Tourist Guide to Vietnam Visa on Arrival

Updated on Sep 26, 2023 | Vietnam e-Visa

This article explores everything you need to know about the Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA). This includes what the Vietnam visa on arrival is, why you should consider getting it, is it safe to get one and much more.

As an avid traveller, you must know that one of the most important documents required to travel is a Visa. Especially, when you are planning to visit foreign countries, Visa and a valid passport is a prerequisite. Among the top foreign countries known for tourist spots rich for travel and tourism, Vietnam is a well-known tourist location across the globe. 

The best part is that it comes under the category of countries whose Visa can be gained extremely easily without any hassle or complications. This articles explores everything you need to know about the Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA). This includes what the Vietnam visa on arrival is, why you should consider getting it, is it safe to get one and much more. 

Vietnam Visa Online is an electronic travel authorization or travel permit to visit Vietnam for a period of time upto 30 days for travel or business purposes. International visitors must have a Vietnam Visa Online to be able to visit Vietnam . Foreign citizens can apply for an Vietnam Visa Application in a matter of minutes. Vietnam Visa Application process is automated, simple, and completely online.

What Is the Meaning Of Vietnam Visa On Arrival

Vietnam Visa on arrival was created as an alternative medium to gain a valid document or a valid permit for travelling to Vietnam. It is also referred to as Vietnam landing Visa or Vietnam airport Visa. As a traveller from a foreign country, you will most likely enter the country through an international airport in Vietnam. This Visa can be gained from the airport you are landing in Vietnam upon entrance into the country. 

For gaining a Vietnam visa on arrival, each traveller is required to obtain a visa approval letter prior to the commencement of the travel journey to Vietnam. The first step in the process to obtain a Vietnam visa on arrival is to complete a digital application form which can be easily found on the internet. 

Then, the traveller is required to submit it at the airport they are entering Vietnam through. Lastly, the applicant will gain a Vietnam visa stamp on their passport through the Vietnamese authority. This visa is an easy and less complicated medium of gaining a Visa to Vietnam as it does not ask the traveller to send their passports to the authorities. Or any additional documents for the application process of the Vietnam visa on arrival. 

Is Gaining a Vietnam Visa On Arrival Possible

Yes, it is.

Vietnam Visa on arrival is a legal document that can be used as a permit to enter and travel in Vietnam. The approval letter for gaining a Vietnam visa on arrival is an authorised and legal letter. This letter is provided by the Vietnam Immigration Department. 

This letter or visa plays the role of an official permit through which a traveller can board their flight. And contain the Visa stamp on their passports at arrival in the Vietnamese international airports. The Vietnam visa on arrival basically allows the entrance, exit, and stay in Vietnam. 

READ MORE:
Vietnam e-Visa (Vietnam Visa Online) is a required travel authorization for travelers visiting Vietnam for business, tourism or transit purposes. This online process for electronic Visa for Vietnam was implemented from 2017 by the Government of Vietnam, with the goal of enabling any of the future eligible travelers to apply for an e-Visa to Vietnam. Learn more at Online Vietnam Visa.

What Are the Types of Vietnamese Visas At The Airport 

There are four types of Vietnamese visas which are highly popular and highly demanded by travellers across the globe. The visas are 1. Vietnam tourist Visa (DL). 2. Vietnam business Visa (DN). 3. Vietnam working visa (LD). 4. Vietnam student or internship visa (DH). However, a Vietnam Visa or arrival cannot be gained for all the four kinds of visa. It can be gained for only two types of visas which are as follows: 

  • Vietnam tourist Visa (DL) 
  • Vietnam Business Visa (DN)

Can You Obtain A Visa Upon Arrival In Vietnam 

Almost every traveller is required to hold a valid visa or permit for entering the country of Vietnam. Travellers are also required to apply for a visa upon arrival in Vietnam given that they are travelling to the country via the airports. 

They must also make sure that they are landing in Vietnam through the international airports dedicated for the purpose. One must ensure that they check whether their nationality is included in the list of countries who can gain a Vietnam Visa on Arrival. 

Note: - Some of the most popular countries like Australia, China, Hong Kong, United States, United Arab Emirates, India, Netherlands and many more require a Vietnam visa on arrival to enter and stay in Vietnam. 

