If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, here’s something you need to know.
The Immigration Department just rolled out a new Pre-Arrival Information system (PAI for short). Think of it as a digital arrival card you fill out online before you fly. It’s designed to speed things up at immigration — no more filling out paper forms in the queue after a long flight.
As of mid-June 2026, the system now covers four international airports, and it’s mandatory at some. Here’s the full breakdown.
What Actually Is This System?
It’s an online form at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn where you submit your personal info, visa details, flight number, and where you’re staying. Once you’re done, you get a QR code. Save it on your phone or print it — you’ll show it at immigration.
It is NOT a visa. You still need your e-visa or visa exemption letter. This form runs alongside your visa, not instead of it.
Which Airports Are Covered?
| Airport | City | Status | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tan Son Nhat | Ho Chi Minh City | Active | April 15, 2026 |
| Phu Quoc | Phu Quoc Island | Mandatory | June 1, 2026 |
| Noi Bai | Hanoi | Active | June 15, 2026 |
| Da Nang | Da Nang | Active | June 15, 2026 |
More airports are coming. Land border gates are also being studied.
Who Needs to Do This?
You need it if: You’re a foreign passport holder entering Vietnam — whether you have an e-visa, visa-free entry, or a visa exemption certificate. This includes overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu) entering on a foreign passport with a visa.
You’re exempt if: You hold a Vietnamese passport. Or you’re a transit passenger staying in the airside area (no immigration clearance).
Kids too? Yes — every foreign traveler, regardless of age. Parents can fill it out for their children.
Step-by-Step Guide (Takes 5 Minutes)
Step 1: Go to the official site
Open https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn/ on your phone or laptop.
Only use this URL. Scam sites are already out there trying to charge you money. The real one ends in .gov.vn and it’s free.
Select your language — English, Chinese, French, Vietnamese, and more are available. Click “Create and Submit Declaration” and enter the CAPTCHA.
Step 2: Fill in your info
You’ll need:
- Passport details — full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth (exactly as on your passport)
- Visa info — e-visa number (the one starting with EV at the top of your e-visa PDF), issue/expiry dates, place of issue
- Your email — for the OTP code
- Phone number
- Travel info — arrival date, flight number, departure country, purpose of travel
- Accommodation — hotel name and full address
Pro tip: You can upload a photo of your passport bio page and the system auto-fills the fields for you. Saves time.
Step 3: Review and verify
Double-check everything. A wrong flight number is the most common mistake — and it’ll fail the system’s PNR match.
Request a 6-digit OTP, check your email, and enter it.
Step 4: Save your QR code
The system generates your QR code. Do three things:
- Screenshot it on your phone
- Email the PDF to yourself
- Print a paper copy as backup
Printing isn’t mandatory — a screenshot works fine — but having a backup never hurts.
When to submit
You can submit within 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival. The system won’t accept dates further out than that.
Best time: fill it out the night before your flight, when you have stable internet and your documents handy.
What Happens at the Airport?
When you reach immigration, hand over your passport as usual. If the officer asks, show your QR code — digital or paper. They scan it, and your info is already in the system.
The whole process is faster than filling out the old paper arrival card at the counter. Travelers who’ve used it say it cuts a good 10-15 minutes off the queue.
FAQs — What Travelers Are Actually Asking
These are the real questions people are asking on Reddit, TripAdvisor, Facebook travel groups, and Whirlpool forums.
Is this mandatory or optional?
At Tan Son Nhat (HCMC), Noi Bai (Hanoi), and Da Nang: technically yes, but enforcement has been gradual — some travelers say officers didn’t always ask for it in the first weeks. At Phu Quoc: it’s been mandatory since June 1, 2026. Our advice? Just do it. It takes 5 minutes and saves you time either way.
Can I fill it out at the airport?
Technically yes, if you have internet. But it’s not a great idea — you’ll be juggling luggage, jet-lagged, and fighting for WiFi with 200 other people. Do it before you fly.
What if I don’t do it at all?
Entry is still possible. But expect longer processing times. Some airlines (Vietjet, Vietnam Airlines) have started asking for the QR code at check-in. Klook warns airlines may deny boarding without it.
Do I need to fill it out for every trip?
Yes — each visit requires a fresh declaration.
What if my flight changes?
If your flight is delayed or rescheduled, fill out a new form within the updated 72-hour window.
My e-visa hasn’t started yet. Can I still submit?
Yes. Submit within 72 hours before arrival, even if your e-visa starts on your arrival day. For the “date of issue” field, use the “Good for entry valid from” date on your e-visa.
I keep getting errors — what’s wrong?
Common issues: wrong flight number (doesn’t match your PNR), submitting more than 3 days before arrival (system rejects it), wrong email address (OTP never arrives), passport number typos (O vs 0, I vs 1).
Is it really free?
Yes. The official site charges nothing. If a site asks for your credit card, it’s a scam.
⚠️ Important Warning: Scam Sites
Vietnam’s Immigration Department has issued a warning. Fake websites impersonating the PAI system are already active — they ask for credit card payments and steal your info.
Only use: https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn/
Bookmark it. Don’t Google “Vietnam pre-arrival form” and click the first result — scammers buy ads.
What’s Coming Next
- July 2026: A separate health declaration form is being introduced for all inbound, outbound, and transit passengers
- Nationwide expansion: All international airports will get the PAI system
- Land border gates: Under study for future rollout
The Short Version
Vietnam’s new Pre-Arrival Information system replaces the old paper arrival card. Fill it out online within 3 days before your flight, get a QR code, show it at immigration. It’s free, takes 5 minutes, and saves you time at the airport. Currently active at HCMC, Phu Quoc, Hanoi, and Da Nang — with more airports coming.
Do yourself a favor: fill it out the night before your flight, screenshot the QR code, and enjoy skipping part of the queue.
Traveling to Vietnam soon? Check out our Vietnam travel tips for more practical guides. Need help planning your trip? Reach out on WhatsApp/Zalo: +84 70 6666 520.
