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Since the April 15Vietnamese authorities are demanding a prior registration online for foreign nationals wishing to land at Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son NhatTravelers must enter their personal information and trip details on the official portal in the 72 hours preceding arrival; after validation, a QR code is generated and presented during the transition to immigrationwhether one is with or without visaThis measure, currently limited to Ho Chi Minh City and not applied to airports, Hanoi Or Da Nang, is part of a logic of digitalization to better regulate traffic flow and reduce waiting times;visa exemption for tourist stays of less than 45 days However, it remains in force for French travellers subject to the conditions of passport validity.
Traveling to Vietnam: a mandatory preliminary step before landing at Ho Chi Minh City airport — Since mid-April, Vietnamese authorities have introduced a new digital formality for all travelers entering via Tân Sơn NhấtThis is an online registration to be completed in the 72 hours preceding the arrival, which generates a QR code to be presented at immigration control. This measure, intended to streamline arrivals at the country’s main hub, does not change the visa conditions currently in force.
Since the April 15, the airport of Ho Chi Minh City (Tân Sơn Nhất) applies a procedure ofonline pre-registration for all foreign nationals, whether they hold a visa or enter under an exemption scheme. This measure aims to better anticipate the flow of people – Tân Sơn Nhất being the country’s primary point of entry with more than 100,000 passengers transiting every day — and to optimize checks upon arrival.
Travellers must provide their personal information and details of their stay via the official Vietnamese immigration services portal within the specified timeframe. Once the declaration is approved, a QR code is issued and must be presented at the immigration counter. At this stage, the new formality remains limited to Ho Chi Minh City and does not (yet) apply to other international airports such as Hanoi or Da Nang.
For an official overview and recommendations, see the fact sheet. France Diplomacy and practical information published by local agencies, for example on ASEV Travel.
How to perform pre-registration
The process is completed online: you must fill out a form with your name, nationality, passport number, flight details, and address of stay. The operation must be done at the earliest 72 hours before arrival. After validation, a QR code is generated; keep a digital and printed copy for inspection. Practical guides and screenshots available on specialized websites explain the procedure step by step, for example on Tonkin Travel or on the news website Throughout Vietnam.
In case of forgetting to register, the authorities specify that the formality can be completed upon arrival, but this risks leading to a increased waiting time at the immigration counters.
What changes (or doesn’t change) for your visa
The new registration requirement is an additional administrative formality; it does not replace visa regulations. For French travelers, theVisa exemption for tourist stays of less than 45 days remains applicable, subject to compliance with the usual passport validity requirements. To check your personal situation and obtain the latest recommendations, consult the page of France Diplomacy and national press releases, such as the analysis of the Figaro Travel.
Operational consequences and objectives of the measure
This digitalization serves a dual purpose: streamline operations Upon arrival, authorities can anticipate passenger flows at the country’s largest airport. By collecting data before arrival, checks become faster and more organized, which should reduce queues but requires travelers to plan ahead. Feedback and local resources, such as the ASEV Travel report, clearly describe the benefits of this automation for managing passenger flow.
Practical advice before your departure
Prepare for your trip by checking the following points: make sure you have completed theprior registration within the recommended timeframe, keep the QR code Make several copies, print one copy, and keep the electronic version accessible. Check the validity of your passport and keep your accommodation information and flight ticket handy.
To enrich your cultural and tourist preparation, consult stories and guides that could inspire your itinerary: a poetic photographic portrait by Rehahn (Southeast Asia), gastronomic getaways (Southeast Asia – Flavors), cycling routes that cross landscapes and heritage (Southeast Asia – cycling), as well as travelogues and local portraits (Southeast Asia – ethnicities And Southeast Asia – route).
For further information on the new procedure, its practical details and feedback, please also consult the dedicated articles on ASEV Travel, the practical guide to Tonkin Travel and local reports such as Throughout Vietnam.
Finally, to extend the immersion and prepare for your experience there, here are some inspiring articles such as Explore the richness of Vietnamese flavors or photographic narratives (Rehahn) offer ideas for itineraries and discoveries to incorporate into your stay.
FAQ — Travel to Vietnam: Pre-departure formalities for Ho Chi Minh City
Q: What does this mean for travellers arriving in Ho Chi Minh City? A: This is a advance online registration imposed since mid-April for foreign nationals arriving at the airport Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat)This process involves declaring personal information and details of stay online before immigration control. Q: Since when has this formality been in effect? A: The procedure came into effect on April 15 and has since applied to arrivals from abroad in Tan Son Nhat. Q: Who needs to fill out this registration? A: All the foreign nationals are affected, whether they arrive with a visa or benefit from a visa exemption, when they go through immigration control at Tan Son Nhat. Q: Where and when should this declaration be made? A: The declaration is made on the official portal of the Vietnamese immigration services, to be carried out in the 72 hours prior to arrival in Ho Chi Minh City. Once validated, the platform provides a QR code to be presented at the immigration counter. Q: What happens if I didn’t record before landing? A: It is possible to complete the formalities upon arrival, but this may lengthen the waiting time at the control point. The authorities indicate that pre-registration aims to to streamline arrivals and reduce queues at the ticket office. Q: Does this new step change the entry requirements for Vietnam? A: No. Existing entry conditions remain unchanged; the procedure is solely aimed at digitizing and anticipating flows for more efficient checks upon arrival. Q: Does this requirement apply to all Vietnamese airports? A: For now, the measure is limited to Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat)It is not applied to other major international airports such as Hanoi Or Da Nang. Q: Are French travellers affected? A: Yes, French nationals passing through Tan Son Nhat must register.visa exemption for tourist stays of less than 45 days However, it remains applicable, subject to compliance with passport-related conditions. Q: Why is Vietnam implementing this approach? A: This approach is part of a policy of digitalization of procedures and flow management. It allows authorities to anticipate the number of passengers andoptimize controls in the country’s main air hub, where more than 100,000 passengers per day. Q: What do I need to present to immigration upon arrival? A: You must present your passport, your visa if applicable, and the QR code generated After your online registration has been validated, this information will allow immigration staff to process your entry more quickly. Q: If I do not leave the international zone and I make a connection, do I need to check in? A: If you Don’t go through immigration If you remain in airside transit, check-in is generally not required. However, if your connecting flight involves entering the country through the Tan Son Nhat immigration zone, pre-registration is required.