Vietnam Form NA1 vs Digital Arrival Card — Two Different Forms Explained

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Vietnam has two separate entry forms in 2026. Which one you need depends entirely on your visa type and port of entry. Many travelers mistakenly believe these are the same document — or that one replaces the other. They do not. Here is a clear breakdown of each form, who needs it, and how they interact.

Quick Summary

What Is the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card?

The Digital Arrival Card is part of the PAI (Pre-Arrival Information) system introduced by Vietnam's Immigration Department. It is a mandatory digital form that generates a QR code upon completion.

• Mandatory at: Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) since April 15, 2026; Phu Quoc Airport (PQC) since June 1, 2026
• Cost: Free — submit at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn
• When to submit: Within 72 hours before your arrival
• What you get: A QR code to present at immigration
• Does it replace your visa? No — it is an arrival declaration, not a visa

The Digital Arrival Card is required regardless of your visa type. Whether you have an e-visa, a national visa exemption, the Phu Quoc island exemption, or are applying for Visa on Arrival — you must complete it if arriving at SGN or PQC.

What Is Form NA1?

Form NA1 is the traditional paper entry/exit registration form used by Vietnamese immigration. It replaced the older M3 form and is physically stamped in or attached to your passport at the immigration counter.

Who needs Form NA1?

• Visa on Arrival (VOA) applicants — must complete NA1 at the VOA counter at the airport
• All travelers crossing via land and sea borders — the Digital Arrival Card system only covers SGN and PQC; for all other crossings, NA1 is the applicable form

You can fill in Form NA1 at the immigration or VOA counter on arrival. Alternatively, you can download and print it in advance from Vietnamese embassy websites or trusted travel portals to save time at the counter.

Key Differences at a Glance

I'm Using Visa on Arrival — Do I Need Both?

Yes — if you are arriving at SGN or PQC. Here is the step-by-step process for VOA applicants at these airports:

1. Before travel: Complete your Digital Arrival Card at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn within the 72-hour window. Save your QR code.
2. At the VOA counter: Present your VOA approval letter, completed Form NA1, passport photos (2×), and the cash visa fee. Staff will process your visa sticker.
3. At the main immigration counter: Present your passport (now with visa sticker) and your Digital Arrival Card QR code. Immigration will scan and clear you.

Both steps are required. Skipping the Digital Arrival Card will cause delays at the immigration gate even after your VOA is processed.

Common Confusions

Does the Digital Arrival Card replace Form NA1? No. They serve different purposes and are processed at different counters. VOA applicants need both.

Do e-visa holders need Form NA1? No. If you hold a valid Vietnam e-visa and are arriving at SGN or PQC, you only need the Digital Arrival Card. Form NA1 is not required.

Do travelers entering by land need the Digital Arrival Card? No. The Digital Arrival Card system only applies to SGN and PQC airports. If you are crossing a land border or arriving at a seaport, Form NA1 is the applicable document. The digital system has not been extended to land or sea crossings as of June 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: This article is an independent expert guide. vietnamprearrival.com is not affiliated with the Government of Vietnam or the Vietnam Immigration Department.