“I felt like I was being held hostage”: Singaporean says he was asked to tip at Hanoi Airport. Immigration officer was suspended.

Singaporean Man Faces Immigration Scandal in Vietnam

Traveling can be a hassle, especially when you find yourself stuck at immigration. This was the unfortunate reality for Kugan Pillai, a Singaporean who recently returned from Hanoi, Vietnam. On January 2, he shared his troubling experience on Facebook, detailing how he encountered unexpected trouble at the immigration counter.

A Confusing Encounter at Immigration

As Kugan approached the immigration officer, he handed over his passport, only to watch as she flipped through the pages. When she stopped at his visa, he noticed something unusual. The officer returned his boarding pass, highlighting the word “Tip.” Confused, Kugan wondered why that was written on his ticket.

When he asked how much he needed to pay, the officer remained silent, simply pointing to the word “Tip” on his boarding pass. Kugan was puzzled and concerned. After some back and forth, the officer finally mentioned a fee of 200,000 dong, which is about S$11.

A Fearful Decision

Feeling pressured and fearing he might be denied exit, Kugan reluctantly paid the fee. He expressed his frustration, stating he felt scammed. After handing over the money, the officer showed indifference, leaving Kugan feeling cheated. “I’ve never experienced anything like this before,” he said, noting that he was worried about his girlfriend, who was traveling with him.

Kugan described the situation as feeling like a hostage, where he felt compelled to pay to get his passport stamped. Despite having traveled to many countries, this was his first encounter with such corruption.

Investigation Launched

Following Kugan’s report, the Vietnam Immigration Department placed the officer on administrative leave. This incident gained further attention when a video surfaced showing the same officer requesting a $40 “visa service fee” from another passenger. The Noi Bai International Airport Police are now investigating the matter.

Corruption in Travel: A Call to Action

It’s disheartening to see corruption among officials, especially in places where tourists should feel safe. According to TripAdvisor, tipping in Vietnam is not a common practice, and tourists are generally not expected to tip.

Kugan’s experience serves as a reminder for travelers to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities. We must stand against corruption and ensure that such incidents are addressed.

If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, remember to stay calm, document everything, and report it to the relevant authorities. Your voice can help make a difference.