Do I need a transit visa just to fly via Hanoi, Vietnam (I'm Australian) ?

Question

I didn't know about this when I booked the flights, now I'm worried I don't have time to arrange the visas.

Answer 1

if you don't go out of the airport, that's ok

Answer 2

If you are just travelling through and not leaving the airport I don't think you would need a visa.  I transfer through Hong Kong and Taiwan quite a bit and as long as you don't leave the terminal you are OK.

Answer 3

Vietnam Airlines has an arrangement called a Travel Service for passengers transiting in Vietnam (say if you are going SYD->SGN->FRA).  If the arrangements mean you will need to spend one night in Saigon (they often will pay for accomodation and transfers too), you will be issued with a kind of travel visa.  No visa is required.  Bring passport photos.  

Be wary that Vietnam Airlines staff are usually quite disorganised.  Lovely people though.

Answer 4

If you are just transiting and have an onward ticket you do not need a visa.