Heading to Vietnam? One of the first things you’ll need to sort out is your visa. Instead of dealing with embassy visits, Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) offers a much simpler option. With Vietnam Visa on Arrival, travelers can apply online and pick up their visa when they arrive in the country. It’s a quick and convenient solution, especially if you’re flying into Vietnam.
If you are considering a trip to Vietnam, here’s everything you need to know about the Vietnam visa on arrival. Let’s go through the steps together!
What is a Vietnam visa on arrival?
Vietnam Visa on Arrival (also known as Vietnam Landing Visa, Vietnam Airport Visa, or Vietnam visa upon arrival) is a legitimate visa option for foreigners who wish to enter Vietnam. This visa allows travelers to get their visa upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s eight international airports.
Unlike traditional visas, where you get the visa affixed to your passport before your trip, with a Visa on Arrival, you must first apply for a visa approval letter through a local visa agency in Vietnam. Once you have the approval letter, you can use it to get a visa stamp on your passport upon arriving at the airport.
Please note that the visa on arrival is only available to travelers entering Vietnam by air, and it cannot be used for entry via land or sea ports.
Vietnam visa on arrival requirements
Citizens from all over the world can apply for a visa on arrival to Vietnam if they travel by air and enter or exit through one of the 8 designated airports. However, there are some conditions that must be met:
- Foreigners who are from countries that do not have a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
- Foreigners who arrive in Vietnam by air and enter through one of the 8 international airports that allow visas on arrival.
- Foreigners with a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned stay in Vietnam.
- Foreigners who live in other countries and are not currently in Vietnam.
- Foreigners who are not prohibited from entering Vietnam according to Article 21 of the Law on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.
How to apply for a Vietnam visa on arrival
Applying for a Vietnam visa on arrival involves several steps. Here’s a clear guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Prepare the necessary documents
Before you apply for a visa on arrival, you need to have the following:
- A hard copy of the visa approval letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department.
- A completed visa application form (entry and exit declaration form), provided by the local visa agency (Form NA1).
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended stay in Vietnam.
- Two passport-sized photos (either 4×6 cm or 3×4 cm, with a white or plain background, taken within the last 6 months, looking straight ahead, and without glasses or scarves). One photo should be attached to the visa application form, and the other is for presentation if needed.
Ensure you have all necessary documentation ready for smooth processing!
Step 2: Apply for the visa approval letter
Apply for a visa approval letter through Urgent Vietnam Visa. The processing time is usually 2 – 5 working days. If you need the visa urgently, you can opt for an emergency service that takes a few working hours.
Step 3: Receive and print your approval letter
After your visa approval letter and the visa application form (NA1) are emailed to you, print hard copies of both documents and fill out the visa application form with all required information. Additionally, gather two passport-sized photos (as mentioned in Step 1), your original valid passport, and the stamping fee in cash to ensure you’re fully prepared for your arrival.
Step 4: Get your visa stamp
Upon arrival at the designated immigration or landing visa counter, present all the documents and items you prepared in Step 3. This will allow you to receive your visa stamp and officially enter Vietnam.
Vietnam VOA: Processing time & fee
When applying for a Vietnam visa upon arrival, it’s important to be aware of the processing times and associated fees. Here’s what you need to know:
Vietnam VOA processing time
The processing time for the visa letter can range from a few hours to a few working days. If you need it urgently, it can be ready in 2 to 4 hours, while a standard one usually takes 2 to 5 days. Once you have all your documents, it will take about 15 minutes to 1 hour at the arrival airport to get your visa stamped, depending on the waiting time.
Vietnam visa on arrival cost
There are two fees for a visa on arrival: a service fee paid to the visa agency and a stamping fee paid to the government. The cost depends on the visa type and how quickly you need the approval letter. The faster you want the letter, the higher the price.
Here are the fees for regular service:
Single entry (1 or 3 months):
- Agency fee: USD 20 – 30
- Government stamping fee: USD 25
Multiple entry (1 or 3 months):
- Agency fee: USD 25 – 45
- Government stamping fee: USD 50
Multiple entry (12 months):
- Agency fee: USD 60
- Government stamping fee: USD 135
FAQs
1. Can you get a Vietnam visa on arrival?
Yes, you can get a Vietnam visa on arrival if traveling by air. However, before traveling, you need to obtain a visa approval letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department through a travel agency or online service. This option is not available for land or sea entry, so plan accordingly before your trip.
2. Who is eligible for a Vietnam visa on arrival?
Vietnam visa on arrival is available for the following applicants:
- Tourists: Foreigners on organized tours by Vietnamese travel agencies.
- Transit travelers: Passengers stopping in Vietnam en route to another destination.
- Business travelers: Those visiting for business or commercial purposes.
- Foreign crew members: Crew on ships at Vietnamese ports wishing to exit through another country.
- Returning individuals: Foreigners and overseas Vietnamese attending a relative’s funeral or visiting seriously ill relatives.
- Urgent cases: Foreigners entering Vietnam for emergencies, disaster response, or special requests from Vietnamese authorities.
3. How much does a Vietnam visa on arrival cost?
As mentioned above, the Vietnam visa on arrival cost includes two fees: the service fee for the visa approval letter (varies by visa type and processing time) and the stamping fee paid at the airport; USD 25 for a single-entry visa and USD 50 for a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 90 days.
4. How long will it take for my Vietnam VOA?
The processing time for a Vietnam visa on arrival depends on the service selected: the regular service takes 2 to 5 working days, while the Urgent Service can be completed within 2 to 4 working hours for an additional fee.
5. What ports can I enter Vietnam with a visa on arrival?
You can enter Vietnam with a visa on arrival (VOA) through international airports that accept this type of visa. These include:
- Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong)
- Da Nang International Airport (Da Nang)
- Cam Ranh International Airport (Khanh Hoa)
- Can Tho International Airport (Can Tho)
- Phu Bai International Airport (Hue)
- Phu Quoc International Airport (Phu Quoc)
6. Can you get a Vietnam visa at the airport?
Yes, it is possible to get a Vietnam visa upon arrival at most international airports in Vietnam, but you need to follow a specific procedure. First, you must obtain a visa approval letter from a Vietnam travel agency or an online service before you board your flight. This letter permits you to apply for a visa on arrival (VOA) at the airport.
Final thoughts
In closing, the Vietnam visa on arrival stands out as a user-friendly option for travelers seeking to explore this vibrant country. Its simple application process and quick turnaround time make it an appealing choice for those eager to immerse themselves in Vietnam’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. With a little preparation, visitors can look forward to an unforgettable adventure.
So why wait? Start planning your trip to Vietnam today and make the most of your travel experience!