July 3, 2025
Visa tips

Your Smooth Arrival: Navigating Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport & The VIP Fast Entry Service

Welcome to Hai Phong! As you prepare for your journey to this vibrant Vietnamese city, understanding the arrival process at Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport – Cat Bi (HPH) is key to starting your trip smoothly. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from pre-arrival preparations to navigating the airport, and how you can enjoy a truly VIP experience by skipping those often lengthy queues with a fast entry at Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport.

What to Prepare Before Arriving at Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport – Cat Bi

A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a hassle-free arrival. Before you even board your flight to Hai Phong, here are a few crucial things to consider:

👉 Visa Requirements: This is paramount.

  • E-visa Holders: If you’ve obtained an e-visa, ensure you have a printed copy and that all details are correct and match your passport.
  • Visa-Free Nationals: Citizens of countries eligible for visa exemption should confirm the duration of stay allowed and any specific conditions.
  • Visa-on-Arrival (VOA): If you’re eligible and planning for a VOA, ensure you have all necessary documents (see detailed section below). This is where pre-planning becomes especially important.

👉 Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Vietnam. This is a standard requirement and strictly enforced.

👉 Flight Details: Keep your flight itinerary easily accessible, either printed or on your phone.

👉 Accommodation Details: Have the address and contact information of your hotel or accommodation in Hai Phong ready. You’ll likely need this for your arrival declaration form.

👉 Currency: While you can exchange currency at the airport, having some Vietnamese Dong (VND) or clean US Dollars (especially for VOA stamping fees) can be beneficial upon arrival.

Consider Your Arrival Experience:

Waiting in lines at the immigration checkpoint in Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport can be exhausting, especially after a long flight. If you value your time and comfort, and want to skip the queues at the immigration checkpoint as a VIP, you should book the Fast Entry Service in advance before you go. This service is designed to expedite your passage through the airport, making your fast entry at Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport a reality.

Taking these steps will set you up for a more relaxed arrival. The Fast Entry Service, in particular, can transform your initial moments in Vietnam from a period of waiting to a swift and pleasant welcome.

About Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport – Cat Bi (IATA: HPH, ICAO: VVCI)

Cat Bi International Airport (IATA: HPH, ICAO: VVCI) serves as the main gateway to Hai Phong, a major port city and economic hub in northern Vietnam. It also provides convenient access to nearby attractions like Ha Long Bay.

1. Location:

The airport is conveniently located on Le Hong Phong Street, Hai An District, Hai Phong City. It’s situated approximately 8 kilometers southeast of Hai Phong’s city center, making the journey to your accommodation relatively short.

2. Terminals:

Cat Bi International Airport features a modern passenger terminal designed to handle both domestic and international flights. The terminal is well-equipped with facilities to cater to travelers’ needs. It has distinct areas for international and domestic arrivals/departures, with around 29 check-in counters (counters 1-16 typically for domestic and 17-29 for international routes) and approximately 6 boarding gates. The airport has the capacity to serve several million passengers annually.

3. Facilities:

You’ll find a range of services and amenities, including:

  • Currency exchange counters
  • ATMs
  • Food and beverage outlets (restaurants, cafes)
  • Duty-free shops and retail stores
  • Free Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal
  • Information desks
  • Medical services/first aid station
  • Restrooms
  • A children’s play area
  • Airport lounges (like the SH Premium Lounge for eligible passengers)

4. Transport to City Center:

Several options are available to get from the airport to Hai Phong city center or your hotel:

  • Taxi: This is a popular and convenient option. Reputable taxi companies like Mai Linh, Thong Nhat, and Dat Cang operate at the airport. Ensure the meter is used, or agree on a fare beforehand. The ride to the city center usually takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.
  • Ride-Hailing Apps: Services like Grab are widely used in Vietnam and can be booked via their mobile app for pick-up at the airport.
  • Private Car Transfer: For a more personalized service, you can pre-book a private car. This is often included if you opt for a comprehensive fast entry at Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport service package.
  • Shuttle Bus: Some hotels might offer shuttle services, or public/private shuttle buses may be available to certain destinations.
  • Motorbike Taxi (Xe Om): For solo travelers with light luggage, a motorbike taxi can be a quick and adventurous way to reach the city, though ensure you agree on the price first.

