Vietnam Pre-Arrival Information (PAI)
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The Vietnam Pre-Arrival Information (PAI) is an online declaration that international air travellers complete before flying into Vietnam. Launched on April 15, 2026, the system is currently operating at Tan Son Nhat (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, Noi Bai (HAN) in Hanoi, Da Nang (DAD), Cam Ranh (CXR) in Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc (PQC) airports. Travellers who submit the form in advance allow immigration authorities to process their details before the flight lands, reducing wait times at the border gate.
What Is the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Information (PAI)?
The PAI system is an online pre-travel declaration platform operated by the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security. It collects personal, travel, and flight details before a traveller boards their flight to Vietnam. Once the declaration is submitted, immigration officers begin processing entry procedures in advance.
The PAI is not a visa, an entry authorisation, or a guarantee of entry into Vietnam. Travellers still need a valid visa or entry exemption in addition to submitting PAI. Always access the system through the official Immigration Department website at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn.
Who Needs to Complete It?
Travellers Who Must Submit
The PAI system currently applies to international air travellers arriving at Tan Son Nhat (SGN), Noi Bai (HAN), Da Nang (DAD), Cam Ranh (CXR), and Phu Quoc (PQC) airports. During the pilot phase, submission is optional rather than mandatory — however, approximately 70% of eligible travellers have chosen to use it.
Exemptions and Special Cases
Because the system is in a pilot phase, the Immigration Department has not yet published a confirmed list of formal exemptions. Travellers arriving through land border crossings or other international airports are not covered by the current pilot.
When to Submit
Travellers can submit their PAI declaration at any time within three days (72 hours) before their scheduled entry into Vietnam, from any internet-connected device. Submitting as early as possible within that period gives immigration authorities more time to pre-process your arrival.
What You Need Before You Start
Passport and Personal Details
- Full name exactly as it appears on your passport
- Passport number, nationality, and date of birth
- Passport expiry date
- Visa type or entry exemption details
Travel, Transport, and Accommodation Details
- Flight number for your arriving flight
- Passenger Name Record (PNR) code from your airline booking
- Scheduled arrival date and time
- Accommodation address in Vietnam for your first night
How to Complete the Form Step by Step
Step 1: Access the Official Service
Open a browser and go to prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. Do not use any other website, even if it appears in paid search results.
Step 2: Enter and Review the Information
Select your preferred language, then complete all required fields: personal information, visa or entry details, and travel information including your flight number and PNR code. Review every field carefully, paying particular attention to the flight number.
Step 3: Submit and Save the Confirmation
Once your declaration is complete and reviewed, submit the form. The system will generate a QR code confirming your submission — save it to your mobile device or print a physical copy.
What Happens After Submission?
After a successful submission, the Immigration Department begins processing your arrival details before your flight lands. Present your QR code confirmation to immigration officers on arrival. PAI submission does not replace standard entry requirements — you must still present a valid passport and a valid visa or proof of entry exemption.
How to Correct Errors or Retrieve the Confirmation
If you realise you have entered incorrect information after submitting — for example, a wrong flight number — return to the official portal as soon as possible to review and update your declaration. Attempting to correct information at the airport on the day of arrival is more difficult and may slow down your processing.
Vietnam PAI vs Visa and Other Entry Documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| PAI | Pre-arrival declaration to speed up immigration processing |
| eVisa / Visa on Arrival | Legal authorisation to enter Vietnam — required separately |
| Passport | Identity document — required at all times |
Submitting a PAI declaration does not grant permission to enter Vietnam and does not substitute for a visa where one is required. Border clearance remains the sole authority of Vietnamese immigration officers upon your arrival.
Key Points Before You Travel
- The PAI system is currently a pilot operating only at five listed airports.
- Submission is currently optional, not mandatory, but widely recommended.
- Submit within three days before your entry date.
- Use only prearrival.immigration.gov.vn — the official, free government portal.
- Double-check your flight number and PNR before submitting.
- PAI does not replace your visa or guarantee entry into Vietnam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who currently needs to complete the Vietnam PAI?
International air travellers arriving at the five listed pilot airports, though submission remains optional.
When can I submit the PAI form?
At any time within three days before your scheduled entry into Vietnam.
Is the PAI a visa?
No, it is a pre-arrival declaration entirely separate from the visa or entry authorisation required to enter Vietnam.
What information is required to complete the PAI form?
Your passport details, visa or entry exemption information, flight number, PNR code, and accommodation address in Vietnam.
Is the Vietnam PAI mandatory nationwide?
No, it is currently optional and applies only to air travellers at the five pilot airports.