However, countries like France, Germany, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and many other countries do not require a Vietnam visa on arrival for entering and staying in Vietnam for the span of minimum fifteen to maximum thirty days. 

Which Airports Are Applicable For Arrival For The Vietnamese Visa On Arrival 

The international airports in Vietnam which are applicable for entrance in the country for gaining a Vietnam visa on arrival are as follows:

  • Da Nang International Airport 
  • Noi Bai International Airport 
  • Cat Bi International Airport
  • Phu Quoc International Airport
  • Cam Ranh International Airport
  • Lien Khuong International Airport
  • Tan Son Nhat International Airport
  • Can Tho International Airport

READ MORE:
Foreign nationals without a valid working visa or temporary residence card who will be working with or for a company in Vietnam, attending a meeting or negotiation, or signing contracts will be granted a short-term business visa to Vietnam. Learn more at Vietnam Business Visa.

What Are the Benefits of Gaining Vietnam Visa On Arrival (VOA)

The benefits of gaining a Vietnamese Visa upon entrance in the country are as follows: - 

Fast-Track Method of Gaining a Visa 

The Vietnam visa on arrival is one of the most desirable types of visas gained by travellers as it is a fast-track method of gaining a valid permit for entering in Vietnam. Usually, a VOA for Vietnam takes only two to three working days for preceding a visa approval letter. However, the best part is that many visas can be processed even earlier in around four to eight hours if there is any urgency or emergency. So travellers who make a travel plan to Vietnam at the last minute can take a moment to relax as the Vietnamese visa upon arrival can be gained in some hours to a maximum of three days. 

Simple And Non-Complex Method Of Gaining A Visa 

For getting a visa, many travellers assume that they may have to carry complex steps which may make the entire process of gaining a visa extremely complicated. However, this is not the case with gaining a valid Visa for Vietnam. 

The procedure and working method for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival for entering the country is extremely simple and non-complex. The information or personal details that the traveller may require to fill in the application form are as follows: 

  • Full name of the traveller: The traveller must fill their full name according to their passport in this section. 
  • Date of birth of the traveller: The traveller must fill their date of birth in the format DD/MM/YYYYmentioned in their passports in this section. 
  • Nationality of the traveller: The traveller must fill their nationality in this section. This is also important for determining whether the applicant is eligible for a Visa on arrival in Vietnam. 
  • Passport number of the traveller: The traveller must fill their passport number and ID in this section according to their passport. 
  • Arrival time in Vietnam: The traveller must fill their arrival time in Vietnam in this section. 

This information is enough to gain a Vietnam Visa upon arrival. The traveller does not have to submit any documents like passport or family background. They do not have to send any invitation letters from the side of Vietnamese companies or organisations including a business partner associate. Even if the Visa is a business visa, there is an exemption from such documents. 

An Assured Medium of Gaining A Vietnam Visa 

The Vietnam visa on arrival is an assured medium of gaining visa. This is because travellers can expect that their visas will be approved 99% of the time. The traveller however, has to make sure that they are not committing any actions which may be against the laws and regulations. Or which may be illegal as far as the Vietnamese Immigration Department and policy is concerned. 

Vietnam is a tourist country which warmly welcomes each traveller with an open heart. 

The Vietnamese Visa Upon Entrance Is an Affordable Medium Of Gaining A Visa For Vietnam 

A common assumption about visas is that they cost a lot. But this is not true for most countries including Vietnam. This is because the Vietnamese visa upon entrance is highly affordable and low cost. The standard fee for Visa services as well as the stamping costs are highly affordable. 

As compared to most countries who charge high prices on the visa, Vietnam is an exception. Additionally, the Vietnam Visa on arrival is much cheaper than other forms and mediums of gaining a Visa to Vietnam. 

READ MORE:
Frequently Asked Questions about the Vietnam Visa. Get answers to the most common questions about the requirements, important information and documents required to travel to Vietnam. Learn more at Frequently Asked Questions for Vietnam E-Visa.

