From April 15, 2026, Vietnam will require all foreign travellers, including Indians, landing at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City to complete a Digital Arrival Card (DAC) before arrival. It’s an online form you’ll need to fill in ahead of time, as part of efforts to cut down queues at immigration. Once submitted, you’ll get a QR code, which you simply show when you land.
The idea behind this move is to ease congestion and speed up immigration checks at Vietnam’s busiest international gateway. In practice, it should mean less time spent queuing on arrival, as more of the paperwork is handled online before you even set off.
What To Know
Entry rules: From April 15, Indian travellers to Ho Chi Minh City will need to complete a Digital Arrival Card (DAC) before flying. Even if you’ve already got a valid 90-day e-visa, this is still required — it’s an extra step, not a replacement.
Process options: Travellers are expected to fill in the online form before departure and generate a QR code for immigration clearance on arrival. If this is not done in advance, it can still be completed at the airport using QR codes provided on arrival.
Scope & purpose: The rule currently applies only to passengers entering Vietnam via Tan Son Nhat International Airport, with transit passengers exempt. It has been introduced to streamline security checks and speed up immigration at the country’s busiest international gateway.
About The Card
The Digital Arrival Card is basically Vietnam replacing the old paper form you used to fill in on the plane or at the airport. Instead, you’re now expected to submit your details online before you arrive, using the official immigration portal. It’s fairly straightforward — you enter things like your passport information, visa or entry details, your flight number and arrival time, plus where you’ll be staying in Vietnam. Once you’ve filled it in, the system generates a QR code, which you then show to immigration when you land.
If you are wondering who needs to fill the form, in simple terms, this applies to almost everyone arriving from abroad. Here’s how it breaks down:
Travellers covered: All foreign passport holders entering Vietnam, whether on a visa or visa-free entry, plus overseas Vietnamese using a foreign passport and valid visa
Not required for: Vietnamese citizens travelling on Vietnamese passports, and passengers who are only transiting and not going through immigration
When to do it: You can submit the form up to 72 hours before arrival, though it’s best done before you board to keep things smooth at immigration
How it works in practice: While it can still be completed on arrival via airport QR codes, doing it last minute may slow you down — and the form itself is free to complete online
FAQs
Is the Digital Arrival Card replacing the visa?
No — it’s not a substitute for a visa. You’ll still need a valid visa or eligible entry approval as before.
When should I fill it out?
Ideally within 72 hours before you arrive in Vietnam, and preferably before you board your flight to avoid any last-minute hassle.
Can I complete it at the airport instead?
Yes, but it’s not recommended. You can scan a QR code on arrival to fill it in, though this may slow down your immigration process.
Does it cost anything?
No, the Digital Arrival Card is completely free to submit.
Who needs to complete it?
Most international travellers entering Vietnam, including Indian passport holders and overseas Vietnamese using foreign passports, will need to fill it in. The main exceptions are Vietnamese citizens and passengers who are only transiting without passing through immigration.
