Chung Ta TravelHow to Fill Out the Vietnam PAI Entry Declaration? 2026 Official Portal, Scope, and QR Code Guide
PAI is not an E-visa, nor is it a purchase of Fast Track services. This article starts with the official trial status at Tan Son Nhat Airport to guide you through preparing information, completing the declaration, saving your personal QR Code, and distinguishing what each of the three services covers.
From Apr 15, 2026The Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam launched a trial at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.
Within 3 Days Before ArrivalOfficial instructions state it can be completed via an internet-connected device within three days of the scheduled entry date.
Currently EncouragedOfficial public information describes this as a trial and encourages traveler participation; it is not a visa approval.
Save QR After CompletionStore it on your phone and keep a screenshot or hard copy as a backup; present it upon arrival according to on-site instructions.
30-SECOND ANSWER
The Conclusion First: PAI is "Pre-arrival Information," not a new Vietnam visa
According to public information from the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam verified as of October 3, 2026, PAI (Pre-arrival Information) is a system for foreign travelers to provide information before arrival, currently focused on the trial at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Information may be updated as it expands nationwide; please check official websites and airline notifications again before departure.
If you are entering via Tan Son Nhat International Airport: It is recommended to use the only official website to enter passenger, visa status, and flight itinerary information within three days of arrival. After successful submission, save the personal QR Code generated by the system.
If you are entering via Hanoi, Da Nang, or other ports: Officials have indicated plans to expand to other international airports in the future, but do not assume a port is fully covered just because it appears in the system menu. Refer to notifications from the Vietnam Immigration Department, airlines, and the port of entry on the day of departure.
The most important logic: PAI will not grant you visa-free eligibility, will not issue an E-visa, and does not guarantee skip-the-line privileges or automatic entry.
Only One Official Portal
prearrival.immigration.gov.vn
Open the Vietnam PAI Official WebsiteAnti-Scam Alert: The Ministry of Public Security has warned of counterfeit PAI websites that may induce users to enter credit card details. Do not click on unknown links in search ads or social media messages; PAI is only for providing pre-arrival information and is not a payment page for visa applications.
Check the URL before starting your declaration
Go to PAI Official PortalThe domain must fully display as prearrival.immigration.gov.vn; do not use sites with misspellings, extra suffixes, or look-alike domains.
PAI VS E-VISA VS FAST TRACK
What is the difference between PAI, Vietnam E-visa, and Airport Fast Track?
The most common mistake travelers make is treating these three services as the same. They handle "pre-providing data," "obtaining entry permission," and "on-site process assistance" respectively.
| Item | Main Purpose | Can Substitute Others? | What to Prepare | Important Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAI Entry Declaration | Provide traveler, visa, and itinerary info before arrival; get QR Code | Cannot replace Visa or Fast Track | Passport, flight, visa or visa-exemption proof, accommodation, contact info | Not an entry approval; still subject to border inspection |
| Vietnam E-visa | Obtain entry permission for those needing a visa | Cannot be replaced by PAI | Passport bio-data page, photo, intended entry/exit ports, application info | Eligibility depends on nationality, documents, stay duration, and purpose |
| Airport Fast Track | Staff provides meeting, guidance, or process assistance | Cannot create entry eligibility | Name, flight number, arrival time, contact, service confirmation | Does not exempt you from passport, visa, PAI, immigration, baggage, or customs |
One-sentence summary: E-visa answers "Am I permitted to enter?"; PAI answers "What information was provided before arrival?"; Fast Track answers "Who will help me on-site?". Final entry permission is still determined by Vietnamese authorities according to the law.
Need an E-visa? Apply separately from PAI
Go to E-visa Official PortalThe official E-visa domains announced by the Immigration Department are evisa.gov.vn and thithucdientu.gov.vn; the PAI page does not accept visa applications.
WHO SHOULD COMPLETE IT
Who needs to pay attention to the Vietnam electronic arrival card?
