Welcome to the Mekong Delta! Your journey into the heart of Vietnam’s lush, vibrant river life begins at Can Tho City’s International Airport (VCA). As you descend, the winding, chocolate-brown rivers and endless green rice paddies promise an unforgettable adventure. But before you can immerse yourself in the magic of the floating markets and the warmth of Mekong hospitality, you have one final hurdle: the airport arrival process.
Let’s be honest: after hours spent in the air, the last thing you want is another hour standing in a slow-moving immigration queue. The initial thrill of arrival can quickly dissolve under the fatigue of travel, turning your first impression of Vietnam into one of frustrating delay. It’s a universal travel headache, and it’s not the memory you want to start your trip with.
But what if you could bypass it all? Imagine stepping off the plane and being greeted by a personal escort, whisked past the crowds through a private, priority lane, and finding yourself on the way to your hotel while others are still waiting. This isn’t a fantasy reserved for diplomats; it’s the reality offered by the Arrival Fast Track Service at Can Tho City’s Int’l Airport.
This guide is your definitive resource for navigating the arrival process at VCA in 2025. We will walk you through every step, whether you have an e-visa, are a visa-free visitor, or need a visa-on-arrival. Most importantly, we’ll show you how to transform your arrival from a stressful wait into a seamless, VIP experience.
What to Prepare Before Arriving at Can Tho City’s Int’l Airport (VCA)
A smooth journey begins long before you board the plane. Proper preparation is key to a hassle-free arrival. Before you travel to Can Tho, ensure you have the following essentials in order.
Your Essential Pre-Travel Checklist:
1. Passport:
This is non-negotiable. Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Vietnam. Flick through your passport and ensure you have at least two blank pages for the entry stamp and visa (if required). You must use the same passport to enter and exit Vietnam.
2. Vietnam Visa (The Most Important Step!):
Your visa status determines your path through the airport. Here are your options for 2025:
E-Visa (Highly Recommended): As of 2025, Vietnam offers an e-visa to citizens of all countries and territories. It allows for a stay of up to 90 days with single or multiple entry options. Applying for the e-visa online through the official government portal is the most straightforward, reliable, and recommended method. Ensure you print a copy of your e-visa letter to present upon arrival.
Visa Exemption: Citizens from a list of countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for a specified period (typically 15 to 45 days). Check if your nationality is on the visa exemption list. If so, you only need your valid passport.
Visa on Arrival (VOA):Please Note: The VOA option is now very limited and generally not available for most tourists. It is typically reserved for specific circumstances, such as travelers entering for emergency reasons or from countries without a Vietnamese embassy. If you are eligible and must use this method, you must have a Visa Approval Letter from a sponsoring agency in Vietnam before you fly. You cannot get a VOA without this letter.
3. Flight and Trip Information:
Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket. Immigration officials may ask for proof that you intend to leave the country. It’s also wise to have the name, address, and phone number of your hotel in Can Tho readily available.
4. Customs Regulations Awareness:
Be aware of what you can and cannot bring into Vietnam.
Currency: You must declare any cash amount exceeding US$5,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies).
Prohibited Items: Do not bring narcotics, weapons, pornography, or any materials critical of the Vietnamese government.
2025 Update – E-cigarettes/Vapes: As of 2025, e-cigarettes and vapes are banned. They will be confiscated at customs.
Restricted Items: Bringing a drone requires a special permit. If you are carrying prescription medication, keep it in its original packaging and bring a doctor’s note.
5. Cash (Especially for VOA):
If you are using the Visa on Arrival service, you must pay the visa stamping fee in cash. The fee is US$25 for a single-entry visa or US$50 for a multi-entry visa. It’s best to have crisp US dollar bills, though Vietnamese Dong (VND) is also accepted. Crucially, as we will discuss, there are no ATMs in the visa-on-arrival area.
About Can Tho City’s Int’l Airport – VCA (IATA: VCA, ICAO: VVCT)
Can Tho International Airport is your gateway to the Mekong Delta. Though smaller than the hubs in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, it is a modern and efficient airport designed to serve the entire region.
1. Location:
The airport is located at 179B Le Hong Phong Street, Binh Thuy District, Can Tho. It is conveniently situated just 8 kilometers from the city center, making for a quick transfer to your accommodation.
