Airport Security Guide for Southeast Asia: What Travelers Need to Know

This is part of the Been There, Done That series, where our expert globetrotters travel the world to get the insights and information you need for a seamless travel experience.

Travelers pass through security at DMK airport. | Source: iVisa

You did it. You had the most amazing and streamlined trip abroad. Now it is time to head to your next location.

When departing from a foreign country, each country will have a slightly different security process with varying strictness on what is and isn’t allowed, how they screen you, and where the screening is conducted.

Here is our boots-on-the-ground guide to airport security screening throughout Southeast Asia.

Singapore: Changi International Airport (SIN)

Security is at the boarding gate to reduce the time spent in lines. | Source: iVisa

The security process at Singapore’s Changi Airport is one of the most unique I've encountered during my international travels.

Security checks are conducted outside the boarding gates, so there are no long lines for security. This allows you to enjoy your time in Jewel or the airport's other amenities until just before your flight's boarding time, when the security of your gate opens.

Changi Airport employs state-of-the-art security screening equipment, including 3D computed tomography (CT) scanners. These scanners provide detailed images of luggage contents, reducing the need for manual bag checks and again speeding up the security process.

Please be aware that any liquids purchased within the airport cannot be taken onto the plane due to the gate-side security checks.

If, like many travelers, including myself, you typically purchase a water bottle and a coffee before boarding, note that you won't be able to do so at Changi Airport.

However, each gate has water bottle fill stations for your convenience. Singapore’s water is perfectly safe for foreigners to use.

Many items are prohibited in Singapore, and if you inadvertently brought any of these into the country, it is advisable to dispose of them before proceeding through security at your departure gate.

If these items were not detected upon your arrival, they are likely to be caught during your departure, which could result in you facing significant fines imposed by the government. It is crucial to adhere to Singapore's customs regulations to avoid any legal complications.

Jakarta, Indonesia: Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)

Travelers must pass through immigration and security checkpoints at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport airport.| Source: iVisa

Security in Jakarta is relatively quick, but they are quite strict on liquids.

I had a few small cooking sauce packets in my carry-on that I intended to bring back to the United States. Unfortunately, they were confiscated, which was a bit of a bummer sinc e I lost a few souvenirs. Despite this, the overall security process was quick and painless.

The screening involves multiple stages, including X-ray machines and metal detectors. You’ll need to remove your shoes, belt, and jacket, and place them in a bin for X-ray screening. Carry-on luggage and electronic devices also need to go in separate bins for X-ray screening.

CGK has introduced a Passenger Reconciliation System (PRS) in collaboration with Indonesia's national carrier, Garuda Indonesia, to enhance safety and speed up the security screening process. This system scans and matches information on passenger travel documents to Garuda Indonesia’s passenger database in real-time.

The PRS system can detect fraudulent travel documents and automatically unload baggage belonging to no-show passengers, which further increases safety and improves the turnaround time of the aircraft.

Bali, Indonesia: Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)

Travelers wait in a long queue for departures at Ngurah Rai International Airport

Upon entering Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport, passengers and their baggage are subjected to an initial security screening, where you will drop your baggage through a scanner to enter the check-in area.

Once you have checked your bag, you’ll undergo a secondary screening.

This includes using X-ray machines for baggage and metal detectors for passengers. This is a standard procedure at most airports, designed to ensure the safety and security of all passengers.

If anomalies are detected during this initial screening, passengers may be subject to secondary screening. This can include manual bag checks and pat-downs.

Secondary screening is used to further investigate potential security threats and ensure the safety of all passengers. It's important to cooperate with security personnel during this process, as they are working to ensure the safety and security of everyone at the airport.

Bangkok, Thailand: Don Mueang International Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

Travelers pass through security at DMK airport. | Source: iVisa

Security screening starts right when you check your luggage in Bangkok.

Once you've checked your baggage, you'll proceed to a customs scanner, where an agent will scan your checked bag and drop it off for you. This is different from usual, where the airline representative drops your bag for you at the check-in counter.

Travelers will self-drop their checked baggage with a customs officer at Don Mueang International Airport customs officer. | Source: iVisa

After checking in and dropping off your baggage, I proceed to the immigration area. An airport agent will scan your boarding pass before you approach an immigration officer, who will scan your biometrics and take your photo before allowing you to proceed.

Pro-tip: Don’t overpack liquids in your carry-on; always put them in a clear ziplock bag to avoid the hassle at the counter.

