Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form for Philippines Passport Holders — Complete Guide

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Many Filipino travelers love visiting Ho Chi Minh City for its food, culture, and shopping. Because the Philippines and Vietnam are both ASEAN members, travel between the two nations is generally straightforward.

However, a new rule has changed the entry process for flights landing at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). Filipino passport holders must now fill out the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form before arriving at SGN. This digital document is completely mandatory.

The bilateral visa-free agreement between the two countries does not remove this requirement. Even though you do not need a visa for short trips, you still must complete this digital declaration. This guide will help you understand exactly how to submit the Vietnam pre-arrival form Philippines correctly.

Do Filipino Travelers Need the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form?

Yes, Filipino travelers must complete this document if they are flying into Ho Chi Minh City. The Vietnam Immigration Department made this form mandatory on April 15, 2026. It applies to all foreign passport holders arriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN).

This requirement is strictly enforced by airport authorities and airlines. If you do not fill it out, you might face delays at immigration or be denied boarding in the Philippines. The form is free and must be completed online at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn.

Keep in mind that this rule currently only applies to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN). If you are flying directly into Hanoi (HAN) or Da Nang (DAD), this form is not required. You can check the complete eligibility details on our requirements page.

Philippines–Vietnam Bilateral Visa Exemption — What It Means on the Form

The Philippines has a bilateral visa exemption agreement with Vietnam. This means Filipino citizens can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 30 days. This makes short holidays and business trips incredibly convenient.

However, visa exemption is not an exemption from the pre-arrival form. These are two completely separate immigration requirements. You enjoy the 30-day visa-free under the bilateral agreement, but you must still declare your arrival electronically.

When you fill out the online form, you will be asked for your visa details. Because you do not have a physical visa or an E-Visa, you must select "Bilateral exemption" as your visa type. Choosing the wrong category can cause a mismatch in the immigration system.

Step-by-Step — Filling the Form with a Philippine Passport

Completing the digital form is easy if you have your documents ready. You must submit your details within 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival date at SGN. Follow these exact steps for a smooth application process.

First, go to the official portal at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. Select your nationality as "Philippines" from the dropdown menu to begin. Next, enter your passport information accurately. Your passport type is "P - Popular Passport," and your country code for contact numbers is +63.

Then, you must provide your trip information. Select "Bilateral exemption" as your visa type. You will need to choose your border gate, which must be SGN. Finally, select your exact flight code departing from airports like MNL (Manila), CEB (Cebu), or DVO (Davao).

Common Mistakes for Filipino Travelers

One of the most frequent errors Filipino travelers make is selecting "Visa" instead of "Bilateral exemption." Since you are traveling visa-free under the ASEAN agreement, picking "Visa" will confuse the system. It may ask for visa numbers that you do not have.

Another common mistake involves flight codes. Many Filipinos fly with Philippine Airlines (PR), Cebu Pacific (5J), or AirAsia (Z2). Be very careful with Cebu Pacific and AirAsia flights, as they use their own specific codes. Make sure to confirm the exact operating code on your ticket, not a codeshare number.

Finally, some travelers use the wrong departure airport code. If you are flying out of Cebu, your departure airport is CEB, not MNL. Double-check your itinerary before submitting the form. You cannot fix errors at the airport once the 72-hour window closes.

\[DISCLAIMER]\ This article is an independent guide to assist Filipino travelers. We are not affiliated with the Vietnamese government. Always verify current requirements through official channels before you travel.

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.