Foreign travelers entering via Tan Son Nhat AirportThis is the trial scenario clearly mentioned in the 2026 official announcement. Even though it is currently "encouraged," it is recommended to complete it to reduce the need for providing supplementary information upon arrival.
Travelers transferring to domestic flights in Ho Chi Minh CityIf Tan Son Nhat is your first point of entry into Vietnam where immigration inspection takes place, PAI focuses on that arrival, not the final domestic destination.
Holders of E-visas, general visas, or visa exemptionsPAI records pre-arrival information, while visas/exemptions handle eligibility. Choose the visa type and number in the form according to your actual documents.
Families, seniors, and groupsOrganize passports and flight details for each traveler first. If members generate separate QR codes, clearly label them by name to avoid searching at the counter.
What about other international airports? The Ministry of Public Security indicates plans to expand to other international airports and study land border arrangements. Policy can change rapidly; always verify for Hanoi, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, etc., before departure. This article does not treat "future plans" as "currently implemented everywhere."
BEFORE YOU START
Prepare these items before filling it out to avoid getting stuck
Keep information in one place
- Passport: English name, gender, DOB, nationality, passport number, and expiry date. Input exactly as shown.
- Entry Eligibility: E-visa, general visa, bilateral/unilateral exemption, APEC card, etc. Choose based on your actual status.
- Flight Info: Flight number from actual carrier or booking confirmation, arrival date, first port of entry.
- Vietnam Itinerary: Name of the first hotel, full address, reachable phone number, or travel contact.
- Reachable Device: Ensure your phone or email can receive verification codes abroad.
Be careful with flight numbers: Reports from the official trial show some failures occur when the flight number entered doesn't match PNR data. For codeshare flights, verify with airline booking records and the actual operating carrier.
STEP-BY-STEP
Vietnam PAI Filling Guide: From Official Portal to QR Code
The official interface is subject to updates, and field names may vary. The following is a general process; always defer to the official screen on the day.
01
Confirm you are within 3 days of arrival
Filling it out too early may prevent successful date or flight matching. Confirm your arrival date first.
02
Manually enter the only official URL
Go to https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn, check the spelling, and choose your preferred language.
03
Select "Create and Submit Pre-arrival Information"
Complete the CAPTCHA. CAPTCHA is an anti-bot verification; never send your personal info to untrusted third-party sites.
04
Enter traveler info as per passport
Check the order of English names, passport number, DOB, and nationality character by character. Do not add Chinese names, nicknames, or omit middle names.
05
Enter visa or exemption status
06
Enter flight and stay info
07
Cross-check 4 key items before sending
Passport number, English name, flight number, arrival date.
08
Submit and save QR Code
Screenshot, download, or print immediately. Save the tracking number if provided.
QR CODE CHECKLIST
How to save and use the Vietnam entry QR Code?
4 backups after submission
- Phone Screenshot: Accessible offline, avoiding bad airport signal.
- Original File: Save the file if downloadable, don't just bookmark the page.
- Cloud/Email Backup: Accessible from another device if the phone is lost.
- Hard Copy: The most reliable for seniors or children.
Do not use sample images from articles. Only the QR Code generated by the official system after your submission is valid.
QR Code is not a permit: You still must carry a valid passport and visa to undergo immigration inspection. The QR only confirms data was submitted.
COMMON ERRORS
8 common pitfalls for the 2026 Vietnam arrival card
1. Filling out too earlyOfficial window is within 3 days; flight/date matching may fail.
2. Clicking counterfeit sitesOnly prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. Close any site asking for payment.
3. Mismatched flight numbersVerify with actual booking/carrier records, not just boarding pass.
4. Changing name orderFollow passport strictly; no nicknames.
5. Treating PAI as an E-visaVisa applicants must use the separate official E-visa system.
6. Not keeping offline backupsAirport Wi-Fi is unreliable; have offline copies.
7. Not updating after flight changesUse the official query portal to update if details change.
8. Assuming Fast Track handles PAIConfirm if your service includes PAI reminders/assistance.
ARRIVAL FLOW
How do PAI and Fast Track connect upon arrival in HCMC?
