Welcome to Vietnam! Your journey into this vibrant and captivating country begins the moment your plane touches down at the new gateway to the south, Long Thanh International Airport. The excitement of starting your adventure—whether it’s exploring the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, cruising through the Mekong Delta, or relaxing on pristine beaches—is palpable. But first, you must navigate the airport.
For many international travelers, the arrival process can be a source of stress and anxiety. Long queues at immigration, confusing procedures, and the rush to get through can put a damper on the initial moments of your trip. This is a common issue at airports worldwide, and Vietnam’s busy hubs are no exception.
This guide is designed to be your trusted companion, providing you with a clear, step-by-step roadmap for a smooth and efficient arrival at Long Thanh International Airport (IATA: LON, ICAO: VVLT). We’ll cover everything from pre-flight preparations to the final exit, with a special focus on how you can bypass the biggest bottleneck—the immigration line—using an Expedited Entry at Long Thanh Int’l Airport.
Think of this as your VIP pass. Instead of spending precious time in a queue, you can be one of the first to collect your luggage and start your Vietnamese holiday. Let’s walk through the process together, so you can feel confident, prepared, and ready to enjoy every moment of your trip.
What to Prepare Before Arriving at Long Thanh Int’l Airport
A smooth arrival begins long before you land. Proper preparation ensures you have all the necessary documents and information at your fingertips, preventing last-minute panic and delays. Here’s your essential pre-flight checklist.
1. Passport Validity
This is non-negotiable. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of entry into Vietnam. Immigration officials are strict about this rule, and you will be denied entry if your passport doesn’t meet this requirement. Double-check your passport’s expiration date right now. Additionally, ensure you have at least one or two blank pages for the visa sticker and entry/exit stamps.
2. Visa and Entry Permits
Vietnam offers several visa options for travelers. It is crucial to understand which category you fall into and to have the correct documentation ready before you land.
👉 E-Visa Holders: Vietnam’s e-visa program is available to citizens of numerous countries. It allows for a stay of up to 90 days with single or multiple entries. You must apply for this online through the official government portal or a trusted service provider before your trip. Once approved, you will receive an e-visa letter. You must print a physical copy of this letter, as digital versions on your phone or laptop may not be accepted.
👉 Visa-Free Visitors: Citizens from a select list of countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for a specific period (typically 15, 30, or 45 days). It’s essential to confirm if your nationality is on this list and to be aware of the maximum stay permitted. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to secure a visa.
👉 Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) Holders: This option is available for those who have obtained a “Visa Approval Letter” online from an authorized agency prior to their departure. This is not a true visa-on-arrival where you can just show up; the pre-approved letter is mandatory to be allowed to board your flight. You will complete the final visa stamping process at the airport.
3. Accommodation and Trip Information
Keep the details of your accommodation readily available. This includes the name, address, and phone number of your hotel or residence in Vietnam. You will need to fill this information out on your arrival/departure card (if required) and may be asked for it by the immigration officer. Having a printed or digital copy of your hotel booking confirmation is a good idea. Similarly, know your return flight details, as this information is also often required.
4. Understanding Vietnamese Customs Regulations
To ensure a smooth passage through customs, be aware of Vietnam’s regulations on what you can and cannot bring into the country.
👉 Currency: You must declare cash exceeding US$5,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) or 15,000,000 Vietnamese Dong (VND). There is no limit to the amount you can bring, but the declaration is mandatory.
👉 Duty-Free Allowances:
- Alcohol: 1.5 liters of spirits (above 20% alcohol content) or 2.0 liters of fortified wine/aperitifs (below 20% alcohol content) or 3.0 liters of beer.
- Tobacco: 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars, or 250 grams of loose tobacco.
👉 Prohibited Items: Do not bring weapons, explosives, narcotics, anti-government materials, or cultural products deemed pornographic or subversive. There are also strict regulations on antiques, so be cautious if you are carrying any.
👉 Medication: If you are bringing prescription medication, carry it in its original packaging along with your doctor’s prescription.
About Long Thanh Int’l Airport (IATA: LON, ICAO: VLON)
Long Thanh International Airport is poised to become one of Southeast Asia’s premier aviation hubs. Located approximately 40 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City, it has been designed to alleviate the pressure on the city’s existing Tan Son Nhat Airport and provide a world-class experience for travelers.
The architecture of the passenger terminal is inspired by the lotus blossom, a symbol of purity, commitment, and optimism for the future in Vietnamese culture. This elegant design is not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional, creating a spacious and light-filled environment for passengers.
In its first phase of operation, the airport is equipped to handle 25 million passengers annually. As you walk through its halls, you’ll be experiencing the very latest in airport technology and design, intended to make your journey as seamless as possible. Its strategic location makes it a convenient gateway not only to Ho Chi Minh City but also to the popular coastal destination of Vung Tau and the industrial hubs of Dong Nai and Binh Duong provinces.
