Travel tips

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Photo: Collected

Last Updated: Monday April 13, 2026

Starting January 30, 2026, Singapore will implement a stricter immigration control policy known as the “No-Boarding Directive.” This new regulation is introduced by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and will significantly impact how travelers prepare for their trip.

What Is the No-Boarding Directive?

The No-Boarding Directive allows ICA to prevent passengers from boarding their flight at the departure airportif they are deemed not eligible to enter Singapore.

This means:

  • You may be stopped before leaving your home country
  • Airlines are required to deny boarding if instructed by ICA
  • You won’t even reach Singapore if your documents are incomplete or invalid

Key Requirement: SG Arrival Card

All travelers must complete the SG Arrival Card online within 3 days before arrival.

This is a mandatory electronic declaration that includes:

  • Personal information
  • Travel details
  • Health and immigration information

ICA uses this data along with airline passenger lists to screen travelers in advance.

Why You Might Be Denied Boarding

ICA may issue a No-Boarding Directive if they identify issues such as:

  • Missing SG Arrival Card submission
  • Incorrect or unsuitable visa type
  • Incomplete or inconsistent travel information
  • Failure to meet entry requirements

Once flagged:

  • ICA notifies the airline
  • The airline must refuse boarding at the departure airport (e.g., Vietnam)

What Happens If You’re Affected?

If you receive a No-Boarding Directive:

  • You cannot board your flight
  • You must contact ICA directly through official channels
  • Request a review or clarification of your status
  • Only after resolving the issue should you consider rebooking your flight

Strict Penalties for Airlines

This policy also places strong responsibility on airlines.

If airline staff (including pilots) allow a restricted passenger to board, they may face:

  • A fine of up to USD 8,000
  • Up to 6 months imprisonment
  • Or both penalties combined

For travelers, this means preparation is more important than ever. A small oversight—like forgetting to submit your SG Arrival Card—could stop your trip before it even begins.

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Photo: MiStay

A trip to a foreign country definitely requires you to bring along some certain documents such as your passport, identity card, drivers’ license, visa or visa exemption certificate, etc. In most countries like Vietnam, you even have to present to local police any form of identification regularly while walking around. 

Therefore, no one ever wants to lose these lifeline papers and figure out unfamiliar consular procedures by themselves. Here are a few tips on keeping your travel documents safe and secure when traveling to Vietnam.

Tip 1: Make hard copies and soft copies of your travel documents

With the prevalence of the Internet and technology, it is easier and easier for us to make some extra copies of our important documents, maybe they cannot replace the original versions entirely but in case of losing, then the process of re-issuance at authorities will be more simple and quicker.

You only need to scan those papers and make sure to store them on secure online document storage servers such as Google Drive or even Facebook Messenger! Besides, some establishments in Vietnam can allow you to use digital documents to register, which is pretty convenient and accessible.

As for physical copies, it is best to keep one in your suitcase and leave one back in your home country. When transiting to Vietnam, close or lock your suitcase tightly to avoid losing or getting robbed.

Source: Collected

Tip 2: Separate documents in different storages

Here’s an old saying “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”, which means you want to have another back-up when one document is lost. 

It is advised that you distribute interchangeable papers into separate luggage. For example, you can keep the passport in your backpack and the ID card in your wallet since passports and ID cards can partially replace each other in Vietnam.

Tip 3: Store documents in plastic bags/file folders/clear sheets

Believe it or not, sometimes you think one document goes missing simply because it is under piles and piles of messy papers, or you accidentally drop it when going through your exploded packback. Then, keeping them organized with plastic bags/file folders/clear sheets is a perfect solution for you. 

Walking in an unexpected rain or being careless to spill coffee onto your documents will no longer bother you since your travel vitality is well preserved by plastic bags. 

Source: Collected

Tip 4: Use tracking devices to secure your documents 

A little tracker can bring peace of mind to you by tracking and giving the exact location where your belongings are present 24/7. All you need to do is attach the device to your luggage and install an application to ensure its safety during the trip. 

Certain GPS trackers offer an additional feature of displaying travel history, allowing users to view the routes and past locations the tracker has visited. 

Source: Collected

Tip 5: Be mindful in crowded places

It is known that petty crimes such as pickpocketing or snatching do happen in Vietnam, especially at crowded tourist attractions, markets and public transportation, therefore visitors should be aware of this hazard and keep their bags close to them at any moment. 

Foreigners can also invest in a pouch to wear under their clothing. It can securely hold their passport, extra cash, and cards, reducing the risk of theft.

Tip 6: Keep emergency contacts available

What would you do if your travel documents were lost or stolen in Vietnam? Don’t panic! It is important to report the problem to the person in charge, and in this case, you should have the addresses and numbers of your home country’s embassy or consulate ready. They will guide you step by step how to handle and proceed your trip in Vietnam without travel papers. 

