Vietnam has introduced a mandatory Digital Arrival Card at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport — here’s your complete, no-nonsense guide to staying ahead of the change.
If you are an Indian traveller planning a trip to Vietnam — whether for leisure, business, or a quick stopover — there is an important update you absolutely cannot afford to miss. Vietnam has introduced a new mandatory step in its entry process, and arriving unprepared could seriously disrupt your travel plans.
- ⚠️ Important Update: Vietnam now requires all travellers arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City to complete a Digital Arrival Card (DAC) before boarding. This is in addition to your existing e-Visa requirement and must be submitted within 72 hours before arrival.
What Has Changed?
Vietnam has launched a major overhaul of its visa and immigration procedures at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. The country has replaced traditional paper-based arrival forms with a fully digital system called the Digital Arrival Card (DAC).
This is not just a minor administrative update — it is a fundamental shift in how Vietnam processes incoming travellers. The move is part of Vietnam’s broader ambition to modernise its immigration infrastructure, reduce congestion at airports, and offer a faster, more seamless entry experience for international visitors, including the growing number of Indian tourists visiting the country each year.
Vietnam’s new digital entry system is designed to eliminate paper queues, speed up immigration, and modernise the arrival experience — but only if travellers come prepared.— Cosima Holidays Travel Desk
What is the Digital Arrival Card (DAC)?
The Digital Arrival Card is an online pre-arrival declaration form that replaces the paper disembarkation cards previously handed out on flights. It captures essential information about the traveller — including passport details, travel purpose, accommodation address in Vietnam, and health declarations — and must be submitted digitally before you board your flight.
Think of it as an online check-in for Vietnam’s immigration system. Just as airlines have moved to digital boarding passes, Vietnam is now moving to digital arrival declarations.
📋 Key Facts About the Digital Arrival Card
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Applicable Airport | Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) |
| Submission Window | Within 72 hours before your scheduled arrival |
| Cost | FREE — No charges to complete the DAC |
| Where to Apply | Vietnam Immigration Department’s official website |
| Who is Exempt? | Vietnamese citizens & transit passengers not clearing immigration |
| Does it replace the e-Visa? | NO — Both e-Visa AND DAC are required |
| Future Expansion | Likely to expand to Hanoi (HAN) and Da Nang (DAD) airports |
Does This Affect Indian Travellers?
Yes, absolutely. Indian passport holders are among those most directly affected by this new requirement. India does not currently have a visa-free arrangement with Vietnam for regular passport holders, which means Indian nationals must already secure a Vietnam e-Visa before travel. Now, the DAC adds an additional step to that process.
The good news is that it is completely free and relatively straightforward to complete online — but it must not be forgotten. Airlines are likely to enforce this requirement at check-in, and travellers without a completed DAC may face boarding denial.
Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Before You Fly
- Apply for your Vietnam e-Visa first — Visit the official Vietnam e-Visa portal at evisa.gov.vn. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 working days. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity from your date of travel.
- Complete the Digital Arrival Card (DAC) — Within 72 hours before your flight, visit the Vietnam Immigration Department’s official website and fill in the DAC. Keep a copy (screenshot or printout) of your submission confirmation.
- Check your passport validity — Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended arrival date in Vietnam.
- Carry printed copies of both documents — While digital copies may suffice, carrying printed versions of your e-Visa and DAC confirmation is strongly recommended, especially at immigration counters.
- Keep your accommodation details handy — The DAC will require your hotel or host address in Vietnam. Have this information ready before you begin filling the form.
What Indian Travellers Currently Need for Vietnam
✅ Complete Checklist — Indian Nationals Entering Vietnam
- Valid Indian passport with minimum6 months validity
- ValidVietnam e-Visa(single or multiple entry, up to 90 days)
- CompletedDigital Arrival Card (DAC)— submitted within 72 hrs of arrival (currently for Ho Chi Minh City only)
- Accommodation details— hotel booking confirmation or host’s address
- Return or onward travel booking
- Sufficient funds for the duration of your stay
Vietnam e-Visa — A Quick Refresher for Indians
Since August 2023, Vietnam has significantly enhanced its e-Visa policy. Indian nationals can now apply for a Vietnam e-Visa online for stays of up to 90 days (a major upgrade from the previous 30-day limit), with both single-entry and multiple-entry options available.
| e-Visa Type | Duration | Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | Up to 90 days | USD 25 | First-time visitors, short trips |
| Multiple Entry | Up to 90 days | USD 50 | Frequent travellers, multi-country tours |
Processing time is generally 3 to 5 working days. Always apply well in advance — at least 10 days before your travel date — to allow for any delays or corrections.
Special Case: Visiting Phu Quoc Island?
Indian nationals flying directly to Phu Quoc Island from outside Vietnam can enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay on the island under a special exemption. However, if you plan to leave Phu Quoc and visit other parts of Vietnam such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang, you will require a standard Vietnam e-Visa.
What This Means for the Future of Travel to Vietnam
Vietnam’s decision to implement the Digital Arrival Card at Ho Chi Minh City is widely seen as the beginning of a national digital transformation of border entry. The Vietnamese government has already indicated that the system will be expanded to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and Da Nang International Airport in the near future, once the Ho Chi Minh City rollout is evaluated.
For Indian travellers, this is a promising sign. A streamlined, digital immigration process means shorter queues, faster processing, and a more pleasant arrival experience — provided you complete all formalities before you travel.
💡Cosima Holidays Tip: Set a reminder on your phone to complete the Digital Arrival Card exactly 72 hours before your flight to Vietnam. Do not wait until the last minute — technical issues or internet connectivity problems can cause delays. Always carry printed backup copies of all travel documents.
How Cosima Holidays Can Help
Keeping up with rapidly changing visa and immigration rules is one of the most stressful parts of international travel — and it is exactly where the expertise of a professional travel agency becomes invaluable. At Cosima Holidays, our team actively monitors travel advisories and visa regulation changes across all major destinations so that our clients are never caught off guard.
Whether you need help with your Vietnam e-Visa application, assistance completing the Digital Arrival Card, or end-to-end travel planning for your Vietnam holiday — we are here to make your journey completely stress-free.