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| Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City |
From 15 April 2026, foreign visitors arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport must complete a Digital Arrival Card before entering Vietnam, marking a significant shift away from traditional paper-based arrival procedures.
The move is designed to streamline immigration, reduce airport congestion and speed up passenger processing at Vietnam’s busiest international gateway.
For tourists, business travellers, backpackers and holidaymakers planning a Vietnam trip, understanding the new Digital Arrival Card system will be essential.
Vietnam Introduces Digital Arrival Card At Tan Son Nhat Airport
The new Digital Arrival Card, commonly known as the DAC, becomes mandatory for foreign travellers arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.
The system replaces the older paper arrival declaration forms that travellers previously completed during flights or after landing.
Instead, visitors are now expected to submit their arrival information online before departure.
Once completed successfully, travellers receive a QR code that must be presented to immigration officials upon arrival.
Vietnamese authorities hope the change will help reduce long queues, improve security screening efficiency and create a smoother arrival experience for passengers entering the country.
Who Must Complete Vietnam’s Digital Arrival Card
The requirement applies to most international travellers entering Vietnam through Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport.
Travellers required to complete the Digital Arrival Card include:
- Foreign passport holders entering Vietnam on a visa or under visa-free entry arrangements
- Indian passport holders travelling to Vietnam
- Overseas Vietnamese travelling on foreign passports with valid entry approval or visas
However, there are some important exemptions.
The Digital Arrival Card is not required for:
- Vietnamese citizens travelling on Vietnamese passports
- Transit passengers who do not pass through immigration controls
The new rule currently applies specifically to arrivals at Tan Son Nhat International Airport rather than all Vietnamese airports nationwide.
How Vietnam’s Digital Arrival Card System Works
The online process has been designed to be relatively simple and traveller friendly.
Passengers complete the form through Vietnam’s official immigration platform by providing essential travel and identification details.
Information typically required includes:
- Passport information
- Visa or entry authorisation details
- Flight number and scheduled arrival details
- Accommodation information within Vietnam
After submitting the form, travellers receive a digital QR code which is then shown to immigration officers upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City.
The Digital Arrival Card can be completed up to 72 hours before entering Vietnam.
Authorities strongly recommend completing the form before boarding a flight to minimise delays and reduce arrival stress.
Can Travellers Complete The Form At The Airport
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| Tan Son Nhat International Airport |
QR codes available within the airport allow passengers to access the online declaration system on arrival.
However, completing the form at the airport is likely to slow the immigration process and may reduce the convenience benefits the new system is designed to provide.
Completing the Digital Arrival Card in advance remains the recommended option for smoother entry into Vietnam.
The good news for travellers is that the Digital Arrival Card is completely free to complete.
The Digital Arrival Card Does Not Replace A Vietnam Visa
One of the most important points for travellers to understand is that the Digital Arrival Card is not a substitute for Vietnam’s visa requirements.
Visitors must still hold a valid visa, approved e-visa or qualify for visa-free entry under existing immigration rules.
Even travellers already holding a valid 90-day Vietnam e-visa are still required to complete the Digital Arrival Card separately.
In simple terms, the DAC is an additional immigration step, not a replacement travel authorisation.
Why This Matters For Vietnam Tourism And International Travel
Vietnam continues to be one of Southeast Asia’s fastest growing tourism destinations, attracting millions of international visitors each year to cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and Hoi An.
As passenger volumes increase, digital immigration systems are becoming increasingly important tools for improving airport efficiency and visitor experiences.
By introducing the Digital Arrival Card system, Vietnam joins a growing list of destinations adopting digital border management solutions to support tourism growth while strengthening immigration processing.
For travellers planning a Vietnam holiday in 2026 and beyond, completing the Digital Arrival Card before departure will now become an important part of pre-flight travel preparation.
Web Contact Details
Vietnam Immigration Department Website: https://xuatnhapcanh.gov.vnVietnam National Authority of Tourism Website: https://vietnam.travel
Tan Son Nhat International AirportWebsite: https://www.vietnamairport.vn/tansonnhatairport
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