Tan Son Nhat International Airport is the first arrival point for many international travelers visiting Ho Chi Minh City. If you are entering Vietnam for the first time, you may feel unsure about airport procedures, baggage collection, Internet access, and transportation. This guide from VSS provides the information you need to make your journey after landing more convenient.

What Should Travelers Prepare Before Arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport?

A smooth entry journey often begins before your aircraft lands. Preparing your documents and contact information in advance can help reduce confusion when arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, especially if you land during busy hours, travel with young children, carry several bags, or need to go directly to your hotel.

Before your flight, you should check the following information:

  • A passport that is valid under the requirements applicable to your trip

  • A visa or entry document that matches your nationality and travel purpose

  • Your flight number, expected landing time, and arrival airport details

  • The address of your hotel, apartment, office, or first accommodation

  • Contact details for your hotel, host, airport pick-up provider, or driver

  • A plan for Internet access after landing, such as a physical SIM card or eSIM

  • A pre-arranged airport transfer if you do not want to search for transportation after completing airport procedures

According to official information, from April 15, 2026, foreign passport holders and overseas Vietnamese using visas to enter Vietnam through Tan Son Nhat International Airport must complete an electronic pre-arrival declaration before immigration procedures. Travelers should complete the information accurately before their flight and save the confirmation code in case it is requested.

Advance preparation is particularly important for first-time visitors to Vietnam. After landing, you may not have Internet access, may be unfamiliar with the terminal layout, or may find it difficult to contact your driver. A clear plan helps you stay in control from the moment you leave the aircraft until you reach your accommodation.

Tan Son Nhat Airport Immigration Guide: Step by Step

For international flights arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, passengers generally proceed through the international arrivals area, complete immigration procedures, collect baggage, complete any required inspections, and then enter the public arrivals hall. The international terminal includes areas for passport control, visa procedures where applicable, baggage reclaim, and passenger pick-up.

Below is a general Tan Son Nhat Airport immigration guide for international travelers.

1. Leave the Aircraft and Follow Signs to Immigration

After your aircraft lands, leave the cabin and follow airport signs toward the immigration area. Keep your passport, visa, electronic declaration confirmation code, and any other relevant documents in an easily accessible place.

If this is your first time at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, avoid stopping for too long in the arrivals corridor or walking against the flow of passengers. Instead, follow the airport signs, check terminal information, and move in the same direction as other passengers arriving on international flights.

International passengers using airport assistance services should follow the meeting-point instructions confirmed by VSS before departure. The support staff will guide you through the appropriate areas, explain the next steps, and connect you with the services arranged in advance.

2. Prepare Your Documents and Complete Immigration Procedures

At the passport-control area, passengers must personally present their passport, visa, or appropriate entry documents when requested. Travelers should check all documents carefully before flying to avoid searching for information or completing additional details after reaching the immigration counter.

At Tan Son Nhat International Airport, international travelers must follow the instructions of immigration officers. In some cases, passengers may be asked to provide additional information or documents depending on their visa type, travel purpose, or immigration-control procedures at the time of entry.

If you have booked fast track service, VSS can guide you to an appropriate priority area or lane when this service is applicable. However, airport assistance does not replace the role of immigration authorities. Passengers must still personally present their passport, answer questions when required, and follow all official instructions.

It is important to remember that no airport assistance service can guarantee entry into Vietnam. Decisions regarding entry approval, document checks, length of stay, or requests for additional information always remain under the authority of immigration officers.

3. Collect Your Checked Baggage

After completing immigration procedures, passengers proceed to the checked baggage reclaim area. Check the airport information screens to identify the baggage belt assigned to your flight number.

When collecting your bags, check your baggage tag, suitcase, zippers, and the overall exterior condition before leaving the area. If your baggage does not arrive or appears damaged, contact your airline’s support desk before leaving the airport.

For travelers carrying several suitcases, traveling with children, or needing to reach their accommodation quickly, baggage assistance can be a useful option. If you book this service with VSS, confirm the support scope, number of bags, and applicable conditions in advance.

A Tan Son Nhat Airport immigration guide should not end with passport control. Collecting all baggage, identifying the correct exit, and preparing onward transportation are equally important parts of a smooth arrival experience.

