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Ho Chi Minh Airport, also known as Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), is located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is the city's only international airport and is one of the busiest airports in Vietnam. The airport is situated 6-7 kilometres north of the city centre and is easily accessible by bus or taxi. With a rich history dating back to the 1920s, the airport has undergone several expansions to accommodate growing traffic and now boasts three terminals, handling both domestic and international flights. Ho Chi Minh Airport serves as a crucial gateway to the city, offering a range of facilities and services for travellers, including visa on arrival for eligible passengers and convenient transportation options to and from the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Tan Son Nhat International Airport |
| Airport Code | SGN |
| Location | Truong Son Street, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City |
| Distance from City Centre | 6-7 km |
| Terminals | 3 (T1, T2, T3) |
| Visa on Arrival | Available for Indian passport holders |
| SIM Card Availability | Easy access near terminal exits and on the 2nd floor |
| Bus Routes | 4 different routes to reach downtown Saigon |
| Taxi Services | Available but prone to scams |
| Check-in Time | Counters open 3 hours before departure and close 50 minutes prior for international flights |
| Security Measures | Thorough security screening, including baggage and body checks |
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What You'll Learn
Tan Son Nhat International Airport
The Ho Chi Minh City–Hanoi route, served by Tan Son Nhat International Airport, is the busiest in Southeast Asia and one of the busiest in the world, serving around 11 million passengers in 2023. The airport also provides direct connectivity to key destinations such as Kolkata, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong.
For Indian passport holders travelling to Ho Chi Minh City, a Vietnamese Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available. This requires an online application through the official website of Vietnam Visa, followed by an approval letter issued by the Immigration Department of Vietnam.
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6km from the city centre
Ho Chi Minh Airport, officially known as Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), is located 6km north of Ho Chi Minh City centre. It is the city's only international airport and is Vietnam's largest and busiest airport.
The airport is easily accessible from the city centre, with a taxi to downtown Ho Chi Minh City costing around 200,000 VND (approximately 9 USD). However, taxi scams are prevalent at the airport, so it is important to be cautious when using this mode of transportation. For a more seamless arrival, private airport transfer services can be arranged through travel agencies or directly with transportation providers. These services offer direct pick-up at the terminal entrance and can provide a tour guide to assist with luggage and escort passengers to their hotels.
Ho Chi Minh Airport features three separate passenger terminals: T1, T2, and the newly launched T3. T1 and T2 serve both domestic and international flights, while T3 is a domestic terminal aimed at alleviating congestion in the older terminals. The airport is open 24/7 and handles a wide range of flights, from commercial to private. It is a crucial gateway connecting Saigon to the world and serves as a key Southeast Asian hub.
The history of Tan Son Nhat International Airport dates back to the early 1920s when the French colonial government constructed a small airport with unpaved runways near the village of Tan Son Nhut. By the mid-1950s, with the aid of the United States, the airport had expanded significantly, featuring a 7,200-foot (2,190-metre) runway. During this time, it became known as South Vietnam's principal international gateway and was used extensively by the South Vietnamese and US Air Force. Between 1968 and 1974, Tan Son Nhut Airport was one of the busiest military airbases in the world, playing an important role during the Vietnam War.
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Visa requirements
Ho Chi Minh City is served by Tan Son Nhat International Airport, which is located in Ho Chi Minh City itself.
Visa on Arrival
As of May 2025, an emergency visa on arrival is available at Ho Chi Minh City Airport. This option is only applicable to those travelling in emergency situations. It is a convenient option for travellers who are unable to apply for a visa in advance through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or for those who need to apply for a visa at short notice. The process can be completed entirely online, and the visa approval letter can be obtained in as little as 1-3 hours. However, it is important to note that you will need to apply for this approval letter before arriving at the airport, and it is not possible to obtain a visa directly at the airport without this letter.
Once you have obtained the approval letter, you can get your visa stamped at the "Landing Visa – Cấp thị thực tại chỗ" counter on the left side when you enter the immigration hall. You will need to submit your documents, including your passport (valid for at least 6 months), printed visa approval letter, completed entry-exit form, and two passport-type photos (4x6cm). The stamping fee is $25 for a 1-month single-entry visa and $50 for a 3-month multiple-entry visa, payable in cash by USD or VND. The process typically takes around 15-30 minutes.
