Hue Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, welcomes international visitors through its main entry point, Phu Bai International Airport (HUI). All travelers must comply with Vietnam's national immigration and customs regulations, regardless of their arrival point. The entry process typically involves presenting a valid passport, visa or proof of visa exemption, and a completed entry/exit form. Immigration officers may ask about your travel plans and accommodation. It's important to ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining and two blank pages for stamping. Vietnam's visa policy is nationality-based, with varying requirements from visa-free travel to mandatory pre-arranged visas. Upon arrival, you'll proceed through immigration, baggage claim, and customs. While the process is generally straightforward, having all documents organized and ready will ensure a smooth entry. Note that Hue is part of Vietnam, so national rules apply, not separate city-specific ones.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Vietnam's visa policy determines the requirements based on the traveler's nationality. Entry into Hue follows these national rules. Many travelers can obtain an eVisa, while some nationalities are eligible for visa-free stays or must apply for a traditional visa in advance.

Visa-Free Entry

Varies by nationality (e.g., 14, 15, 30, 45, or 90 days).

Citizens of specific countries can enter Vietnam for tourism without a visa for a limited period.

Includes

United Kingdom France Germany Italy Spain Japan South Korea Denmark Norway Sweden Finland Russia Belarus

Visa-free stays are typically for tourism only. The duration is strict; overstaying results in fines. Some nationalities (e.g., UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain) have a 45-day visa exemption. Always check the exact duration for your passport, as it can change.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

90 days

The Vietnam eVisa is a single-entry visa obtained online for most nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry.

Includes

United States Canada Australia India China Netherlands Switzerland New Zealand

How to Apply: Apply online via the official Vietnam Immigration Portal. Requires a digital passport photo and passport scan. Typical processing is 3-5 working days, but apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
Cost: Approximately USD $25 (subject to change)

The eVisa is valid for entry at designated ports, including Phu Bai Airport. Print at least one copy to present upon arrival. It is single-entry only.

Visa Required

Varies based on visa type (e.g., 1 month, 3 months, single or multiple entry).

Nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry or the eVisa must apply for a visa through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate before travel.

How to Apply: Apply in person or by post at a Vietnamese embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Requires application form, photos, passport, and fee. Some may offer a 'Visa Approval Letter' service for Visa on Arrival (VOA) at major airports like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but this is not recommended for direct entry to Phu Bai.

For direct flights into Hue (Phu Bai), a pre-arranged visa or eVisa is strongly recommended. Visa on Arrival (VOA) typically requires a pre-arranged approval letter and is primarily processed at the larger international airports.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Phu Bai International Airport (HUI), you will go through immigration, collect baggage, and pass through customs. The airport is relatively small, making the process usually efficient.

1. Arrival and Health Checks

Proceed to the arrival hall. There may be a quick temperature scan or health declaration check if required by current regulations.

2. Immigration

Join the appropriate queue (Foreign Passport). Present your passport, completed entry/exit form (if provided on plane or at counter), and your visa or proof of visa exemption (e.g., eVisa printout). Your photo and fingerprints may be taken. The officer will stamp your passport with an entry stamp.

3. Baggage Claim

Proceed to the baggage carousel to collect your checked luggage.

4. Customs

Walk through the customs area. You may be directed to the 'Nothing to Declare' (Green Channel) or 'Goods to Declare' (Red Channel). Officials may randomly select bags for X-ray inspection.

5. Exit

After clearing customs, you exit into the arrivals hall where you can find transportation (taxis, ride-hail apps, hotel pickups) into Hue city.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay and have at least two blank pages.

Vietnamese Visa

Either a valid eVisa printout, a visa sticker in your passport, or proof of visa-free eligibility (your passport nationality).

Entry/Exit Form

A paper form (Form NA1) may be provided on your flight or at the airport. Fill it out in advance to save time. Some airports have phased this out for digital systems.

Proof of Onward Travel

Immigration may occasionally ask to see a return flight ticket or ticket showing exit from Vietnam.

