HO CHI MINH CITY— Vietnam has introduced a mandatory Digital Arrival Card for most foreign travelers entering via Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), marking a significant shift in its border processing system.
The requirement, effective April 15, 2026, positions Vietnam alongside regional adopters of digital immigration procedures and aims to expedite passenger clearance at its busiest gateway.
The move directly affects passengers arriving in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), including those connecting onward domestically.
Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines (VN) and Singapore Airlines (SQ), which operate frequent services into SGN, are expected to inform passengers, though initial adoption across carriers remains uneven.
Vietnam Mandates Digital Arrival Card
Vietnam’s Immigration Department has implemented the online pre-arrival declaration to replace traditional paper-based arrival forms.
Travelers must submit personal, passport, and travel details electronically before arrival, receiving a QR code for scanning at immigration counters.
The system applies to most foreign nationals, including visa-exempt travelers and overseas Vietnamese entering on foreign passports. However, Vietnamese citizens and transit passengers who do not clear immigration remain exempt.
Authorities clarified that this requirement does not replace visa obligations. Travelers must still secure appropriate visas or entry permits before completing the declaration.
Submission Process
The declaration must be completed within a strict window—either on the day of arrival or up to two days prior. The portal restricts earlier submissions, requiring travelers to plan accordingly.
Passengers must input detailed information, including passport credentials, travel purpose, accommodation address, and departure plans. After verification through a one-time password sent via email, the system generates a QR code confirmation.
According to Mainly Miles, officials strongly advise saving the QR code digitally and carrying a backup copy. While last-minute submissions remain possible at the airport via QR links, this may increase processing time rather than reduce it.
Impact on Vietnamese Airports
The initiative aims to address persistent congestion at Tan Son Nhat, where immigration queues often exceed 500 passengers during peak hours. Waiting times frequently range from 30 minutes to over an hour, particularly during evening arrivals.
By digitizing passenger data in advance, authorities expect to reduce manual data entry at counters and improve throughput. However, early implementation phases may encounter operational challenges as staff and travelers adapt to the new system.
Currently limited to SGN, the platform includes infrastructure for expansion to other major entry points such as Hanoi and Da Nang. This suggests a broader national rollout in the near future, though no official timeline has been confirmed.
The success of the system will depend on consistent airline communication and user compliance. If effectively implemented, the Digital Arrival Card could significantly improve arrival efficiency at one of Southeast Asia’s busiest aviation hubs.
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