Entry into Vietnamese territory took a major turn in the spring of this year. Since the April 15, 2026 for Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), and the June 1, 2026 for the Phu Quoc, In addition, the migration authorities require a brand new digital document: the pre-arrival card.
PAI system or NA1 form: what exactly are we talking about?
In 2026, the “Arrival Card” approach actually covers two very distinct documents that should not be confused:
Vietnam Digital Arrival Card (PAI System): This is the new online declaration system, completely free of charge. It combines your flight, passport and accommodation details. At the end of the process, it generates a QR code that the immigration officer will scan when you land.
NA1 form (paper format) : This is the historic yellow entry/exit document. Today, it only concerns you if you are applying for a Visa On Arrival (VOA) at the airport counter or if you are crossing a land or sea border.
Which Vietnamese airports are affected?
This formality is being rolled out gradually. Logically, the government started with the most congested gateways, where immigration queues could sometimes exceed two hours.
| Airport of entry (IATA code) | Current status | Practical information |
| Hô Chi Minh-Ville (SGN) | Mandatory (since April 15, 2026) | The country's busiest international hub. |
| Phu Quoc (PQC) | Mandatory (since June 1, 2026) | Particularly targeted at travelers benefiting from the island's specific exemption program. |
| Hanoi - Noi Bai (HAN) | Not currently required | National roll-out planned in the short term. |
| Da Nang (DAD) | Not currently required | National roll-out planned in the short term. |
| Cam Ranh (CXR) | Not currently required | National roll-out planned in the short term. |
Who must submit this customs declaration?
The answer is simple: almost all foreign travellers landing at SGN or PQC:
- e-Visa holders : Yes, you must present your e-Visa and the QR code of the Arrival Card.
- Visa-exempt nationals : Yes, even without a visa, the declaration is required.
- Visa On Arrival applicants : Yes (in addition to paper form NA1).
- Minor children : Yes, every traveler, regardless of age, must have his or her own declaration. Parents complete the form on behalf of their child.
Only direct transit passengers (without passing through immigration counters) and Vietnamese citizens traveling on their national passports are exempt.
What if I don't get to another airport? PAI is not required, but it is still possible to apply for arrival via Noi Bai (HAN), Cam Ranh (CXR) and Da Nang (DAD) international airports.
How do I get my QR Code?
The process is carried out on the government portal : prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. The interface has a strict time limit: you can only submit your file if in the 72-hour window preceding your landing.
Before starting your application, prepare your information and documents. Have ready: a copy of your passport in digital format (the biometric page with the photo) as well as your plane ticket (flight number, travel dates). You'll also need to know the address of your first accommodation in Vietnam.
Once the application has been finalized, a QR code is generated and associated with your profile. Keep a copy of this travel document for presentation to the Vietnamese authorities.
Is a visa still required?
The Digital Arrival Card does not replace a visa. Whether you are a national of a country eligible for 45-day visa exemption (such as France, Germany or Australia) or citizen of a country requiring an e-Visa, this digital arrival card is a additional prerequisites. Make sure your passport is valid at least 6 months after your planned departure date from Vietnam (not from your date of arrival)
What's special about traveling to Phu Quoc Island? Any foreign national may enter visa-free to this destination, provided you stay for a maximum of 30 days. You can arrive by air or sea. The pre-arrival card remains a mandatory formality from June 1, 2026. When filling in your form (visa information stage), you must indicate “Phu Quoc Visa Exemption”.
We look forward to supporting you in obtaining a pre-arrival card.
Fill in a file from e-Visa Vietnam
English 
Français 
Deutsch 
Italiano 
Español