Vietnam Pre-Arrival Declaration 2026: QR Form & Visa Rules

What is Vietnam's pre-arrival declaration, and do you need it?

Vietnam's Pre-arrival Information (PAI) form is an online declaration run by the Immigration Department; you submit it within 3 days before arrival and get a QR code for the immigration counter.

Mandatory or optional? Official sources disagree. The Ministry of Public Security called the April pilot optional, and the Vietnam Embassy in Singapore says travellers are "strongly encouraged" to declare. Singapore's Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City (20 Apr 2026) called it mandatory at Tan Son Nhat, and the US Embassy notice of 17 June 2026 calls it mandatory at all airports, with a QR code or paper form on arrival for anyone who has not filed. India's Embassy in Hanoi (page updated 29 Oct 2026) still describes a voluntary roll-out, and no newer Immigration Department notice confirming a nationwide mandate was found as of 30 Oct 2026. Treat it as required and file before you fly; Vietnam Airlines says declared passengers can use a priority entry area.

General information — check official sources for your situation.

How do you fill in the Vietnam PAI form and fix common errors?

Filling in the PAI form takes one short online session; have your passport, flight number and accommodation address ready.

1. Type prearrival.immigration.gov.vn yourself and choose your language.
2. Select "Create and submit declaration" and enter the CAPTCHA.
3. Enter personal details exactly as in your passport, your visa status (exemption or e-visa) and trip details: flight number, arrival date, where you will stay.
4. Submit, then screenshot or print the QR code.
5. At immigration, show your passport, the QR code and any printed e-visa.

Common errors and fixes

• Flight number rejected: the Immigration Department says most failed declarations had a flight number that did not match the airline's booking (PNR) data. Copy it exactly from your booking and check the arrival date.
• Submitted too early: wait until you are inside the 3-day window.
• No QR code on landing: declare at the airport by QR code or paper form (US Embassy).
• Payment page: close any site asking for a card payment; the Immigration Department warns fake PAI sites have been used to steal card details.

You will want mobile data the moment you land; a 30-day unlimited 4G/5G Vietnam eSIM or SIM card is one option to set up before you fly.

Who gets 45 days visa-free in Vietnam, and who needs an e-visa?

Citizens of 25 countries, including South Korea and Japan, can stay up to 45 days without a visa; Taiwanese, Americans and most others need an e-visa.

• The 45-day exemption requires a return or onward ticket, says the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism.
• Your passport needs at least 6 months' validity and 2 blank pages.
• Staying longer than 45 days? Get an e-visa before you travel.

How do you get a Vietnam e-visa without paying a look-alike site?

Apply for the e-visa only at the government portal evisa.gov.vn, allowing at least 7 working days before your flight, and pay the official US$25 or US$50 there.

• Who and how long: all nationalities; up to 90 days, single or multiple entry.
• Processing: 3 to 5 working days per the tourism authority; Taiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs (15 Sep 2026) quotes 3 to 7.
• Entry point: the approval letter names your approved checkpoint, so choose your arrival airport carefully.
• Print it: carry the approved e-visa with your PAI QR code.

Spotting a look-alike site

• Official addresses end in .gov.vn: evisa.gov.vn and prearrival.immigration.gov.vn.
• Agents selling "urgent processing" or a "Vietnam arrival card" may charge on top of the official US$25 or US$50.
• Skip search ads and message links; type the address yourself.

After immigration, see our guides to common Vietnam scams and exchanging money in Vietnam.