As you pass through security, you must be aware of the liquid restrictions in your carry-on. Similar to the regulations in the US, you can't overpack liquids in your carry-on if they exceed 100ml.

I saw security personnel take them away from several passengers over the limit.

This is an especially important consideration if you plan on bringing back sauce packets to make delicious Thai foods like Thai curry or Tom Yum soup at home. Please check those or buy them at the airport, airport personnel will take them away.

Pro-tip: Don’t bring through any e-cigarettes. Vaping is illegal, and you could face a fine if you bring anything in.

Vietnam

Hanoi, Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)

Passengers pass through security at Noi Bai International Airport | iVisa

I thought that security was quite straightforward and similar to most other airports at Noi Bai International Airport.

Security is quite compact, so you may feel a bit crowded as you grab a bin for your belongings. You'll need to remove your shoes and place all your items in the scanner.

i-Visa pro-tip: Avoid bringing large liquids through security, as they will be confiscated.

Once your belongings have been scanned, you'll proceed to either the female or male line for a body scan using a machine and a handheld scanner. After passing through security, you can collect your items and continue to your gate.

Ho Chi Minh City, Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)

A traveler puts her bin in a separate area in the two-line security system at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. | iVisa

Once you've checked in your baggage, proceed upstairs to the security area. Despite the bustling atmosphere in the departures area, you'll likely find no line at the security checkpoint.

Note that the security process is somewhat unique. Instead of placing your belongings directly on the conveyor belt, you'll need to grab a bin from a separate security scanner and then take it to the main security line.

I saw a lot of people miss this, which created a bit of a jam as people tried to push back through the line to grab a bin for their belongings.

Be sure to remove your shoes before going through the either male or female scanner for a final security check.

Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)

Travelers wait in a security checkpoint at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. | Source: iVisa

I remember there being a long line to pass through security at KUL, which is after immigration.

Usually, immigration and security lines take around the same time at airports. Not here. The line was so long that I remember thinking I might miss my flight.

The security screening process involves multiple stages, including the use of X-ray machines and metal detectors.

You’ll be required to remove your hat and jacket, but not your shoes, and place them in a bin for X-ray screening.

You will also be required to place your carry-on luggage and any electronic devices in a separate bin for X-ray screening.

KLIA has introduced a new Passenger Reconciliation System (PRS) in collaboration with Malaysia Airlines to enhance safety and speed up the security screening process.

This system is able to scan and match information on passenger travel documents to Malaysia Airlines’ passenger database in real time. This is a significant improvement that helps to streamline the security process and reduce wait times.

Remember to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to allow for the security screening process. This will help ensure that you have a smooth and stress-free experience.

Southeast Asia Security Cheat-Sheet

1. Singapore's Changi Airport (SIN)

   • Screening Process: Conducted at the boarding gates at Terminals 1, 2, and 3; at Terminal 4, it's conducted just after departure immigration.
   • Security Features: Introduction of Computed Tomography (CT) security screening at Terminal 4.
   • Prohibited Items: Liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) in containers larger than 100ml should be in checked luggage.

2. Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)

   • Screening Process: Multi-stage process including X-ray machines and metal detectors.
   • Security Features: Passenger Reconciliation System (PRS) in collaboration with Indonesia's national carrier, Garuda Indonesia.

3. Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)

   • Screening Process: Multi-stage. Will scan all of your luggage to enter the check in area and a standard security area after you’ve checked in with metal detectors and
   • Prohibited Items: Liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) in containers larger than 100ml should be in checked luggage.

4. Bangkok's International Airports (BKK and DMK)

   • Screening Process: Standard security measures include passing carry-on luggage through X-ray machines and walking through metal detectors. Can keep your shoes on.
   • Prohibited Items: E-Cigarettes, Liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) in containers larger than 100ml should be in checked luggage.

5. Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)

   • Screening Process: Multi-stage process including X-ray machines and metal detectors.
   • Security Features: Priority entrances for customs and security screening for departing passengers.

6. Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)

   • Screening Process: Multi-stage process including X-ray machines and metal detectors. Remove your shoes.
   • Security Features: Priority entrances for customs and security screening for departing passengers.

7. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

   • Screening Process: Multi-stage process including X-ray machines and metal detectors. You can keep your shoes on but all other items must be placed through a scanner, including hats and jackets, and any electronics removed for separate scanning.
   • Security Features: Passenger Reconciliation System (PRS) in collaboration with Malaysia Airline

Remember to always check the official airport websites or contact the airports directly for the most up-to-date information on security screening procedures.