Planning a trip to Vietnam? Before packing your bags, take a few minutes to check the latest entry requirements and prepare the documents you may need at the airport. Vietnam’s Pre-Arrival Information (PAI) system allows international travellers to submit selected personal, visa and travel details online before arriving in the country. After a successful submission, the system generates a QR code that travellers can save on their phones or print for use during immigration procedures. Although the online declaration is designed to help make arrival procedures smoother, travellers should understand when it applies, how to complete it correctly and which documents they still need to enter Vietnam. In this practical guide, you will discover where to access the official PAI portal, what information to prepare, how to complete the declaration step by step, how to correct common mistakes and what to do when you arrive at the airport.
✔️ What is Vietnam’s Pre-Arrival Information Form (PAI)?
The Vietnam Pre-Arrival Information (PAI) form is an online system introduced by the Immigration Department under Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security. It allows foreign travellers to submit the information required for their arrival in advance. The aim is to streamline border checks, reduce waiting times and make the entry process smoother. Once the form has been completed and submitted, travellers receive a QR code that they can save on their phone or print out to present to immigration officers if required.
✔️ Is the PAI form mandatory?
According to official information published by the Vietnamese authorities in 2026, the PAI system is being introduced on a trial basis. Completing the form is encouraged but is not currently mandatory. The system is being rolled out at several international airports, including Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, Noi Bai in Hanoi, Da Nang, Cam Ranh and Phu Quoc.
As requirements may change, we recommend checking the latest official guidance before departure.
✔️ Important: The PAI form does not replace a Vietnamese visa. If your nationality or travel itinerary requires a visa, you must still obtain the appropriate visa before travelling to Vietnam.
✔️ Official website: : https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn/
This is the website of Vietnam’s Immigration Department. It provides language options, including English and French, to help international travellers understand the declaration process. For your safety, type the official address directly into your browser rather than clicking unfamiliar advertisements or sponsored links.
✔️ When should you complete the PAI form?
Official guidance describes completing the declaration within the three days before arrival. If you intend to submit it, a practical approach is to prepare your documents in advance and complete the online process during the applicable window before you enter Vietnam. For example, if your flight arrives on Friday, you can plan to complete the declaration during the three days leading up to your arrival, following the current instructions on the official portal.
Do not confuse the arrival date with your departure date. If you are travelling on a long-haul flight, use the date you are scheduled to enter Vietnam when following the declaration instructions.
For a journey involving several flights, check the details of the flight that actually arrives in Vietnam, rather than automatically using the first flight departing from your home country.
✔️ Useful tip: You do not need to wait until you are at the airport to start preparing. Have your passport, visa details and confirmed flight itinerary ready before opening the form.
Visit the official website: https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn/
Make sure you are on the official website before proceeding. Then, select your preferred language, such as English or French, if available.
On the homepage, select the option to "Create & Submit Pre-arrival Information"
The system may ask you to complete a CAPTCHA verification. Enter the characters displayed on the screen to continue. If they are difficult to read, use the refresh option if available.
Complete the required fields using your passport as a reference. Depending on the sections displayed, you may need to provide the following information:
✔️ Your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport.
✔️ Your nationality and travel document details.
✔️ Your passport number and expiry date.
✔️ Information about your visa or visa exemption, where applicable.
Take the time to check the spelling of your name, your document number and all dates. Any errors could complicate the verification process upon arrival.
Important note: Travellers holding passports from countries eligible for Vietnam’s 45-day unilateral visa exemption should select “Unilateral Exemption” in the PAI form, provided they meet the applicable entry requirements.
This option applies to eligible nationalities benefiting from Vietnam’s unilateral visa exemption policy. Check the official Vietnam visa exemption list to confirm whether your nationality qualifies.
Next, provide the requested details about your trip and arrival in Vietnam. Depending on the fields displayed, you may need to enter your flight details, arrival date, point of entry and other travel-related information.
Keep your flight ticket and travel documents handy to avoid making mistakes.
