Vietnam Introduces Electronic Arrival Cards for Tourists

As of this week, Vietnam has implemented a new entry rule for tourists. All foreign visitors, including Russians traveling under the visa-free regime for up to 45 days and those holding electronic visas, must now complete an electronic arrival card and obtain a QR code before entering the country. This new requirement applies to all international airports in Vietnam, including the major hubs in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc Island. The electronic arrival card can be filled out up to 72 hours prior to arrival, requiring passengers to provide their passport details, visa information, and planned duration and location of their stay in Vietnam. Upon successful completion, the system generates a QR code that must be presented to immigration officers. This change comes as tourism from Russia to Vietnam continues to surge, with over 660,000 Russian visitors in 2025, a threefold increase from the previous year. According to Vietnamese officials, nearly 500,000 Russian tourists have already visited the country in the first five months of this year, with estimates suggesting that over a million Russian tourists may visit Vietnam in 2026.