If you’re flying into Vietnam, you may be asked to complete a Vietnam Arrival Card before you land, this forms part of your visa for Vietnam. Here’s a clear, practical guide to what it is, who needs it, when to do it and how to avoid common mistakes.
Quick Wins for the Vietnam Arrival Card
- Check your visa type first. If you already have an approved eVisa, much of the old arrival card information is usually included in that process.
- Keep your passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date, with spare blank pages if needed.
- Save a digital and printed copy of your eVisa approval, hotel booking, and onward travel details just in case immigration asks.
- Use the exact hotel name and address for your first night’s stay rather than writing something vague like “Ho Chi Minh City hotel.”
- Double-check passport numbers carefully—one wrong digit can cause major delays at immigration.
- If travelling by cruise, the paperwork can be slightly different from airport arrivals, so check with your cruise line before departure.
- Families should keep all documents together in one folder to make immigration much smoother with children.
- If you need medication while travelling, read my guide on what to include in a doctor’s letter before you fly.
What is the Vietnam Arrival Card?
The Vietnam Arrival Card is an immigration declaration used by Vietnamese border control for travellers arriving by air. Now, the eVisa system and visa on arrival system both tend to include the information from the older paper arrival cards within the visa application, reducing queues at immigration.
If you do not complete an eVisa online before you travel to Vietnam, you can do a form when you arrive before they process your Vietnam visa.
Who Needs to Complete The Vietnam Arrival Card?
You will usually need to complete the online arrival card if you are arriving in Vietnam by plane, entering independently and are not issued a paper landing card on arrival. This applies to most travellers including visa-free visitors, e-visa holders and those with pre-arranged visas.
If you are arriving in Vietnam by cruise ship, you do not need to complete anything. Cruise passengers are given a paper landing card, which is stamped when entering Vietnam and again when leaving. Immigration is handled as part of the cruise clearance process, so you will not be asked to complete any online form.
The form is available in multiple languages, including English, for those who do do it online.
Why Does Vietnam Require an Arrival Card?
The arrival card allows immigration authorities to collect your details in advance, improve border security and reduce queues at busy airports. As mentioned, this forms part of the visa application now.
For travellers, this usually means a smoother and faster arrival experience.
How Far in Advance Should You Complete It?
You should complete the Vietnam eVisa paperwork within 24 to 72 hours before arrival. You should do it no later than 4 hours before boarding your flight to Vietnam.
The safest option is to do it the day before or on the morning of your flight. Avoid completing it too far in advance, as incorrect or outdated details can cause delays.
If you forget, you may be able to complete it on arrival, but this is not guaranteed and can slow things down significantly.
What Information do You Need?
Before starting, have your passport ready along with your flight details, arrival airport, accommodation address and travel dates.
A hotel name and city is usually enough for the address section.
Tips for Filling in The Vietnam eVisa Form Online
The official website for the Vietnam Immigration Department can be found here: Vietnam Immigration Department
When you click on the above link, head to the “foreigners” or “eVisa” section and proceed to sign up and fill in the form.
- Make sure your name matches your passport exactly, including spacing and order, as small errors can cause issues at immigration.
- Use a stable internet connection as the form can time out partway through.
- Take a screenshot or save confirmation after submitting in case you are asked to show it.
- Each child will usually need their own form, even if travelling as part of a family booking.
- Don’t worry too much about the accommodation field being perfect. A clear hotel name is generally accepted.
What Happens if You’re Transiting Vietnam?
If you are transiting and staying airside, you will not need to complete paperwork.
If you plan to leave the airport during a layover, you may need to complete it depending on your entry requirements.
This is one of those small admin steps that can make a big difference to how smoothly your arrival goes, especially when travelling as a family.
Ready to plan your Vietnam adventure? Check out my full guide to Vietnam with autistic kids where you will find transport guides, healthcare and insurance tips, guides to visiting Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City and so much more.