Vietnam has introduced a new digital arrival card for international travellers, marking a step toward modernising its border control process and streamlining entry procedures.

The system, launched on April 15, requires foreign visitors arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City to complete an online declaration shortly before travel.

Under the new process, passengers must submit their full personal details prior to arrival. Once completed, the system generates a QR code, which travellers are expected to present to immigration officers at passport control.

For now, the digital arrival card remains optional and is being trialled exclusively at Tan Son Nhat Airport. However, authorities have signalled that the system could become mandatory and expand to other entry points across Vietnam in the future.

A key requirement is timing. Travellers can only select their entry date within a 72-hour window before arrival, meaning the form must be completed relatively close to departure.

The move reflects a broader regional trend, with several Asian destinations introducing digital entry systems to improve efficiency, reduce paperwork and enhance border security.

If expanded nationwide, Vietnam’s digital arrival card could significantly change the arrival experience for millions of international visitors, replacing traditional paper forms with a faster, QR-based process designed for modern travel.

Photo:  Cong Vu