Vietnam Arrival Card: Entry Requirements & Guide

There’s one small but important step to handle before your Vietnam trip: the Vietnam Entry Form, sometimes called the Vietnam Arrival Card.

It’s easy to complete online and helps you avoid long waits after landing. This guide covers who needs to fill it out, step-by-step instructions, and practical tips to help you start your Vietnam adventure smoothly.

📄 What’s the Vietnam Entry Form?

There’s one small but important thing to handle before your flight: fill out the Vietnam Entry Form (sometimes called the Vietnam Arrival Card).

No more scribbling on tiny paper forms mid-flight, hunting for a working pen, or wrestling with your tray table while half-asleep. 😅

🎒 What is it?

It’s a simple online form you need to complete before flying to Vietnam. This is where you give immigration officers your basic travel details, like:

• Your passport information
• Your flight number and travel dates
• The address of where you’re staying (hotel, Airbnb, friend’s house, etc.)

Once you finish and submit, you’ll get a confirmation email or a screenshot. Save it! You’ll need to show it when you arrive at immigration — quick and easy.

🛃 Why should Filipino travelers care?

Let’s be real — many of us rush around airports: looking for documents, opening dozens of apps to find QR codes, and filling out forms while standing in line. The Vietnam Entry Form helps you avoid all that last-minute stress.

Here’s why it’s worth doing:

✅ Faster immigration process
✅ No more paper forms to fill
✅ Less hassle when you land
✅ Just show your confirmation and continue your trip

👥 Who Needs to Fill Out the Vietnam Entry Form?

Don’t forget one small but important step before your flight — fill out the Vietnam Entry Form.

It’s simple, done online, and yes — Filipino travelers need to do this too.

Here’s who needs to fill it out:

✅ You’re flying to Vietnam

Whether you’re landing in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or any other airport — or even arriving by land or boat — if you’re entering Vietnam, you need to complete this form.

✅ You’re visiting short-term

If you’re going for a holiday, visiting family or friends, attending a wedding, or just staying a few weeks to explore — you’ll need this form. As long as you’re not living in Vietnam and staying less than 30 days, it applies to you.

✅ You’re not a resident

If you don’t have a Vietnam work permit, student visa, or residency card, you’re considered a visitor — and you must fill out this form.

Real talk: Don’t wait until you’re tired at the airport. Fill it out online before your flight, save the confirmation (screenshot or email), and make your arrival smoother and faster.

📝 How to Fill Out the Vietnam Entry Form

Filling out the Vietnam Entry Form is easy, but it’s best to do it before your flight so you won’t stress at the airport. Here’s how to do it, step by step, like you’re really there:

1️⃣ Go to the Official Website

Use your phone, tablet, or laptop. Search for ‘Vietnam Entry Form official’ or ask your airline for the link. Make sure you’re on a government website — avoid random travel agency sites that charge fees. The form itself is free.

2️⃣ Choose ‘Foreign Visitor’

Select that you’re a tourist or visitor. This is important so they know you’re not a resident or working in Vietnam.

3️⃣ Enter Your Personal Information

Fill in your details exactly as shown on your passport:

• Full name (same spelling)
• Passport number
• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Passport expiry date

Double-check this part — mistakes can cause problems later.

4️⃣ Fill in Your Travel Details

• Flight number (the plane you’re arriving on)
• Date of arrival
• Departure city (where you’re flying from)
• Address in Vietnam (hotel name or the house you’re staying at)

Tip: If you’re staying in multiple places, just put your first night’s hotel.

5️⃣ Answer Basic Health Questions

Usually yes/no answers like:

• Do you have any symptoms (fever, cough)?
• Have you been near anyone with infectious diseases?

Be honest, but don’t overthink these. They’re mostly standard checks.

6️⃣ Submit and Save Confirmation

After filling everything, submit the form. You’ll get a confirmation page and email. Take a screenshot AND download the PDF if possible.

Important: Keep this handy. You’ll need to show this when you arrive.

7️⃣ Show at Immigration

When you land in Vietnam, just show your form confirmation (on phone or printed). Immigration will check it along with your passport. That’s it — no more papers to fill out on the plane.

💼 What You Need to Fill Out the Vietnam Entry Form

Make sure you’re ready to fill out the Vietnam Entry Form. Good news — if you have everything ready, it’ll only take 5 to 10 minutes.

Here’s what you’ll need:

🗓️ Where and When Should You Fill Out the Vietnam Entry Form?

Here’s the best time and place to fill out your Vietnam Entry Form so your arrival will be smooth and stress-free:

📍 Where to Fill It Out

💻 Online – Official Government Website

Fill it out directly on Vietnam’s official website. No need to download any app, and no need for paper forms anymore.

Tip: Double-check you’re on the real government website. If you’re unsure, ask your airline or check Vietnam’s immigration website for the latest link.

🏡 Best Choice: Do It at Home

The easiest and safest way is to fill it out while you’re still at home in the Philippines. Why?

✅ You’ll have fast Wi-Fi.
✅ All your documents (passport, flight ticket, hotel details) are easy to find.
✅ You won’t be rushed or distracted.

Filling it at home takes just 5 to 10 minutes if you’re prepared.

