Vietnam proposes making its pre-arrival form mandatory for foreign nomads

Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security wants foreigners to be legally required to fill in its online pre-arrival declaration. State legal media reported that a draft submission from the ministry to the government proposes adding the collection of foreigners' pre-entry information to a general resolution of the National Assembly at its 2nd session, 16th term. Nothing has been approved yet.

Current law on foreigners' entry, exit, transit and residence doesn't require a declaration before arrival. Adding that requirement is up to the National Assembly. The ministry argues the normal process for amending a law is too slow, so it wants the rule written into the resolution instead. The assembly's second session was already under way on Nov. 2.

How the form works in the voluntary pilot

The declaration already runs at Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai, Da Nang, Cam Ranh and Phu Quoc international airports. For now, travelers are encouraged to file it but don't have to. The form asks for:

• Identity: personal details, plus an optional photo of the passport data page
• Travel: visa details if there's one, flight information and accompanying passengers
• Stay: where the traveler expects to stay

Once the form is submitted, the system emails a confirmation with a QR code to show at immigration. Travelers can file through prearrival.immigration.gov.vn up to three days before arrival or on arrival. By Sept. 30, 4,039,871 foreign arrivals had filed, 65.76% of all foreigners entering through the five pilot airports.

Who would have to file: foreign air arrivals, nomads included

• Short-stay nomads: the proposal covers foreign nationals, so visitors on visa-free stays or visas would have to file before entering. Today the step is optional.
• Residence card holders: an immigration advisory firm says the pilot already includes holders of temporary residence cards.
• Long-stay renters: the system links declarations with local residence records. Declarations listing an address in Phu Quoc are forwarded automatically to police there.
• Land border arrivals: the pilot covers airports only. The Immigration Department is still studying a version for land border gates.

The form isn't a visa. It doesn't take or process visa applications, so nomads still need whatever entry permission they used before. More on entry routes is in our Vietnam guide.

What is still unclear

No one has said whether the government will forward the proposal, when the assembly would vote on it, when a requirement would start or whether the three-day window and five-airport scope would stay the same. Vietnamese authorities strongly advise foreign visitors to file now to avoid longer waits at immigration. The ministry warns that fake versions of the site are being used to steal credit card details, so travelers should file only on the official portal.