Vietnam Joins United States, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, New Zealand, Malaysia, and More in Pioneering Efforts to Enhance Immigration Efficiency with Pre-Arrival Digital Declarations

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Vietnam has joined the ranks of global leaders, including the United States, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, New Zealand, and Malaysia, in pioneering efforts to enhance immigration efficiency through the introduction of a pre-arrival digital declaration system. Starting April 15, 2026, foreign nationals and overseas Vietnamese entering Vietnam via Tan Son Nhat International Airport will be required to submit essential travel details online before arrival. This move aims to streamline the immigration process, alleviate congestion at the airport, and align with international trends toward more efficient, technology-driven border management, ensuring a smoother and faster experience for travelers.

Vietnam join the ranks of countries modernizing their border control systems with a new pre-arrival digital immigration system, following in the footsteps of global leaders in travel and border management. Beginning April 15, 2026, the Vietnamese government will implement a system at Tan Son Nhat International Airport to improve immigration processing and alleviate congestion at the country’s busiest airport. This move aligns Vietnam with the growing trend of digital border management, similar to systems already in place across the globe.

This initiative represents a significant step towards streamlining the entry process for foreign nationals and overseas Vietnamese visiting Vietnam. In this article, we delve into everything you need to know about the new system, how it compares to similar systems worldwide, and what it means for travelers.

Vietnam’s New Immigration System: What You Need to Know

Effective from April 15, 2026, Vietnam has implemented a new pre-arrival declaration system for foreign nationals and overseas Vietnamese entering the country via Tan Son Nhat International Airport. The system is designed to facilitate smoother immigration procedures, minimize waiting times, and ease congestion, especially during peak travel seasons.

As part of this system, passengers must complete an online declaration prior to their arrival in Vietnam. The declaration requires travelers to submit key information, including personal identification details, passport photos, and travel details such as accommodation and trip plans. Once the declaration is submitted, travelers will receive a QR code, which must be presented to immigration officers upon arrival for entry clearance.

Who Must Comply

The new pre-arrival declaration requirement applies to foreign nationals and overseas Vietnamese who are using visas to enter Vietnam. However, it does not apply to Vietnamese citizens traveling with Vietnamese passports, nor does it apply to passengers in transit who do not pass through immigration. Travelers failing to submit their declarations in advance are warned that they may face longer processing times at the immigration counters, underscoring the importance of completing the online process beforehand.

How It Works

The online declaration system is designed to streamline the entry process and is expected to drastically reduce bottlenecks at the airport. Travelers must complete the declaration through an official online portal or by scanning a QR code provided by airlines and other relevant travel agencies before departure. The process is simple, requiring basic travel and identification details.

Once the information is submitted, passengers will receive a QR code that serves as proof of compliance. Upon arrival, they will present the QR code to immigration officers, who will verify the details and proceed with the entry clearance process. The digital system is expected to cut down on time spent at the airport and ease the burden on immigration officials, particularly during busy periods.

A Glimpse into Global Border Management Trends

Vietnam’s move to introduce digital pre-arrival declarations is in line with similar initiatives already adopted by several other countries across the world. These systems are designed not only to streamline the entry process but also to enhance security and improve the overall travel experience. Here’s how Vietnam’s new system compares to others already in place.

Singapore: SG Arrival Card

In Singapore, travelers are required to submit the SG Arrival Card online within three days before arrival. This system functions similarly to Vietnam’s new pre-arrival system, allowing travelers to complete a digital declaration that is directly linked to their immigration processing.

Thailand: Thailand Digital Arrival Card

Thailand’s Digital Arrival Card mandates all non-Thai nationals to complete an electronic submission before entering the country, whether by air, land, or sea. The process mirrors Vietnam’s new system and emphasizes efficiency and security through digital pre-arrival procedures.

Malaysia: Malaysia Digital Arrival Card

Malaysia also requires most foreign nationals to submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card before entering the country. Similar to Vietnam’s system, travelers need to complete the declaration within three days before arrival, making it a convenient and efficient process for international visitors.

South Korea: e-Arrival Card

South Korea operates the e-Arrival Card, which travelers must submit online within three days before arrival. This system is designed to expedite immigration clearance by collecting essential traveler information before arrival, akin to Vietnam’s new system.

Cambodia: e-Arrival

Cambodia’s e-Arrival system integrates immigration, health, customs, and in some cases, visa-on-arrival processes into a single digital platform. Like Vietnam’s new initiative, this system aims to improve entry efficiency by streamlining multiple steps into one electronic form.

United States: ESTA

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) in the United States is a part of the Visa Waiver Program that allows travelers from approved countries to apply for travel authorization online before their trip. While ESTA is primarily a travel authorization system, it shares similarities with Vietnam’s pre-arrival declaration system in that both require prior online processing to facilitate smoother entry.

New Zealand: New Zealand Traveller Declaration

New Zealand’s Traveller Declaration is another example of a digital pre-arrival system designed to streamline the entry process. This system requires travelers to submit their details before arrival, enabling quicker and more efficient immigration checks upon landing.

Why Is Vietnam Following Suit?

Vietnam’s decision to adopt a pre-arrival declaration system aligns with broader regional and global trends. The system is designed to improve the passenger experience, reduce congestion at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, and enhance security. With the rapid growth in international travel and increasing passenger numbers, especially at major hubs like Tan Son Nhat, the Vietnamese government recognizes the need to modernize its border management processes.

By following the lead of other nations with successful digital pre-arrival systems, Vietnam can address congestion issues at its busiest airport and create a more seamless travel experience for visitors. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance the flow of tourists, improving Vietnam’s attractiveness as a travel destination.

What Travelers Need to Know Before They Go

If you are planning to travel to Vietnam, here are some key points to keep in mind about the new pre-arrival declaration system:

• Submit your declaration online: Ensure you complete the online declaration at least before your arrival in Vietnam. Submitting it well in advance will help you avoid delays at the airport.
• Provide accurate information: Double-check that the information you provide is correct, as discrepancies may result in longer processing times or even denial of entry.
• Keep your QR code handy: After completing the declaration, ensure you have the QR code ready to present to immigration officers at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
• Be aware of the timing: Travelers should complete the declaration online and receive their QR code prior to arriving in Vietnam, especially during peak travel times.
• This rule applies to visa holders: Only foreign nationals and overseas Vietnamese holding visas are required to comply with this process. Vietnamese citizens and transit passengers are exempt.

As more countries around the world move towards digital solutions for immigration and border control, the adoption of such systems is likely to become the norm rather than the exception. Vietnam’s new pre-arrival declaration system is a step towards making international travel more efficient, secure, and convenient for all travelers. This initiative will likely encourage other airports in the country to adopt similar measures, paving the way for a more modern and effective approach to border management across Vietnam.

Vietnam has joined the United States, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, New Zealand, and Malaysia in enhancing immigration efficiency by introducing a pre-arrival digital declaration system, aimed at streamlining entry procedures and reducing congestion at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

With travelers increasingly expecting seamless travel experiences, the move to digital immigration systems is essential for countries looking to remain competitive as global tourist destinations. Vietnam, by implementing this system, is not only enhancing the airport experience but also strengthening its position as a forward-thinking nation in the field of travel and tourism.