2. Facilities:
VCA features a single, two-story passenger terminal. The second floor is dedicated to arrivals, while the ground floor handles departures. You’ll find essential services including food and beverage stalls, free Wi-Fi, ATMs (in the public hall, after customs), and shops for last-minute souvenirs.
3. Airlines & Routes:
The airport serves several domestic routes connecting Can Tho to major Vietnamese cities. Internationally, there are regular flights to destinations like Taipei and Seoul.
4. Transportation to the City Center:
Taxi: The most convenient option. Reputable companies like Mai Linh, MeKong, and VinaSun are available outside the terminal. The ride to the city center takes about 15-20 minutes and is very affordable.
Motorcycle Taxi (Xe Ôm): For the adventurous solo traveler, a xe ôm is a cheap and authentic way to travel. You’ll need to walk a short distance from the terminal to find them. Always agree on the fare before you start your journey.
Bus: The most budget-friendly option. Local buses run from the airport to the city center for a very low price.
How to Navigate Can Tho City’s Int’l Airport: For E-visa Holders and Visa-Free Visitors
If you have your e-visa printout or are from a visa-exempt country, your path through the airport is relatively simple. Here is the step-by-step process:
Deplaning and Arrival Immigration: After you step off the plane, you will follow the signs to “Arrivals” (“Khu vực đến”). This will lead you to the large immigration hall on the second floor.
The Queue: Here, you will join the queue for foreign passports. You will need to present your passport (and your printed e-visa, if applicable) to the immigration officer. The officer will check your documents, stamp your passport, and allow you to proceed.
Baggage Claim: After clearing immigration, you will head down to the baggage claim area to collect your checked luggage.
Customs Check: With your luggage, you will proceed through the customs checkpoint. If you have nothing to declare, this is usually a quick formality.
Exit: You are now officially in Vietnam! You will exit into the public arrivals hall, where you can find ATMs, currency exchange counters, and onward transportation.
Note for E-visa and Visa-Free Visitors:
The critical bottleneck in this seemingly simple process is the queue at the Arrival Immigration Checkpoint. The length of this line is unpredictable; it depends entirely on how many other flights have landed just before yours. You could wait five minutes or over an hour. This uncertainty is precisely where a smooth arrival can turn into a significant, tiring delay.
How to Navigate Can Tho City’s Int’l Airport: For Visa-on-Arrival Holders
For those traveling with a Visa Approval Letter, the process is more complex and involves an extra, crucial step.
Landing Visa Counter (Visa on Arrival): Before you can even join the immigration queue, you must first get your visa sticker. Look for the “Visa on Arrival” or “Landing Visa” counter.
Submitting Documents: At this counter, you will need to submit the following:
Your original passport.
Your official Visa Approval Letter.
A completed NA1 form (the Vietnamese Visa Application Form). It’s best to have this filled out in advance.
One passport-sized photo (4×6 cm).
The cash stamping fee (US25orUS50).
Waiting for Your Visa: After submitting your documents, you will need to wait for your name to be called. The officers will process your application, paste the visa sticker into your passport, and then call you to collect it.
The Immigration Queue: Once you have your passport back with the visa inside, you must then proceed to the main Arrival Immigration Checkpoint and queue again to be formally stamped into the country.
Baggage Claim & Customs: The final steps are the same: baggage claim and the customs check.
Note for Visa-on-Arrival Holders:
You face the potential of waiting in two separate queues: first at the visa counter, then at the immigration counter. The wait at the visa counter can be unpredictable. Furthermore, if you are missing any documents—like a passport photo or the correct amount of cash—you will face significant problems, as there are no photo booths or ATMs in this secure area. This is where your trip can be derailed before it even begins.
How to Skip Queuing at the Arrival Immigration Checkpoint at Can Tho City’s Int’l Airport
So, how do you bypass these queues, avoid the stress, and guarantee the fastest possible entry into Vietnam?
The answer is simple: You book the Arrival Fast Track Service.
This premium service is designed specifically to eliminate every delay and point of confusion in the arrival process. It is your personal “skip the line” pass, ensuring you are treated like a VIP from the moment you step off the aircraft.
How Does the Arrival Fast Track Service at Can Tho City’s Int’l Airport Work?
The process is remarkably smooth and effortless for you. Our professional team handles everything.
Step 1: The VIP Welcome:
As you walk from the plane towards the immigration hall, our representative will be waiting for you, holding a clear sign with your name on it. This immediate, personal welcome is a relief after a long flight.
