Step-by-Step Guide to Vietnam International Departures

Flying internationally is always exciting, whether you are traveling for business or leisure. However, navigating airport procedures can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for first-time travelers. While each airport and airline may have their own specific requirements, the international departure process generally follows the same key steps.

At Travelmates, we want your journey to be smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable. We have comprehensive fast track services with various priority options for you to choose, from a priority immigration clearance to a normal VIP fast track, or a complete VIP B process of the below six steps. Please contact us for the best solutions for your better flight departure experience. 

Below is a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your international flight with confidence.

Step 1: Arriving at the Departure Hall and Check-in Counters

Upon arriving at the airport, proceed to the international departure hall. In most airports, this area is located on the upper level of the international terminal.

• The check-in area is divided into islands with multiple counters.
  
• Screens and flight information display systems (FIDs) show which counter or island serves your airline and flight.
  
• Some airports also offer mobile applications or websites where you can check counter information in advance. 

Our Tip: Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. International flights require additional steps compared to domestic ones, and arriving early ensures you have enough time for check-in, immigration, and security clearance without feeling rushed.  If you booked a VIP fast track service, our team will greet you at the departure hall holding a signboard with your name on it. 

Step 2: Check-in & Baggage Drop-off

At your airline’s counter, you will complete the check-in process and drop off any checked baggage.

1. Present your travel documents: 
   • Valid passport.
     
   • Flight ticket or booking confirmation.
     
   • Visa (if required for your destination). 
2. Receive your boarding pass:
   The airline agent will confirm your details and provide a boarding pass with your seat number, boarding time, and departure gate. 
3. Baggage drop-off: 
   • Place your checked luggage on the conveyor belt. 
     
   • Make sure your bags comply with your airline’s size and weight and restricted items restrictions, including power banks
     
   • Keep the baggage tags securely with you; you will need them to claim your luggage at your destination. 

Travelmates Tip: If you are traveling light for a short trip, consider carrying only hand luggage. This saves time at both departure and arrival. 

Step 3: Immigration and Passport Control

After check-in, proceed to the immigration area for passport control. Here, border officers will verify your documents.

• Queue in the line for departure/exit checks.
  
• Present your passport, boarding pass, and visa (if applicable).
  
• Once your passport is stamped for exit, you may continue to the next stage.
  

Important: Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. Always check this in advance to avoid last-minute issues. 

Step 4: Security Screening and Customs

This is a standard procedure at all airports to ensure aviation safety.

1. Security screening: 
   • Show your boarding pass and passport.
     
   • Place your hand luggage and personal items (laptop, liquids, chargers, belt, jacket, shoes, etc.) in trays for X-ray scanning.
     
   • Walk through the metal detector. Additional checks may be performed if necessary. 
2. Customs declaration: 
   • If you are carrying large amounts of cash (usually over USD 5,000 or equivalent), valuable goods, or restricted items, you must declare them.
     
   • Some airports provide electronic customs kiosks to speed up the process.
     

Travelmates Tip: Prepare your belongings before reaching security. Keep electronics and liquids easily accessible to save time at the checkpoint.

Step 5: VAT Refund (If Applicable)

Many countries offer tax refunds for goods purchased during your stay, provided they are taken out of the country in your luggage.

• Eligibility: 
  • You are a non-resident traveler.
    
  • Purchases were made at stores participating in the tax refund scheme.
    
  • Goods must be carried with you when departing. 
• How to claim: 
  • Present your passport, tax refund forms, receipts, and purchased goods at the customs desk before checking in your luggage.
    
  • After validation, you can collect your refund at the designated counter inside the departure area.
    

Don’t miss this benefit if you have done significant shopping during your trip.

Step 6: Boarding Gate and Departure

Once you have cleared immigration, customs, and security, you can relax in the departure lounge. This is the perfect time to shop at duty-free stores, grab a meal, or simply rest before your flight.

• Your boarding gate number is printed on your boarding pass.
  
• Gate information is also displayed on airport monitors; sometimes, the airline may change the gate at short notice, so keep an eye on updates.
  
• Boarding usually begins 30–45 minutes before departure.
  

At the gate, present your passport and boarding pass to the ground staff before walking through the jet bridge or boarding bus to your aircraft.

Travelmates Tip: Stay close to your gate once boarding time approaches. Airlines may call passengers by zones or seat numbers. At many airports in Vietnam, airlines do not call on speaker system so passengers need to be keeping an eye on the notice boards at the gate just in case your gate is changed last minutes. 

Additional Tips for International Travelers

To make your airport experience smoother, keep these important reminders in mind:

• Timing: Always arrive early—3 hours is the golden rule for international flights.
  
• Documents: Ensure you have all required documents (passport, visa, flight confirmation, vaccination certificates if needed).
  
• Luggage:
  
  • Respect airline baggage limits.
    
  • Liquids in hand luggage must usually be in containers ≤100ml each, packed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag.
    
• Health & Safety: Carry essential medication in your hand luggage and keep valuables (passport, wallet, electronics) with you at all times.
  

Conclusion

Traveling internationally doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding the key steps—check-in, immigration, security, customs, tax refund, and boarding—you can move through the airport with confidence and peace of mind.

At Travelmates, we believe every journey should begin smoothly from the moment you step into the airport. We hope this guide helps you prepare for your next international flight and ensures your adventure starts off on the right note.

Please contact us should you need fast track services for your arrival and departures at Vietnam airports. Please contact us today using the below contact details or hit Contact Us link.

Contact us today for a quote:
contact@travelmates.asia | support@travelmates.vn
+84 387 288 814

www.travelmates.asia – https://www.facebook.com/travelmatesvn/

✈️ Wishing you a safe flight and wonderful experiences ahead!