STEP 01Prepare DocumentsHave passport, visa, and QR ready.
STEP 02Go to ImmigrationPAI provides data; immigration verifies credentials.
STEP 03Present QRUse your own generated code.
STEP 04Baggage & CustomsFast Track does not bypass baggage or customs.
STEP 05Meeting & TransferFind your driver/meetup point.
CHUNGTA SERVICE LINKS
Visa + Fast Track Add-on
Tan Son Nhat Airport Transfer
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Vietnam Entry Declaration (PAI) Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the 2026 Vietnam PAI entry declaration mandatory?
As of the information verified by the Ministry of Public Security on October 3, 2026, PAI is still being implemented at Tan Son Nhat International Airport on a trial basis, encouraging foreign travelers to participate. Policies may expand or change; please check the official website and airline notifications again before departure.
2. What is the only official portal for Vietnam PAI?
The only official portal is https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. The Ministry of Public Security has warned that there are fake websites attempting to obtain credit card information; please do not access the site via unknown advertisements, shortened URLs, or third-party filing links.
3. When should I complete the Vietnam electronic entry card?
Official instructions state that it can be completed within three days before entering Vietnam using an internet-enabled mobile phone, tablet, or computer. It is recommended to fill it out once flight details are confirmed and not too far in advance.
4. What information is required for PAI?
Official categories include traveler information, visa details, and travel details. Generally, this involves the English name as it appears on the passport, passport details, entry eligibility, flight number, arrival date, port of entry, and accommodation or contact information in Vietnam. Please refer to the official interface on the day of completion.
5. Does obtaining a PAI QR code mean I am cleared for entry?
No. The QR code signifies that pre-arrival information has been submitted; it is not a visa, permit, or entry approval. Travelers must still hold a valid passport and the required visa, and complete immigration and relevant checks.
6. Do I still need to apply for a Vietnam e-Visa after filling out the PAI?
Yes, if your nationality, documents, length of stay, or purpose of entry require a visa by law, you must still apply for one separately. PAI only provides pre-arrival information and does not process or review e-Visas.
7. Do visa-exempt travelers also need to fill out the Vietnam PAI?
PAI and visa exemption are separate matters. The official trial targets foreign travelers entering through Tan Son Nhat Airport; holding visa-exempt status does not waive the PAI requirement, so it is recommended to complete it according to the latest official and airline notifications.
8. Do I need to fill out the PAI if entering via Hanoi or Da Nang?
The Ministry of Public Security has stated plans to expand to other international airports in the future, but the current official trial notice focuses on Tan Son Nhat Airport. For other ports of entry, verify the latest scope before departure; do not assume it is universally required based solely on system menus.
9. Do I need to re-declare if my flight is delayed or rescheduled?
If your flight number, arrival date, or port of entry changes, use the inquiry and update function on the official homepage to verify your declaration. If you cannot update it or perform a search, it is recommended to resubmit based on the latest itinerary and retain the new QR code.
10. Does airport fast track automatically include PAI filing assistance?
Not necessarily. Fast track service contents vary by provider, and PAI involves personal passport and itinerary data. Before booking, confirm whether they provide declaration reminders or assistance, meeting locations, required information, and how they handle flight delays.
11. Do children also need to have PAI information prepared?
Children traveling together also have their own passports and entry details. Parents should prepare information one by one according to the actual requirements of the official system and save the declaration results or QR codes for each traveler separately to avoid confusion upon arrival.
12. What should I check first if PAI submission fails?
First, check if you are within the three-day window before entry, whether your passport name and number are correct, whether the flight number matches your PNR, and whether the arrival date and port of entry are filled correctly. If it still cannot be completed, only use the official website to retry, or inquire with immigration officers and official information counters upon arrival.
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