Do Australians Need a Vietnam Arrival Card & 2026 Vietnam NA1 Guide

Heading to Vietnam soon? Navigating the paperwork like the 'Vietnam Arrival Card' can be confusing with so many different forms mentioned online. We’ve broken down the essentials in this guide to clarify who needs this card and exactly what Australia travelers should prepare for a hassle-free immigration experience.

Do Australians Need a Vietnam Arrival Card?

Australians do not need to fill out a traditional physical arrival/departure card when entering Vietnam. However, Australian passport holders must obtain a valid visa (usually an e-Visa) before arrival and have that documentation ready. You may sometimes be required to complete a health declaration or a basic arrival form if requested by authorities. 

Key Requirements for Australians:

• Visa: A valid e-Visa (up to 90 days, single/multiple entry) is required, applied for through the official Vietnam E-visa portal.
• Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, with two blank pages.
• Arrival Procedures: Simply present your passport and printed e-Visa/approval letter to immigration officials.
• Registration: If you are not staying in a hotel, you must register your stay with the local police, often assisted by your host.

New for 2026: Vietnam Digital Pre-Arrival Card

Vietnam CK

Starting April 15, 2026, Vietnam's Immigration Department introduced a mandatory free online pre-arrival declaration for international travelers arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. This is part of a phased digitalization of Vietnam's border system.

When Do Australians Need to Fill in Vietnam Arrival Card?

Australians must complete a Vietnam arrival form (or digital NA1 form) 1-7 days before arrival, ideally 2-3 days prior to departure. While digital kiosks are appearing, paper forms are still common, and they are required to declare passenger details, accommodation, and purpose of visit to immigration and customs. 

Key Details for Australians:

• Best Time to Submit: 2-3 days before departure to allow time for corrections.
• Last Option: Paper forms are often distributed on flights.
• E-visa Users: If you have an approved e-visa, you may not need to fill out additional forms, but it is recommended to have all documents printed.
• Information Needed: Passport details, hotel address, and trip details. 

Important Notes:

• Visa Required: Australians must have a visa, typically an e-visa obtained in advance, to enter Vietnam.
• Health Declaration: A digital health declaration may be required, generally within 72 hours before arrival.
• Keep Documents: Keep any immigration forms provided, as part of it may need to be returned upon departure.

What Is the Vietnam Entry and Exit Form (NA1)?

The NA1 form is an official Entry and Exit Form required for travellers who are applying for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Vietnam. It collects basic information such as your:

• Full name and nationality
• Passport number and expiry date
• Flight details and port of entry
• Address in Vietnam (hotel or host)
• Type of visa and length of stay

Tips:

• Fill the form clearly in English.
• Double-check all passport and flight details to avoid delays.
• Keep a copy for yourself, just in case.

How to Submit the Vietnam Entry and Exit Form?

Once completed, the NA1 is submitted at the airport VOA counter along with your visa approval letter, photos, and stamping fee.

1. At the Airport VOA Counter

• Upon arrival in Vietnam, go to the Visa on Arrival (VOA) counter.
• Hand in your completed NA1 form, passport, visa approval letter, passport-sized photos, and stamping fee.

2. Payment of Stamping Fee

• The stamping fee is usually paid in cash (USD or VND) at the counter.
• Make sure you have the exact amount to avoid delays.

3. Processing

• VOA officers will review your form and documents.
• Once approved, your passport will be stamped with the visa.

4. Collect Your Passport

• After processing, collect your passport and proceed to immigration for entry.

Vietnam Entry Requirements for Australians

Australian citizens require a visa to enter Vietnam for tourism or business, with the most common option being the 90-day, single or multiple-entry e-Visa. Applications should be submitted at least 1–2 weeks before travel via the official e-visa portal. A passport with at least six months' validity is required. 

Key Entry Requirements for Australians:

• Visa Requirement: Mandatory for Australians.
• e-Visa Details: Valid for up to 90 days, allowing single or multiple entries.
• Application Process: Apply online through the official government portal.
• Required Documents: A scanned passport data page, a digital passport photo (), and a credit/debit card for payment.
• Processing Time: Usually 3–7 working days.
• Passport Validity: Must have at least 6 months validity remaining beyond the date of entry.
• Entry Points: E-visas are accepted at 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports.
• Other Options: Visas can also be obtained through the Embassy of Vietnam in Australia. 

Travel Tips for a Smooth Arrival in Vietnam

• 📲 Get a Vietnam eSIM: Stay connected immediately upon landing for maps, rides, and travel apps.
• 💳 Prepare Cash & Payment Options: Carry some VND or USD for taxis, stamping fees (if using VOA), or small purchases; contactless payments are accepted in many places.
• 🚆 Know Your Airport Transfer Options: The Airport Express train (Hanoi), shuttle buses, or Grab/ride-hailing apps can get you quickly into the city.
• 🛵 Plan Local Transport in Advance: Consider using motorbike rental apps, Grab rides, or hop-on-hop-off buses for city sightseeing.
• 📍 Download Offline Maps & Travel Apps: Apps like Google Maps offline mode or Maps.me, plus Grab for rides, make navigating Vietnam much smoother.

Vietnam Hotels Recommendation