Do I still need the declaration if I have a visa or e-visa?

Yes. The Pre-Arrival Declaration is separate from your visa — a valid visa or e-visa does not exempt you from completing it.

When should I complete the declaration?

Before you board your flight to Vietnam. Completing it in advance helps you avoid extra processing and delays at immigration on arrival.

Which airports require the Pre-Arrival Declaration?

As of 2026, Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Phu Quoc, and Noi Bai (Hanoi), on a staggered start-date schedule. Always check the official portal for the current list, as coverage may expand.

What happens if I don't complete it?

You may be subject to additional checks at the immigration counter, which can cause delays. It does not replace your visa, but skipping it can slow your entry.

Vietnam's Pre-Arrival Declaration: A 2026 Guide for Travellers

Vietnam now requires an online Pre-Arrival Declaration at its major international airports. Here's who must complete it, at which airports, how to file it, and how to avoid delays at immigration.

Last reviewed June 15, 2026

Vietnam has expanded its online Pre-Arrival Declaration requirement to all three of its busiest international airports. If you are flying into Vietnam in 2026, completing the declaration online before departure helps you clear immigration faster and avoid unnecessary delays on arrival.

What is the Pre-Arrival Declaration?

It is an online form submitted through the national immigration portal before you board your flight to Vietnam. It is separate from your visa or e-visa — holding a valid visa does not exempt you from completing the declaration.

Airports that require it

The requirement is being introduced across Vietnam's main gateways on a staggered timeline:

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City, SGN) — effective 15 April 2026.

Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) — effective 1 June 2026.

Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi, HAN) — effective 8 June 2026.

Who needs to complete it

The declaration applies to all foreign passport holders, as well as overseas Vietnamese travelling on a visa.

Who is exempt

Vietnamese citizens and transit passengers are not required to complete the declaration.

A plane landing at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam.

How and when to file it

Submit the form before departure through the official immigration portal: prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. File it ahead of your flight rather than on arrival, so any issues can be resolved before you travel.

Why it matters

Travellers who arrive without having completed the declaration may face additional processing at the immigration counter, which can mean longer queues and delays. Filing in advance is the simplest way to keep your arrival smooth.

Entry procedures can change at short notice. Always confirm the latest requirements directly on the official immigration portal before you travel.

If you need help with visas, temporary residence cards, or other immigration matters in Vietnam, Easytiger can connect you with verified immigration professionals.

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