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Your first hour in Vietnam: immigration, SIM, and getting to the city

By Sarah Mitchell3 min read
Your first hour in Vietnam: immigration, SIM, and getting to the city
Photo by Son Tung Tran on Pexels (https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-floating-on-boats-on-river-6531912/)

The moment you land in Vietnam, your first hour comes down to three steps: clear immigration, get a SIM if you need one, and take an official taxi or pre-booked transfer to your hotel. Done in order, this typically takes under 60 minutes total.

What do I need ready before immigration?

Have your passport (valid at least 6 months is recommended) and a printed E-visa or entry letter ready, and follow the correct immigration lane. If you're only transiting and staying within the airport, you're exempt from entry formalities. No health declaration is required to enter, exit, or transit Vietnam. One important rule: you must enter and exit on the same passport, and any domestic travel within Vietnam must also be on that same document — so don't switch passports mid-trip if you hold more than one.

Is there anything extra if I'm landing in Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes. Arriving via Tan Son Nhat International Airport requires foreign nationals to submit a digital arrival declaration before landing, either through the online system or an official QR code (transit passengers are exempt). You get a confirmation QR code to show immigration officers. This can be completed up to 72 hours before arrival, and doing it early is recommended to cut down congestion and speed up processing. Note this system currently applies only to Tan Son Nhat — other airports may have different requirements, so check ahead if you're flying into Hanoi, Da Nang, or elsewhere.

Where can I use my E-visa?

E-visas are accepted at 13 major international airports, including Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Cam Ranh, Da Nang, Cat Bi, Can Tho, Phu Quoc, Phu Bai, Van Don, Tho Xuan, Dong Hoi, Phu Cat, and Lien Khuong. If your entry point isn't on this list, verify your visa is valid for that specific airport before you fly.

How do I get from the airport to the city?

Immigration and baggage claim usually take 0–15 minutes. If you've pre-booked fast-track assistance, add 15–30 minutes. For the transfer itself: in Hanoi, use reputable taxi companies like Xanh SM, ABC, Be, Mai Linh, or CP; in Ho Chi Minh City, use Vinasun or Mai Linh. Always insist the driver switches on the meter before moving, and go straight to the official taxi queue rather than dealing with agents touting outside the arrival hall. Grab is also an option — just confirm the vehicle number matches the app before getting in. If you've arranged a private transfer, your driver will be waiting in the arrival hall with a name board for direct hotel drop-off. Total airport-to-city time is 20–45 minutes depending on traffic, with door-to-hotel usually within the hour.

Need a SIM on arrival? Pre-booked SIM pickup at the airport usually takes less than 5 minutes, or full setup (if not pre-arranged) can take 30–45 minutes.

FAQ

Do I need to fill out a health declaration? No — as of July 2026, health declarations are not required to enter, exit, or transit Vietnam, though this could change if disease situations evolve.

Can I use a different passport for my return flight? No — you must enter and exit Vietnam on the same passport, and use it for any domestic travel too.

Is the digital arrival declaration required everywhere? Currently only at Tan Son Nhat Airport; nationwide rollout is planned but not yet in effect, so check requirements for your specific arrival airport.

Sources

Related Topics

Vietnam arrival processairport to hotel VietnamE-visa VietnamTan Son Nhat airportVietnam SIM card

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Your first hour in Vietnam: immigration, SIM, and getting to the city