Vietnam Travel Requirements 2026: Ho Chi Minh City Entry Requirements & Digital Arrival Card Guide
Planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City in 2026? Before you fly, here’s your complete guide to the latest Vietnam travel requirements, including visa rules, required documents, and the new mandatory digital arrival card.
✈️ Vietnam Entry Requirements 2026 (Quick Summary)
Here’s what travellers need to enter Vietnam via Tan Son Nhat International Airport:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Visa (if required) or visa-free eligibility (Singaporeans enjoy visa-free entry to Vietnam for up to 30 days)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Accommodation details
- 🆕 Vietnam digital arrival card (QR code required)
📣 New: Vietnam Digital Arrival Card for Ho Chi Minh City
As of 15 April 2026, Vietnam has introduced a mandatory digital arrival card for travellers arriving in Ho Chi Minh City.
What is the Vietnam digital arrival card?
It’s an online immigration form that replaces the traditional paper arrival card. Travellers must complete it before departure and present a QR code upon arrival. You can complete it within 72 hours of your arrival – not earlier, as the system only accepts bookings within that window.
Who needs to fill it in?
- All foreign travellers entering Ho Chi Minh City
- Visa-free visitors
- E-visa and visa-on-arrival holders
Who is exempt?
- Vietnamese citizens
- Transit passengers not clearing immigration
📝 How to Apply for the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card
Follow these simple steps before your trip:
Step 1: Head to the official website (https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn/) to submit your pre-arrival information before departure.
Step 2: Select your nationality as requested
Step 3: Fill in your personal details (passport, date of birth, email etc)
P.S. You can upload a photo of your passport when completing the Vietnam digital arrival card to auto-fill your personal details, making the process faster and more accurate.
Step 4: Fill in trip information (travel info, accommodation)
Step 5: Receive your digital arrival QR code
Step 6: Present the QR code at check-in and immigration
⚠️ Important: Airlines may deny boarding if you do not have a valid QR code.
💡 Pro tip: Complete your Vietnam arrival card 24–48 hours before your flight and keep both digital and printed copies.
Do Singaporeans Need a Visa for Vietnam?
If you’re travelling from Singapore, here’s what you need to know:
- 🇸🇬 Visa-free entry for up to 30 days
- No visa required for short leisure trips
Planning a longer stay? You can apply for:
- Vietnam e-visa (up to 90 days)
- Visa on arrival (with pre-approval letter)
🛬 Arrival Process at Ho Chi Minh City Airport
Here’s what to expect when landing at Tan Son Nhat International Airport:
- Present passport and visa (if required)
- Show your digital arrival QR code
- Immigration clearance
- Passport stamping and entry into Vietnam
The new digital system helps speed up immigration processing and reduce queues.
Klook Tip: Remember to book your Fast-Track service in advance to avoid long hours of wait (hearsay it's up to 3 hours! 🤯) Don't forget to book it for departure too.
Choose from:
- Basic (Immigration only)
- Basic (Screening + Immigration)
- Last-minute Basic (Immigration only) - Same day confirmation
- Premium (Immigration + Baggage Support + Vehicle Escort)
Tips for a Smooth Entry into Vietnam
- Submit your digital arrival card early
- Double-check all details before submission
- Save your QR code offline
- Print backup copies of documents
- Prepare cash if using visa on arrival
Vietnam Entry Requirements 2026: Key Takeaways
In 2026, travellers to Ho Chi Minh City must complete a mandatory digital arrival card before flying, with a QR code required for boarding and immigration. Singaporeans can still enjoy visa-free entry to Vietnam for up to 30 days, and the new system helps speed up entry by allowing travellers to pre-submit their documents in advance.
Vietnam Travel Inspiration:
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What is Klook?
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