How To Fill Out Your Vietnam Arrival Card

Planning a trip to Vietnam? Then don’t forget one of the most essential travel documents you’ll need upon landing – the arrival card Vietnam! Whether you're entering via Tan Son Nhat Airport, Noi Bai, or the Moc Bai border, this small card plays a big role in getting your Vietnam visa processed smoothly. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to fill out the Vietnam visa entry and exit form, what to prepare, and how to avoid common mistakes – all to help you breeze through the immigration office like a seasoned traveler.

1. Where to Get the Vietnam Arrival Card (NA1 Form)

On the Plane

Yes, that’s right! Most international airlines distribute the arrival card Vietnam during your flight, especially if you’re landing at busy hubs like arrival Tan Son Nhat or Noi Bai Airport. Fill it in while you're in the air and beat the rush!

At the Immigration Counters

Didn’t get one on the plane? No problem. As soon as you disembark at Son Nhat Airport Noi Bai or arrive at Moc Bai border, you’ll find stacks of arrival card Vietnam at the immigration office.

Download in Advance

Now here's the pro tip every travel planner loves: downloading the form and filling it in advance. This is especially smart if you’re applying for a visa, traveling with family, or just want a hassle-free entry. You’ll find the downloadable Vietnam visa entry and exit form on official visa websites or through your Vietnam invitation letter provider.

2. Vietnam Arrival Card: What You Need Before Filling

Your Passport

Make sure it’s valid for at least 6 months. Details? Write your passport number, issue date, expiry, and issuing authority correctly.

Visa Approval Letter (If Applicable)

If you're using visa on arrival, don't forget the Vietnam invitation letter. It’s your golden ticket at the immigration office.

Hotel or Host Contact Info

You’ll need the address of your accommodation in Vietnam – a hotel, homestay, or friend’s place. Write it exactly as shown on your booking.

Return Ticket

This isn’t always checked, but some travelers entering Vietnam are asked to show proof of exit – especially at airport Moc Bai border.

Passport Photo (4x6 cm, White Background)

A photo is required to attach to your Vietnam visa entry and exit form. Make sure it’s recent, has a white background, and matches the required size. Don’t wait until the airport – bring it with you!

3. Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the NA1 Form

Filling out the arrival card Vietnam might seem simple, but a single error can lead to long lines at the immigration office. Follow these steps closely to avoid any hiccups!

You can get the Vietnam visa entry and exit form on the plane, at the arrival Tan Son Nhat, or Noi Bai airport, or better yet – save time by downloading the form and filling it in advance.

Let’s break it down field by field:

Full Name (CAPITAL letters – match your passport)

Use block capital letters and make sure your full name exactly matches what's on your passport. Example: JAMES ALBERT SMITH.

Gender

Tick Male or Female accordingly. Simple but don’t skip it!

Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY)

Use the standard date format. Example: 15/08/1990.

Place of Birth

List both city and country. Example: Chicago, United States.

Nationality at Birth

What nationality were you assigned at birth? Write clearly.

Current Nationality

This must match the nationality listed on your current passport.

Religion (optional)

This section is not mandatory. You can leave it blank if you wish.

Occupation

List your current job title. Example: Software Engineer, Student, Consultant.

Employer Name and Address

This applies if you’re employed or studying. Provide the name and address of your employer, school, or university.

Home Address, Phone, Email

Enter your permanent address from the country you're coming from, along with contact phone number and email.

Emergency Contact (Family in your home country)

Not those traveling with you. List your parent, sibling, or spouse back home – just in case of emergencies.

Passport Details

Carefully write your passport number, the type (regular, diplomatic), issuing authority, and expiry date. Always double-check!

Previous Entry into Vietnam

Have you been to Vietnam before? If yes, write the most recent entry and exit date. Leave it blank if this is your first visit.

Intended Entry Date & Proposed Duration to Entry

Include your expected arrival Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai, or Moc Bai border entry date and how many days you plan to stay. This must match your visa applications!

Purpose of Entry

Select what applies: tourism, business, study, or others. This should match your Vietnam visa type or invitation letter.

Address in Vietnam

Where will you stay? Hotel, Airbnb, friend's home – be specific.

Leave Blank

This field is not applicable. Skip it.

Accompanying Children (under 14 years old)

Only fill this if your children are on your passport. Otherwise, they need their own arrival card Vietnam.

Visa Type & Duration

Are you applying for a single entry or multiple entry visa? Note the dates that apply.

Other Requests

Have special needs or notes for immigration? Mention them here.

Final Section – Done at, Date, Signature

Write the location of your entry: Tan Son Nhat Airport, Noi Bai, or Moc Bai border gate. Then add the date (DD/MM/YYYY) and sign your full name.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even savvy travelers make mistakes! Let’s avoid the usual slip-ups that cause delays or rejection of your arrival card Vietnam.

Using Nicknames or Mismatched Names

Always use your full legal name exactly as it appears on your passport. No nicknames, abbreviations, or reversed names!

Wrong Photo Size

Bringing the wrong size or forgetting a passport photo is one of the top reasons travelers get held up at Tan Son Nhat Airport.

Leaving Required Fields Blank

Every section of the Vietnam visa entry and exit form has a purpose – fill it all! Skipping fields might force you to go to the back of the line to redo it.

Mismatched Visa Information

Your stated purpose of entry (tourism, business, study) must match what’s on your Vietnam visa or visa applications.

Forgetting to Sign

It’s an easy one to miss, but without your signature and date, your arrival card Vietnam is incomplete. Don’t let a simple oversight ruin your smooth landing!

5. What Happens After You Submit the Form

So, you’ve filled your arrival card Vietnam, attached your photo, and queued up at the immigration office. What’s next?

Process at Immigration

Hand over your NA1 form, passport, Vietnam invitation letter, and photo. If you’re using visa on arrival, they’ll also check your visa approval and process your payment.

Stamp on Passport and Visa

Once everything’s checked, your Vietnam visa gets stamped in! Welcome to Vietnam!

Processing Time

Depending on how busy it is at arrival Tan Son Nhat or Moc Bai border gate, it could take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes.

Questions the Officer Might Ask

They might ask about your proposed duration to entry, where you’re staying, or purpose of travel. Just answer confidently with the info you already wrote on your arrival card Vietnam.

6. Conclusion

There you have it – everything you need to know about the arrival card Vietnam, from where to get it to how to fill it out with confidence. With your documents ready and form completed in advance, your entry into Vietnam will be smooth, swift, and stress-free. Whether you’re coming for tourism, business, or study, this simple step gets you one stride closer to discovering the beauty of Vietnam. Now, let’s get that passport stamped and the adventure started!