Do you need a return/onward ticket and an entry QR code before boarding a flight to Vietnam, including Da Nang?

Another traveler reported being asked for a return ticket twice at check-in when departing from Thailand. The first time, simply mentioning a plan to continue overland by bus to Laos worked as a workaround — after about 10 minutes of questioning, they were let through without an actual ticket.

One traveler with 10 years of flying experience noted that Vietnamese immigration/border officers generally don't care about a return ticket at all — issues usually come from the airline check-in counter, most often Thai low-cost carriers. Even without a ticket, staff typically just warn that any extra costs are the passenger's responsibility and then let them through. Strict enforcement was only encountered on direct flights to Macau.

Another report: departing Singapore for Vietnam, a traveler was denied boarding without a return ticket and had to buy one at the check-in counter, with staff entering the ticket details manually.

On a June Vietnam Airlines flight from Bangkok to Vietnam, staff first checked for a 3-month visa; without it, they insisted on seeing an onward/exit ticket.

The newest report says travelers may need a Vietnam entry QR code before departure. The requirement was mentioned as starting on 22 July, so before flying to Da Nang it is safest to check the current form and keep the QR code saved on your phone.

On a Bangkok–Phu Quoc flight, Vietjet check-in staff asked to see a return ticket. Even if immigration does not ask later, the airline may still verify this before boarding.

There was a similar earlier case on a Vietjet flight from Seoul to Phu Quoc, where staff also demanded proof of return travel. The passengers were eventually allowed to board after a short argument, but it is safer to have confirmed onward travel out of Vietnam.

Another practical takeaway is that some travel rules and restrictions were clarified for passengers by a Vietnamese tour operator before the trip. If you are flying to Da Nang with a connection, it is worth double-checking with the airline or agent which documents are required at check-in, not just your visa status.