Vietnam Arrival Card: Newest Updates & How to Fill Out

Hey Canadian travelers! If you’re flying to Vietnam, you’ll need to get familiar with the updated digital entry rules—your key to smooth entry. This guide breaks down the latest requirements: what documents you need, who must apply, how to fill them out online, timing, and full entry steps for a stress-free trip.

What Are Vietnam’s Newest Entry Declaration Documents?

Vietnam now uses two separate mandatory entry declarations (not a replacement for your visa):

1. Digital Pre-Arrival Card (New 2026): Mandatory online declaration for travelers landing at Tan Son Nhat (SGN, Ho Chi Minh City); generates a QR code to speed up immigration.
2. NA1 Form: Traditional entry/exit declaration (replaced old M3 Form); only required for Visa on Arrival (VOA) users and land/sea arrivals.

Key Clarification for Canadians

• e-Visa holders: Do NOT need the NA1 Form
• Visa-exempt & e-Visa travelers (SGN only): Must complete the Digital Pre-Arrival Card
• VOA travelers (all airports): Must complete both Digital Pre-Arrival Card (SGN only) + NA1 Form
• All documents are 100% free and available in English.

🚨 Newest Vietnam Entry Official Update (Effective April 15, 2026)

• Mandatory Digital Pre-Arrival Card: For ALL foreign nationals arriving at SGN Airport
• Current applicable airports: SGN (mandatory); Hanoi (HAN) & Da Nang (DAD) coming soon
• Official portal: prearrival.immigration.gov.vn
• Submission window: Within 72 hours before arrival (no earlier, no later)
• Output: QR code sent to your email

Who Needs Which Document?

Vietnam Entry Basics for Canadians

For Canadian passport holders planning to visit Vietnam, you’ll need two core items to enter Vietnam:

1. Valid visa (or visa exemption)
2. Required entry declaration(s) (Digital Pre-Arrival Card / NA1 Form, based on your port & visa)

Visa Options for Canadians

All three visa pathways for Canadians require completing Vietnam Entry Declarations. Here’s a concise breakdown:

• Visa Exempt (Rare): Vietnamese-Canadians + immediate family; direct Phu Quoc Island arrivals
• e-Visa (Most Popular): Apply online 3+ business days in advance; no NA1 needed; SGN arrivals need Digital Pre-Arrival Card
• Visa on Arrival (VOA): Get approval letter online first; pay stamping fee at airport; needs NA1 Form + SGN arrivals need Digital Pre-Arrival Card

Where to Access the Vietnam Arrival Card

Canadian travelers have three convenient ways to get the Vietnam Arrival Card, depending on preference and timing:

1. Online (Most Recommended): Free via official portals (linked earlier), 1–7 days before trip (see Section 38 for timing). No official download—save confirmation as PDF/screenshot.
2. On the Plane: Paper forms available on international flights (including from Canadian cities). Ask flight attendants for an English form; fill out during the flight as a backup.
3. At the Airport: Tablets (Wi-Fi) or paper forms available at major airports (Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City). Note: Adds 30+ minutes to wait time, so plan ahead.

When to Submit What Documents?

Digital Pre-Arrival Card (SGN Only)

• Best: 24–72 hours before arrival
• Hard rule: No earlier than 72 hours before arrival (system rejects early submissions)
• Minimum: Complete before boarding (airport kiosks add 20–40 minutes wait)

NA1 Form (VOA & Land/Sea Only)

• Submit 1–7 days before arrival
• Best: 2–3 days before departure from Canada
• Expires after 7 days (early submissions must be redone)

How to Fill Out the Vietnam Arrival Card: A Step-by-Step Guide

Digital Pre-Arrival Card (SGN Arrivals)

Step 1: Prepare Documents

• Canadian passport (6+ months validity from arrival)
• Flight number, arrival date, entry airport
• Vietnam accommodation full address & phone
• Working email for QR code

Step 2: Go to Official Portal

prearrival.immigration.gov.vn

Step 3: Fill Out the Form

• Enter details exactly as in your passport
• Provide flight & accommodation info
• Answer health & customs questions truthfully
• Double-check for typos

Step 4: Save Your QR Code

• QR code sent to email within minutes
• Screenshot offline + save PDF; print a backup

Step 5: Arrival Immigration

Show passport + visa/e-Visa + QR code; officer scans and stamps your passport.

NA1 Form (VOA Travelers Only)

Step 1: Prepare

• Passport, VOA approval letter, two 4×6cm white-background photos
• Accommodation & flight details

Step 2: Access the Form

Use official portals: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn or paper at airport VOA counters

Step 3: Fill & Submit

• Use ALL CAPS for name (match passport)
• Include passport, trip, and accommodation details
• Sign by hand (match passport signature)
• Submit at VOA counter before immigration with fee, photos, and approval letter

Key Details to Fill Out Your Vietnam Arrival Card (NA1 Form)

To avoid mistakes, here’s a quick breakdown of the important sections on the forms:

What Happens After You Submit Your Vietnam Arrival Card?

After submitting your Vietnam Arrival Card (digital confirmation or paper form) along with your Canadian passport and visa (if required), here’s what to expect during the immigration process.

Step 1: Immigration Inspection

The immigration officer will scan your passport and Vietnam Arrival Card details to verify your information. This process usually takes 5–10 minutes, but it can be longer during peak travel times (e.g., Vietnamese holidays or Canadian winter break). The officer may ask you a few simple questions—don’t worry, they’re usually straightforward:

• “How long will you be staying in Vietnam?”
• “Where are you staying in Vietnam?” (Have your hotel address ready if they ask.)
• “What is the purpose of your trip?” (Tourism, business, visiting family—just be honest.)

Step 2: Passport Stamping

Once your information is verified, the officer will stamp your passport with your entry date and allowed stay duration. Double-check the stamp to make sure the dates are correct—if there’s a mistake, ask the officer to correct it immediately.

Step 3: Next Steps

• If you have an e-visa: You’re all set! Head straight to baggage claim to pick up your luggage.
• If you have a visa-on-arrival: After passport stamping, go to the “Visa on Arrival Counter” to pay the ~25 USD stamping fee (cash only, USD preferred) and get your visa sticker. Then proceed to baggage claim.

Pro Tip: Keep your Vietnam Arrival Card confirmation (digital or paper) with you during your trip—you may need it when exiting Vietnam (though immigration usually only asks for your passport on departure).

Common Mistakes to Avoid on the Vietnam Arrival Card

To answer the question: What mistakes should you avoid when arriving in Vietnam?, let’s focus on the most common errors Canadian travelers make when filling out the Vietnam Arrival Card:

1. Wrong document mix-up: e-Visa holders: Do NOT fill NA1 Form; SGN arrivals: Don’t skip Digital Pre-Arrival Card
2. Submitting too early: Digital Pre-Arrival Card: Submissions over 72 hours early are rejected
3. Cash declaration error: Declare cash over 10,000 USD (not 5,000 USD)
4. Typos on passport info: Name, passport number, dates must match exactly
5. Losing QR code/confirmation: Save offline + email backup + print a copy

This guide covers all current rules for Canadian travelers flying into Vietnam. Follow the timing and document rules for your arrival airport and visa type, and you’ll enjoy a fast, smooth entry. Safe travels!

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