Do you need proof of onward/return travel to enter Vietnam, and how to get one cheaply?

As of mid/late July, one traveler couldn't find no-prepayment ticket options on Trip.com anymore — this feature may be temporary or route-specific.

If traveling with a child, budget for a real return ticket — travelers report that suspected fake bookings at the border can result in deportation.

Some travelers look for cheap nearby destinations (neighboring Asian countries) to buy a return ticket from Vietnam, but most affordable fares turn out to be non-refundable.

Another option mentioned is booking through 'dummy ticket' generator sites, but this is considered risky due to stricter border checks, especially when traveling with children.

There were earlier reports that Trip.com allowed booking a flight without prepayment (essentially a temporary hold to show at the border), but this couldn't be confirmed in practice.