Vietnam Update: Online Arrival Declaration Required for Foreigners from 15/04/2026. Starting from April 15, 2026, Vietnam will officially implement a new immigration regulation requiring certain international travelers to complete an online arrival declaration before entering the country. This marks an important step in the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize border management, enhance security procedures, and improve passenger flow at international airports.
Vietnam Update: Online Arrival Declaration Required for Foreigners from 15/04/2026
According to the Vietnam Immigration Department, this new system will first be piloted at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, one of the busiest international gateways in the country. After evaluating its effectiveness, the authorities plan to gradually expand the system to other international airports across Vietnam.
The introduction of this digital procedure reflects Vietnam’s broader strategy of digital transformation in public administration, particularly in areas related to tourism, transportation, and immigration management.
👤 1. Who is required to complete the online arrival declaration?
This new regulation applies specifically to:
- Foreign nationals holding non-Vietnamese passports
- Travelers entering Vietnam with a valid visa
This includes a wide range of travel purposes such as tourism, business trips, family visits, study programs, or short-term work assignments.
In practical terms, if you are a foreign visitor entering Vietnam under any visa category, you will be required to complete the online arrival declaration prior to your departure.
👉 Simply put, all foreign passport holders entering Vietnam with a valid visa must complete this step in advance.
This requirement is designed to collect essential passenger information before arrival, allowing immigration authorities to process entry more efficiently and reduce congestion at airport checkpoints.
❌ 2. Who is NOT required to apply?
Not all travelers are affected by this new regulation. The following groups are exempt:
- Vietnamese citizens holding a valid Vietnamese passport
- Passengers who are only transiting through Vietnam internationally, without officially entering the country
For example, if a traveler lands in Vietnam for a connecting flight and does not pass through immigration control, they are not required to complete the online declaration.
These exemptions ensure that the new system focuses specifically on inbound foreign arrivals while minimizing unnecessary procedures for unaffected passengers.
🖥️ 3. How to complete the online arrival declaration
To accommodate different travel preferences and connectivity conditions, Vietnam offers two methods for completing the arrival declaration.
✔️ Option 1: Online submission before departure (highly recommended)
Travelers are strongly encouraged to complete the declaration before boarding their flight to Vietnam.
The official platform can be accessed at:
👉 https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn/
The process generally includes:
- Filling in personal information (full name, nationality, date of birth)
- Providing passport details
- Entering visa information (if applicable)
- Submitting flight and travel itinerary details
Once submitted successfully, travelers should keep confirmation information (if provided) for reference during arrival procedures.
👉 Advantages of completing the form in advance:
- Significantly reduces waiting time at immigration counters
- Minimizes the risk of delays upon arrival
- Ensures smoother coordination with airport authorities
- Helps avoid technical issues during peak arrival periods
This option is especially recommended for first-time visitors or travelers arriving during busy travel seasons such as holidays or summer tourism peaks.
✔️ Option 2: QR code submission at the airport
For travelers who are unable to complete the declaration in advance, Vietnam also provides an alternative method at the airport.
Upon arrival at designated international airports, passengers will find QR code stations located in the immigration area. By scanning the QR code using a smartphone or tablet, travelers can access the declaration form and complete it on-site.
However, this method may involve:
- Longer waiting times during peak hours
- Possible congestion at immigration checkpoints
- Dependence on internet connectivity and device availability
Therefore, while this option remains available, it is not the preferred method and should only be used when necessary.
🎯 4. Purpose of the new regulation
The implementation of the online arrival declaration system serves multiple strategic purposes:
- Strengthening national immigration management systems
- Enhancing security screening efficiency before arrival
- Reducing congestion at airport immigration counters
- Shortening processing time for international passengers
- Improving overall passenger experience at major airports
- Supporting the transition toward a fully digital border control system
In essence, this initiative is part of Vietnam’s broader digital transformation agenda, aiming to modernize administrative procedures and integrate technology into public services.
For a country that continues to experience strong growth in international tourism, such improvements are essential to maintaining efficient and traveler-friendly airport operations.
⚠️ 5. Important notes for travelers
All affected passengers should carefully note the following important points:
- Failure to complete the online declaration in advance may result in delays during immigration processing
- Travelers may be required to complete additional verification steps upon arrival
- In some cases, passengers may experience longer waiting times or administrative delays
- This could potentially affect tight travel schedules or connecting flights
👉 Therefore, completing the declaration before departure is strongly recommended to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.
Travelers are also advised to double-check all submitted information to ensure accuracy, as inconsistencies between passport details and submitted data may lead to further verification at the airport.
💡 6. Practical recommendations for travelers
To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is advisable for travelers and their contacts to take the following steps:
- Check entry requirements well in advance of travel dates
- Complete the online arrival declaration as soon as possible
- Prepare all necessary documents, including passport and visa details
- Keep digital and printed copies of travel information if needed
- Inform family members or travel companions about the new regulation
For travel agents, tour operators, and business coordinators, it is especially important to communicate this requirement clearly to foreign guests before their departure to Vietnam.
A small preparation step can significantly reduce stress and ensure a seamless immigration experience upon arrival.
📌 Conclusion – Online Arrival Declaration Required for Foreigners
The introduction of the online arrival declaration requirement starting April 15, 2026, represents a significant development in Vietnam’s immigration policy. It demonstrates the country’s commitment to improving border management through digital solutions while enhancing convenience and efficiency for international travelers.
Although it adds an additional step before arrival, the long-term benefits include faster processing times, reduced congestion at airports, and a more streamlined travel experience.
As Vietnam continues to grow as a major tourism and business destination in Southeast Asia, such modernization efforts play a key role in ensuring that its immigration infrastructure keeps pace with increasing global mobility.
💬 If you have any questions about Vietnam’s immigration procedures, feel free to contact us here to get more information, clarification, or support with your travel preparation.
WhatsApp Hotline: +84965514942.
Email: info@vietnamjourneysgroup.com