How to Navigate Long Thanh Int’l Airport for E-Visa Holders and Visa-Free Visitors
If you have your e-visa printed or are from a visa-exempt country, your path through the airport is the most direct. Here are the steps you’ll follow:
1. Deplaning and Arrival Hall:
After disembarking from the aircraft, you will follow the signs for “Arrivals” and “Immigration.” This will typically involve a walk through modern, spacious corridors.
2. Immigration Checkpoint:
This is the most critical step. You will join the queue for foreign passport holders. When it is your turn, you will need to present your passport and your printed e-visa (if applicable) to the immigration officer. The officer will check your documents, take your photo, scan your fingerprints, and stamp your passport with the entry date.
3. Baggage Claim:
Once you are through immigration, proceed to the large baggage claim hall. Check the overhead screens to find the carousel number assigned to your flight.
4. Customs Check:
After collecting your luggage, you will head towards the customs area. If you have nothing to declare, you can proceed through the “Green Channel.” If you are carrying items that exceed the duty-free limits or require declaration, you must go through the “Red Channel.”
5. Exit and Onward Journey:
Congratulations, you are officially in Vietnam! You will exit into the main arrivals hall, where you can find currency exchange counters, SIM card vendors, transportation services, and meet anyone who is there to greet you.
Note for E-Visa Holders and Visa-Free Visitors
The single biggest hurdle you’ll face is the immigration queue. During peak travel times, this line can snake back, with waits easily exceeding an hour. After a long flight, the last thing you want is a frustrating delay. Instead of starting your vacation feeling tired and stressed, imagine breezing past the crowd in minutes. This is the core value our expedited service delivers.
How to Navigate Long Thanh Int’l Airport for Visa-on-Arrival Holders
If you are using a Visa-on-Arrival (VOA), your process has one crucial extra step right at the beginning. It’s vital you know exactly where to go to avoid confusion.
1. Deplaning and Locating the VOA Counter:
After leaving the plane, do NOT go to the main immigration queues. Instead, you must look for the sign that reads “Landing Visa” or “Visa on Arrival.” This counter is located before the main immigration checkpoint.
2. Visa on Arrival Counter:
At this counter, you will submit your documents to get the visa sticker placed in your passport. This is where your preparation pays off. You will need:
- Your original passport.
- Your pre-approved Visa Approval Letter (printed copy).
- A completed NA1 Form (the Vietnamese Visa Application Form). It’s best to download and fill this out beforehand.
- One passport-sized photo (4×6 cm), which you will attach to your NA1 form.
- Cash to pay the Visa Stamping Fee. This must be paid in USD or VND. The fee is currently US25forasingle−entryvisaandUS50 for a multiple-entry visa.
3. Immigration Checkpoint:
After your visa has been stamped into your passport at the VOA counter, you can then proceed to the main immigration checkpoint to be formally processed and have your passport stamped for entry.
4. Baggage Claim:
Proceed to the baggage claim hall to retrieve your luggage.
5. Customs Check:
Go through the Green or Red channel depending on what goods you are carrying.
6. Exit the Airport:
You are now free to exit into the arrivals hall and begin your Vietnamese adventure.
Note for Visa-on-Arrival Holders
Travelers using the VOA service face two potential queues: one at the Landing Visa counter and a second at the immigration checkpoint. The line at the VOA counter can be particularly slow and unpredictable, as it depends on how many people on your flight and other arriving flights need the service.
Furthermore, there are critical logistical challenges:
- You must have all your documents perfectly in order. A missing photo or an incomplete form can cause significant delays.
- You must have exact cash in USD or VND. There are no ATMs or credit card facilities in the visa-on-arrival area. Forgetting cash can lead to a very stressful situation.
This is where our service provides the most comprehensive support, helping you navigate these potential pitfalls with ease.
How to Skip Queuing at the Immigration Checkpoint at the Long Thanh Int’l Airport?
The single best way to eliminate the waiting and uncertainty is by using our Expedited Entry Service at Long Thanh Int’l Airport. This is a premium meet-and-greet service designed to make your arrival experience as fast and smooth as possible.
Here’s how it transforms your arrival:
- For E-Visa and Visa-Free Visitors: As you enter the immigration hall, our representative will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name on it. They will greet you and personally escort you to a dedicated priority lane. You will bypass the long, winding queues for regular passengers and be processed by the immigration officer in a matter of minutes.