4. Complete Any Required Inspection Procedures

After collecting baggage, passengers continue through the required inspection area before entering the public arrivals hall. Depending on actual circumstances, you may be asked to complete checks related to your baggage or goods you are carrying.

Travelers should follow the instructions of authorized airport personnel, remain calm, and prepare required documents if requested. Do not attempt to bypass inspection areas, use an unauthorized lane, or allow another person to hold your personal travel documents.

After completing all required procedures, you can enter the arrivals hall. This is a good time to check your phone, Internet connection, driver information, and accommodation address before leaving Tan Son Nhat Airport.

Internet Access After Landing at Tan Son Nhat Airport

Internet access helps international travelers stay in control after arriving at the airport. You can use it to contact your hotel, communicate with your driver, open maps, arrange transportation, inform family members, or check your next travel plans.

Travelers arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport generally have two common options for staying connected:

Option

Suitable For

Things to Consider

Physical SIM card

Travelers who want to use a local SIM card on a device that supports physical SIMs

Check your device, prepare required documents, and allow time to purchase and activate the SIM after arrival

eSIM

Travelers with compatible devices who want to arrange Internet access before flying

Can be installed in advance, but device compatibility and data-plan conditions should be checked carefully

If you want to communicate immediately after landing, an eSIM is a practical option to arrange before your flight. If you plan to buy a physical SIM card, allow enough time after completing airport procedures or request support through VSS if needed.

Do not rely entirely on public Internet access at the airport. Save your hotel address, driver’s phone number, booking reference, and other important information on your phone or in a separate note before traveling.

Finding Your Driver and Traveling to Your Hotel

After leaving the arrivals area, one of the most confusing tasks for first-time visitors is finding the correct airport pick-up point. Tan Son Nhat Airport can be busy at certain times, and travelers may have difficulty if they do not have Internet access, are unfamiliar with the terminal layout, or do not know how to contact their driver.

If you have booked a private airport transfer, confirm the following details before your flight:

  • The driver’s name or identification sign

  • The driver’s phone number or preferred contact channel

  • The exact meeting point at the airport

  • The booked vehicle type and identification details, if available

  • Your hotel, office, residence, or resort address

  • The process to follow if your flight is delayed or your schedule changes

You should not leave the arrivals hall until you have confirmed the meeting point or contacted your driver. If you are unsure, contact VSS for guidance on the confirmed pick-up location.

A private airport transfer is suitable for groups, travelers carrying several bags, families with children, passengers arriving at night, or anyone who wants to travel directly to their accommodation without searching for transportation. The service can take passengers from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to a hotel, office, residence, or resort based on the address provided in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should international travelers prepare before arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport?
You should prepare your passport, visa or appropriate entry documents, flight information, accommodation address, hotel or driver contact details, and a plan for Internet access after landing. If you are required to complete an electronic pre-arrival declaration, complete it before your flight and save the confirmation code.
 
2. Can I use fast track service to skip immigration procedures?
No. Fast track is an airport assistance service that may guide travelers to an appropriate priority area when applicable. Passengers must still present valid documents and comply with all instructions from immigration authorities.
 
3. Should I buy a physical SIM card or use an eSIM?
If your device supports eSIM and you want Internet access immediately after landing, an eSIM is a convenient option to arrange before your flight. If you prefer a physical SIM card, check your device compatibility and allow time to purchase and activate it after arriving at the airport.
 
4. How can I meet my driver at Tan Son Nhat Airport?
Confirm your driver's name, contact number, meeting point, identification sign, and vehicle information in advance. If you book through VSS, follow the instructions in your service confirmation and contact VSS if your flight changes or you cannot locate the pick-up point.
 
5. What should I do if my flight is delayed?
Notify VSS through the hotline as soon as you receive updated flight information. Support for delayed flights depends on your booking terms, staff availability, and actual airport operating conditions.

Conclusion

Tan Son Nhat International Airport can feel unfamiliar for first-time international travelers arriving in Vietnam. Preparing your documents, Internet connection plan, hotel information, and airport transfer before your flight can reduce stress, help you stay organized after landing, and make the start of your Ho Chi Minh City journey more convenient.

If you want a clearer airport arrival journey, contact VSS to learn about fast track service at Tan Son Nhat Airport and private airport transfer options. VSS can advise on a suitable support package based on your flight, number of passengers, luggage, and onward destination.