The Ultimate Guide to the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card for Travelers (2026 Update)

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Key Takeaways – Digital Pre-Arrival Form is very important – please pay attention.

🚨 Vietnam Health Declaration Update (Effective July 1, 2026)
If you’ve seen posts saying all travelers must complete a health declaration from July 1, here’s the official clarification from Vietnam’s Ministry of Health:
✅ Health declarations are NOT mandatory for all travelers.
Under Vietnam’s new regulations, health declarations will only be required if the Ministry of Health announces them for specific infectious disease situations.
Here are the key points:
✈️ No routine health declaration is required for everyone entering, leaving, or transiting through Vietnam.
📢 Health declarations will only be introduced when necessary, depending on the global disease situation and the risk to Vietnam.
❌ Do not use the website tokhaiyte . vn. It is not being used for international travelers.
📝 If health declarations are required in the future, travelers will be able to complete them online or on paper, and the Ministry of Health will officially announce the new system.
⏳ When activated, declarations must be submitted within 7 days before travel.
For now, no additional action is required. We recommend following official announcements from Vietnam’s Ministry of Health before your trip, as requirements may change depending on public health conditions.
🇻🇳 Safe travels!

1. What Is the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card and Who Needs It?

Effective April 15, 2026, the Vietnam Immigration Department launched the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card (also known as the Digital Pre-Arrival Form). This initiative aims to streamline the border control process, completely replacing the traditional paper-based landing cards with an effortless, paperless flow at major international gateways.

Mandatory Categories for Inbound Travelers

The mandate applies strictly to foreign travelers and overseas Vietnamese who enter the country using any type of entry document—including tourist e-visas, business visas, or 5-year visa exemptions.

Important Note: If you are only transiting through a Vietnamese airport without passing through immigration into the domestic zone, you are exempt from this requirement. However, if you clear immigration at your first point of entry (e.g., Tan Son Nhat Airport in HCMC) before taking a domestic connection to Da Nang, Hoi An, or Hue, you must complete the declaration for that initial airport.

The Strict 72-Hour Submission Window Explained

The immigration database strictly limits applications to 72 hours before arrival. The calendar selector on the portal will remain locked for any dates further out. Therefore, the best practice is to set a reminder and fill it out 24 to 48 hours prior to boarding your flight.

2. Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Online Declaration

To enjoy a frictionless transition through customs, follow these verified steps:

Step 1: Gather Your Required Documents

Make sure you have these details on hand before launching the portal:

A passport valid for at least 6 months past your entry date.
Your pre-approved E-visa file or visa exemption certificate number.
Confirmed flight arrangements (Flight number and exact arrival time).
Full accommodation address in Vietnam (Hotel name, street, district, and city).

Step 2: Access the Official Immigration Portal

Navigate to the authenticated government platform: https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. Alternatively, travelers can use the official VDAC mobile application published by the Ministry of Public Security via the App Store or Google Play. Avoid any unverified third-party web domains that attempt to charge fees or collect sensitive personal data illegally.

Step 3: Complete Your Personal and Itinerary Details

Passenger Information: You can upload a photo of your passport page to auto-fill primary data fields. Ensure your full name is written in ALL CAPS WITHOUT ACCENTS/DIACRITICS, matching your passport exactly. Proceed to map your corresponding visa data.

Travel Information: Enter your destination airport, flight number, and precise temporary address in Vietnam.

Step 4: Save and Secure Your QR Code

Review your summary data for accuracy, request a 6-digit email OTP for authorization, and hit submit. The platform will instantly issue a unique QR code. Screenshot this code on your mobile device or save it offline.

3. Crucial Tips and Insider Realities for a Smooth Arrival

Digital Arrival Card vs. E-Visa: Do Not Confuse the Two

One of the most recurring issues reported by FIT travelers and expats is mixing up these two completely distinct documents.

Vietnam E-visa: Your official legal entry permit granted by immigration authorities.
Digital Arrival Card: A mandatory procedural travel itinerary declaration.

The Golden Rule: The Digital Arrival Card DOES NOT replace your visa. You must secure your e-visa first, and then reference that approved visa when filing out your arrival card within the 72-hour window.

What If You Forgot to Declare Before Flying?

If you arrive at the gate or land at the airport in Vietnam only to realize you skipped this step, do not panic. Large instructional boards embedded with localized QR codes are placed across the international arrival halls. You can connect to the airport Wi-Fi and fill out the online form on your smartphone right after getting off the aircraft. However, attempting this during peak arrival hours can add an avoidable 30 to 60 minutes of delays. Completing this at home is always the smartest strategy.

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there any official processing fee for the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card?

A: No, it is 100% FREE. If a website prompts you for a payment or processing fee for this specific pre-arrival declaration, you are on a deceptive scam platform. Always stick to the official gov.vn web domain.

Q: Can I just present the QR code on my phone, or do I need a physical printout?

A: Displaying a high-quality digital copy or screenshot of the QR code on your smartphone is fully sufficient for border control scans. However, printing out a physical copy is a smart backup plan in case your device experiences battery depletion or temporary technical errors.

Q: Do accompanying infants and young children require their own separate digital cards?

A: Yes. Every single passenger entering through the immigration lines, irrespective of age or whether they share a passport with a parent, must have a dedicated pre-arrival declaration and their own individual QR code.

Q: What should I do if I find a typo or an error on my submitted declaration?

A: Submitted forms cannot be manually updated or edited. If you realize you entered incorrect passport or visa information, simply log back into the portal and submit a brand-new form to obtain a fresh, legally accurate QR code prior to your departure.

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Guide to the Vietnam Digital Pre-Arrival Form