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Vietnam has rolled out a new digital entry requirement for select international travellers arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Under regulations issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department, passengers must now complete a digital immigration declaration prior to arrival, effective April 15, 2026. VietJet Air issued a travel advisory noting that the measure is being implemented in accordance with the latest regulations issued by the Immigration Department.
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What Indian travellers need to know
Indian passport holders currently require an e-visa to enter Vietnam. The new rule does not replace the e-visa requirement but adds an additional step, specifically for those arriving in Ho Chi Minh City. At present, there is no official indication that this requirement extends to other international airports in the country. Travellers will still need to apply for and receive their visa as usual, and must now also complete the pre-arrival immigration declaration.
The requirement applies to foreign passport holders except transit passengers. So, if you have a layover in Vietnam, this rule will not affect you. Passengers covered under the rule are required to submit their personal and travel details before arrival. This can be done in two ways:
While both options are available, travellers are strongly advised to complete the declaration online in advance to avoid delays after landing.
By shifting part of the process online, Vietnam joins a growing number of destinations adopting digital arrival cards and advanced passenger declarations, part of a wider global move towards contactless, data-driven border control. By shifting towards digitised arrival processes, Vietnamese authorities aim to reduce congestion at immigration counters and speed up entry formalities at one of the country’s busiest gateways which handles millions of passengers annually.
