Asia

Vietnam: PAI (Pre-arrival Information Declaration)

What to prepare

  • Passport
  • Visa or visa-exemption details
  • Ticket, final flight number and Passenger Name Record
  • Arrival date and airport
  • First accommodation address in Vietnam
  • Phone number and email address

How to complete PAI for Vietnam

The original field name appears first, followed by its meaning and a practical completion tip.

Form field

Create & Submit Pre-arrival Information

MeaningStart a new declaration
How to fill it

Use this for a new submission. Lookup & Update Declaration is for finding and updating an existing declaration.

Form field

Full Name

MeaningFull name
How to fill it

Copy it in Latin characters exactly as shown in the passport.

Form field

Date of Birth

MeaningDate of birth
How to fill it

Use the date format displayed by the form.

Form field

Sex

MeaningSex
How to fill it

Select the value matching the passport details.

Form field

Nationality

MeaningNationality
How to fill it

Select the nationality in the passport used for clearance.

Form field

Passport Number

MeaningPassport number
How to fill it

Enter it without spaces, a number sign or other extra characters.

Form field

Passport Expiry Date

MeaningPassport expiry date
How to fill it

Enter the document expiry date and check the year carefully.

Form field

Visa Information

MeaningVisa information
How to fill it

Enter the visa details or select the applicable visa-exempt entry basis.

Form field

Date of Arrival

MeaningArrival date
How to fill it

Enter the date on which the flight physically arrives in Vietnam.

Form field

Port of Entry

MeaningEntry checkpoint
How to fill it

Select the airport where you first complete Vietnamese immigration clearance.

Form field

Flight Number

MeaningFlight number
How to fill it

Enter the final service that brings you into Vietnam exactly as shown on the ticket.

Form field

Passenger Name Record (PNR)

MeaningBooking reference
How to fill it

Enter the airline's alphanumeric booking code, not the long e-ticket number.

Form field

Purpose of Entry

MeaningPurpose of entry
How to fill it

Select tourism when it accurately describes the trip.

Form field

Address in Viet Nam

MeaningAddress in Vietnam
How to fill it

Enter the address of the first hotel, apartment or other accommodation.

Form field

Email / Phone Number

MeaningEmail and phone number
How to fill it

Provide active contact details and include the correct international phone code.

After submission

Save the QR code so it remains available offline. The official portal's Lookup & Update Declaration section can retrieve a previous submission and show whether it can be updated.

Common mistakes

Wrong arrival flight number

Enter the final flight that arrives in your destination country, not the first flight in your itinerary.

Details do not match the passport

Copy names, document numbers and dates exactly as shown in the passport, using the required writing system.

Submitting outside the filing window

Check the permitted filing window for the destination and do not submit the form too early.

Using an intermediary website

Compare the portal address with the official link before entering your details, as third-party services may charge extra fees.

Questions and answers

Is the Vietnam pre-arrival declaration mandatory?

Published Ministry of Public Security and Foreign Affairs guidance describes it as a voluntary pre-arrival declaration that foreign travellers are strongly encouraged to use. Requirements may vary by airport and pilot phase.

Which airports use Pre-arrival Information?

The official notice dated 2 July 2026 lists Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Cam Ranh in Nha Trang and Phu Quoc.

When can the declaration be completed?

No earlier than three days before arrival. It can also be completed on arrival, although advance submission reduces waiting time.

How much does it cost?

It is free. The official form does not request credit-card details.

Does this declaration replace a visa?

No. PAI supplies information before arrival and does not issue or process a visa.

What should I do with the QR code?

Save it on your phone or print it and present it to the immigration officer.

More destinations in this region

Arrival cards for Asia