The airport is designed for efficiency, but like any international port of entry, peak times can see a surge in passenger numbers.

How to Navigate Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport for E-visa Holders and Visa-Free Visitors

If you are an e-visa holder or a citizen of a country with a visa exemption agreement with Vietnam, your arrival process at Cat Bi International Airport will generally follow these steps:

1. Deplane and Follow Signs:

Upon disembarking your aircraft, follow the signs for “Arrivals” and “Immigration.” Airport staff are usually on hand to guide passengers.

2. Immigration Checkpoint:

This is your first official stop. Proceed to the immigration counters.

  • Have your passport ready.
  • Present your printed e-visa (if applicable).
  • The immigration officer will check your documents, stamp your passport, and grant you entry.

⚠️ This is where queues can often form, sometimes leading to significant waiting times.

3. Baggage Claim:

After clearing immigration, check the display screens for your flight number to find the designated baggage carousel. Proceed to the carousel and collect your luggage.

4. Customs Check:

With your luggage, proceed to the customs checkpoint. You may need to declare certain goods if you are carrying items that exceed duty-free allowances or are restricted. If you have nothing to declare, you can usually pass through the “Green Channel.”

5. Exit the Airport:

Once you’ve cleared customs, you’ll enter the arrivals hall. Here you can find currency exchange, ATMs, transportation desks, and meet anyone who is there to pick you up. Now, you’re ready to enjoy your trip in Vietnam!

Note for E-visa Holders and Visa-Free Visitors to Navigate Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport

While the process for e-visa and visa-free travelers is more straightforward than for visa-on-arrival, the primary hurdle remains the potential for long queues at the Immigration Checkpoint. This is a common experience at many international airports, and Hai Phong is no exception, especially during peak flight arrival times.

This is where the value of a fast entry at Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport service truly shines. Even if you have your visa sorted or don’t need one, you can still face considerable waiting times. By booking our Fast Entry Service, you’ll be met by our representative upon arrival who will then escort you through priority lanes at the immigration checkpoint. This means you bypass the regular queues, get your passport stamped swiftly, and move on to baggage claim much faster. It’s the perfect way to ensure your arrival is as smooth and quick as possible, allowing you to start your Vietnamese adventure without unnecessary delays.

How to Navigate Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport for Visa-on-Arrival Holders

If you are arriving with a pre-approved visa letter for a visa-on-arrival (VOA), your process has an extra step before immigration:

1. Deplane and Follow Signs:

As you disembark, look for signs directing you to the “Visa on Arrival” or “Landing Visa” counter. This counter is typically located before the main immigration checkpoint.

2. Landing Visa Counter (Visa-on-Arrival Counter):

This is your first crucial stop. Submit your documents:

  • Your original passport.
  • Your visa approval letter (the printed copy).
  • A completed NA1 form (Vietnamese Visa Application Form – it’s best to download and fill this out in advance).
  • One passport-sized photo (typically 4×6 cm, but requirements can vary slightly, so having a standard one is good).
  • Cash for the visa stamping fee (USD is preferred, but VND may be accepted. Check the current fee for your visa type – e.g., US$ 25 for single entry, US$ 50 for multiple entry).

The officer will review your documents and process your visa. Your name will be called once your visa is ready to be stamped into your passport.

⚠️ This counter can also experience long queues, especially if multiple flights arrive around the same time. You might have to wait for your documents to be processed and your name to be called.

3. Immigration Checkpoint:

Once you have your visa stamped in your passport, proceed to the main immigration checkpoint (as described for e-visa/visa-free holders). You will present your passport with the newly issued visa.

⚠️ Again, you may encounter queues here.

4. Baggage Claim:

After clearing immigration, go to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage.

