Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form for German Citizens (2026)

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German citizens enjoy one of the most generous visa-free agreements with Vietnam. As of 2023, Germany is on Vietnam's unilateral visa exemption list, granting a 45-day stay without a visa. However, this exemption does not remove the requirement to complete the mandatory Pre-Arrival Declaration Form before arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN).

This guide explains exactly how German passport holders must complete the vietnam pre arrival form Germany process, which visa type to select, and the most important rules for travelers connecting through European hubs.

German Citizens and the Vietnam Visa Exemption

Germany is included in Vietnam's unilateral visa waiver program. German passport holders can stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days per visit without obtaining a visa in advance. This exemption is automatic — you do not need to apply for anything before departure to qualify for it.

However, the 45-day visa exemption only covers permission to enter. It does not waive the Pre-Arrival Declaration Form requirement. All foreign nationals arriving at SGN must submit this declaration regardless of their visa status.

If you plan to stay longer than 45 days, you must obtain an e-visa at evisa.gov.vn before traveling. In that case, follow the e-visa process instead of the exemption instructions below.

Completing the Pre-Arrival Form — Step by Step for Germans

Access the official portal at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn within the 72-hour window before your scheduled SGN arrival. The portal will not display your flight if you attempt to submit the form more than 72 hours before landing.

On Step 2, you will see a dropdown for your visa type. German citizens traveling under the visa exemption must select "Unilateral exemption". Do not select "Visa" as you are not entering on a visa. Do not select "Bilateral exemption" as Germany's arrangement is unilateral, not bilateral.

Complete the remaining passenger information fields accurately. On Step 3, select your arriving flight from the dropdown using the operating carrier code, not the marketing airline code.

The Departure Country Field — Critical for German Travelers

Most flights from Germany to Ho Chi Minh City include at least one connection. Common hubs used by German travelers include Dubai (DXB) via Emirates, Doha (DOH) via Qatar Airways, Istanbul (IST) via Turkish Airlines, and various Asian hubs.

On the Pre-Arrival Declaration Form, the departure country field refers to the country where your final flight to SGN departs. If you fly from Frankfurt to Dubai and then to Ho Chi Minh City, your departure country is the United Arab Emirates — not Germany.

This is the single most common error German travelers make on the form. Always trace your full itinerary and identify the final transit point before submitting.

What Happens at SGN Immigration for German Citizens

After submitting the declaration form, take a screenshot of the Step 4 confirmation screen. Lufthansa and other carriers will request this during check-in. Immigration officers at SGN will also verify your submission.

At Tan Son Nhat Airport, present your German passport and your Pre-Arrival Form confirmation to the immigration officer. Since you are entering under the visa exemption, you do not need to present a separate visa document. The exemption is automatically applied based on your German passport.

Standard processing takes 10 to 30 minutes. Peak arrival periods can extend the wait. Have your documents ready before reaching the officer's desk.

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. Always verify current requirements at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn before travel.