This guide is information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules change, so confirm on the official government site before you travel.
Vietnam’s online declaration is new and the rollout has moved fast, so guides disagree on airports and timing. This page keeps to what repeats across sources and marks what does not.
Short answer
It is free on the Immigration Department’s portal, prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. Several sources, including an airline notice and a travel-safety alert, say to file it within 72 hours (3 days) before arrival. It gives a QR code you show at immigration. It does not replace a visa.
Which airports
Sources do not agree. Early reports say it became mandatory on 15 April 2026 at Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City. One travel blog lists five airports (Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc). Another says it extends to every international airport from June 2026. Our Vietnam page carries the rollout dates we could confirm, so check there and with your airline.
The timing wording
Most sources say 72 hours. Some say “at least 3 days”, which would be an earlier cut-off. We did not find a government page we could read that settles it. Filing at about 48 to 72 hours before landing is the safer middle.
A separate health declaration
Some guides describe a health declaration as a separate obligation, tied to a 2026 decree. One page said an official online platform for it had not been announced as of early June 2026. Treat this as unconfirmed and check the Ministry of Health or your airline.
Editing after you submit
One guide says there is no easy edit function once the form is in. Since we found no official statement either way, check the form carefully before you press submit, and if you do spot a mistake, look on the portal for an edit or retrieve option before filing again.
For Pakistani passport holders
The visa comes first, and the declaration is a separate step. Our Vietnam guide explains the e-visa position and where sources disagree.
Questions and answers
Is the Vietnam pre-arrival declaration free?
Yes. Sources say it is free on the official immigration portal, and sites that charge are third parties.
How early can I file the Vietnam pre-arrival declaration?
An airline notice and a travel alert say within 72 hours before arrival. A few guides say at least 3 days, so check your airline.
Does the declaration replace a Vietnam visa?
No. Sources are clear that it is a declaration and a visa is a separate requirement.
More answers on this topic
Sources
Facts were seen in these sources on 2026-11-01. Where a source is a news report or travel guide and not an official site, we say "reported". Always confirm on the official portal.Published Nov 1, 2026 · Updated Nov 1, 2026 · How we check facts