Transit in Vietnam: Visa requirement & transit guide

If you're wondering whether you need a Vietnam visa to transit or not, let’s find the answer here. In this guide, we will provide detailed information about this matter to ensure your layover in Vietnam goes smoothly.

Do you need a visa to transit in Vietnam?

• You don’t need a visa to transit in Vietnam if your layover is under 24 hours, you stay within the international transit zone, and don’t switch terminals.
• You will need a visa if you have to leave the secure area, switch between international and domestic flights, or stay overnight.

You can transit in Vietnam without a visa if:

• Your country is part of Vietnam’s visa-exempt list

• Your layover is under 24 hours

• You stay inside the international transit zone

• You’re not changing terminals that require passing through Immigration.
  

You’ll need a Vietnam visa in cases including:

• Your layover lasts more than 24 hours
  

• You’re switching from an international flight to a domestic one (or vice versa)
  

• You need to leave the transit zone to collect baggage or explore the city
  

Note: Always check with your airline whether your baggage is checked through to your final destination. If you need to pick it up and re-check it, immigration procedures (and thus a visa) may be required.

What are common transit scenarios in Vietnam?

Not all layovers in Vietnam are the same — some may involve different immigration processes that could impact how you prepare for your trip. Here are some specific cases you need to keep in mind:

International to International (Same Terminal)

If both flights are within the same international terminal and your luggage is transferred automatically, no visa is required. This is the simplest transit case. You just follow the signs to your connecting gate.

However, some budget airlines don’t transfer baggage. If you need to exit the secure area to claim it, a visa may be required.

International to Domestic with final destination Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc Island offers a 30-day visa exemption for travelers from all countries — but only if you arrive directly at Phu Quoc International Airport from abroad.

However, if you're transiting through another Vietnamese airport (like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City) before flying to Phu Quoc, you will need to pass through immigration, which means a Vietnam visa is required (unless you're from a visa-exempt country or your Airline representative escorts you through passport control and get you through domestic terminal).

Learn more about the Phu Quoc visa waiver policy here

Tip: If your final destination is Phu Quoc, try booking a direct international flight to Phu Quoc to avoid visa hassles. Or to avoid any hassle, it is most recommended to submit a Vietnam Evisa far enough in advance either on Vietnam Immigration website: https://evisa.gov.vn/

or book your Vietnam evisa easily with us: https://vietnamvisavoa.com/apply/e-visa

Overnight or Extended Layovers

If you’re intending to stay at a nearby hotel or explore the city during a stopover, you must obtain a visa, unless your nationality is eligible for visa exemption. Also note that not all terminals operate 24/7, so plan ahead.

Major Transit Airports in Vietnam

Three main international gateways handle most of the country’s transit traffic:

1. Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) – Hanoi

Noi Bai International Airport is divided into two main terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) for domestic flights and Terminal 2 (T2) for international flights. Passengers transferring between domestic and international flights should note that the terminals are separate, and moving between them may require a shuttle bus.

2. Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) – Ho Chi Minh City

All terminal transfers at SGN require going through immigration, which can result in long lines, especially during peak travel times. The airport is known for congestion and limited terminal space, so using a fast-track immigration service is strongly recommended for travelers with tight layovers.

Need to save time at immigration? We offer a fast-track service to assist you through the process smoothly. Explore more here

3. Da Nang International Airport (DAD)

Da Nang International Airport is smaller than Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat airports. Although it has fewer international flight connections, Da Nang is growing steadily as a transit hub, with increasing flight options and upgraded facilities. It’s a good option for travelers seeking a quieter alternative for layovers in Vietnam.

Vietnam transit procedures

Even if you don’t exit the airport, here’s what the general transit steps involve:

Note: If you’re flying with Vietjet, their connecting flight service may allow baggage to be checked through to the final destination and help you avoid immigration procedures during transit, but this depends on conditions that apply.

You can see Vietjet’s full connecting flight guide here.

How to Get a Vietnam Transit Visa?

Vietnam does not offer a specific transit visa. Instead, travelers who need to stop in Vietnam can apply for one of the following two types of visa:

1. Vietnam E-Visa (Electronic Visa)

You’ll need to submit a Vietnam evisa application form on https://evisa.gov.vn/, the website of the Vietnam Immigration Department. Once arriving in Vietnam, you will show your Vietnam E-visa along with the passport to the Immigration officer at the Immigration counter to get entry stamp in your passport.

Read HERE to learn how to fill out the Vietnam evisa form.

2. Vietnam Visa on Arrival

With Vietnam visa on arrival, travelers must apply for an approval letter through a travel or visa agency before their arrival. Also, they have to pay for two kinds of fees, including service fees and stamping fees.

Note: We recommend applying early to avoid high fees for emergency visa services.

Tips for a Hassle-Free Vietnam Transit

Here’s how to keep your layover stress-free:

• Check baggage transfer status ahead of time

• Schedule sufficient connection time (3-4 hrs for international; 3–5 hrs if switching terminals)

• Use fast-track services to skip long immigration lines and get help with baggage

Verify your visa status using official tools or consult a visa agency in advance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you need further assistance, please feel free to contact us at:

Website:Vietnamvisavoa.com

Hotline: +84969255515 (Wechat/Viber/Whatsapp)

Email: support@vietnamvisavoa.com