Welcome to the Mekong Delta! Your adventure in the lush, vibrant heart of Southern Vietnam begins the moment you touch down at Can Tho International Airport (VCA). While it’s a more relaxed gateway than the major hubs of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, don’t let its quieter reputation fool you. The airport still processed over a million travelers in 2024, and with international flights arriving from destinations like South Korea and Taiwan, even a couple of simultaneous landings can quickly lead to long, frustrating queues at the immigration checkpoint. This guide will show you how to make your arrival smooth and swift, ensuring your first moments in Vietnam are spent in excitement, not in a queue.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from pre-flight preparations to navigating the airport and, most importantly, how you can use a VIP Arrival at Can Tho Int’l Airport service to bypass the lines and begin your Vietnamese holiday with the ease and comfort you deserve.
A successful journey begins with thorough preparation. Before you even head to your departure airport, ensure you have the following documents and information in order.
Most travelers require a visa to enter Vietnam. Your options for Can Tho are:
As of 2025, Vietnam has opened its e-visa program to citizens of all countries and territories. The 90-day, multiple-entry e-visa is the most convenient and popular choice. For a comprehensive guide on how to apply, you can visit: https://www.vietnamimmigration.org/vietnam-e-visa-a-comprehensive-guide-to-apply-august-2023/. Crucially, ensure all details on your e-visa approval letter match your passport information exactly to avoid issues on arrival.
Citizens of several countries are entitled to a visa exemption for short stays (typically up to 45 days). As policies can change, it’s crucial to check if your nationality is on the latest visa exemption list. For the most up-to-date news and a complete list of eligible countries, you can visit: https://www.vietnamimmigration.org/vietnam-visa-information/. If you plan to stay longer than the exemption allows, you must secure an e-visa.
Please note that the traditional Visa on Arrival is now very limited and primarily reserved for specific cases. For most tourists, the e-visa is the standard and required method. If you do have a pre-approved VOA letter, be prepared for an extra step at the airport.
A special note for travelers with Chinese e-passports: Even if you hold a valid Vietnamese e-visa, you are required to visit the Visa on Arrival counter. Here, you will exchange your e-visa for a separate loose-leaf visa. Immigration officers will place the entry stamp on this loose-leaf visa, not directly in your passport. It is crucial to keep this document safe with your passport throughout your trip.
If you haven’t arranged your visa, let an expert handle it for a guaranteed smooth process. A trusted service offers a simple application form, fast turnaround times, and the peace of mind of a 100% success rate—or your money back. Don’t let a complicated application stand between you and your trip.
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While not always requested, it’s wise to have the following readily accessible:
To ensure a smooth passage through customs, be aware of the latest regulations. If you have items to declare, you must use the Red Channel; otherwise, proceed through the Green Channel.
You must declare cash amounts exceeding US$5,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) or over 15,000,000 Vietnamese Dong (VND).
Do not bring narcotics, weapons, explosives, pornography, or any materials critical of the Vietnamese government. Penalties for drug offenses are extremely severe.
For persons 18 years of age and older, the standard allowances are:
These items are considered personal effects and their value contributes to the 10,000,000 VND duty-free limit. The key is “personal use.” A watch on your wrist or a personal wedding ring is not an issue. However, if you are carrying multiple new, high-value items (especially in original packaging), customs may view them as commercial goods, which would be subject to tax.
Can Tho International Airport is your gateway to the Mekong Delta. Though modern and built to handle millions of passengers, it remains a relatively quiet airport, which can make for a pleasant experience.
As of early 2025, Can Tho Airport operates two regular international routes connecting to Seoul (South Korea) and Taipei (Taiwan). It also services seasonal charter flights. While the airport handled over a million passengers in 2024, the number of direct international arrivals is modest. This means you won’t face the overwhelming crowds of larger Asian airports, but a few flights arriving in the same window can still lead to significant waits at immigration.
For the ultimate seamless experience that complements your VIP arrival, a pre-booked private car is the superior choice. Your personal driver will be waiting for you as you exit customs, ready to assist with your luggage and escort you to a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. This eliminates any waiting and negotiation. The journey to your hotel in the city center takes about 15-20 minutes. Prices for a standard sedan typically range from $25 to $35 USD. This is the most recommended option for a stress-free transition from the airport to your accommodation.
