Vietnam Now Requires Singaporeans to Fill in an Online Form Before Arrival, Here's What to Do

Visiting Vietnam after 15 April? There is one extra step you need to take before you board that flight. Vietnam has rolled out a new pre-arrival declaration system starting 15 April 2026, affecting foreign visitors entering the country. Here is everything you need to know before you go.

Also read: The Ultimate Guide to Train Travel in Vietnam: Routes, Tips and Scenic Journeys

What Is the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Declaration?

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The Vietnam pre-arrival declaration (officially called the Digital Pre-Arrival Form) is a QR-based digital system that collects your entry information before you meet an immigration officer at the airport. Currently required for travellers entering through Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, the system is part of Vietnam's broader push to modernise border management and reduce immigration congestion. Once you submit the form, you receive a QR code to present to immigration upon arrival.

Who Needs to Complete It?

Not every traveller is required to submit a declaration. Here is a quick breakdown:

Required to complete the Vietnam pre-arrival declaration:

• Foreign passport holders entering on a visa

• Overseas Vietnamese travelling on a valid visa

Exempt from the requirement:

• Vietnamese citizens travelling on a Vietnamese passport

• Transit passengers remaining airside who do not clear immigration

If you are a Singaporean visiting Vietnam on a tourist visa, this step applies to you.

What Information Do You Need to Submit?

The form collects several key pieces of personal and travel information. Before filling it out, make sure you have the following ready:

• Full name and nationality

• Passport number

• Visa details

• Flight number

• Hotel or accommodation address in Vietnam (this field can be skipped, as hotels are required to report your stay independently)

• A passport photo for uploading

If you applied for an e-visa, most fields may be pre-filled automatically, making the process even faster.

How to Complete the Form

There are two ways to complete the Vietnam pre-arrival declaration, though one is strongly recommended over the other.

Option A: Online Before Departure (Recommended)

1. Visit the official portal at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn

2. Fill in your travel details and submit the form

3. Save the QR code confirmation on your phone

4. Present the QR code to the immigration officer on arrival

The whole process takes under 3 minutes and helps you skip the airport queues when you arrive at HCM.

Option B: At the Airport

QR code kiosks are available at the immigration area at Tan Son Nhat for travellers who have not completed the form before flying. However, this option can cause significant delays, especially during busy arrival periods. If you want to avoid delays, it's best to complete it before departure.

What Happens If You Do Not Complete It Before Arrival?

Travellers who submit incomplete declarations or who choose to fill it in on arrival during a busy period risk longer processing times at immigration. Airlines and travel agencies have been notified to remind passengers about this new requirement, so do not be surprised if your airline sends you a heads-up before your flight. Regardless, it is your responsibility to ensure the form is submitted before you depart.

Will This Extend to Other Airports?

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For now, the system is only active at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Travellers flying into Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi or other Vietnamese airports are not yet subject to this requirement, and no expansion timeline has been announced. That said, expect a broader rollout in due course, so keep an eye out for news updates before you travel.

Also read: Japan's New Travel Authorisation System for Tourists: What You Need to Know

Before You Fly

This new declaration requirement is a minor addition to your pre-trip checklist, but completing it early could save you real time and stress at the border. Fill in the form, keep your QR code handy, and you will be well on your way.

Editor's Note: Information in this article is accurate as of April 2026. Requirements may change. Check with Vietnam's immigration authorities or your airline before travelling.