What Are the Fees Paid For The Vietnamese Visa Upon Arrival 

 

As discussed earlier, the Vietnamese Visa upon arrival is one of the most affordable mediums of gaining a Visa. Usually, there will be 2 types of visa fees that must be paid by the traveller which is as follows:

  • Service fee: The service fee is usually a fee paid to the agency or organisation through which you are obtaining the visa. This fee is paid online. Upon paying this fee, the traveller will gain their visa approval letter. 
  • Stamping fee: The stamping fee is a fee paid upon arrival in Vietnam. This fee is paid in cash at the international airport in which the traveller will land. Upon paying this fee, the traveller will be enabled to gain the Visa stamp on their passport which acts as a valid permit for entering Vietnam. 

Point to note: The fees are typically based on the type of visa that a traveller is gaining to enter and stay in Vietnam. One must keep themselves updated about the Vietnam visa on arrival fees according to the type of visa they have applied for prior to beginning their journey. 

A Detailed Step By Step Guide For The Application Process For Obtaining The Vietnamese Visa Upon Arrival 

 

The process for applying and gaining a Vietnam visa or arrival involves the following steps: 

Step 1: 

The traveller must access a digital application form on the internet. Then, they must fill the form and submit it online. This must be done to gain an approval letter for Visa. 

Step 2: 

Once the Visa is approved, the traveller will gain the approval letter via email. This approval letter must be printed. Then, the traveller is required to prepare the Vietnam visa application form. This form is also known as the entry and exit application form. Other documents which must be kept ready are as follows: 

  • Two passport size photographs of the traveller. The photos must follow the dimensions of 4×6 cm. 
  • A valid passport must be kept ready. 
  • Money for gaining a visa stamp on the passport. Or the stamping fees upon arrival. 

Step 3: 

The documents, once kept ready, must be submitted to the official authorities at the airport's Vietnam Visa on arrival counter. Then the Visa will be stamped on the travellers' passport and they will be permitted to enter and stay in Vietnam. 

READ MORE:
Citizens of 80 countries are eligible for Vietnam Visa Online. The Vietnam Visa eligbility must be met to obtain the visa to travel to Vietnam. A valid passport is required for entry into Vietnam. Learn more at Tourist Eligible Countries for Vietnam Visa.

How Much Time Is Taken to Process The Vietnamese Visa Upon Arrival

The time taken to process the Vietnam visa on arrival is a maximum of two working days. However, travellers can also gain the Visa much faster in the film span of one hour only. This is the minimum processing time. One must make a note that weekends and public holidays will not be included in the two working days processing time. 

In The Light of This Information 

The Vietnamese Visa on arrival is a speedy and convenient method of gaining a Visa for entering and travelling in Vietnam. The simple process of gaining the visa and the less time taken for processing the visa are the prime driving forces for travellers to apply and gain a Vietnam Visa on arrival as compared to other mediums and methods of Visa application. It is much cheaper and efficient too! 

Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnam Visa on Arrival 

  1. Can the entrance airport be changed in Vietnam? 

Yes. The traveller can change their arrival airport upon arriving in Vietnam. The Vietnam Visa on approval letter is valid at eight international airports. So no matter which airport you land on, you can get the Visa stamped on your passport. The switch can happen anytime the traveller wishes to. 

  1. Is there a need to get in contact with the Vietnam Embassy regarding the Vietnam Visa on arrival? 

No. There is no need for a traveller to get in touch with the Vietnamese Embassy regarding their Vietnam Visa on arrival. The traveller needs to fill an online application form on the internet and submit it on the same online platform. The Visa approval letter shall be sent through the email provided by the applicant. These steps do not require any contact with the Vietnamese Embassy. 

  1. Does the traveller require you to submit any documents for gaining the VOA? 

No. The traveller does not require to send any document or any hard copies. They only need to fill a digital application form and submit it online. This form will ask for the travellers' personal and informational details which must be filled accurately according to their passports and other valid documents. 

READ MORE:
A Vietnam tourist visa is something you should keep in mind if you are planning a vacation there because failing to obtain one could seriously jeopardize your trip. Learn more at Vietnam Tourist Visa.


Check your eligibility for Online Vietnam Visa and apply for Online Vietnam Visa four (4) - seven (7) days in advance of your flight. British citizens, Australian citizens, French citizens, Spanish Citizens, Dutch Citizens and Italian citizens can apply online for Online Vietnam Visa. Should you need any help or require any clarifications you should contact our Vietnam Visa Help Desk for support and guidance.