You can also share your travel itinerary to your Vietnamese trusted friends and store their contacts. Since they are locals, they can provide assistance in case of an emergency.

That’s it! We hope you can take away something useful from this article. Next time, make sure to apply these practical tips when you travel to Vietnam or any foreign country for a hassle-free trip. 

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Photo: Collected

“Vietnam - Timeless charm” has been a slogan of the Vietnam tourism industry which explains perfectly why this country is always among the top allure places to go for outbound tourism.

It’s exciting to travel abroad but it is confusing and scary at the same time, considering all the things you must know from Vietnam visa requirements to transportation. Don’t worry! Let us be your guide and we can plan the most ideal trip together!

The first introduction: What Vietnam offers

Referred to as a tourism rising star in Southeast Asia, Vietnam can easily take your breath away with its seamless combination of traditional and contemporary beauty. From the magnificent millions of limestones of Ha Long Bay to stunning terraced fields in Ha Giang, and to the majestic feelings of Hue Imperial City, every landmark promises to give you an unforgettable experience.

Photo: VnExpress

Vietnam’s rich culture is also dedicated to its delectable cuisine. Pho, Banh mi, or Goi cuon have marked Vietnamese culinary signatures with refreshing and flavorful tastes. They have received tons of internationally acclaimed reviews by both gourmet food critics and casual taste buds.

Above all, when traveling to Vietnam, you are welcomed by the hospitality of the Vietnamese people, the friendliness fills in the air which makes you feel at home. 

Altogether, tourist attractions, food, people, and other elements of Vietnamese culture create one of the best journeys which will definitely leave a lasting impression on you.

What are Vietnam visa requirements?

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Foreigners can visit the Vietnam Embassy at their home country or apply for Vietnam eVisa or Visa On Arrival, either way at your convenience. 

At the arrival port of Vietnam, please adhere to the entry requirements such as,

  • You have to hold valid permanent residence cards, temporary residence cards, visas, OR visa exemption certificates;

  • You have to present all required documents in compliance with your visa application method;

  • Round-trip tickets or onward tickets to another country;

  • Not subject to the entry ban or restriction on entry into Vietnam;

  • Follow the rules of bringing goods overseas.

How to get to Vietnam?

  • By Plane

Taking a plane is undoubtedly one of the most popular methods for travelers to set foot in Vietnam, as some of the aviate operational practices are quite similar in any country’s airports such as booking a ticket, boarding a flight, and getting through an immigration process, etc. 

There are 13 international airports in Vietnam, which include three major gateways - Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), and Da Nang International Airport (Danang). In case of getting Visa On Arrival (have your passport stamped), you are only eligible to enter the country via international airports. 

Noi Bai International Airport (Source: Collected)

After the Covid-19 pandemic, Vietnam has been actively signing and expanding unilateral and bilateral diplomatic ties with other countries, which in turn increases more direct flights from foreign nations to Vietnam. However, international visitors can also take an indirect flight for a cheaper price, transiting in Singapore or Hong Kong, etc. 

Many international aviation carriers have operated one-way, return, or open-jaw flights for their customers, you can use search engines on websites of travel agencies or airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Tiger Airways, Korean Air, etc for more details.

  • By Bus/Train

Although flying is known to be quick and convenient, it is unfortunately exclusive of the sightseeing privileges to beautiful regions in a route as when traveling by bus or train. With that being said, the neighboring countries of Vietnam. which are mainland China, Laos, and Cambodia, can take advantage of its new routes and services. For example, Chinese citizens can cross the border at Lao Cai, Thanh Thuy, Dong Dang near Lang Son, and Mong Cai (Quang Ninh). 

Photo: VnExpress

It is essential to get your passport ready when purchasing train or bus tickets, and you should definitely check out the facilities and prices on their websites in advance. Besides, there are some routes that local and international buses can carry out their services, thus you may need to prepare a visa or meet certain entry/exit requirements.

  • By Boat

Opting for boat travel is an excellent choice for those seeking a unique experience. Vietnam is a coastal country with a 3.260 kilometers shoreline, which allows 13 sea border gates to welcome international visitors with eVisa. From Cambodia, foreigners can use a 4-hour ferry service to Chau Doc in the Mekong Delta, and enter the country via Ho Chi Minh City ports. Besides, boat journeys take you through Vietnam's most picturesque destinations, including Halong Bay, the Mekong Delta, and other beautiful locations. 

Where do I stay in Vietnam?

Vietnam offers a variety of accommodation choices from hotels, guesthouses, and resorts to homestays that foreigners can access information easily via the Internet. Nowadays, travelers use international booking services a lot such as Airbnb, Booking.com and Traveloka as well.