Step 2: Document Handling:
You simply hand your passport (and visa documents, if applicable) to our representative. They will handle all the paperwork.
For E-visa/Visa-Free: They will take your passport and lead you directly to the priority lane.
For Visa on Arrival: This is where the service truly shines. Our agent will take your approval letter, NA1 form, photo, and passport to the visa counter on your behalf. You can sit and relax in a designated area while they handle the entire process. If you’ve forgotten a photo or don’t have cash, our team will help you get it sorted on the spot.
Step 3: The Priority Lane:
Once the paperwork is complete, our representative will escort you to a special, fast-moving lane at the immigration checkpoint. This lane is reserved for diplomats, aircrew, and Fast Track service users. You will bypass the entire general queue.
Step 4: Seamless Exit:
Our staff will then escort you through baggage claim and the customs area, ensuring you are swiftly and safely on your way to the arrivals hall and your onward transportation.
What are the Benefits of Using the Arrival Fast Track Service?
Reclaim Your Time: This is the core benefit. Instead of spending up to an hour or more in a queue, especially during peak season, you’ll be through immigration in minutes. That’s more time to relax, settle in, and start your adventure.
Travel with Total Peace of Mind: Eliminate the anxiety of navigating a new airport. There’s no confusion, no language barrier, and no stress about making a mistake with paperwork. This is especially invaluable for families with tired children, senior travelers, or anyone who values a calm, controlled start to their trip.
Expert Personal Assistance: You have a friendly, English-speaking expert by your side to navigate any potential issues and overcome language barriers.
Solves VOA Problems: Forgetting a photo or cash for your visa on arrival can be a disaster. Our team resolves these issues for you instantly, turning a potential crisis into a minor inconvenience.
The Perfect Start to Your Trip: Begin your Vietnam adventure feeling relaxed, refreshed, and prioritized. It sets a positive tone for your entire journey.
How to Book the Arrival Fast Track Service to Avoid Queues
Booking this invaluable service is incredibly easy and can be done online in minutes.
Step 1: Fill Out the Form Online: Provide your flight details, arrival date and time, and the names of the passengers.
Step 2: Pay for the Service: Complete the secure online payment for the Arrival Fast Track Service.
Step 3: Receive Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation email with all the details and clear guidance for your arrival. It’s that simple.
Can I Trust Vietnamimmigration.org for the Arrival Fast Track Service?
Your peace of mind is our priority. We understand that reliability and security are paramount when booking a travel service. Here are the facts that make Vietnamimmigration.org the most trusted choice for your arrival in Vietnam:
Over 15 Years of Experience: We are not a new company. Vietnamimmigration.org has been a trusted name in the field since 2008, helping thousands of travelers experience a smooth entry into Vietnam. You can verify our long-standing presence by checking our public record: https://www.whois.com/whois/vietnamimmigration.org.
100% Money-Back Guarantee: We stand by the quality of our service. In the unlikely event that we fail to deliver on our promise, we offer a full refund. Our commitment to your satisfaction is absolute. You can review our policy here: https://www.vietnamimmigration.org/refund-policy/.
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Additional Tips for a Smooth Arrival at Can Tho City’s Int’l Airport
Get Some Local Currency: While cards are accepted in many places, having some Vietnamese Dong (VND) is essential for smaller purchases, street food, and tips.
Download an Offline Map: Download a map of Can Tho on your phone so you can navigate even without a data connection.
Hotel Address in Vietnamese: Have your hotel’s address written or saved in Vietnamese to show your taxi driver, avoiding any confusion.
Dress for the Climate: The Mekong Delta is warm and humid year-round. Dress in light, breathable clothing for immediate comfort upon exiting the air-conditioned airport.
Stay Connected: Consider purchasing a local SIM card at the airport for affordable data and calls throughout your trip.
Your arrival in Can Tho should be the exciting first chapter of your Vietnam story, not a test of your patience. By being well-prepared and leveraging the Arrival Fast Track Service, you can ensure your journey begins smoothly, efficiently, and with the welcoming VIP treatment you deserve. Start your adventure the right way.
This document provides a comprehensive guide for international travelers arriving at Can Tho International Airport (VCA), located within the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. The objective is to facilitate a seamless and efficient entry process by outlining requisite preparations, detailing airport navigation procedures, and highlighting the benefits of utilizing a specialized Fast Entry Service.
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