New Entry Requirement in Vietnam: Mandatory Pre-Arrival QR Code in 2026

Since April 15, 2026, Vietnam has introduced a mandatory Digital Arrival Card, generating a QR code to be presented upon entry. The system is currently being deployed primarily at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the country’s main international gateway, with a gradual rollout expected across other entry points.

Context and Objectives

This reform comes amid increasing pressure on airport infrastructure, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, where:

• Immigration queues can exceed 500 passengers at peak times

• Waiting times may reach 1 to 2 hours during high-traffic periods

The initiative is designed to:

• Reduce congestion at immigration checkpoints

• Pre-register traveler data to streamline processing

• Enhance accuracy and security of border controls

Initial operational feedback suggests:

• A 30% to 50% reduction in processing time

• A gradual phase-out of paper-based forms in favor of fully digital procedures

This move aligns Vietnam with broader regional trends, as several Asia-Pacific countries have already implemented similar digital entry systems.

Who Is Affected?

• Mandatory for: 

  • All foreign travelers (including visa-exempt nationals)

  • Overseas Vietnamese entering under visa requirements

• Exempt: 

  • Vietnamese citizens

  • Transit passengers not passing through immigration

Important: the QR code does not replace visa requirements; it is an additional pre-arrival formality.

Practical Guide: How to Obtain the QR Code

1. Access the official portal: https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn/

• Free of charge

• Available in multiple languages

• Accessible up to 72 hours before arrival 

  
  

2. Complete the form

• Passport details (with optional document upload)

• Flight information

• Accommodation address in Vietnam

• Travel purpose

3. Generate your QR code

• Issued instantly upon submission

• Recommended: save a screenshot and keep a printed copy

4. Present upon arrival

• QR code scanned at immigration

• Faster processing through pre-validated data

Average completion time: 3 to 5 minutes

Operational Impact

Travelers arriving without a pre-completed QR code can still enter by filling out the form on-site. However, this typically results in:

• Additional waiting time of 40 minutes to 1 hour

• Increased dependency on airport Wi-Fi and longer queues

For organizations managing international mobility (HR teams, relocation providers), this implies:

• Integrating the requirement into pre-departure checklists 

• Reducing operational risk linked to non-compliance (delays, poor arrival experience)

  
  

Best Practices

• Complete the form as early as possible (within the 72-hour window) 

• Double-check all information (common errors include passport number discrepancies)

• Keep the QR code accessible offline

• Plan ahead for early arrivals or peak travel periods

Outlook

At this stage, the system is primarily implemented in Ho Chi Minh City, but authorities are expected to:

• Extend it to all international airports and entry points 

• Integrate it into a broader digital ecosystem (e-visa, automated border control)

This reform represents a significant step in Vietnam’s strategy to:

• Manage rapidly growing inbound travel flows

• Modernize border infrastructure

• Strengthen its positioning as a competitive destination in Southeast Asia