Travel Update | Vietnam | September 2026
Travellers heading to Vietnam should be aware of a new digital immigration procedure designed to make arrival at the country’s airports smoother and more efficient.
Vietnam’s Immigration Department has introduced a Pre-arrival Information (PAI) System, allowing foreign travellers to submit their personal, visa and travel information online before arriving in the country.
The official portal is:
Vietnam Pre-Arrival Information Portal
What is the new pre-arrival declaration?
The Pre-arrival Information System allows international travellers to provide important information to Vietnamese immigration authorities before reaching the immigration counter.
After completing the online declaration, travellers receive a QR code, which can be saved on a mobile phone or printed and presented during the immigration process.
According to Vietnam’s Immigration Department, the system is intended to help reduce waiting times, ease congestion at immigration checkpoints and support the country’s wider move towards digital immigration and smart tourism services.
Who should complete it?
The system has been introduced for foreign travellers entering Vietnam by air, with the initial implementation taking place at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnamese authorities have encouraged foreign passengers arriving through Tan Son Nhat to complete their information before arrival. The system was initially introduced as a pilot programme and is being expanded as part of Vietnam’s digital immigration programme.
Because implementation can change as the system is expanded to additional airports and entry points, travellers should check the latest instructions before departure.
How does it work?
The process is completed online through the official Vietnamese Immigration Department portal.
1. Visit the official portal
Go to:
2. Select your language
The system provides language options to assist international travellers.
3. Complete the declaration
Travellers are asked to provide their personal information, visa information and relevant travel details.
4. Submit the information
Once the declaration has been successfully submitted, the system generates a QR code.
5. Keep the QR code accessible
Travellers should save the QR code on their phone or print a copy so it is readily available during immigration procedures.
Vietnam’s Immigration Department specifically recommends keeping the QR code available for presentation at the border checkpoint.
Is this the same as a Vietnam visa?
No.
The pre-arrival declaration is not a replacement for a visa and should not be confused with Vietnam’s electronic visa system.
Travellers who require a visa must still obtain the appropriate Vietnamese visa before travelling. The country’s official immigration portal lists e-visa services separately from the pre-arrival declaration system.
A useful step before your Vietnam journey
For international visitors, completing the declaration before departure can be added to the normal pre-travel checklist alongside checking passport validity, visa requirements, flight details and accommodation information.
At Travel to Nature Asia, we recommend that our guests travelling to Vietnam check the latest immigration requirements shortly before departure and use only official Vietnamese government websites for immigration and visa procedures.
Official Pre-Arrival Information Portal:
prearrival.immigration.gov.vn
Official Vietnam Immigration Portal:
Vietnam Immigration Department
Travel requirements and implementation procedures may change. Travellers should verify the latest requirements with the Vietnamese Immigration Department or the relevant Vietnamese diplomatic mission before departure.
