No Arrival Card in Vietnam: What to Do When You Land (2026)

No, Vietnam does not require an arrival card, unlike Thailand or Cambodia. You just need your passport and e-visa (printed or on phone) at immigration. Officers check your documents in their system and you're through. Critical tip: immediately check that the officer stamped the correct visa end date, mistakes happen and are easier to fix on the spot. Here's what to expect landing in Da Nang or any Vietnam airport.

The Short Answer: No Arrival Card Required

Unlike Thailand (where you fill out TM.6 forms) or Cambodia (where there's a digital option), Vietnam has no arrival card requirement for tourists. Immigration officers check your documents in their system and you're done.

What this means: You can't pre-fill anything online. You show up at immigration, they verify your e-visa in their system, and you proceed through.

What You Actually Need at Immigration

Required Documents:

• Your Passport: The original physical passport with your e-visa approval printed or digital copy accessible
• Your E-Visa: Either print it out beforehand OR have it saved on your phone (officers can verify either way)
• Your Completed Immigration Form: Most airports provide a paper form at the counter, or you can fill one out before approaching the desk

That's it. No arrival card. No additional pre-arrival paperwork.

Pro Tips from People Who've Done This Recently

Tip 1: Check Your Visa End Date Immediately

One traveler's advice: "Always check what the officer has written on your passport when you go through immigration (that he or she has put the correct end date for your visa). Once I saw that I had been given only one month instead of three months and the officer corrected it when I went back straightaway."

This is crucial. Vietnamese immigration occasionally makes mistakes. If you notice your visa has been stamped with the wrong dates, go back to the desk immediately and have them correct it. Don't wait until later—it's much easier to fix on the spot.

Tip 2: Move Fast Through Immigration

Here's real advice from someone who's done this: "Get off the plane quick as possible and go to passport control. The queue can get long very fast and takes ages. Specially on night flights."

Night flights = long lines. If you arrive after 11 PM, expect delays. Get through immigration quickly.

Tip 3: Just Show Your Passport and E-Visa

One expat summed it up perfectly: "There is no digital arrival card for tourists in Vietnam like other ASEAN countries, just go to immigration and show your passport and e-visa, officers will check on our digital system and you're good to go."

That's the entire process. No forms to pre-fill. No digital portal. Just your documents.

What NOT to Do

Don't Look for an Online Arrival Card Portal

You won't find one. Vietnam doesn't have the infrastructure for this (yet). Some people waste time trying to find a link online. It doesn't exist. Don't bother.

Don't Assume Your E-Visa is Automatically in the System

While officers can verify your e-visa digitally, always bring a printed copy or have it saved on your phone. The system occasionally glitches, and having a backup copy prevents delays.

Don't Trust Immigration to Get Your Dates Right

See Tip 1 above. Check your passport stamp immediately. If there's an error, fix it before you leave the immigration desk.

The Immigration Process Step-by-Step

Step 1: Get Off the Plane

Follow the signs to Immigration (Nhập Cảnh / Immigration).

Step 2: Fill Out the Immigration Form (If Not Pre-Filled)

Most airports have forms available at the counter or near the immigration desk. Fill it out with:

• Your full name (as it appears in your passport)
• Your passport number
• Your visa number
• Your purpose of visit (tourism, business, etc.)
• Your accommodation address (or your first hotel)

Step 3: Approach the Immigration Officer

Hand over:

• Your passport
• Your completed immigration form
• Your e-visa approval (printed or digital)

Step 4: Wait

The officer checks your information in their system. This takes 2-5 minutes usually.

Step 5: Check Your Passport Stamp

The officer stamps your passport with your entry date and visa expiration date. CHECK THIS IMMEDIATELY. Make sure the dates are correct.

Step 6: Proceed to Baggage Claim

You're done with immigration. Collect your luggage and head out.

Common Questions Answered

Q: Can I use a digital copy of my e-visa instead of printing it?

A: Yes. Most officers accept a digital copy on your phone. However, printing it provides a backup in case your phone dies or has connectivity issues. Better to have both.

Q: What if my e-visa isn't showing up in their system?

A: This is rare but can happen. Have your confirmation email with your visa approval letter ready. The officer can manually verify it. Contact your visa service provider if there's a serious issue.

Q: Do I need to declare anything on the immigration form?

A: No currency or item declarations are required on the immigration form itself. Customs (a separate line after immigration) may ask about expensive items, but immigration just needs your basic info.

Q: What if I made a mistake on my e-visa application (wrong spelling, etc.)?

A: Minor spelling errors are usually waived if it's clear they're typos and your passport matches. If it's a serious discrepancy, contact your visa provider immediately before traveling. Some issues can be corrected, others may require a new application.

Different Airports, Same Process

Whether you're arriving at:

• Da Nang International Airport: Fast and straightforward. Usually only 1-2 immigration desks, so queues move quickly
• Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat): Larger airport, more immigration desks, but also more people. Can get backed up during peak hours
• Hanoi (Noi Bai): Similar to HCMC, busy during peak times

The process is identical. Just passport, e-visa, immigration form, and check your dates.

The Bottom Line

Vietnam's arrival process is simpler than Thailand or Cambodia because there's no arrival card. You don't need to do anything before landing—just bring your passport and e-visa approval.

When you arrive:

• Fill out the immigration form (or pick one up)
• Show your passport and e-visa to the officer
• Get your entry stamp
• Check the dates on your stamp immediately
• Move on

That's it. Welcome to Vietnam.

Related Vietnam Entry Guides

• Vietnamese Culture Guide
• Digital Nomad Guide to Da Nang
• Accommodation in Da Nang

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