Before you land
Keep your passport and e-Visa together in your hand luggage. A printout is safest, but a clear copy on your phone is also accepted. Have your hotel address ready, as the officer may ask where you are staying.
Immigration
- e-Visa holders and visa-exempt travellers: go straight to the foreigner lanes at immigration.
- Visa on arrival: go first to the landing-visa desk with your approval letter, passport, photos and cash for the stamping fee.
- Queues at Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can take an hour at busy times. A fast-track service walks you through a priority lane.
Bags and customs
After immigration, collect your bags and walk through customs. Most travellers use the green lane. You must declare cash over US$5,000 or the equivalent, and some goods such as drones and large amounts of tobacco have their own rules.
SIM card, money and getting into town
- SIM: buy an eSIM before you fly so you are online as soon as you land, or use the phone shops in the arrivals hall.
- Money: ATMs in the arrivals hall give Vietnamese dong. Keep some small notes for taxis and snacks.
- Transport: use a ride-hailing app, the official taxi queue or a pre-booked private pick-up with a fixed price.