Vietnam airports require digital arrival QR codes for foreign travelers

Foreign travelers entering Vietnam by air now encounter a digital arrival declaration before immigration, with a QR code replacing the traditional paper arrival card.

The QR code comes before immigration

Passengers can submit the Pre-Arrival Information form through the Vietnam Immigration Department’s online portal up to 72 hours before arrival or complete it after landing through airport QR codes or paper forms.

The form requests passport and visa details, flight number, travel purpose and a Vietnam accommodation address. It then generates a QR code that immigration officers accept on a phone or in print. Separate health declarations remain waived for normal arrivals.

Five airports are already using the system

We previously discussed the rollout of the digital arrival QR code in Ho Chi Minh, now that same program has expanded to all airports in Vietnam.

The mandatory rollout covers Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, Noi Bai in Hanoi, Da Nang, Cam Ranh near Nha Trang and Phu Quoc. Tan Son Nhat began requiring the declaration in April, with the other four airports joining through June.

Vietnam is expanding the requirement to all airports receiving international flights, the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam said June 17. That means foreign arrivals at smaller airports may encounter the same process as implementation continues.

Foreign passport holders must file

The rule applies to travelers clearing immigration on a non-Vietnamese passport, including tourists, business travelers, digital nomads, returning expats and overseas Vietnamese. It applies whether travelers use an e-visa, consular visa or visa exemption, including the entry routes covered in the Vietnam guide.

Vietnamese passport holders and transit passengers who remain airside don’t need the declaration. Foreign travelers can reduce arrival delays by completing it before departure and keeping the QR code available on a phone or printed copy.