Vietnam to introduce nationwide pre-arrival declaration system for international travelers.

Vietnam’s Department of Immigration has officially officially launched a pilot version of the PAI system for foreign passengers at Tan Son Nhat International Airport on April 15, marking a major step forward in Vietnam’s efforts to modernize immigration procedures and accelerate digital transformation in the aviation and tourism sectors.

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According to immigration authorities, the PAI system allows international passengers to complete essential travel declarations before arriving in Vietnam. By submitting information in advance, immigration officers can analyze passenger data earlier and process entry procedures more efficiently, helping travelers avoid long queues and lengthy waiting times at immigration checkpoints. The initiative comes amid growing international travel demand and the rapid development of digital aviation services, smart tourism solutions and pre-travel support platforms worldwide.

The Immigration Department noted that the system also reflects broader efforts to reform administrative procedures, improve immigration management and enhance service quality for foreigners entering Vietnam.

For travelers, the PAI system is expected to significantly reduce processing times and simplify arrival procedures. Passengers can complete declarations anytime and anywhere using internet-connected electronic devices within three days before their arrival in Vietnam. The online process is particularly beneficial during peak travel periods or for passengers with tight schedules.

The platform is also expected to support airlines, travel companies and organizations serving international visitors. Authorities said early guidance for passengers in completing PAI declarations could help improve coordination, streamline support services and enhance operational efficiency for tourism and aviation businesses.

Regarding the initial rollout, the Immigration Department reported encouraging results after the first 15 days of operation at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

During the pilot phase, 161,596 passengers accessed the PAI platform to submit declarations, while 119,854 travelers successfully completed the process. Although participation remains voluntary at this stage, around 70% of foreign passengers chose to use the system, while successful declarations accounted for approximately 51% of total users.

According to the department, the figures demonstrate strong public support and positive responses from international travelers. However, some declarations could not be processed successfully due to incorrect flight codes that did not match Passenger Name Record (PNR) data.

Authorities said the pilot programme has received active cooperation from airlines, related agencies and foreign passengers. Based on user feedback and operational experience, the Immigration Department will continue reviewing and upgrading the platform to make it more user-friendly, convenient and accessible.

Following the successful pilot at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the department plans to gradually expand the PAI system to other international airports across Vietnam. Officials are also studying the possibility of deploying the system at land border gates in accordance with actual operating conditions.

The nationwide rollout of the PAI platform is expected to contribute to smoother immigration procedures, improved border management and a more convenient travel experience for international visitors entering Vietnam.

According to a notice published on the Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Office’s Facebook page, the new regulation requires foreign nationals and overseas Vietnamese traveling with visas to submit personal and travel-related information online before arriving in Vietnam.

Under the new system, Vietnamese passport holders and transit passengers are exempt from the declaration requirement. Eligible travelers can complete the process through the official pre-arrival portal at Vietnam Pre-arrival Information Portal before boarding their flights to Vietnam.

Follow the step-by-step guide in the images below for a quick and easy submission process:

After successfully submitting the declaration, passengers will receive a confirmation code, which must be presented to immigration officers upon arrival. Authorities said the pre-entry process allows immigration officials to review passenger information in advance, helping shorten processing times and reduce congestion at immigration checkpoints, especially during peak travel periods.

The Immigration Office also warned that passengers who fail to complete the declaration before arrival may experience longer waiting times during entry procedures. Travelers are advised to ensure all submitted information is accurate and complete at least three days prior to arriving in Vietnam.

As Vietnam continues to witness strong growth in international travel demand, the implementation of the pre-arrival declaration system is expected to play an important role in improving airport operations and enhancing the country’s tourism infrastructure.

Source: VNExpress International

Photos: Collected.