Before submitting the form, carefully review all the information you have entered. Make sure it matches your passport and travel documents.
Once your declaration has been successfully submitted, the system will generate a confirmation QR code. Save it on your phone immediately and, if possible, keep a printed copy as a backup.
The exact fields displayed may depend on the portal’s current requirements. Vietnamese immigration guidance identifies three main categories: passenger information, visa information and travel information.
Preparing these details in advance can help you complete the form more accurately.
Keep your passport beside you while filling out the declaration.
You may be asked to provide details such as:
Full name as shown on your passport.
Passport number.
Nationality.
Date of birth or other identifying details requested by the system.
Passport-related information required by the form.
Important: Enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport’s biographical section. Do not substitute a nickname, shorten your given name or use a different spelling simply because it appears on another travel document.
If your passport contains several given names, follow the field instructions carefully. If a field is unclear, consult the portal’s guidance rather than guessing.
Prepare your Vietnamese visa or entry-permission details if applicable.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include information associated with your e-visa or other entry permission. Check that the information you enter matches the relevant document.
If you are travelling under a visa exemption, do not assume you need to invent a visa number or enter details from an unrelated document. Follow the options and instructions actually provided by the PAI portal.
Remember that the PAI declaration does not approve a visa. If you need a Vietnamese e-visa, use the official e-visa service and make sure your visa is valid for your intended entry date and conditions of stay.
This section deserves particular attention because an error in your flight details can prevent the information from matching the airline’s passenger records.
Before starting, check your booking confirmation for:
The airline and flight number of your arrival flight into Vietnam.
The scheduled arrival date.
The airport where you will enter Vietnam.
Any additional travel details requested by the portal.
Use the correct flight number. If you are flying from Paris to Hanoi via another city, for example, the relevant flight may be the final flight arriving in Hanoi rather than the first flight departing Paris.
If your itinerary includes a connecting flight, check which flight number corresponds to the leg entering Vietnam. Do not enter your booking reference or reservation number in a field asking for a flight number.
Vietnamese immigration authorities have reported unsuccessful declarations caused by passenger information, including flight numbers, not matching the available flight or booking data.
If the portal cannot validate your information, compare every field with your airline confirmation before submitting again.
Only enter accommodation or itinerary information if the portal requests it. Keep your first-night hotel address and onward travel details accessible in case they are needed for the form or other arrival procedures.
If you are staying at several hotels during your trip, do not automatically enter every accommodation address into a single field. Follow the specific instructions displayed on the portal.
Online forms do not always work perfectly. Here are practical steps to try if you encounter a problem.
The CAPTCHA code is not accepted
Check that you have entered the displayed characters correctly.
Refresh the CAPTCHA if the option is available.
Try again using a different browser if the problem continues.
Your flight information cannot be validated
Check the flight number on your latest airline itinerary.
Make sure you have entered the flight arriving in Vietnam, not the first flight in your journey.
Check the scheduled arrival date and entry airport.
If your airline has changed your flight, use the updated itinerary and follow the portal’s instructions.
Do not repeatedly submit guessed flight numbers. If the information still cannot be validated, contact the relevant airline or seek assistance from the official immigration information desk.
You cannot submit the form
Check that all required fields are completed and that the information follows the requested format. Confirm that your internet connection is stable, then try again.
If the problem persists, use the assistance information provided by the official portal or seek help from immigration staff at the airport.
You have submitted the declaration but cannot find the QR code
Check whether the confirmation page is still open and whether you saved a screenshot or downloaded the available file.
If the portal provides a declaration lookup or update feature, follow its instructions to retrieve your record. Do not assume that a partially completed form has been successfully submitted.
If you cannot recover the QR code, seek assistance from the official immigration information desk or officers on duty. Keep your passport and other entry documents ready.
You entered the wrong information
If you discover an error after submission, check whether the official portal offers a way to look up and update your declaration.
Do not create multiple declarations unnecessarily or assume the original information has been corrected automatically. If the portal does not allow you to amend the relevant field, ask the official immigration service how to proceed.
