NEWS: Vietnam Introduces Mandatory Digital Pre-Arrival Declaration for Foreign Visitors

Foreign visitors arriving at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport will now be required to complete a mandatory digital pre-arrival declaration prior to entry, as part of newly implemented immigration procedures designed to modernize border control and improve passenger processing efficiency.

Since 15 April 2026, all international travelers entering Vietnam through Tan Son Nhat International Airport must submit essential personal and travel information via an official online platform before departure. The airport is currently the only air entry point in the country enforcing the new system, though authorities have indicated that similar measures may be introduced at other major international gateways in Hanoi and Da Nang in the future.

The introduction of the digital declaration system marks Vietnam’s latest step toward strengthening border management infrastructure and aligns the country with a growing number of Asian nations adopting electronic arrival systems. Thailand, India, Taiwan, and Indonesia have all implemented comparable digital entry requirements over the past year as part of broader efforts to digitize immigration processes and enhance security screening.

Under the new regulation, foreign visitors will be required to provide a range of information, including identification details, passport data (including a passport photograph), as well as comprehensive travel and accommodation information. Upon successful submission, travelers will receive a unique QR code, which must be presented during immigration processing upon arrival in Vietnam.

Authorities have stated that the system is intended to streamline passenger flow, reduce congestion at immigration counters—particularly at the heavily trafficked Tan Son Nhat International Airport—and improve overall efficiency in border clearance procedures.

The digital declaration may be completed up to 48 hours prior to arrival through the official government portal or via QR codes distributed through authorized channels. Officials have cautioned that failure to complete the required declaration in advance may result in extended processing times upon arrival.

To ensure smooth implementation, formal notifications and guidance materials have been distributed to airlines, travel agencies, and corporate travel partners. These stakeholders are expected to assist in informing passengers of the new requirements prior to departure.

Vietnamese authorities emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader digital transformation strategy aimed at modernizing immigration systems, enhancing national security, and improving the overall travel experience for international visitors.

For further information, travelers are advised to consult official immigration channels or their respective airlines prior to travel.