The Vietnam Digital Arrival Card (DAC) is a mandatory online declaration required for most foreign travelers arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) since April 15, 2026.
- It must be completed within 72 hours before arrival
- It is free and submitted online
- Travelers receive a QR code to present at immigration
- It does not replace a visa or e-visa
What Is the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card?
The Vietnam Digital Arrival Card is an online pre-arrival declaration introduced by the Vietnam Immigration Department. The form is free and hosted on the official government portal: prearrival.immigration.gov.vn.
It collects:
- Passport details
- Flight information
- Accommodation in Vietnam
After submission, you receive a QR code that immigration officers scan on arrival.
Important: The DAC is not a visa. It doesn’t grant entry, you still need a valid visa, e-visa, or visa exemption if applicable.
Who Needs It?
The rule is simple: If you pass immigration at SGN, you need the DAC.
You must complete it if you are:
- A foreign traveler entering Vietnam
- Visa-required or visa-exempt
- Clearing immigration at arrival
You are exempt if:
- You hold a Vietnamese passport
- You are in transit and do not pass immigration
Which Airports Require It?
Currently, the DAC is only required at SGN.
Not yet required at:
- Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
- Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
That said, the system already supports other entry points, suggesting a nationwide rollout is likely.
When to Submit (72-Hour Rule)
You can only submit the form within 72 hours before arrival.
Best practice:
- Submit the day before your flight
- Save your QR code offline
While you can complete the form at the airport, it’s not ideal, especially after a long flight with unreliable Wi-Fi and crowded queues.
How to Complete the Digital Arrival Card
The process takes about five minutes and includes four steps:
1. Passenger Information
Enter passport details, personal information, and your visa or entry document.
2. Travel Information
Provide flight number, purpose of visit, and accommodation details.
3. Review & OTP Verification
Carefully check your information and enter the OTP sent to your email.
4. QR Code Confirmation
Download your QR code and save it (screenshot + backup recommended).
Pro tip: Small errors, especially in passport numbers are the most common cause of delays.
The detailed instructions in the video: HERE
What Arrival at SGN Looks Like Now
At Tan Son Nhat International Airport, immigration now involves two checks:
- Passport (and visa, if required)
- DAC QR code
If you’re prepared, this adds only a few seconds.
If not, you may need to step out of line, complete the form, and rejoin the queue.
Peak hours matter
SGN is busiest during:
- Late evening
- Early morning long-haul arrivals
During these periods, wait times can exceed 60 – 90 minutes.
Common delay scenarios:
- No QR code ready
- Passport mismatch
- OTP/email access issues
What helps:
- Complete the form before flying
- Save QR code offline
- Double-check passport details carefully
Digital Arrival Card vs Vietnam E-Visa
A common confusion: the DAC does not replace the e-visa.
| Digital Arrival Card | Vietnam E-Visa |
|---|---|
| Immigration declaration | Entry permission |
| Free | Paid |
| Submit within 72 hours | Apply in advance |
| Required at SGN | Depends on nationality |
👉 Most travelers need both
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Travelers typically run into issues because of small oversights:
- Submitting earlier than 72 hours
- Entering incorrect passport details
- Assuming the DAC replaces a visa
- Waiting to complete it at the airport
- Not saving the QR code offline
- Using an email they can’t access
These mistakes don’t block entry but they slow you down significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card free?
Yes. The official form is completely free.
Do I still need a visa?
Yes. The DAC is not an entry permit.
Can I complete it at the airport?
Yes, but it’s slower and not recommended.
Does it apply to visa-exempt travelers?
Yes. Even visa-exempt travelers must complete it at SGN.
Can I submit for a group?
Yes. One form can cover multiple travelers.
What if I lose my QR code?
Immigration can retrieve your record, but it takes longer always save a backup.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not About the Form, It’s About the Queue
The Vietnam Digital Arrival Card takes just a few minutes to complete. But at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the real variable is how long you spend waiting after a long flight.
A missing QR code or small typo can easily turn: 10-minute clearance → 1+ hour delay
Planning your arrival now matters just as much as booking your flight.
Skip the Queue with Fast Track Vietnam
For travelers who want a smoother experience, Fast Track Vietnam offers:
- Meet & greet before immigration
- Priority lane access
- Assistance with DAC or visa issues
👉 Clear immigration in 10 – 20 minutes instead of 1 – 2 hours
Book here: /booking