Your Ultimate Guide to Expedited Entry at Cat Bi Int’l Airport (HPH): A Smooth Arrival in Hai Phong

• Interactive Guide: VIP Arrival at Cat Bi Airport
• Infographic: Seamless Arrival at Cat Bi Airport (HPH)

Your flight has landed, and your Vietnamese adventure is just moments away. You can almost taste the savory bánh đa cua of Hai Phong and picture the stunning limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay. But between you and that first taste of freedom stands one final hurdle: the arrival process at Cat Bi International Airport (HPH).

Arriving in a new country can be a stressful experience, especially after a long flight. The combination of unfamiliar surroundings, complex procedures, and the notorious queues at immigration can quickly dampen the initial excitement of your trip. This is particularly true at growing international hubs like Cat Bi Airport, where multiple flights can land at once, leading to significant bottlenecks.

This is where we come in. As visa and immigration consultants with over 15 years of experience helping travelers just like you, we’ve created the definitive guide to arriving at Cat Bi International Airport. We’ll walk you through every step of the process, whether you’re holding an e-visa, are visa-exempt, or need to pick up a visa on arrival.

More importantly, we will introduce you to the ultimate travel hack for a seamless arrival: the Expedited Entry at Cat Bi Int’l Airport. This premium service is your golden ticket to bypassing the long lines, eliminating the hassle, and starting your Vietnamese vacation the moment you step off the plane. Consider this your expert-led walkthrough to ensure your arrival is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

What to Prepare Before Arriving at Cat Bi Int’l Airport

A smooth arrival begins long before your plane touches down. Proper preparation is the key to avoiding last-minute panic and potential issues with immigration authorities. Before you even head to your departure airport, take the time to organize the following essential items.

1. Passport & Visa Documentation

This is the most critical part of your preparation. Ensure you have all the correct documents, as a single missing paper can lead to significant delays or, in the worst-case scenario, denial of entry.

Passport: Your original passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from your date of entry into Vietnam. It must also have at least two blank pages for the visa sticker and entry/exit stamps.

Vietnam Visa: Vietnam’s visa policies are flexible, but you must know which category you fall into:

• E-Visa: If you have applied for and received a Vietnamese e-visa, you must print a physical copy of the approval letter. Immigration officers at Cat Bi Airport will not accept a digital version on your phone or tablet. The e-visa is valid for up to 90 days and allows for multiple entries.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA): If you are eligible for a VOA, you must have your Visa Approval Letter, which you should have obtained online from a trusted agency before your trip. Without this letter, you cannot board your flight to Vietnam. We will cover the other required documents for VOA in a dedicated section below.
• Visa Exemption: Citizens of several countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for a specified period (typically 15 to 45 days). Check the latest exemption list to confirm if your nationality qualifies and be aware of the maximum length of your stay.

2. Flight & Accommodation Information

While not always requested, it’s a wise precaution to have proof of your travel plans readily accessible.

• Onward/Return Ticket: Have a printed or digital copy of your flight ticket showing your departure from Vietnam. Immigration officials may ask for this to verify that you intend to leave the country within your permitted stay.
• Accommodation Details: Keep the name, address, and phone number of your first night’s accommodation handy. This information is often required for the arrival/departure card you may need to fill out.

3. Funds

Ensure you have access to money for your initial expenses.

• Cash for Visa Stamping Fee (VOA Holders): This is absolutely crucial. The stamping fee for a visa on arrival must be paid in cash. The fee is US$25 for a single-entry visa and US$50 for a multi-entry visa. It is highly recommended to bring exact US dollars, although Vietnamese Dong (VND) is also accepted. There are no ATMs or credit card machines in the visa-on-arrival area.
• Local Currency (VND): While there are currency exchange counters and ATMs in the main arrivals hall after you clear immigration, it’s always a good idea to have a small amount of Vietnamese Dong for immediate expenses like a bottle of water, a SIM card, or a taxi.

4. Understanding Vietnam’s Customs Regulations

To avoid fines or confiscation of goods, be aware of what you can and cannot bring into the country.

Currency Declaration: You must declare any cash exceeding US$5,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) upon arrival.

Duty-Free Allowances:

• Alcohol: 1.5 liters of spirits (over 22% alcohol content) OR 2 liters of liquor/wine (under 22% alcohol content).
• Tobacco: 200 cigarettes OR 20 cigars OR 250 grams of tobacco.

Prohibited Items: Do not bring any of the following into Vietnam:

• Narcotics and illicit drugs.
• Weapons, ammunition, and explosives.
• Pornographic or politically sensitive materials critical of the Vietnamese government.
• Anti-government documents or cultural items.

Restricted Items:

• Vapes/E-Cigarettes: As of 2025, Vietnam has banned the use, sale, and import of vape products. Do not bring them into the country, as they will be confiscated.
• Drones: Flying a drone requires a permit from the Ministry of Defense. Bringing one without prior permission can lead to confiscation.
• Prescription Medication: If you are carrying a large quantity of prescription drugs, bring a doctor’s note or prescription to avoid issues.

