New Saigon / HCMC Entry Declaration: Full SGN Guide & QR Code

Article from : 22 05 2026 - Last update : 22 05 2026

Navigating the New Saigon Entry Rules: What You Need to Know Before Landing at Tan Son Nhat

If you’ve lived in or visited Ho Chi Minh City as often as I have, you know that distinct "SGN feeling." You step off the plane, walk through the jet bridge, and are immediately hit by that thick wall of humidity and the faint, nostalgic scent of jet fuel mixed with distant street food. Then, you hit the real wall: the legendary, soul-crushing immigration lines at the Tan Son Nhat International Terminal. We’ve all spent far too much time shuffling our feet in those queues, watching the "Priority" line with envy while contemplating our life choices.

Well, there’s a massive change on the horizon. Starting April 15, 2026, the Vietnam Immigration Department is rolling out a new "Vietnam Pre-Arrival Declaration" system. The goal is to modernize the chaos and speed up entry—which sounds like a dream. But, as someone who has navigated more than a few "digital upgrades" in this city (looking at you, various "official" apps), I’m keeping a healthy dose of skepticism. Will this actually get us to the Vinasun vs. Grab gauntlet at the exit any faster, or is it just another digital hoop to jump through?

Here is the lowdown on how to handle it like a pro.

Who Actually Needs to Do This?

First things first: this is currently exclusive to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). If you are landing in Hanoi or Da Nang, you can breathe easy for now. But if you’re coming to the southern capital, listen up.

This is mandatory for:

• Foreign passport holders.

• Overseas Vietnamese entering the country with a visa.

You can skip it if you are:

• A Vietnamese citizen.

• A transit passenger who is staying in the terminal and not passing through immigration to enter the city.

Timing Your Submission

In the world of Vietnamese bureaucracy, timing is everything. You can’t do this weeks in advance, and you definitely shouldn't wait until you’re standing in the terminal trying to connect to the spotty airport Wi-Fi.

• The declaration form must be completed within 3 days (72 hours) prior to your departure for Vietnam.

A Quick Step-by-Step Guide to the Portal

The government has launched a dedicated portal at https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn/. While you can do this via kiosks at the airport, the whole point is to save time, so do it before you board. Here is the actual UI flow you’ll encounter:

1. Enter the Interface: Go to the site and select your preferred language.

2. The "Hidden" Step: Click "CREATE AND SUBMIT DECLARATION." The site will then ask you to enter a verification code displayed on the screen. Enter it to continue.

3. Upload & Identity: You’ll need to upload a clear image of your passport data page. The system will ask for your personal details: name, gender, and passport number.

4. Visa Specifics: This is where you need to be precise. You must select your "Type of Visa" (e-visa, visa exemption, temporary residence card, etc.) and—importantly—enter your visa number, issue date, and expiry date. Have your visa PDF or sticker ready!

5. Trip Details: You will need to provide your purpose of entry (tourism, business, etc.), means of transportation (likely "Air"), flight number, and your departure location.

6. Where You’re Staying: Enter your accommodation address in Vietnam (hotel, workplace, or relative’s home).

7. The Exit Plan: Don't forget this part—the form requires your expected departure date from Vietnam.

8. Submit: Tick the confirmation box and hit submit. The system will then send a QR code to your email.

My Personal Pro-Tips for a Smooth Arrival

After years of navigating the quirks of HCMC life, I’ve learned that a little prep goes a long way.

• The "Family Hack": If you’re traveling with a spouse or kids, you don’t all need to struggle with separate forms on tiny phone screens. One person can actually add family members or children within a single submission. This is a massive time-saver for parents!

• The Screenshot Rule: I cannot stress this enough: take a screenshot of your QR code or print it out. The SGN airport Wi-Fi is notoriously fickle, and the last thing you want is to be "that person" frantically refreshing your Gmail while an impatient immigration officer stares you down.

• The Kiosk Backup: If you completely forget, or your airline doesn't let you board without seeing it and you're in a rush, look for the QR kiosks in the immigration zone at SGN. It’s a backup, but doing it online is much faster.

Final Thoughts

Any move toward modernization at SGN is a step in the right direction. I genuinely hope this "Fast and Convenient" promise holds up so we can all spend less time under fluorescent terminal lights and more time enjoying a cà phê sữa đá on a plastic stool somewhere in District 1.

Stay safe, get that QR code ready, and I'll see you in Saigon!