Vietnam Travel Rules CHANGE AGAIN! (New Entry Requirement!)

Overview: New Digital Arrival Card Requirement (Tan Son Nhat)

Vietnam has changed its immigration entry process again for foreign travelers arriving through Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Saigon. Beginning April 15, 2026, most holders of non–Vietnam passports must complete a free digital arrival card in advance and present a QR code to immigration upon arrival.

If travelers miss the requirement, they may face significant problems even before entering the country.

Who Must Use the Prearrival Digital Card

The requirement applies broadly to foreign nationals across many entry categories, including holders of:

• e-visas
• Visa-free entry
• Work permits
• Temporary residence cards (TRCs)
• Permanent residence cards
• Student visas
• 5-year visa exemption

Limited Exceptions

The presenter notes limited exceptions for:

• Vietnam passport holders
• Diplomatic passport holders
• Transit travelers who do not enter Vietnam

Key Timing Detail: Submit Within 72 Hours Before Arrival

Travelers must submit the digital arrival card within 72 hours before arrival.

Example: For a May 1 arrival, the form can typically be filled starting around April 28.

Anti-Scam Guidance: Use the Official Site

The official site is:

• https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn

The presenter warns that third-party “copycat” sites may charge $20–$30 to do what is supposed to be free.

Form Walkthrough: Practical Points and Common Confusion

The video includes a walkthrough of the online form and highlights areas that travelers often find unclear:

• The site offers sections such as “create and submit prearrival information”, plus lookup options.
• Users must upload/select required passport and personal information.
• The visa type selection is described as confusing. The presenter says the options that “work” currently generally align with “default visa exemption by country” for visa-free nationals, with separate categories for e-visa, 5-year visa exemption certificate, TRC, etc.
• Travelers must enter trip/flight details, including:
  • Departure country
  • Purpose
  • Travel mode
  • Flight number
  • Boarding gate (auto-populated)
• Travelers must provide an accommodation address (for the first night).
• Departure date is optional, but immigration may request outbound ticket proof—especially for:
  • Shorter stays
  • e-visa holders

Enforcement Trends and Advice

Ken argues the entry environment is becoming more strict. He references tighter enforcement of temporary residence compliance “from day one” and advises filling all fields (including optional ones) to avoid small discrepancies that could cause problems.

Criticism of the Rollout

The presenter critiques how the policy was introduced, stating it was launched in Saigon only without notice—adding friction.

He compares it to Thailand’s system (which he says feels more straightforward) and suggests the change increases bureaucracy. He also notes Vietnam’s tourism targets:

• 25 million visitors in 2026
• 50 million by 2030

He further mentions that Vietnam reportedly saw low return rates, attributing part of that to ongoing visa/entry friction.

Presenter

• Ken Vuong — International business immigration attorney, Yugo Global

Call to Action (From the Video)

The presenter invites viewers to share whether the digital change:

• improves efficiency, or
• slows travelers down

He also offers legal/immigration support via Yugo Global for visa and immigration status consultation.