Airport Procedures

Checkin counters at Vietnam airport (Photo: Shutterstock.com)

First, keep in mind that once you leave your country, you need a passport with at least 6 months of validity. This rule applies to all international travel, including between the US and Canada, but it does not apply to EU member countries. If you are coming to Vietnam, you will need both a valid passport and a valid Vietnam visa.

Check in at the airport - you are required to show your visa before boarding

You will be asked for your passport and visa at the time of check-in, no matter where you fly from. A Vietnam visa can be in the form of a stamp ready in your passport or a signed visa approval letter (visa on arrival).

Second, upon presenting your passport and visa/visa approval letter, you will be provided a boarding pass to fly to Vietnam. When you arrive at one of the three main airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang), the first thing you will see—often right before or next to the Customs area—is the Immigration Office with a bright sign saying "Visa On Arrival" or "Landing Visa".

If you already have a visa stamp, head straight to the Customs area, hand in your passport for checking, and proceed to the baggage claim area.

If you are utilizing the visa on arrival service, you will need to present the following documents: your passport, the Vietnam entry and exit form, the visa approval letter, and 2 passport-sized photos (see photo requirements). After receiving your visa stamp, you can proceed to customs.

Visa on arrival counter at Vietnam Airport

Third, once granted entry by immigration and customs officers, you can collect your luggage, leave the airport, and take a taxi or bus to the city center. Generally, luggage collection is quick and efficient at Vietnam airports—you will receive your bags in no time.

When you depart from Vietnam, you only need to show your passport at the immigration stations before proceeding to the security checkpoint. If you stay longer than your visa allows, you may incur fines, so make sure to note your visa expiration date.