What to Prepare Before Flying to Vietnam: Arrival Checklist
Do these four things before you fly: valid entry permission, the free Digital Arrival Card, a working phone number, and a plan for the airport queue.
1. Passport and visa
Your passport needs at least 6 months' validity from the day you enter. Check whether you are visa-exempt or need an e-visa at evisa.gov.vn. Print a copy of the e-visa approval. Immigration can still ask for paper even if they scan the chip.
2. Digital Arrival Card
Since April 2026 most foreign arrivals must file a Digital Arrival Card in the 72 hours before landing. It is free on prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. Save the QR offline. Fast Track does not fill this in for you.
3. Phone data
Unlock your phone before you leave home. Install an eSIM QR the night before, or buy a Viettel/Mobifone tourist eSIM at the airport desk after baggage. You need data to message a driver if anything changes.
4. The airport hour
Decide Fast Track vs the regular queue, and car vs Grab, before you board. Night arrivals at SGN and HAN are when the regular line hurts most. Screenshot your hotel address in Vietnamese for the driver.
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