A regulatory measure to enhance immigration efficiency and passenger flow management
Vietnam’s Department of Immigration has officially implemented a pre-arrival declaration requirement for international travelers arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, effective from April 15, 2026.
This regulatory measure forms part of the government’s broader effort to modernize immigration management systems, improve operational efficiency at border checkpoints, and respond to the sustained growth in international passenger traffic entering Vietnam. Under the new requirement, eligible travelers must submit their personal and travel information through an official online platform prior to arrival and present a confirmation code upon entry.
Regulatory Scope and Applicability
The pre-arrival declaration applies to foreign passport holders entering Vietnam.
Certain categories of travelers are exempt from this requirement, including:
- Vietnamese passport holders
- Transit passengers who do not pass through immigration control
The regulation introduces a standardized pre-screening step that shifts part of the immigration process from on-site processing to a pre-arrival digital format, aligning Vietnam with international practices in border management.
At this stage, the requirement applies specifically to Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Other international entry points in Vietnam have not yet been included in the scope of implementation. ASEV Travel will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as further information becomes available.
Declaration Procedure and Compliance Requirements
The declaration must be completed via the official government portal at least three days prior to arrival.
Upon successful submission, the system generates a confirmation code, which must be presented to immigration officers at the arrival checkpoint. This code serves as proof of compliance with the pre-arrival requirement and facilitates faster verification procedures.
Failure to complete the declaration in advance does not result in denial of entry; however, travelers may be subject to extended processing times, as manual verification may be required at immigration counters.
Step-by-Step Guide to Complete the Pre-Arrival Declaration
Before accessing the portal, travelers should have their passport details, visa information if applicable, flight number, and accommodation or address in Vietnam ready.
The pre-arrival declaration must be completed following the process outlined below or refer to the online tutorial here:
Step 1: Select language
Upon accessing the portal, users should select their preferred language using the language option available in the top-right corner of the interface.
Step 2: Access the declaration form
Travelers should proceed to the “Create & Submit Pre-arrival Information” section to initiate the declaration process.\
Step 3: Enter personal information
All required personal details must be entered accurately in the designated fields, including passport information and expected arrival date. Supporting documents such as a passport image may be requested.
Step 4: Provide visa information
Where applicable, travelers must input their visa details and confirm that the information provided is understood and accurate.
Step 5: Complete trip information
Applicants are required to declare travel-related details, including country of departure, purpose of travel, and mode of transport into Vietnam.
Step 6: Submit and verify
After completing all required sections, the declaration must be submitted online. The system will prompt email verification through a one-time password (OTP).
Receive and retain confirmation code
Once the submission is validated, a confirmation code (QR code) will be generated. Travelers must retain this code and present it to immigration authorities upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
Step 7: Review and update if necessary
If needed, travelers may revisit the portal and use the “Lookup & Update Declaration” function to verify or amend submitted information prior to arrival.
Operational Context and Rationale
Tan Son Nhat International Airport is Vietnam’s main international gateway and one of the busiest in Southeast Asia. In 2025, it handled over 42 million passengers, including nearly 18 million international arrivals reflecting strong growth in inbound travel.
This increase has put pressure on immigration processes, especially during peak hours, leading to longer queues and delays on arrival.
To address this, the new pre-arrival declaration system allows authorities to:
- Process passenger information before arrival
- Reduce congestion at immigration counters
- Improve efficiency and accuracy of checks
- Ensure smoother passenger flow at the airport
Overall, this marks a shift toward more digital and efficient immigration procedures, helping speed up the arrival experience.
Implications for Travel Partners
This new requirement must now be included as part of the standard pre-travel preparation for all clients arriving in Vietnam via Tan Son Nhat.
If not communicated clearly, it may result in delays upon arrival and impact the overall travel experience. We recommend partners to:
- Share the official link along with clear instructions ahead of departure
- Ensure travelers have their QR confirmation code before departure
As this process is completed directly by travelers, clear communication from partners remains key to avoiding any issues on arrival.
Impact on Passenger Experience
From a traveler perspective, the new requirement introduces an additional administrative step prior to departure. However, when completed correctly, it contributes to a more efficient and predictable arrival process.
Passengers who comply with the requirement can expect:
- Reduced waiting times at immigration counters
- Streamlined verification procedures
- Improved flow through arrival checkpoints
Conversely, travelers who fail to complete the declaration in advance may encounter longer queues and delays due to manual processing requirements.
A Step Toward Digital Transformation in Border Management
The implementation of the pre-arrival declaration reflects Vietnam’s ongoing transition toward digitalization in public administration and border control systems.
By adopting pre-screening mechanisms and online data submission, immigration authorities are moving toward a more scalable and efficient model capable of accommodating increasing international travel volumes.
This development is consistent with global trends, where countries are increasingly leveraging digital tools to enhance security, improve operational efficiency, and deliver better service quality to travelers.
The introduction of a mandatory pre-arrival declaration at Tan Son Nhat International Airport marks an important update for international travel to Vietnam. While it adds an extra step before departure, the objective is clear: faster immigration procedures and a smoother arrival experience at one of the country’s busiest gateways.
For partners and travelers alike, staying informed and ensuring this requirement is completed in advance will be key to avoiding delays and ensuring a seamless arrival.
