Before embarking on my journey to Vietnam 🇻🇳, I delved into countless posts on Xiaohongshu about the notorious challenges of navigating Ho Chi Minh City airport. As a solo traveler, I was admittedly a bit nervous and made thorough preparations. To my pleasant surprise, everything went incredibly smoothly, and I breezed through customs and reached the exit in just 15 minutes! Here are some valuable tips to share with you all ✅
1️⃣ Make sure to get a separate visa on paper. You can easily arrange this in advance on Taobao for around 200 RMB, which will save you a significant amount of time.
2️⃣ The moment you step off the plane, start moving quickly and aim to be at the front of the line. There’s usually a fair distance to cover before reaching customs, so it’s best to stay ahead of the crowd from your flight.
3️⃣ At the customs area, head to the “all passports” lane. If you’re lucky, the regular queue on the right might have fewer than 10 people, so jump in that line as soon as you see it.
4️⃣ Have your passport, paper boarding pass, and separate visa ready and organized. Keeping them separated can help speed up the process.
5️⃣ If the queues are extremely long and you’re in a hurry, consider using the VIP lane on the far left. It costs 10 USD or 100 RMB, but it can be a lifesaver. Just keep it low-key.
6️⃣ Once you’re in front of the customs officer, be patient. They tend to process things slowly… If you’re already at a regular window, there’s no need to give a tip; just wait your turn.
Wishing you all a smooth and stress-free experience!
I totally get that initial nerves when traveling alone! The tips about提前准备好文件 and knowing the layout really make a difference. I wish I had read something similar before my first time there.