Vietnam Adds New Step To Visa Rules At Ho Chi Minh Airport: What It Means For Indians

Vietnam has introduced a mandatory Digital Arrival Card (DAC) for international travellers arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, marking a significant change to its immigration process. The new requirement came into effect on April 15, 2026, and applies to all foreign passport holders entering the country through the airport. The move is aimed at easing congestion and speeding up immigration checks at Vietnam's busiest international gateway.

Also Read: Guest Sues Disney World Resort Florida For $50,000 Over 'Bed Bug Infestation'

What Is The Digital Arrival Card?

The Digital Arrival Card replaces the traditional paper arrival form that travellers previously filled out at the airport. Instead, visitors must submit their personal and travel details online before arrival, using Vietnam's official immigration portal.

As per reports, the form collects:

• Passport details
• Visa or entry permit information
• Flight number and arrival details
• Accommodation address in Vietnam

Once submitted, the system generates a QR code, which travellers must present to immigration officers upon arrival.

Photo: Unsplash

Who Needs To Fill It Out

The requirement of the new digital arrival card applies to:

• All foreign nationals, including those travelling on visas or under visa‑exemption schemes
• Overseas Vietnamese entering Vietnam with a valid visa

The digital declaration does not apply to:

• Vietnamese citizens travelling on Vietnamese passports
• Transit passengers who do not clear immigration

When And How To Submit The Form

Travellers can submit the Digital Arrival Card within 72 hours of their scheduled arrival. Authorities have advised completing the process before boarding the flight to avoid delays at immigration counters.

While the form can technically be accessed at the airport through QR codes, officials have cautioned that failure to complete it in advance may result in longer waiting times. The Digital Arrival Card is free of charge.

Also Read: Viral Video: Influencer Climbs Into Flight Overhead Bin, Ryanair Gets Him Off Plane

What This Means for Indian Travellers

Photo: Unsplash

For Indian passport holders, the Digital Arrival Card is an additional step beyond the existing e‑visa process. Indian travellers must still apply separately for a Vietnam e‑visa, as the Digital Arrival Card does not replace visa requirements. Instead, it runs alongside the visa process as a pre‑arrival immigration declaration.

In short:

• E‑visa: Required to enter Vietnam
• Digital Arrival Card: Mandatory pre‑arrival declaration for Ho Chi Minh City arrivals

It's A Limited Rollout For Now

Currently, the Digital Arrival Card applies only to arrivals at Ho Chi Minh City. Authorities have indicated that the system may be extended to other airports such as Hanoi and Da Nang later, once the pilot phase proves successful.

So, before you plan to travel to Vietnam, make sure to fill the digital arrival card for a smooth immigration process.