Proof of Accommodation

You may be asked for the address of your first hotel or lodging in Hue.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents (passport, visa, forms) easily accessible in a single folder.

Fill out the entry/exit form on the plane if provided to avoid delays at the counter.

Be polite and answer immigration questions clearly and concisely.

Ensure your visa or exemption details exactly match your passport information (full name, passport number, date of birth).

Phu Bai Airport is small; consider having some Vietnamese Dong (VND) for a taxi or SIM card purchase upon arrival, though ATMs are available.

Customs & Duty-Free

Vietnam's customs regulations apply to all international arrivals. Travelers must declare certain items and are prohibited from bringing others. Duty-free allowances are for personal use only.

Alcohol

1.5 liters of alcoholic beverages with alcohol content above 22%; or 2 liters of alcoholic beverages with alcohol content below 22%.

Traveler must be 18 years or older.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco.

Traveler must be 18 years or older.

Currency

Cash (Vietnamese Dong or foreign currency) exceeding VND 15,000,000 (approx. USD $600) or equivalent in foreign currency.

Amounts exceeding this must be declared upon entry. Failure to declare can result in fines or confiscation.

Gifts/Goods

Total value of goods not exceeding VND 10,000,000 (approx. USD $400).

For commercial goods or items exceeding this value, you must proceed through the 'Goods to Declare' channel and may be subject to duties.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - severe penalties including imprisonment.
Weapons, explosives, and military equipment - without explicit permission.
Pornographic materials.
Items contrary to Vietnamese culture and morality.
Fireworks.

Restricted Items

Medications - psychotropic drugs, narcotics, and large quantities of any prescription medicine. Carry a doctor's prescription and keep medicines in original packaging.
Pets - require import permits, health certificates, and quarantine arrangements.
Plants, seeds, soil, and fresh fruits/vegetables - require phytosanitary certificates.
Cultural artifacts and antiques - require export permits from country of origin and may require verification in Vietnam.

Health Requirements

There are few mandatory health requirements for entry into Vietnam for general tourism, but certain vaccinations are recommended, and health insurance is advised.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Varicella, Polio, Influenza).
Hepatitis A and Typhoid (through contaminated food/water).
Hepatitis B (through bodily fluids).
Japanese Encephalitis (recommended for travelers spending extended time in rural areas, during rainy season).
Rabies (for travelers involved in outdoor activities or working with animals).

Health Insurance

While not mandatory for entry, complete travel health insurance is highly recommended. Medical treatment for foreigners in Vietnam must be paid for, and insurance can cover emergencies, hospitalization, and medical evacuation.

Current Health Requirements: As of late 2024, there are no COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements for entry into Vietnam. However, this is subject to change. Check the latest health advisories from the Vietnamese Ministry of Health and your home country's travel advice before departure.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

It is advisable to know the location and contact details of your country's embassy or consulate in Vietnam (usually in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City).

Check your government's official travel advisory website (e.g., travel.state.gov for US, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for UK) for the most current contact information and support details.

Immigration Authority

Vietnam Immigration Department

Official website for visa information and application: https://immigration.gov.vn/ (Note: The official eVisa portal is https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/)

Emergency

Emergency services number in Vietnam

Police: 113, Ambulance/Fire: 115. For tourist police assistance, you can also try 113 or look for a local tourist police office.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport. If a child is traveling with only one parent, with other relatives, or alone, Vietnamese immigration may request a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s). It's advisable to carry a copy of the child's birth certificate.

Traveling with Pets

Complex and requires advance planning. Pets (dogs, cats) need an import permit from the Vietnam Department of Animal Health, a valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered 30 days to 12 months prior), a veterinary health certificate issued within 7 days of travel, and may be subject to quarantine upon arrival. Microchipping is recommended.

Extended Stays

If you wish to stay longer than your visa or exemption allows, you must apply for a visa extension. This must be done before your current permission expires. You can apply through the Vietnam Immigration Department office in Hue or use a reputable visa agent. Overstaying results in fines (currently VND 500,000 per day) and potential bans on re-entry.

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