🇻🇳 Flying to Vietnam
Visa · Health · Arrival · Flights — everything you need before you fly.
Content under review. Entry requirements and health rules change frequently. Information marked [VERIFY] has not yet been confirmed against authoritative sources. Do not rely on this page for travel decisions until verified content is published. Always check IATA Travel Centre and your government's travel advisory.
Last verified: July 4, 2026
Avi's Insider Tip
Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi feel completely different from each other — if it's your first trip, I'd pick one and go deep rather than rushing both.
Travel essentials
Scannable data for the efficient traveler.
Sources: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn, travelhealthpro.org.uk
Visa-free entry
As of August 2023, Vietnam extended visa-free access to 45 days for many nationalities including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Belarus. Other nationalities (including most ASEAN members) have bilateral visa-free arrangements of varying lengths. US citizens are NOT currently visa-free and must obtain an e-visa.
Vietnam does not offer traditional visa on arrival — e-visa is the standard route for most nationalities not covered by bilateral visa-free arrangements.
Health & vaccines
No vaccines are legally required for entry for most travelers. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus) are commonly recommended. Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is sometimes recommended for rural or extended stays.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from — or have recently transited — a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (parts of Sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America).
Customs
200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco duty-free. 1.5 litres spirits or 2 litres wine. Declare cash over USD 5,000.
🛂 Entry requirements
⚠️ Always verify at Vietnam Immigration Department (xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) or IATA Travel Centre before booking.
💉Health & vaccine requirements
⚠️ Health requirements sourced from NaTHNaC (travelhealthpro.org.uk). Always confirm with your doctor or travel clinic before departure.
Essential local apps
Download these before you land — tap a card to open the real app or site.
Grab
Ride-shareThe safest fixed-price option in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi — avoid unmarked taxis, which are known to overcharge tourists.
MoMo
PaymentVietnam’s leading e-wallet, widely used for cafes and convenience stores — mostly requires a local bank link, less useful for short visits.
Arriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport, Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) / Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi (HAN)
SIM & connectivity
Viettel, Vinaphone, and Vietnamobile SIM cards at airport arrivals and convenience stores. Tourist SIMs with 5–10GB data approx. 100,000–200,000 VND.
Vietnamese Dong (VND). ATMs widely available in cities. USD is informally accepted in tourist areas but VND gives better rates. Exchange at banks or licensed gold shops in the city — not at the airport (poor rates).
Getting into town
Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): Grab to District 1 ~150,000–200,000 VND, 20–30 min. Metered taxis: Mai Linh (green) and Vinasun (white) are trustworthy — avoid unmarked taxis. Hanoi (HAN): Grab or metered taxi to Old Quarter ~250,000–350,000 VND, 30–45 min.
Search flights to Vietnam
Compare real-time prices across all airlines · seats & baggage included
Search flights arrow_forwardauto_awesomeCards travelers use for trips like this
The right travel card earns miles on every dollar you spend on this trip.
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Best overallEarn 3x points on travel · transfer to 14 airlines 1:1
card_giftcard60,000 bonus points after $4k spend in 3 months
Amex Gold Card®
3x points on flights · transfer to Delta, Air France, and more
card_giftcard60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6k spend
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?▼
Many nationalities can visit Vietnam visa-free for 45 days (as of 2023) — check Vietnam Immigration for your passport. US citizens need an e-visa (90 days, ~$25, apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn). Processing takes ~3 business days.
Do I need any vaccinations for Vietnam?▼
No vaccines are legally required for entry for most travelers. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccines are commonly recommended. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from endemic countries. Confirm with your travel clinic.
Is Grab available in Vietnam?▼
Yes — Grab works well in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi and is the safest way to get a fixed-price ride from the airport. Always use Grab or reputable metered taxis (Mai Linh, Vinasun) — avoid unmarked taxis which overcharge tourists.
What is the currency in Vietnam and can I use USD?▼
The official currency is Vietnamese Dong (VND). USD is informally accepted in tourist areas but you will always get a better deal paying in VND. Exchange money at city banks or gold shops — the airport rate is poor.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi better for a first visit?▼
Ho Chi Minh City is faster-paced, warmer year-round, and a better base for the Mekong Delta. Hanoi is the capital, older in character, and the gateway to Ha Long Bay. Both are excellent — depends on your onward itinerary.
Ready to book your flight to Vietnam?
Compare prices · baggage included · cancel if eligible
Search flights to Vietnam →