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Bane of our lives. It seems that, with every passing month, travel rules just get more and more complicated, especially if you’re an American citizen.

From one of the top 3 most powerful passports in the world, to plunging to the 11th position, a U.S. travel document no longer grants you the level of hassle-free entry you might have enjoyed once.

Whether it’s asking for pre-authorization to board your flight to London or being subject to mandatory fingerprinting upon landing in Madrid, entry requirements are changing drastically.

One of the most sought-after destinations in Southeast Asia, known for its otherworldly nature, UNESCO-listed bays, and sprawling coastal cities, Vietnam is no exception:

Americans Now Need To Complete A Form To Travel To Vietnam

…On Top Of The E-Visa

As of April 15, arrival procedures in Vietnam have changed once again. Hopping on the wider Asia bandwagon, the Land of the Blue Dragon is introducing a new E-Form applying to all new arrivals. This includes U.S. citizens.

Dubbed the ‘Digital Arrival Card’, it must be presented by travelers upon arrival to the country, whether they’re visa exempt (Americans are not), or they can travel visa-free (as is the case with some Europeans).

The E-Form can be completed online, usually under 15 minutes.

• Vietnam isn’t the only country slapping entry requirements on American travelers lately. To check your next destination, visit the Entry Requirement Checker here.

You can, in theory, fly to Vietnam without completing it, as this is different from the E-Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization. However, if you do so, you will still need to fill it out prior to undergoing border control, and this could cause severe delays.

Some airlines may also be stricter regarding the completion of the card before flying, and the last thing you want is to get denied boarding.

In practice, you’ll want to get your Digital Arrival Card within the 72 hours before you actually land in Vietnam.

If you’ve ever gone through the Vietnam E-Visa process, you already know it can drag on and feel like a bit of a slog, and the Vietnamese government’s official websites don’t always make things smooth or straightforward…. to put it mildly.

There are exceptions:

• Vietnamese citizens traveling on a Vietnamese passport, of course
• Travelers in transit who do not go through the usual entry formalities

Wondering how safe Vietnam is to visit right now? Many travelers mistakenly believe Vietnam is dangerous, as the Vietnam War, however long-resolved it may be, is still in the backs of their minds.

This is far from reflecting the situation on the ground today. Here’s what travelers have been reporting lately:

Those covered by the measure need to make sure they submit their info ahead of time, and that it’s accurate, legit, and complete. In other words, don’t half-ass the form while you’re doomscrolling TikTok on the side.

One wrong box ticked in the wrong place could land you in some unnecessary trouble at immigration, or at the very least, slow you down big time when you’re just trying to get through and start your trip.

Before you fly, regardless of destination, make sure you use the Entry Requirement Checker to ensure you’ve covered all bases and you’ve got your documentation in order.

In Vietnam’s case, that would be:

• A passport valid for 6+ months beyond travel dates
• At least 1 blank passport page
• Proof of onward or return ticket
• E-Visa
• Digital Arrival Card

How To Apply For Vietnam’s Digital Arrival Card

Part I

• Access the official portal here
• Complete the passenger information

Full name, gender, date of birth, nationality

Passport details (number, expiration date)

Expected arrival date (limited to arrivals within the next 72 hours)

Phone number

Email address

• Type of visa or document used to enter Vietnam (E-Visa, ABTC Card, Travel Card, Permanent Residence Card, Temporary Residence Card, Visa)

• Visa or document number
• Date of visa issuance, expiration, and place of issue

Part II

The second part refers to personal travel plans.

• Country of departure prior to Vietnam arrival
• Purpose of travel (tourism, business, study, work)
• Mode of transport: air, land, or sea
• Flight number (air arrivals), vehicle identification number (land or sea)
• Point of entry
• Type of accomodation in Vietnam (hotel, private residence)

Part II

Make sure you double-check all the information provided, and confirm your email address before proceeding to the next step. Applicants will receive a six-digit OTP code via this email to confirm their declaration.

Part IV

• Download the QR code sent to your email (you must present it at the border along with the E-Visa)

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.