- For Visa-on-Arrival Holders: Our service is even more valuable for you. Our representative will meet you before the Visa on Arrival counter. You simply hand over your passport and approval letter. Our team will handle the entire visa stamping process on your behalf—completing the forms, submitting the paperwork, and paying the stamping fee. You don’t need to worry about having the right photo or carrying cash. While we do that, you can relax in a comfortable waiting area. Once the visa is ready, we will escort you through the priority immigration lane. You skip both queues.
Why Is Expedited Entry Your Secret Weapon for a Perfect Arrival?
Choosing to use a fast-track service isn’t just a luxury; it’s a practical decision that offers significant benefits, especially after a long journey.
1. Save a Huge Amount of Time:
This is the most obvious benefit. Instead of wasting up to an hour or more in line, you could be through immigration in 5-10 minutes. This time is much better spent relaxing at your hotel or starting your sightseeing.
2. Eliminate Stress and Confusion:
Navigating a new airport can be daunting. Our service removes all the guesswork. Being met by a friendly face who knows the procedures inside and out provides immediate peace of mind.
3. Ultimate Convenience:
For VOA holders, you don’t need to stress about preparing forms, photos, or having the exact cash amount. We handle all the bureaucracy for you.
4. Ideal for Everyone:
The service is especially beneficial for:
- Business travelers with tight schedules.
- Families traveling with children who quickly become restless.
- Elderly travelers who may find it difficult to stand for long periods.
- Anyone who simply wants to start their vacation on a relaxed and positive note.
How to Book the Expedited Entry Service to Avoid Queues at Long Thanh Int’l Airport?
Booking your VIP arrival is as simple as 1-2-3. You can secure your stress-free entry in just a few minutes.
Step 1: Fill Out the Online Application Form
Provide your basic travel details: your full name, email address, date of arrival, flight number, and arrival airport (Long Thanh Int’l Airport). This ensures our team knows exactly when to expect you.
Step 2: Make a Secure Payment
We accept payments via PayPal, a globally trusted platform. PayPal offers a robust buyer protection policy, giving you complete confidence in your transaction. You can easily pay using your PayPal balance, credit card, or debit card.
Step 3: Receive Your Confirmation and Guidance
After your payment is complete, you will receive a confirmation email with all the details and clear instructions on what to expect upon arrival. Our team will track your flight and be there to greet you, even if your flight is delayed.
Why Trust Vietnamimmigration.org With Your Arrival?
Absolutely. We understand that trust is paramount when booking services online, especially for international travel. Here are several reasons why you can book with Vietnamimmigration.org with complete confidence:
Over 15 Years of Proven Experience:
Our organization has been a leader in the Vietnam visa and travel services field since 2008. Our domain, vietnamimmigration.org, has a long and public history. You can verify our registration details at whois.com. This longevity is a testament to our reliability and consistent service quality.
100% Money-Back Guarantee:
We stand by our promise. If, for any reason, we fail to deliver the service as described, we offer a 100% money-back guarantee. Your satisfaction is our priority. You can review our full policy here: Refund Policy.
Secure Payments with PayPal Buyer Protection:
By using PayPal, your financial transaction is protected. PayPal’s Buyer Protection program allows you to dispute a transaction and request a refund if a service is not rendered as promised. Learn more here: PayPal Buyer Protection.
Verified Customer Reviews:
Don’t just take our word for it. See what hundreds of satisfied customers have to say about our services on independent review platforms like Sitejabber: Vietnamimmigration.org Reviews.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Arrival in Long Thanh Int’l Airport
1. Currency Exchange:
While major credit cards are accepted in cities, Vietnam is still largely a cash-based society, especially for smaller purchases and street food. You can exchange money at the airport, but rates may be slightly less favorable. It’s often best to exchange a small amount for immediate needs and then find better rates at banks or gold shops in the city.
2. Get a Local SIM Card:
Staying connected is easy. You can purchase a tourist SIM card from vendors like Viettel, Vinaphone, or Mobifone right in the arrivals hall. They offer affordable data packages that will be invaluable for using maps, ride-hailing apps, and staying in touch.
3. Transportation to Ho Chi Minh City:
- Ride-Hailing Apps: Grab is the most popular ride-hailing app in Vietnam and is a reliable and affordable way to get to the city.
- Taxis: Pre-book a reputable taxi or use one from the official airport taxi rank to avoid scams. Mai Linh (green) and Vinasun (white) are the most trusted companies.
- Private Transfer: For maximum convenience, you can pre-book a private car service, which will be waiting for you upon your arrival.
Your trip to Vietnam should be an incredible experience from the moment you arrive. By preparing in advance and choosing an Expedited Entry at Long Thanh Int’l Airport, you can ensure your journey begins smoothly, without the stress of long queues and bureaucratic hurdles. Don’t let your first hour in Vietnam be spent in a line—let it be the start of your adventure. We look forward to welcoming you.
