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Hi everyone, I will be travelling to Vietnam for the first time later this year.I grew up hearing stories about corrupt airport officials asking for bribe money when you enter/leave the country.I was told that they will make up random excuses to make you wait – sometimes the entire day. I heard it mostly has to do with fake “Visa issues”… “longer baggage checks”… “confiscated packages at Customs”… (especially expensive items). Is all of that still happening in 2026?
Hi everyone, I will be travelling to Vietnam for the first time later this year.
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Now let’s hear from all my Viet Kieu folks!
I have been to Vietnam over 10 times since 1998 landing at Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi airports and have never had an trouble with official corruption or by locals ripping me off.
I’ve never had any issues like that with airport officials. Only problem I’ve had is the fake ‘Grab’ scammers at HCM airport.
We have gone a couple of times and never had to do that.
I went in December with no issues and correct visa and everything but just because I had no issues doesn’t mean no one else has though
We have been come back home for medical mission a few years now and here are what we learned when pas thru the airport in VN.
My son and I are born in Australia, and we always go through immigration together with no issues. However, my husband born in VN (left when he was 2 years old), most often takes longer – about 10mins.
I’m Vietnamese and it has happened to me where the airport staff had me pay 3 million dong 🥲 they told me to put the money in their pocket and avoid the cameras.
Look into fast track service. That way you will be avoiding the lines and immigration hassles if you’re flying into Saigon/HCMC
Pick a line with more Westerners near you, or best have a Westerner behind you if you can manage. Do not speak Vietnamese if you are somewhat fluent in English or your new home language where your passport comes from. The problem was very bad a long time ago. I think it’s much better now! Have a working phone and your consulate office hotline. When in doubt, tell them you are calling your embassy for help! Enjoy the rest of your trip.