Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form for Australian Citizens in 2026

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If you are planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, the entry rules have changed. Starting April 15, 2026, the government introduced a mandatory immigration step for international arrivals. This applies directly to Australian tourists and business travelers landing at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN).

Australian citizens need two things before arriving at SGN in 2026. You must have a valid Vietnam visa and the new Pre-Arrival Declaration Form. Both of these documents are mandatory. They are also entirely separate processes.

Understanding the Vietnam pre arrival form Australia requirements will save you from stressful delays. The process is fully digital and free to complete. This guide will walk you through exactly what you need to do before your flight departs from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, or Adelaide.

By following these updated rules, you can ensure a smooth entry into Vietnam. Let us break down the two-step process you must complete before your arrival.

Do Australian Citizens Need the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form?

Yes, Australian citizens must submit this form. The Vietnam Immigration Department requires it for all foreign passport holders arriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN). You cannot skip this step.

The rule officially took effect on April 15, 2026. Currently, it only applies to travelers landing in Ho Chi Minh City. If you are flying into Hanoi (HAN) or Da Nang (DAD), this specific form is not required yet.

You must submit the form up to three days (72 hours) before your arrival date at SGN. You cannot complete it earlier than this window. If you want to check specific exemptions, view the official requirements page.

Australia + Vietnam — Two Requirements: Visa PLUS Pre-Arrival Form

A common point of confusion for travelers is the difference between a visa and the pre-arrival form. Australians are not visa-exempt. This means you cannot simply board a plane with just your passport and the pre-arrival form.

You must tackle these requirements in the correct sequence. First, you need to apply for and receive your Vietnam e-visa. You cannot complete the pre-arrival form without your approved visa details.

Once your e-visa is approved, you can move to the second step. You will visit the official portal at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn to fill out the pre-arrival form. During this step, you will enter your e-visa number, issue date, and expiry date.

How to Get a Vietnam E-Visa as an Australian Citizen

Getting your e-visa is a straightforward online process. You should apply at the official government website, evisa.gov.vn, well before your travel dates. The e-visa allows for stays of up to 90 days. You can choose either a single or multiple-entry visa. The standard fee is approximately $25 USD.

When applying for the e-visa, ensure you select passport type "P" for a standard Australian passport. Your country code for contact details will be +61. Once approved, you will receive a digital PDF of your visa.

Pay close attention to your approved e-visa document. The e-visa number format starts with the letter "N". You must copy this exact number when filling out your pre-arrival form. For the "issued place" field on the form, you should select "Online (Vietnam E-Visa Portal)".

If you need a step-by-step walkthrough for the submission process, check out our application guide.

Connecting Flights from Australia to SGN — Getting the Flight Code Right

Currently, there are no direct flights from Australia to Ho Chi Minh City's SGN airport. Australian travelers always have a connecting flight. Most flights connect via hubs like Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, or Kuala Lumpur.

This layover detail is crucial when filling out the pre-arrival form. The form asks for the specific flight arriving at SGN. You must enter the flight code for the final leg of your journey into Vietnam. Do not enter the flight code for your departure out of Australia.

Additionally, you must use the operating carrier's code. For example, Qantas (QF) often codeshares on flights operated by Vietnam Airlines (VN) or Jetstar (JQ). If you bought a Qantas ticket but the plane is flown by Vietnam Airlines, use the VN flight code. Entering the wrong flight code can cause system errors.

Common Mistakes for Australian Citizens

Many travelers make simple errors that cause delays at the airport. The most common mistake is trying to fill out the Pre-Arrival Form before getting an e-visa. Without a valid visa number, you cannot complete the required fields. Always secure your visa first.

Another frequent issue involves the Visa Type selection on the form. Australians using the standard digital visa must select "Electronic Visa (E-Visa)" from the dropdown menu. If you have a physical visa sticker in your passport, select "Visa" instead.

Finally, do not forget the submission window. You must submit the form within 72 hours of your arrival at SGN, not your departure from Australia. The portal will not show your flight if you try to apply a week in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prepare for a Smooth Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City

Traveling to Vietnam from Australia is an exciting adventure. The new digital requirements are designed to speed up processing at the border. By understanding the rules, you protect yourself from unwanted travel stress.

Remember the golden rule: get your e-visa first, then complete the pre-arrival form. Double-check your flight numbers, especially since your route will involve a layover. Keep digital and printed copies of both documents with your Australian passport.

If you follow these straightforward steps, your entry into Vietnam will be hassle-free. Enjoy your trip to Ho Chi Minh City and the incredible experiences waiting for you.

Disclaimer: This article is an independent expert guide. vietnamprearrival.com is not affiliated with the Government of Vietnam or the Vietnam Immigration Department. Always verify current requirements at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn before travel.