Arrival & your first few hours
A smooth arrival starts with documents you can open offline, the correct terminal and a planned journey to your first accommodation.
Checked on 31 October 2026. This guide covers international arrival; airport procedures and terminal assignments can change.
Sources last checked: 31 October 2026.
Digital pre-arrival form
Current Dutch government advice lists the digital arrival form as required when entering through Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Hanoi (HAN), Đà Nẵng (DAD) and Phú Quốc (PQC), but not other airports. Recheck shortly before departure.
Use only prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. This form does not replace a visa, visa exemption or customs declaration. Follow the portal’s current submission window and save the confirmation.
From the gate to immigration
Follow “Arrivals” and “Immigration” signs. Have your passport, e-visa if needed, onward or return ticket and first accommodation address ready. Carry paper copies in case your phone runs out of power or a desk requests them.
A paid meet-and-greet or fast-track service does not grant entry permission. Use official desks and do not have an unknown intermediary alter your documents.
Collect luggage and clear customs
Check the baggage belt against your flight number. Report missing or damaged bags to the airline before leaving the arrivals area and retain your baggage tag.
The green channel is for nothing to declare; use red or ask customs if you carry declarable goods or are unsure. Check official rules beforehand for cash, medication and regulated goods.
Connections: check your own flight
Hanoi uses T2 for international and T1 for domestic traffic. In Ho Chi Minh City international arrivals use T2; domestic flights use T1 or T3. Recheck your airline’s terminal on the travel day.
An international-to-domestic connection can involve immigration, collecting bags, customs, changing terminals and checking in again. Ask your airline about baggage and connection conditions; allow for more than the flight time.
Transport to your accommodation
Use the signed taxi rank, a pre-arranged hotel transfer or your ride app’s designated pickup area. Someone approaching you is not automatically the driver you booked.
Check the number plate and booking details before getting in. Confirm currency, total price and any extras, and keep your hotel address in Vietnamese handy.
Check-in and accommodation registration
Confirm accommodation before arrival and advise it if you will be late. The manager needs passport details for mandatory temporary residence registration; the responsible host must also arrange this for a private stay.
Cooperate with identification at the legitimate reception desk and ask for your document back after the necessary check. Do not use your passport as a deposit for a scooter, for example.
My travel checklist
Checks are saved only in this browser on this device. You do not enter passport or payment details here. Checks are reminders, not confirmation that you meet entry requirements.