Step-by-step entry procedures for crew and passengers in Vietnam
Navigating Vietnam immigration procedures can be complex. T&T Aviation simplifies the entire process for crew members and passengers by coordinating directly with the Vietnam Immigration Department and airport authorities. From e-visa applications (available to ALL nationalities worldwide) to fast-track immigration clearance, we handle every step — including the digital pre-arrival declaration currently being piloted at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn (expanding nationwide in phases).
Vietnam Immigration Department — Official immigration services are managed by the Vietnam Immigration Department (Cục Quản lý Xuất nhập cảnh) under the Ministry of Public Security. Headquarters: 44-46 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh, Hanoi and 333-335-337 Nguyen Trai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Foreigner enquiries hotline: +84 24 3826 4026. Email: foreigners@immigration.gov.vn. Website: xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
Crew members must hold a valid passport (6+ months validity), a valid Crew Member Certificate (CMC) or airline-issued crew ID card, and official flight documentation (General Declaration or trip sheet). As of June 2026, a digital pre-arrival declaration is being piloted at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) — crew arriving at SGN must complete it at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn within 72 hours before arrival. This system will expand to other airports in subsequent phases. T&T Aviation prepares and submits all documents to the Vietnam Immigration Department prior to arrival.
Obtain CAAV overflight and landing permits. T&T Aviation handles this on your behalf, coordinating directly with the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam. Standard permits take 4–8 hours; urgent permits under 2 hours.
T&T Aviation submits crew manifest details to the Immigration Department prior to arrival. For scheduled commercial airline crew, visa-free entry under CMC applies — crew from most countries can enter without a visa when on active flight duty. For charter and private flight crew, an e-visa (USD 25–50) or pre-arranged visa approval letter is typically required, unless the crew member holds a passport from a country with a bilateral crew visa exemption agreement with Vietnam. T&T Aviation handles all visa applications on behalf of charter crew. Fast-track immigration lanes are pre-arranged for VIP and diplomatic flights.
Crew members from scheduled commercial airlines holding a valid CMC and arriving on active flight duty are granted visa-free entry under three operational scenarios: (1) arriving and departing on the same airline's flights, (2) deadheading as passengers to operate a departing flight, or (3) arriving on duty and repositioning out. For charter and private flight crew, an approved e-visa or pre-arranged visa letter must be presented at immigration — unless the crew member is from a country with a bilateral crew visa exemption. For crew without CMC or on personal travel, an e-visa (available to all nationalities) is required. T&T Aviation coordinates with airport immigration for seamless clearance.
Crew baggage and personal items clear through priority customs inspection. Security screening is expedited for flight crew. T&T Aviation supervisors are present at the checkpoint to ensure smooth processing.
Crew transfer to hotel or rest facility is arranged immediately. T&T Aviation provides dedicated crew transportation with negotiated rates at airline-preferred hotels near all 12 international airports.