5. Customs Check:

Proceed through customs with your luggage.

6. Exit the Airport:

You are now free to exit into the arrivals hall and begin your journey in Vietnam.

Note for Visa-on-Arrival Holders to Navigate Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport

For visa-on-arrival holders, the arrival process can sometimes feel a bit more daunting due to the two potential queuing points: the Landing Visa Counter and the Immigration Checkpoint. Long lines at the Landing Visa Counter are common as officers process applications.

Checklist for Visa-on-Arrival Holders (Essential!):

  • Completed NA1 form: Download here. Having this filled out accurately beforehand saves significant time.
  • A passport-sized photo (4×6 cm): This needs to be attached to your NA1 form.
  • Cash in USD or VND: This is for the visa stamping fee (currently US$25 for a single−entry visa or US$50 for a multi-entry visa). Crucially, please note that there is often no ATM in the visa-on-arrival processing area. You must have this cash ready.

How Our Fast Entry Service Helps Visa-on-Arrival Holders:

This is where our fast entry at Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport service becomes invaluable for VOA travelers.

  • No Photo? No Cash Ready? NA1 Form Incomplete? No Problem! If you arrive and find you’re missing a passport photo, don’t have the exact cash for the stamping fee, or haven’t completed your NA1 form, our team can help you get it sorted quickly upon your arrival. We understand these small details can cause big stress, and we’re there to assist.
  • Visa Pick-up Assistance: Our team will meet you upon arrival, take your documents (passport, approval letter), and handle the entire visa pick-up process at the Landing Visa Counter for you. This means you can relax while we navigate the queues and paperwork.
  • Priority Immigration: Once your visa is stamped, we will then escort you through the priority lanes at the main immigration checkpoint, ensuring you bypass any further long lines.

Essentially, our Fast Entry Service for VOA holders streamlines the entire arrival, from visa stamping to immigration clearance, making your fast entry at Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport a seamless experience.

How to Skip Queuing at the Immigration Checkpoint at Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport?

The answer is simple: Utilize a Fast Entry Service.

Whether you are an e-visa holder, a visa-free visitor, or a visa-on-arrival applicant, the Fast Entry Service is designed specifically to help you bypass the standard queues at the immigration checkpoint. Long waits can be particularly taxing after a lengthy flight, and this service offers a comfortable and efficient alternative.

When you book this service:

  1. You’ll be met: Our representative will greet you as you enter the terminal (often near the airbridge or at a clearly designated meeting point).
  2. You’ll be escorted: You’ll be guided through dedicated priority lanes or fast track channels at the immigration checkpoint.
  3. You’ll save time: This significantly reduces your waiting time, allowing you to proceed to baggage claim and customs much quicker than other passengers.

Opting for a fast entry at Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport is an investment in your comfort and time, ensuring your first impression of Vietnam is positive and stress-free.

How to Book the Fast Entry Service to Avoid Queues at Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport?

Booking your Fast Entry Service is straightforward and best done in advance of your travel:

  1. Visit Our Website: Go to Vietnamimmigration.org.
  2. Find the Service: Look for the “Fast Entry Service,” “Airport Fast Track,” or a similarly named option, specifically for Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport (Cat Bi Airport – HPH).
  3. Provide Your Details: You’ll typically need to provide your flight details (flight number, arrival date and time), your full name as per your passport, and your passport number. Indicate if you are an e-visa/visa-free traveler or a visa-on-arrival applicant.
  4. Select Service Level (if applicable): Some services might offer different tiers, such as fast track immigration only, or a full service including VOA assistance.
  5. Make Payment: Complete the secure online payment.
  6. Receive Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation email with details of your booking and instructions on where to meet our representative upon arrival.

Booking in advance is highly recommended to ensure availability and to allow us to make all the necessary arrangements for your smooth fast entry at Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport.

Is It Safe to Book the Fast Entry Service Through Vietnamimmigration.org?