🛫 At the Airport? Possible but Not Ideal

Yes, you can fill it out at NAIA before boarding, but that’s not recommended:

❌ Airport Wi-Fi is often slow or unreliable.
❌ You might be rushing before boarding.
❌ It’s hard to focus when you’re juggling luggage and documents.

🛬 On the Plane? No, Don’t Wait

Vietnam doesn’t use paper arrival forms anymore. Everything is online now. You need the digital form confirmation before you land.

⏰ When Should You Fill It Out?

📌 After Booking Your Flight and Hotel

Make sure you know your exact flight details and where you’ll stay (at least your first night) before filling out the form.

📅 Best Time: 2 to 3 Days Before Your Flight
Vietnam allows you to submit the form within 3 days before your arrival.

Example:
If you’re arriving on August 10, you can fill it anytime from August 7 onwards.

🕐 Don’t Leave It for Last Minute

Avoid waiting until the night before your flight. If your internet suddenly fails or you make a mistake, you might stress out last minute. Fill it early and relax.

📂 Other Required Documents for Entry to Vietnam

Before your flight, make sure you’ve got these important documents ready — or you might get stuck at immigration. Here’s your simple, real-life checklist:

🛂 1. Valid Passport

Your passport must be:

✅ Valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Vietnam.
✅ In good condition (no tears, no missing pages).

📌 Real Tip: Vietnam immigration checks passports carefully. Even a small damage might cause problems — check your passport before your trip.

🎟️ 2. Return or Onward Ticket

You need to show that you’re leaving Vietnam after your visit.

✅ Keep a copy of your return flight ticket — digital or printed, both are okay.
✅ If you’re traveling to other countries after Vietnam, have your onward ticket ready too.

📌 Note: If you only have a one-way ticket, immigration officers might ask more questions. Better to have proof that you’re not overstaying.

🛃 3. Visa (If Needed)

Good news — most Filipino tourists can visit Vietnam visa-free for up to 21 days. But double-check before your trip:

✅ If you’re staying longer than 21 days, apply for a visa in advance.
✅ If you’re from another country, check if you need a visa and get it approved before your trip.

📌 Tip: Unsure? Check the official Vietnam immigration website or ask your airline for advice.

📄 4. Vietnam Entry Form

This is now required for all travelers — no more paper forms on the plane.

✅ Fill it online 2-3 days before your flight.
✅ Save the confirmation email, PDF, or screenshot.
✅ Show it at immigration after landing.

🧳 Tips for a Smooth Arrival in Vietnam

Here are simple, real-world tips to help you avoid stress and pass through immigration easily when you land in Vietnam:

✅ 1. Fill Out the Vietnam Entry Form Before You Fly

Do this online before leaving home — it’s required for all visitors now.

📝 When to fill it out:

• After booking your flight and hotel
• Make sure your passport is ready
• Submit the form 2 to 3 days before your flight (you can only submit within 3 days of arrival)

📌 Why?
Vietnam doesn’t use paper forms anymore. Filling it out early means you’ll pass immigration faster.

📲 2. Save a Screenshot of Your Confirmation

After submitting the form, you’ll get a confirmation screen or email.

Real tip:

• Take a screenshot and save it on your phone (don’t rely on airport Wi-Fi).
• If you’re worried about losing the file, print a copy too.
• You’ll show this at immigration after you land.

🏨 3. Know Your Hotel and Travel Plan

Even if you don’t have strict plans, immigration officers might ask about your trip.

Be ready with:

• 📍 Your hotel name (or friend/relative’s address)
• 🗓️ How long you’re staying and why you’re visiting

Example answer:
🗣️ “I’m staying at Hanoi Boutique Hotel for 4 nights. I’m here for a holiday.”

Keep it simple and honest — no need for long explanations.

📱 4. Keep Important Info on Your Phone

Use your phone as your mini travel folder so you’re not scrambling at the airport.

Save these:
✅ Flight ticket
✅ Hotel booking confirmation
✅ Vietnam Entry Form confirmation
✅ Return flight ticket
✅ Emergency contact numbers

Tip: You can use your Notes app, Google Drive, or just take clear screenshots and store them in your gallery.

🧘 5. Be Early, Stay Calm, Stay Polite

Vietnam’s immigration officers are generally straightforward but serious. Keep things simple.

So:

• 🕐 Arrive early at the airport (try to check in at least 3 hours before your flight).
• 😊 Answer questions clearly and politely.
• 📂 Keep all your travel documents in one pouch or folder for easy access.

Start Your Vietnam Trip Right

For many Filipinos, Vietnam isn’t just a quick stop — it’s a full-on adventure. From street food and coffee to lantern-lit towns and limestone mountains, every great trip starts with one thing: being prepared.

✅ Fill out your Vietnam Entry Form online before your flight
✅ Check if you need a visa (most Filipinos don’t for trips up to 21 days — but always double-check)
✅ Have your flight and hotel bookings ready — immigration may ask to see them.

✈️ Book your flight to Vietnam early — especially if you’re watching for promo fares.
🏨 Reserve your hotel or Airbnb in Vietnam ahead of time — you’ll need the address for your arrival form and at immigration.

Sort all these while you’re still relaxing at home, and you’ll breeze through the airport without stress.

Ready na? Let’s explore Vietnam! 🇻🇳✨