About Cat Bi Int’l Airport (IATA: HPH, ICAO: VVCI)

Cat Bi International Airport is the primary aviation gateway to Hai Phong, Vietnam’s third-largest city and a major port in the northern region. Located in the Hai An district, it’s conveniently situated just 8km from the city center.

Originally built as a military airbase, Cat Bi has undergone significant renovations and upgrades to become a modern international airport. Its new terminal, opened in 2016, is designed to handle both domestic and international traffic efficiently. The terminal building has a clean, contemporary design with two floors:

• 1st Floor: The arrivals hall, baggage claim, customs, and onward transportation services.
• 2nd Floor: The check-in counters, security, and departure gates.

The airport serves as a crucial hub not only for Hai Phong but also as a convenient alternative to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport for travelers heading to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay, which is only about an hour’s drive away via the new expressway.

Key Facilities & Services:

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.
• ATMs and currency exchange counters (located in the main arrivals hall, post-customs).
• Food and beverage stalls and cafes.
• SIM card vendors offering tourist packages.
• Medical services for emergencies.
• Information desks.

How to Navigate Cat Bi Int’l Airport for E-visa Holders and Visa-Free Visitors

If you have your printed e-visa or are from a visa-exempt country, your arrival process is relatively straightforward. However, be prepared for potential queues, especially at the immigration checkpoint.

• Step 1: Immigration Checkpoint: After disembarking from the aircraft, follow the “Arrivals” signs. The first stop is the large immigration hall. Get in the queue for foreign passports. When it’s your turn, present your passport and your printed e-visa letter (if applicable) to the officer. The officer will check your documents, stamp your passport, and grant you entry.
• Step 2: Baggage Claim: Proceed down to the baggage claim area on the first floor. Check the display screens to find which carousel is assigned to your flight. Free trolleys are available to help with your luggage.
• Step 3: Customs Check: With your luggage, proceed towards the customs area. If you have nothing to declare, you can usually walk through the green channel. If you are carrying items that need to be declared, you must go through the red channel. Be prepared for random baggage scans.
• Step 4: Exit the Airport: Once you clear customs, you will enter the main arrivals hall. Here you’ll find drivers waiting for their passengers, as well as counters for SIM cards, currency exchange, and transportation. Congratulations, you’ve officially arrived in Vietnam!

Note for E-visa and Visa-Free Visitors

The biggest challenge you are likely to face is the queue at the immigration checkpoint. During peak hours, when flights from major hubs in Korea, Thailand, and China land, this line can become very long, and wait times can stretch from 30 minutes to over an hour. After a tiring flight, this is an exhausting and frustrating way to begin your trip. This is precisely the delay that our Expedited Entry at Cat Bi Int’l Airport service is designed to eliminate.

How to Navigate Cat Bi Int’l Airport for Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) Holders

For travelers using the visa-on-arrival service, the process involves an extra, crucial step right at the beginning. This means you potentially face two long queues—one for the visa itself and another for immigration.

• Step 1: Landing Visa Counter: Do not go to the main immigration hall. As soon as you enter the terminal, look for the sign that reads “Landing Visa” or “Visa on Arrival.” This counter is where you will submit your documents to get the visa sticker for your passport. You will need to hand over your passport, your pre-obtained Visa Approval Letter, a completed NA1 form with an attached photo, and the cash for your stamping fee.
• Step 2: Wait for Your Visa: After submitting your paperwork, you will need to wait for the officers to process your visa. Your name will be called once your passport is ready with the visa sticker affixed. This process can be slow and chaotic, especially if many people are applying at once.
• Step 3: Immigration Checkpoint: Once you have your passport back with the visa inside, you can then proceed to the main immigration checkpoint to be formally stamped into the country.
• Step 4: Baggage Claim & Customs: From here, the process is the same as for other visitors. Go to the baggage claim area to retrieve your luggage and then proceed through the customs check.
• Step 5: Exit the Airport: After clearing customs, you will enter the arrivals hall and can begin your Vietnam adventure.

Note for Visa-on-Arrival Holders

The VOA process at Cat Bi Airport can be stressful and time-consuming. Here’s what you absolutely must remember:

Checklist for VOA:

• Original Passport (with 6+ months validity).
• Printed Visa Approval Letter.
• A completed NA1 entry/exit form with a passport-sized photo (4×6 cm) attached.
• Cash in USD or VND for the stamping fee ($25 for single-entry, $50 for multi-entry).
• No ATM: We cannot stress this enough—there is no ATM or credit card facility at the Landing Visa counter. You must have the cash ready.
• No Photo Booth: If you forget to bring a passport photo, you may face difficulties.
• Two Queues: The VOA process means you face two potential delays: waiting for the visa to be processed and then waiting again in the immigration line. This can easily add 1-2 hours to your arrival time.

Our Expedited Entry Service is a game-changer for VOA holders. Our staff can handle the entire visa pickup process for you, even assisting if you’ve forgotten a photo or need help with the form, completely eliminating that first, stressful queue.