Absolutely. We understand that trust and security are paramount when booking travel services online. Here’s why you can confidently choose Vietnamimmigration.org for your fast entry at Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport:

👉 Years of Experience:

Vietnamimmigration.org has been a trusted name in Vietnam visa and travel services for over 15 years. Our domain, vietnamimmigration.org, has been operational since 2008. You can verify our history and legitimacy by checking our WHOIS record at https://www.whois.com/whois/vietnamimmigration.org/.

👉 100% Money-Back Guarantee:

We stand by the quality of our service. Vietnamimmigration.org offers a 100% money-back guarantee if we fail to deliver the service as promised. You can review our detailed refund policy here: https://www.vietnamimmigration.org/refund-policy/.

👉 Secure Payment with Buyer Protection:

We offer payment options via PayPal, which includes PayPal’s robust Buyer Protection policy. This gives you an added layer of security and confidence in your transaction. Learn more about PayPal Buyer Protection here: https://www.paypal.com/vn/webapps/mpp/paypal-buyer-protection.

👉 Positive Customer Reviews:

Don’t just take our word for it. See what our satisfied customers are saying about their experiences with our services. Check out our reviews on Sitejabber, an independent review platform: https://www.sitejabber.com/reviews/vietnamimmigration.org.

👉 Data Protection and Privacy:

We prioritize the security of your personal information. We use encrypted systems for all transactions and communications and strictly comply with data protection laws. We guarantee that your personal data will never be used for marketing purposes or sold to third parties.

Choosing Vietnamimmigration.org means choosing a reliable, experienced, and customer-focused partner for your travel needs in Vietnam.

Tips for a Smooth Arrival in Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport

Beyond the visa and immigration process, here are a few extra tips to ensure your arrival at Cat Bi Airport is as smooth as possible:

  1. Double-Check Visa Requirements: Reconfirm your specific visa needs based on your nationality and length of stay well before your departure.
  2. Know Your Duty-Free Allowances: Be aware of Vietnam’s customs regulations regarding duty-free allowances for items like alcohol, tobacco, and perfumes to avoid any issues at customs.
  3. Be Aware of Prohibited and Restricted Items: Familiarize yourself with items that are prohibited or restricted from being brought into Vietnam. This includes certain medications, weapons, anti-government materials, and large amounts of undeclared currency.
  4. Pre-arrange Transportation (Especially if not using Fast Entry with transfer): If you haven’t booked a service that includes transportation, consider pre-arranging your airport transfer to your hotel, especially if arriving late at night or during peak hours. This can save you time and potential hassle.
  5. Pack Patience or Pack Fast Entry: Airport arrivals can be unpredictable. While Cat Bi is an efficient airport, delays can happen. If you’re not opting for the fast entry at Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport service, be prepared for some waiting. If you prefer to avoid the wait and start your trip refreshed, the Fast Entry Service is your best bet.
  6. Keep Important Documents Handy: Don’t pack your passport, visa, flight details, or hotel confirmation in your checked luggage. Keep them in your carry-on bag for easy access.
  7. Declare Currency if Necessary: If carrying amounts of foreign currency exceeding US$5,000 (or equivalent) or Vietnamese Dong exceeding VND 15,000,000, you must declare it at customs.

By following these tips and considering the Fast Entry Service, your arrival in Hai Phong will be the pleasant start to an unforgettable Vietnamese adventure. We look forward to welcoming you and providing you with an exceptional fast entry at Hai Phong City’s Int’l Airport experience!

PERHAPS YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

Fast Entry Guide: Hai Phong (Cat Bi) Airport Your Smooth Arrival in Hai Phong Navigate Cat Bi Airport (HPH) with ease. Select your visa status below for a personalized guide and discover how to bypass the queues.

Infographic: Navigating Hai Phong Airport – Cool Teal Edition Hai Phong Airport Arrival: A Cool Infographic Guide Your calm and sophisticated guide to a smooth entry into Vietnam. Navigating Your Arrival Understanding the steps involved upon arrival is crucial.