such as:
Full name as shown on your passport
Passport number
Nationality
Date of birth
Other identifying details requested by the form
Enter your name and passport information exactly as they appear in your travel document. Pay particular attention to spelling, passport numbers, and dates.
If your passport contains multiple names or a different name order from the format you normally use, follow the form's instructions and use the information shown in the document.
Visa Information
Prepare your Vietnam visa details if you require a visa for your trip. Depending on the form, you may need to provide information related to your visa type, validity, or entry arrangements.
If you are eligible for visa-free entry, answer the relevant questions according to your circumstances. Do not enter invented visa information simply because a field is unfamiliar.
If you need an electronic visa, apply through the official Vietnam e-visa portal. Vietnam's e-visa system is separate from the PAI declaration and supports eligible applications for single or multiple entry, with a maximum validity of 90 days. The validity granted in an individual application depends on the visa issued.
Flight and Arrival Details
Have your flight itinerary or booking confirmation ready. You may need details such as your flight number, arrival date, and intended airport of entry.
Enter the flight number carefully. Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security has specifically identified mismatches between declared flight information and airline booking data as a reason some PAI submissions were unsuccessful.
If you are traveling on multiple flights, check which flight details the form requests for your arrival in Vietnam.
Accommodation and Contact Information
Prepare the address of your first accommodation in Vietnam, along with any contact details requested by the form.
If you are staying at a hotel, use the address from your confirmed booking. If you are staying with friends or family, confirm the correct address before submitting your information.
For travelers visiting multiple destinations, use the accommodation information that corresponds to the question being asked. Do not assume the form requires every hotel on your itinerary unless it explicitly asks for them.
How to Complete the Vietnam Arrival Card Online
How to Complete the Vietnam Arrival Card Online
The following steps follow the general process described by Vietnam's Immigration Department. The exact screen layout and field names may change as the system develops.
Check the website address carefully before entering any personal information. Authorities have warned about fake websites that imitate the declaration system and may attempt to obtain payment card details.
Do not use an unfamiliar website simply because it appears at the top of a search result or promises faster processing.
Step Two: Select Your Preferred Language
Choose an available language that you understand. The portal provides language options to help international travelers complete the declaration.
Read the instructions on the page before proceeding. If you are unsure about a field, check its guidance rather than guessing.
Step Three: Choose “Create and Submit Declaration”
Select the option to create and submit a new pre-arrival declaration.
The system may ask you to complete a CAPTCHA verification before proceeding. Enter the characters as displayed and continue to the information form.
If the verification fails, try again carefully. Avoid repeatedly refreshing the page before checking whether any information you have already entered can be retained.
Step Four: Enter Your Personal and Travel Information
Complete the requested fields using your passport, visa documentation, and flight itinerary.
Check the following carefully before continuing:
Your full name and passport number
Your nationality and date of birth
Your visa information, where applicable
Your flight number and arrival details
Any additional information requested by the form
Make sure the details are accurate and consistent with your travel documents and booking records.
If the form provides multiple-choice questions, select the answers that correctly describe your circumstances. If you choose an “Other” option, provide the requested explanation where applicable.
Step Five: Review and Submit the Declaration
Before submitting, review all the information you have entered. Small errors in flight numbers, passport details, or arrival dates can create problems when the declaration is checked.
Correct any mistakes before final submission. If the system displays a confirmation message or reference information, save it for future use.
Step Six: Save Your Confirmation QR Code
After successful submission, the system generates a QR code for use during the immigration process.
Save the QR code on your phone and keep it accessible offline if possible. You can also print a copy as a backup.
Do not assume that receiving a QR code means your visa has been approved or that entry is guaranteed. Immigration officers still assess your documents and eligibility under the applicable entry rules.
What Happens After You Submit the Form?
Once you have completed the declaration, keep your QR code together with your passport, visa documentation, and flight details.
At the airport, follow the signs and instructions provided by immigration officers. Present the QR code when requested, together with the relevant travel documents.
You may still need to wait in the immigration queue or answer questions about your trip. The PAI system is intended to help prepare entry procedures in advance, not to eliminate every immigration check.
If you cannot access your QR code, check whether the official portal offers a function to look up or update an existing declaration. The website also displays options related to declaration lookup and e-pass information. Use these functions only through the official portal.
Is Vietnam's Online Arrival Card Mandatory?
Travelers should verify the current requirements for their specific arrival airport before departure.
When the Ministry of Public Security announced the initial PAI pilot at Tan Son Nhat Airport in May 2026, it described the declaration as optional during that pilot phase. Later official notices encouraged foreign travelers arriving through major international airports to complete the declaration in advance.
Because implementation has been expanding, older articles may not reflect the latest instructions. Check the official PAI portal and relevant announcements before your trip.
Even when a declaration is described as encouraged rather than mandatory, completing it in advance may help make the arrival process more convenient.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using an Unofficial Website
Only use the official PAI portal. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge unexpected fees or request unnecessary payment details for a service that is provided through the government system.
Entering the Wrong Flight Number
Check the flight number on the itinerary for the flight arriving in Vietnam. Do not confuse it with your booking reference or another flight in your journey.
Confusing the Arrival Declaration With an E-Visa
The PAI declaration does not replace an e-visa or visa exemption. Confirm your eligibility to enter Vietnam separately and obtain the required visa before travel.
Submitting Information Too Early
The official guidance specifies a window of three days before entry. Complete the declaration within the permitted period and check the latest instructions in case the rules change.
Failing to Save the QR Code
Take a moment to save the confirmation after successful submission. Keeping a screenshot or printed copy can help if you have difficulty accessing the website at the airport.
Yes. The official portal is accessible through an internet-connected device. A phone or computer can be used to submit the information.
Do I need to print the QR code?
You can save the QR code on your phone or print it. Keeping a printed backup is a useful precaution, but follow any specific instructions given by immigration authorities.
Does the arrival declaration guarantee entry into Vietnam?
No. It is a pre-arrival information system, not a visa or an entry permit. You must still satisfy Vietnam's immigration requirements.
What if I make a mistake in my declaration?
Check the official portal for the declaration lookup or update function. If you cannot correct the information online, seek guidance from the relevant immigration officials or official help desk.
Where can I apply for a Vietnam e-visa?
Use the official Vietnam e-visa portal. Do not confuse the e-visa application website with the PAI declaration website.
Conclusion
Completing the Vietnam arrival card online is a useful way to prepare for your trip and may help reduce delays during immigration. Use the official PAI portal, prepare your passport and flight details, enter accurate information, and save the confirmation QR code after submitting the form. Remember that the declaration is separate from your visa requirements, and always check the latest instructions for your arrival airport before departure. If you are planning a wider trip around Vietnam and want help discovering local experiences, explore Tubudd's customised tours to create an itinerary that fits your interests and travel schedule.