Completing the PAI declaration before arrival can help prepare the immigration process, but it does not eliminate all airport formalities.
After landing, follow the airport signs and the instructions given by immigration officers.
A typical arrival process may involve the following stages:
Proceed to immigration: Follow the signs for foreign passport holders or the appropriate immigration channel.
Present your documents when requested: Keep your passport, required visa or entry permission, and PAI QR code accessible.
Follow the officer’s instructions: The officer may scan the QR code, check your documents or ask questions about your visit.
Collect your luggage: Once you have completed immigration procedures, follow the signs to baggage reclaim.
Proceed through customs: Follow the applicable customs instructions before exiting the arrivals area.
The precise procedure may vary by airport and by your individual circumstances. Do not assume that the QR code allows you to skip immigration checks or guarantees a faster queue.
What if you arrive without completing the PAI form?
The PAI system has been described by Vietnamese diplomatic authorities as voluntary and non-mandatory during its pilot implementation. Nevertheless, you should check the current guidance for your airport before travelling.
If you have not submitted a declaration and need assistance, ask immigration staff or visit the official information desk in the arrival area. Do not rely on unofficial websites or strangers offering to complete the process in exchange for payment.
Is the Vietnam PAI form compulsory for all international travellers?
As of October 2026, Vietnamese diplomatic authorities describe the PAI system as voluntary at five international airports: Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai, Da Nang, Cam Ranh and Phu Quoc. The arrangements may change, so travellers should check the latest official instructions before departure. Completing the PAI form does not replace a visa or other entry requirements.
When should I complete the Vietnam PAI form?
Official guidance describes submitting the declaration within the three days before arrival. Prepare your passport, visa information and confirmed flight details in advance, then follow the instructions on the official portal. If your flight schedule changes, check whether the declaration needs to be updated.
Is the PAI declaration free?
Use the official government portal and be cautious of third-party websites asking you to pay to submit the declaration. Authorities have warned about fraudulent websites imitating the official service. Verify the website address before entering your personal or payment information.
What documents do I need to complete the form?
Keep your passport, any applicable Vietnamese visa or entry-permission information, and your confirmed flight itinerary ready. The portal determines the exact information required. Having these documents available helps you enter your details accurately and reduces the chance of mistakes.
Can I complete the PAI form on my phone?
Yes. You can access the online portal using a smartphone, tablet or computer with an internet connection. After successful submission, save the QR code on your device and consider printing a backup copy.
What if I make a mistake on the declaration?
Check whether the official portal offers a lookup or update function. If it does, follow the instructions to retrieve and correct your declaration. If you cannot update the information, seek guidance from the official immigration service rather than creating multiple records without instructions.
What happens if I forget my QR code?
First, check your saved images, downloads and any confirmation page still available in your browser. If the official portal provides a lookup function, follow its instructions. If you still cannot retrieve the code, ask immigration staff or the official information desk for assistance.
Does the PAI QR code guarantee entry into Vietnam?
No. The QR code confirms that you have completed the online declaration process, but it is not a visa and does not guarantee admission. Immigration officers retain authority to check your documents and determine whether you meet the entry requirements.
Do I still need to go through immigration after submitting the PAI form?
Yes. Completing the declaration does not automatically exempt you from immigration checks. Follow the airport signs and the instructions given by immigration officers when you arrive.
Can I use the PAI form if I enter Vietnam by land or sea?
The implementation information discussed in this guide concerns international airports. Do not assume that the same procedure applies to every land border or seaport. Check the official instructions for your intended point of entry.
Entry formalities are only one part of preparing for a successful holiday. Choosing the right itinerary, arranging airport transfers and allowing enough time between destinations can also make a big difference to your experience. At Autour Asia, we help international travellers organise tailor-made trips across Vietnam, with local expertise, personalised itineraries and support before and during their journey. Discover our tailor-made Vietnam tours or contact Autour Asia - Vietnam tour agency to request your free personalised travel quote.
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