Reputable taxi companies like Mai Linh and Vinasun are readily available at the taxi stand outside the arrival hall. This is a reliable and convenient option. The fare for the 15-20 minute trip to the city center is metered and usually costs between $5 and $7 USD. Ensure the driver uses the meter.
Services like Grab are operational in Can Tho and can be booked via a smartphone app. This can sometimes be slightly more economical than a traditional taxi. You will need to have the app installed and be connected to the internet (airport Wi-Fi or a local SIM card) to use this service. The cost is comparable to a taxi, around $5-$6 USD.
Your path through the airport depends on your visa status.
Special Note for Chinese E-Passport Holders: If you hold a Chinese e-passport with a Vietnamese e-visa, do not follow the steps below. You are required to go to the Visa on Arrival counter first. Please refer to the next section for your correct procedure.
For all other e-visa and visa-free travelers, the process is simple and linear:
After disembarking, follow the signs to “Arrivals.” The first stop is the immigration hall. Here, you will join a queue to present your passport and e-visa (or just your passport if you are visa-exempt) to the immigration officer.
Once your passport is stamped, proceed to the baggage claim area. Find your flight number on the screens to identify the correct carousel and collect your luggage.
With your luggage, head towards the customs area. If you have nothing to declare, you can usually walk through the “Green Channel.” If you need to declare currency or other items, proceed to the “Red Channel.”
You’ve made it! You are now officially in Vietnam. Exit the terminal to find taxis, pre-booked drivers, and the vibrant energy of the Mekong Delta.
The primary bottleneck is the Arrival Immigration Checkpoint. Even with a valid e-visa, you must wait in line with all other passengers. This is where a VIP Arrival Service becomes invaluable.
This process applies to travelers with a pre-approved Visa on Arrival letter AND travelers holding a Chinese e-passport with a Vietnamese e-visa.
After you deplane, do not go to the main immigration queues. Your first stop must be the “Visa on Arrival” or “Landing Visa” counter.
Once you have the visa sticker in your passport (for VOA) or the loose-leaf visa in hand (for Chinese e-passports), you can then proceed to the main immigration checkpoint to be formally stamped into the country.
The remaining steps are the same: collect your bags and clear customs.
You face two potential queues: first at the VOA counter, and then at the immigration checkpoint. This can significantly lengthen your arrival process. You must have the following prepared:
How do you guarantee a fast, seamless arrival experience, regardless of your visa type or how many other flights have landed? The answer is a VIP Arrival Service.
The single most effective way to skip the lines is by booking a VIP Arrival Service. This service is designed for savvy travelers who value their time and want to eliminate the stress and uncertainty of airport procedures. Instead of waiting in line, you are treated as a priority passenger.
The process is designed for maximum convenience and speed:
A professional staff member will be waiting for you with a welcome board displaying your name at the entrance of the arrival hall, right after you disembark.
Our staff will take care of the entire procedure for you. They will collect your documents and handle the visa pickup or loose-leaf visa exchange at the counter. Afterward, they will arrange Priority Lane Access at the Arrival Immigration Checkpoint. This means you will not have to wait in line as regular passengers and can save a significant amount of time.
Our staff will meet you and guide you directly through the priority lanes at the immigration checkpoint for fast entry, bypassing the main queue.
Once you have received your entry stamp, the service is complete. Our staff will guide you towards the baggage claim and exit, ensuring you are confidently on your way to the next step of your journey.
The standard VIP Arrival Service from a trusted provider like Vietnamimmigration.org includes:
Booking is simple and direct. To arrange your VIP fast-track service, simply fill out the online order form with your flight details and passenger information.
Click Here to Book Your VIP Arrival Service
When booking a service that handles your passport and entry, trust is paramount. Here’s why you can be confident choosing Vietnamimmigration.org:
Your arrival at Can Tho sets the tone for your entire trip. By being prepared and choosing a VIP Arrival Service, you ensure your first memories of Vietnam are of warmth, efficiency, and the pure excitement of the adventure ahead.
If you are still unsure about any part of the arrival process or have specific questions about your situation, don’t hesitate to get in touch. For a fast response from a travel expert, please use the contact form below.
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Imagine floating through the bustling Cai Rang market at sunrise, sampling ripe fruit directly from a local’s boat. This is the magic of Can Tho, the heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta.
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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.