Vietnam has become a growing transit hub for travelers heading to destinations across Asia and beyond. With its strategic location, affordable flights, and increasing airline connectivity, many international travelers find themselves passing through airports in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang. If you’re planning a trip that includes a layover in Vietnam, understanding whether you need a transit visa is essential to avoid any last-minute surprises.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a Vietnam transit visa is, who needs it, under what circumstances it's required, how to obtain one, and some useful tips to make your journey smooth.

What Is a Vietnam Transit Visa?

A Vietnam transit visa is a short-term visa that allows travellers to pass through Vietnam on their way to another destination. In many cases, travellers do not need a visa if they remain in the international transit area of the airport and do not pass through immigration.

However, if the transit process requires exiting the transit area, collecting baggage, checking in again, or changing terminals where immigration clearance is necessary, a transit visa or a regular visa will be required.

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Key Information:

• Transit visas are only for airport transfers, not for visiting Vietnam

• Transit passengers must stay in the transit area of the airport without passing through immigration

• You can only transit at major international airports like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang

• The layover must be less than 24 hours

Who Needs a Vietnam Transit Visa?

Whether or not you need a transit visa depends on how your flights are booked and the structure of your layover in Vietnam.

You may need a transit visa if:

• You are not from a visa-exempt country

• Your flights are on separate bookings, and you need to collect your baggage

• Your layover is overnight, and you plan to leave the airport hotel

• Your transit is longer than 24 hours

• Your nationality is not eligible for a visa-free transit

Always check your specific case with your airline and Vietnam immigration.

Who Does Not Need a Transit Visa?

You do not need a transit visa if you meet all these conditions:

• You remain inside the airport’s international transit area

• Your bags are checked through to your final destination

• Your layover is less than 24 hours

• You do not leave the transit zone

Additionally, citizens of countries exempt from Vietnam visas for short stays (such as Japan, South Korea, most ASEAN countries, Russia, and several European countries) can often enter Vietnam during transit without a visa. However, this depends on your travel plans and nationality.

Vietnam Transit Visa-Exempt Countries

Passport holders of these nations can travel to Vietnam without the hassle of a visa or transit visa:

• Belarus (45 days)

• United Kingdom (45 days)

• France (45 days)

• Germany (45 days)

• Italy (45 days)

• Spain (45 days)

• Russia (45 days)

• Japan (45 days)

• South Korea (45 days)

• Denmark (45 days)

• Norway (45 days)

• Finland (45 days)

• Sweden (45 days)

• Brunei (14 days)

• Myanmar (14 days)

• Philippines (21 days)

• Cambodia (30 days)

• Indonesia (30 days)

• Kyrgyzstan (30 days)

• Laos (30 days)

• Malaysia (30 days)

• Singapore (30 days)

• Thailand (30 days)

• Chile (90 days)

Vietnam’s Airports with Transit Zones

Vietnam allows transit without a visa only at certain international airports. These airports have designated transit areas:

• Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)

• Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)

• Da Nang International Airport (Da Nang)

At smaller airports, you will need to enter Vietnam and therefore need a visa.

Airport Transit Zones – What to Expect

Vietnam’s main airports (Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang) have designated transit areas, but they are basic compared to larger hubs in Singapore or Dubai:

• Limited seating and sleeping areas

• Few dining and shopping options

• Paid lounges available, but no sleeping pods or airside hotels

• Wi-Fi may require registration and can be slow at peak times

If your layover is long, staying airside may feel uncomfortable. Booking a lounge pass could improve your experience.

What Are the Requirements for a Vietnam Transit Visa?

If you need a transit visa, gather these documents before applying:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months after your transit date

• Flight Itinerary: Proof of onward travel to a third country, showing both arrival and departure from Vietnam

• Visa for Next Destination: If your next country requires a visa, you must already have it

• Completed Visa Application Form: Some embassies ask for Form NA1

• Passport Photo: One or two passport-sized photos (4 cm x 6 cm, white background)

• Visa Fee: Payable at the embassy or consulate; varies by nationality

• Supporting Documents: May include hotel bookings (if exiting the airport), proof of funds, and reason for transit

How to Apply for a Vietnam Transit Visa

1. Apply at a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate

• Visit the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country

• Submit your completed visa application, passport, photos, and supporting documents

• Pay the visa fee

• Processing time: Usually 3 to 5 business days

2. Apply for a Vietnam e-Visa (If Eligible)

• Some travellers may apply for an e-Visa through Vietnam’s official portal

• The e-Visa is valid for a single entry and up to 30 days

• Apply online, upload your passport copy and photo, and pay the fee (~US$25)

• Processing time: 3 to 5 working days

• This option requires you to pass through immigration, so only use it if you plan to leave the airport

3. Visa on Arrival (Rarely for Transit)

• Requires a pre-approved visa letter from an online agency

• Pay the stamping fee on arrival at the airport

• Not recommended for transit purposes, as it involves clearing immigration

Rules for Transit at Vietnamese Airports

• Stay within the international transit zone

• Do not collect checked baggage unless it is automatically transferred to your next flight

• You cannot leave the airport unless you have a visitor visa or are visa-exempt

• If you need to stay overnight in Vietnam, you must apply for a visitor visa in advance

• Transit stay is limited to 24 hours; longer stays require a tourist or visitor visa

• If you miss your flight, contact your airline and airport authorities for assistance

Practical Tips for Smooth Transit

• Book flights on a single ticket: This ensures your baggage is checked through and reduces the need to clear immigration

• Confirm baggage transfer with your airline: Some budget airlines do not transfer bags between flights

• Check visa requirements early: Use Vietnam’s official visa website or consult your airline

• Apply for a transit visa at least 7 to 10 days in advance: Embassies may take longer during holidays

• Carry printed copies of your visa and onward flight ticket: Airlines and airport staff may ask to see them

• Stay informed: Vietnam’s visa and transit rules change frequently. Always check closer to your travel date

• Prepare for limited airport amenities: Transit zones in Vietnam are functional but do not offer sleeping pods or transit hotels. Lounges are available at a fee

Before boarding your flight to Vietnam:

• Make sure you have permission to enter your final destination

• Airlines will check your next country’s visa or entry permission

Transiting through Vietnam’s major airports is generally straightforward if you meet the requirements and follow the correct procedures. Whether or not you need a Vietnam Transit Visa depends on your nationality, the nature of your flight booking, and the length of your layover. If you stay within the airport’s international transit area, have a short layover, and your baggage is checked through, you usually won’t need a visa.

However, if your situation involves separate tickets, collecting baggage, an overnight layover, or leaving the airport, you will likely need to apply for a transit or visitor visa in advance. Always check the latest rules with your airline and the Vietnam Immigration Department before you travel to avoid last-minute issues. Planning ensures a smooth transit experience through Vietnam’s international airports.