E-Visa
The e-visa, or electronic visa, is another option for visiting Ho Chi Minh City. It can be obtained online through the official website of Vietnam Immigration Airport or via third-party providers. This method also requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months and may have additional photo requirements. Payment can be made online via PayPal, credit card, or debit card.
Visa-Free Transit
If you are only transiting through Ho Chi Minh City Airport and do not leave the transit area, you may not need a visa if your layover is within 24 hours. However, if you are from a country that is not on the Vietnam visa-free list and your layover exceeds 24 hours or you wish to leave the transit area, you will need to obtain a transit visa.
Visa-Free Entry
It is important to note that some nationalities may be exempt from visa requirements altogether for short-term stays. For example, Philippine passport holders can visit Vietnam for up to 21 days without a visa, while other nationalities may be able to stay for up to 45 days for tourism or business without a visa. Always check the latest entry requirements for your specific nationality before travelling.
Important Considerations
When travelling to Vietnam, it is crucial to follow the instructions of immigration officers at the airport. Ensure that your passport is valid, not damaged, and meets all requirements. Verify that the visa expiry date in your passport is correct to avoid issues with overstaying. Remember that you must enter and exit Vietnam using the same passport, and any violations of visa rules may result in fines or deportation.
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Transport to the city
Ho Chi Minh Airport, also known as Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), is located 6 km north of Ho Chi Minh city centre.
There are several transport options for getting from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city centre (District 1).
Taxi
The main taxi queue is located to your left when exiting through the main door on the ground floor of the terminal building. The fare to most hotels in District 1 should be around 150,000–170,000 VND, with an extra 10,000 VND airport surcharge. It is recommended to ask the driver to turn the meter on when you get in the car.
The Mai Linh Taxi Corporation is a popular and easily recognisable choice, with their cars fully wrapped in green and accepting both credit card and cash payments. The company has a counter on your right after you clear customs, where you can order and pay for a taxi, and staff will then lead you to the taxi queue and arrange a car for you.
Rideshare Apps
Grab is a popular rideshare app in Vietnam, similar to Uber, that can be used to get from the airport to the city. It is recommended to double-check that the license plates match, as unaffiliated drivers may try to convince you to go with them. You can also pre-add your credit card to the app before your trip, as not all bank cards will work.
Hotel Shuttle
Many hotels will be happy to arrange a shuttle for you if you ask them in advance.
Airport Transfer
You can also book transfers to and from the airport through a transfer company, such as Sanna Tour JSC, which offers transfers from the airport to District 1 for around VND 200,000 (approximately $8 USD).
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Airport history
Tan Son Nhat International Airport, located in Ho Chi Minh City, is the largest and busiest airport in Vietnam. It is located about 6-7 kilometres away from the city centre in the Tan Binh district. The airport is the country's gateway to commerce and tourism, serving millions of domestic and international passengers annually.
The airport's history dates back to the early 1920s when the French colonial government constructed a small airport with unpaved runways, known as the Tân Sơn Nhất Airfield near the village of Tan Son Nhut. In the 1930s, the airport was expanded, and by 1933, it welcomed its first flight from Paris. During the Vietnam War, the airport was an important facility for the US and South Vietnamese Air Force. It was mainly used as a military base until the war ended.
In the mid-1950s, with aid from the US, the runway was expanded to 7,200 feet (2,190 metres) and the airfield became South Vietnam's principal international gateway. By the 1970s, Tan Son Nhat Airport was one of the busiest military airbases in the world, serving as a hub for both military and civilian flights.
After the reunification of North and South Vietnam in 1975, the Vietnamese government took over the airport and restored air routes to other parts of the country. The airport continued to expand and improve its infrastructure to keep up with growing demand. In 2007, a new international terminal was opened, and as of 2023, the airport can handle up to 15 million passengers annually.
Today, Tan Son Nhat International Airport is a bustling hub, equipped with modern facilities and state-of-the-art technology. It serves as the main gateway to Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam, connecting the region to the rest of the world.
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