If you go on tour with Vietnamese locals, it is a relief that they have already settled everything for you.

On the other hand, if you travel to Vietnam by yourself, we highly recommend booking accommodation before arriving.

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Photo: Freepik

Traveling to a foreign country can be very intimidating and confusing, mostly because you are surrounded by tons of signs, banners, and conversations in your non-native language. While other Asian languages require you to know a whole new alphabet system such as Thai language or Chinese, Vietnamese utilizes the same Latin script as English with a few changes, which is easier for foreigners to pick up some common phrases.

With that being said, an overview of Vietnamese and these expressions below can be helpful for basic communication and building connections with the locals. 

The Vietnamese Language

Nowadays, Vietnamese is a Latin-based language with 29 letters excluding the letter F, J, W, and Z, and uses accented vowels instead: ă, â, ê, ô, ư, ơ. While they are distinct from the primary vowels, these letters are entirely separate entities, each possessing its own distinct sounds. 

Like many other languages, Vietnamese is a tonal language with six different tones. Foreigners have to be careful as pronouncing the wrong tone can change the whole meaning of what they want to say. For example, the word “ba” means “Dad” or “three” but when it is pronounced as “bà” (with a grave), the meaning will become “Grandmother”. 

Another element that makes Vietnamese less accessible to foreigners is the language can be extremely varied in terms of vocabulary and pronunciations across the country, from Northern, to Central, to Southern accent. Nevertheless, being a foreigner, in most situations, locals should grasp the intended meaning based on the context of your communication.

While it is impossible to know a language in day one or day two, here are some Vietnamese phrases with a pronunciation guide to make you feel more confident and fulfilled traveling to Vietnam.

Basic Vietnamese Phrases

  • Xin chào /Sin chow!/: Hello

  • Tạm biệt /tam byet/: Goodbye

  • Tôi tên là /Toy ten la/: My name is

  • Cảm ơn /gauhm uhhn/: Thank you

  • Xin lỗi /sin loy/: I’m sorry

  • Làm ơn /lam uhhn/: Please

  • Không sao đâu /kohng sao dwoh/: You’re welcome

  • Tôi không hiểu /toy kohng hugh/: I don’t understand

  • Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không? /ban byet noy tyeng ang kaumng/: Do you speak English?

  • Bạn khoẻ không? /ban kweh kohng?/: How are you?

  • Vâng /vuhng/: Yes

  • Bạn có thể giúp tôi không? /buhn koh tê gi-uhp toy kh-uhng/: Can you help me?

  • Tôi cần /toy kuhn/: I need

Phrases for transactions

  • Numbers

    • Một /moht/: 1

    • Hai /hay/: 2

    • Ba /bah/: 3

    • Bốn /buhn/: 4

    • Năm /nahm/: 5

    • Mười /moo-ee/: 10

    • Trăm /trahm/: 100

    • Nghìn /ngheen/: 1000

  • Haggling

    • Tôi thích /toy thick/: I like

    • Bao nhiêu tiền? /bahw ngew tee-uhn.../: How much is it?

    • Tôi không có đủ tiền mua /toy kohng kaw doo...oo tee-uhn... moo-uh/: I cannot afford it

    • Đắt quá /daht kwahh/: Too expensive

    • Bạn có thể giảm giá không? /ban co the zam za kohng/: Can you reduce the price?

    • Tôi lấy /toy lay/: I’ll take it

Phrases for ordering at restaurants

  • Tôi có thể xem thực đơn không? /toy co the xem tuck don kohng/: Can I have the menu?

  • Cho tôi /choh toy/: May I have

  • Không đá /kohng dar/: No ice

  • Không cay /kohng cay/: No spicy

  • Cho tôi tính tiền /choh toy tdin tee-uhn/: Can I have the bill?

  • Ngon lắm /nongh law/: It’s delicious! 

Phrases for directions

  • Bên trái /buhn trai/: Left

  • Bên phải /buhn fai/: Right

  • Đi thẳng /diw tahng/: Go straight

  • Tôi bị lạc đường /toy bee lahk doo-uhng/: I’ve lost

  • Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu? /nhaw ve sinh ow dwoh/: Where’s the toilet?

  • Sân bay /sun bay/: Airport

  • Khách sạn /khack sun/: Hotel

  • ATM ở đâu? /ATM ow dowh/: Where’s the ATM?

Emergency terms

  • Cứu! /kew/: Help!

  • Tôi cần gặp bác sĩ /toy kuhn gap bahk see/: I need to see a doctor

  • Gọi cảnh sát! /goy keng saht/: Call the police!

  • Tôi bị mất hộ chiếu /toy bee maht huh chee-ow/: I’ve lost my passport

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