The VIP Solution: How to Skip the Immigration Queues at Cat Bi Int’l Airport

The single most common complaint from international travelers worldwide is the time spent waiting in line at immigration. After a long-haul flight, the last thing you want is to stand in a slow-moving queue for an hour or more.

The solution is simple and elegant: book our Expedited Entry Service at Cat Bi Int’l Airport.

This is a premium VIP service designed to fast-track you through the arrival formalities. When you book with us, our professional agent will be waiting for you right at the arrival gate, holding a sign with your name on it. From that moment on, you are in our care.

Our agent will escort you directly to a priority immigration lane, bypassing the regular queues completely. This dedicated lane is reserved for diplomats, aircrew, and our VIP guests, turning a potential hour-long wait into a matter of minutes.

• For E-Visa/Visa-Free Visitors: Our agent meets you at the gate and whisks you through the priority immigration lane.
• For Visa-on-Arrival Visitors: Our agent meets you at the gate, collects your documents (passport, approval letter, photo, and stamping fee), and handles the entire visa-on-arrival process on your behalf while you relax in a designated waiting area. Once the visa is ready, they escort you through the priority immigration lane. You skip both queues.

Why Our Expedited Entry Service is Your Best First Decision in Vietnam

Booking our fast-track service isn’t just about saving time; it’s about transforming your entire arrival experience.

• Save Significant Time: This is the most obvious benefit. You can save anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, which you can spend settling into your hotel, enjoying your first Vietnamese coffee, or getting a head start on your journey to Ha Long Bay.
• Eliminate Stress and Hassle: Navigating an unfamiliar airport is stressful. Our service provides a seamless, worry-free experience. Our friendly agent guides you every step of the way, ensuring everything is handled correctly and efficiently.
• Personalized, VIP Treatment: From the moment you deplane, you are treated like a VIP. The personal welcome and priority access make for a truly premium start to your vacation or business trip.
• Ideal for All Travelers: The service is perfect for business travelers on a tight schedule, families with young children who get restless in long lines, elderly passengers who find it difficult to stand for long periods, or anyone who simply values their time and comfort.
• Complete Support for VOA: For VOA holders, the service is invaluable. We take care of the entire confusing process, ensuring your forms are correct and your visa is processed without you having to lift a finger.

How to Book the Expedited Entry Service?

We’ve made booking our service as simple and secure as possible. It only takes a few minutes.

• Step 1: Fill the Application Form Online: Visit our secure online form and provide your details, including your full name, email address, arrival date, flight number, and arrival airport (Cat Bi Int’l Airport – HPH).
• Step 2: Pay for the Service: We use PayPal as our secure payment gateway. PayPal offers robust buyer protection policies and accepts all major credit and debit cards, so your transaction is completely safe.
• Step 3: Receive Confirmation and Guidance: After payment, you will receive an email confirming your booking. This email will contain all the necessary details and clear instructions on how to meet our representative upon your arrival at Cat Bi Airport.

Is it Safe to Book the Expedited Entry Service through Vietnamimmigration.org?

Absolutely. We understand that trust is paramount when booking travel services online. Vietnamimmigration.org is a long-standing and reputable organization dedicated to providing legitimate and reliable immigration services. Here’s why you can book with complete confidence:

• Over 15 Years of Experience: We are not a new or fly-by-night company. The domain vietnamimmigration.org has been active and serving travelers since 2008. You can verify our history via the Whois record.
• 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. You can review our transparent Refund Policy here.
• Secure Payments with PayPal Buyer Protection: Your payment is processed through PayPal, one of the world’s most trusted payment platforms. This automatically covers your purchase with PayPal’s Buyer Protection policy, giving you an extra layer of security and an easy recourse for refunds if needed.
• Verified Customer Reviews: Don’t just take our word for it. See what hundreds of satisfied customers have to say about our services on independent review platforms like Sitejabber.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Arrival in Cat Bi Int’l Airport

👉 Pre-Arrange Your Transportation: To avoid haggling with drivers after a long flight, consider pre-booking your onward transport.

• To Hai Phong City Center: A taxi or ride-hailing service like Grab will take about 15-20 minutes and cost around 150,000 VND.
• To Ha Long Bay: A private car is the most comfortable and direct option, taking about 1 hour. Prices start from around US$25-30.

👉 Get a Local SIM Card: For data connectivity, purchase a tourist SIM card from vendors in the arrivals hall. Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone are the main providers and offer competitive packages.

👉 Exchange Currency: While major hotels and restaurants accept cards, Vietnam is still largely a cash-based society. Exchange a moderate amount of money at the airport to cover your initial expenses. Rates are generally fair, but you may find slightly better rates at gold shops or banks in the city center.

Your journey to the wonders of northern Vietnam should begin with excitement, not exhaustion. By choosing the Expedited Entry at Cat Bi Int’l Airport, you ensure your first impression of this beautiful country is one of comfort and efficiency.

Don’t let queues dictate the start of your adventure. Book your VIP arrival today and step into Vietnam the right way.

Welcome!