SGN Intl-Intl transit
 

What is the procedure here? Visa required? Airside transfer?

You do not need a visa if you do an intl-intl transfer. You have to clear some sort of a security checkpoint but you won't need a visa for that.

Upon entering the custom clearance area, you will see a transfer desk on your left handside.

A follow up question - I've actually been through SGN many times, but never had a connecting flight. I recall observing that the Transfer desk at arrivaks just checks your BPs and then you head straight to departures. Is this accurate?

What would be the minimum time one could possibly (feasibly) schedule for a connection at SGN?

I think its a balance of risks/consequences so don't want to give a time. Think I would look at flight histories for the proposed arriving flight to see how reliable it is.

Perhaps I'm being too bold, but I feel its one of the most efficient for transfers because it is so small - just one international terminal. Staff are well connected with radios and seem to have things under control. Slots are not so tight, so its not so tough to hold a plane for a few more minutes to receive connecting pax. The Vietnamese "elastic band" mentality when it comes to timing works in your favour...

I think I would always allow at least an hour....

You see, the MCT is 60 mins. But I don't care about MCTs, they are rarely a specific cut-off.

Connecting from REP to HKG, I have the choice of a 5 hour connection, a 45 minute connection, or an overnight. I will be choosing the 45 min connection, unless if somebody convinces me that my chances are dire. I will be in J and travelling with hand luggage. On one ticket, VN normally issues your BP at the first departure point even if you're connecting to CX.

I would go with the 45-min connection. The transfer counter is pretty much just a desk, and you're released right back into the departures area (same level... no mazes like at HKG or NRT).

And I have to figure that if you do miss your flight that they would stick you on the next one anyway, right? The only worry I have is your luggage, and SGN isn't known for being efficient in that respect.

I wonder what Int'l transfers will be like when the new terminal opens.