Special Announcement for Overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu) Returning Home
Published: April 17, 2026 | Truong Law Firm, PLLC – Houston & Vietnam Offices

Dear Việt Kiều brothers and sisters,
We understand that returning to Vietnam is always a joyful yet sometimes stressful journey — long flights, family reunions, and the desire for a smooth, quick immigration process after many hours in the air.
To make your entry into Vietnam faster and more convenient, the Vietnamese Immigration Department has introduced a new pre-arrival information declaration requirement at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (TSN), effective from April 15, 2026.
Who needs to do this?
- Foreign passport holders entering Vietnam
- Overseas Vietnamese (Việt Kiều) entering with a visa
✅ Not required for: Vietnamese citizens using a Vietnamese passport or passengers only in transit.
What you need to do (very simple):
-
- Complete your personal information declaration before arriving at the airport.
- Receive a confirmation QR code instantly.
- Show the QR code to immigration officers at TSN when clearing entry.
Two easy ways to declare:
Way 1 – Online (Highly Recommended) Access the official website before your flight: https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn/
Way 2 – Scan QR Code Use the official QR code provided at information counters (available from April 15, 2026).
Helpful tip from Truong Law Firm, PLLC: Please complete the declaration before boarding your flight from the US. This will help you avoid long queues at immigration, so you can quickly reunite with your loved ones in Vietnam.
At Truong Law Firm, PLLC (Houston, Texas & Ho Chi Minh City), we have assisted thousands of Việt Kiều with US immigration, visas, green cards, and citizenship. We understand the unique needs of our community when traveling between the two countries.
If you have any questions about US visa status, re-entry permits, or need support with immigration matters before your trip home, our bilingual team is always ready to help.
FAQ
-
- Who must complete the pre-arrival declaration? All foreign passport holders entering Vietnam and Overseas Vietnamese (Việt Kiều) who enter using a visa must complete it. Vietnamese citizens using a Vietnamese passport and transit passengers (who do not clear immigration) are exempt.
- When does this new rule start? The regulation takes effect from April 15, 2026 at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (TSN – Ho Chi Minh City). It may expand to other airports later.
- What information do I need to declare? You will need to provide basic personal details: full name, passport number, visa information (if any), flight number, and your address/accommodation in Vietnam. The form is simple and takes only a few minutes.
- Do I have to do this before leaving the US, or can I do it after landing? It is highly recommended to complete the declaration online before your flight from the US. This helps you avoid long queues after a tiring long-haul flight and allows faster reunion with family. You can also scan the QR code upon arrival at TSN if needed.
- Where can I complete the declaration? Official website (recommended): https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn/ Do this on your phone or computer before boarding.
- Is this the same as the old Arrival Card (NA1 form)? No. This is a new pre-arrival digital declaration. You will receive a QR code to show at immigration. It is separate from the traditional paper arrival card (if still used).
- What if I forget to do it before the flight? You can still complete it at the airport by scanning the official QR code. However, doing it in advance is much better to save time and reduce stress.
- Does this affect my US visa, green card, or re-entry permit? No. This is purely a Vietnamese immigration requirement. It does not impact your US immigration status. However, if you have any concerns about your US visa validity, re-entry permit, or citizenship application before traveling, our team at Truong Law Firm, PLLC is happy to assist.
- I am a dual citizen or have both Vietnamese and US passports. What should I do? If you enter using your foreign (US) passport + visa, you must complete the pre-arrival declaration. If you enter using your Vietnamese passport, you are exempt.
- Where can I get help if I have questions? Contact Truong Law Firm, PLLC – we specialize in supporting the Vietnamese community with US immigration and travel matters between the US and Vietnam. Our bilingual team is ready to help you prepare for a smooth trip home.
Services
Consulting
Let’s start with a personalized consultation to help you understand your choices and what’s required
Document Preparation
We assist with gathering and preparing all necessary sponsorship documents.
Application Support
We guide you step-by-step, from completing forms to submitting your application.
Legal Consultation
Ensuring compliance with current immigration laws and regulations.
Customers Feedback
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best immigration lawyer I have ever worked with.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you, John and his associate for helping me reunion with my wife in the US