Flying into Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN): What you 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.

Descending into Ho Chi Minh City, or as locals and expats affectionately know it as Saigon, the bustling metropolis stretches along the banks of the Dong Nai River.

View of Tan Son Nhat International Airport from the plane taxi area. | Source: iVisa

The sun illuminates this new and captivating destination for me, which holds historical significance as an American, given the extensive coverage of the Vietnam War in my adolescence.

Eager to explore the city and gain a fresh perspective on this pivotal chapter in history, I embarked on a journey that would ultimately reshape my understanding of a place I had only known through textbooks and stories.

Navigating Vietnam's Visa Requirements for Ho Chi Minh City

Like many other countries, Vietnam has specific entry requirements for foreign visitors. To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is essential to understand and adhere to these requirements before embarking on your journey to Ho Chi Minh City.

I found that I had an easy time getting a visa and traveling to Vietnam with these steps:

1. Booking flights and accommodation: Before applying for your visa, you must have confirmed bookings for your flights in and out of Vietnam and accommodations for the duration of your stay. This information will be required as part of the visa application process.

2. Visa application: I used iVisa’s platform to apply for my e-visa. The process typically takes at least two weeks, so applying well before your travel dates is advisable.

Pro tip: Have your passport (with at least six months remaining), application form, and proof of accommodation and transportation in Vietnam.

3. Print and pack required documents: Once your visa application has been accepted, print out the approved visa and any other relevant documents, such as your passport, flight itinerary, and accommodation confirmation. These documents will be checked at the airport before you are issued your boarding pass.

View of Ho Chi Minh and the Dong Nai River from the plane. | Source: iVisa

Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City: Initial Impressions

As I landed at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, I was immediately struck by the bustling metropolis sprawling along the banks of the Dong Nai River. The city's vibrant energy and unique charm were palpable, even from the air.

Upon disembarking, I couldn't help but notice the contrast between Tan Son Nhat International Airport and the more significant, bustling international hubs I had experienced in other major Asian cities. Ho Chi Minh City’s airport is relatively small.

This initial impression of Tan Son Nhat International Airport set the stage for an unforgettable adventure in this dynamic and captivating city.

View of Tan Son Nhat International Airport from the airplane taxiway. | Source: iVisa

Navigating the Arrivals Hallway

Upon disembarking the airplane, you will traverse a long hallway towards the immigration area. This airport section provides several amenities to make your journey more comfortable, including restrooms and water bottle refill stations.

Given the visa requirements for most travelers and the necessity to speak with an immigration officer, it is advisable to take advantage of these facilities before joining the potentially lengthy immigration queues.

Travelers walk down the arrivals hallway towards immigration at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. | Source: iVisa

As you approach the immigration area, you will find a limited number of ATMs and a SIM card vendor.

While there are additional SIM card providers beyond this point, utilizing one of the ATMs here may be beneficial. After passing through immigration and customs, I only noticed two ATMs in the arrivals hall.

Pro Tip: Cash is essential in Vietnam, as many establishments, even those catering to tourists, do not accept credit cards.

If you need more money later in your trip, numerous ATMs are available throughout Ho Chi Minh City.

Navigating the Immigration Process: Get ready to wait

Upon reaching the immigration area, I encountered a substantial queue to speak with an immigration officer, as every passenger, regardless of citizenship, must do so.

Fortunately, all lines were open when I arrived, so I waited for about 30 minutes. However, I learned from several Vietnamese passport holders that wait times can often exceed two hours on busier days.

Travelers approach immigration at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. | Source: iVisa

When it was my turn, I presented my passport and physical boarding pass to the immigration officer.

Interestingly, there was no request to see my visa papers, as they had likely been checked before I boarded the plane and were already in the system.

The officer took a few minutes to review my documents and passport before stamping it and officially granting me entry into the country.

Travelers can get their SIM card before or after immigration at Tan Son Nhat International Airport | Source: iVisa

Baggage claim: Look for your bag in the pile

Following the immigration process, I descended an escalator to reach the baggage claim area, which I found relatively compact.

The signage directed me to my designated carousel, where I observed a chaotic scene with numerous bags strewn about the area and on the carousel itself.

Travelers go down from immigration towards baggage claim at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. | Source: iVisa

As I waited by my assigned carousel, I soon noticed my bag among the piles on the floor. An airport employee appeared to have unloaded the bags and placed them on the ground while passengers were still in the immigration area.

When picking up your checked luggage, it is advisable to search not only around your baggage carousel but also on the floor before waiting for your bag to emerge via the traditional method.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport Travelers may find their checked baggage on the floor rather than the carousel. | Source: iVisa

Arrivals Hall: Limited Services, Exploring Better Options in the City

Upon entering the arrivals hall, you'll notice that the airport offers limited services and amenities. While there are duty-free shops available in the baggage claim area, it's advisable to wait until you're in the city to purchase any essentials you may need, as the duty-free shops have limited items that are quite pricey.

Travelers can shop duty-free on arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. | Source: iVisa

If you have nothing to declare, you can proceed directly from the airport. Exiting, you may encounter people offering taxi services or SIM cards.

Unlike in other locations where this can be overwhelming, these individuals are generally harmless and merely trying to provide a service.

Travelers have limited options for SIM cards and ATMs/money exchange services at the arrivals hall of Tan Son Nhat International Airport. | Source: iVisa

To ensure a smooth transition from the airport to the city, having cash on hand and a local SIM card before leaving the arrivals is beneficial. Both can be found in this small area.

There are a few restaurants and coffee shops directly outside the airport, but due to Saigon's year-round waiting, exploring the dining options within the city might be more comfortable.

Travelers can get a bite to eat directly outside of Tan Son Nhat International Airport. | Source: iVisa

Navigating Ho Chi Minh City: Utilizing Grab for Safe and Convenient Transportation

If you haven't pre-arranged a taxi into the city, the most reliable and secure option for getting around Ho Chi Minh City is to book a ride using Grab, the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber.

Using Grab, you can avoid scams and easily track your ride, ensuring a safe journey. To find your Grab, head across the street to the parking lot awning where the pick-up point is located.

Drivers wait to take travelers into Ho Chi Minh City at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. | Source: iVisa

Once your Grab arrives, you can begin your journey into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon.

As you travel through the city, remember to fasten your seatbelt. Traffic can get a bit crazy and overwhelming.

Travelers catching a Grab must meet their driver at the parking lot across the street. | Source: iVisa

Embarking on a journey to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is an exciting and rewarding experience that begins when you land at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

As you navigate the immigration process and retrieve your luggage, remember to be patient. Wait times can vary depending on the day and the number of flights arriving. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, Ho Chi Minh City promises to leave a lasting impression on any traveler.

As you venture into the city, you'll find that the airport experience is just the beginning of an unforgettable adventure in this dynamic and captivating metropolis.