How to Apply for Vietnam Visa on Arrival?

Planning to enter Vietnam by air in 2026? The Vietnam visa on arrival process is straightforward when you know what to prepare and when to complete each step. From getting your approval letter before departure to completing the stamping process at the airport, a little preparation can help you avoid unnecessary delays. This guide explains what to expect at each stage and how to make the process faster and smoother.

What is a Vietnam Visa on arrival?

Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a legitimate visa process that allows eligible foreign travelers to obtain their visa stamp when they arrive at a designated international airport in Vietnam. Before traveling, applicants must obtain a visa approval letter (also called a pre-approved or invitation letter) through a visa agency. The letter is then presented at the Visa on Arrival counter so the visa can be stamped into the passport upon arrival.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Vietnam VOA?

One of the main advantages of Vietnam VOA is convenience for travelers who enter Vietnam by air. The approval letter can be arranged online before departure, and travelers can also use expedited processing services when they need their documents quickly. However, VOA requires an additional airport procedure, including presenting documents and paying the visa stamping fee before proceeding through immigration.

Another limitation is that Vietnam VOA is only available to travelers arriving by air at designated international airports. It is not a general visa option for travelers entering Vietnam through land borders or seaports. Travelers using these entry points need to choose another eligible visa option, such as a Vietnam e-visa.

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Who can use the Vietnam Visa on Arrival and who should choose another option?

Vietnam Visa on Arrival is designed for travelers arriving in Vietnam by air through eligible international airports. If you plan to enter by land or sea, you should consider another visa option, such as an e-visa, instead.

Who can use a Vietnam Visa on Arrival?

Vietnam Visa on Arrival is designed for travelers entering the country by air through eligible international airports. To use this entry method, applicants must satisfy the visa requirements and arrange their approval letter before flying to Vietnam. This makes VOA a convenient choice for those arriving on an international flight rather than by land or sea.
Before traveling, check your arrival airport and make sure your approval letter contains the same personal and passport information as your travel documents. This can help prevent problems when you complete the stamping procedure after landing.

Who should not choose a Vietnam Visa on Arrival?

VOA is not suitable if your planned entry point is a land border or seaport, because the visa stamping procedure takes place at designated airports. For example, travelers entering Vietnam overland from neighboring countries cannot use the airport-based VOA process at a land checkpoint.

The same consideration applies to travelers arriving by sea. If your itinerary does not begin with an eligible international airport, you should choose a visa that is accepted at your actual point of entry instead.

When is a Vietnam e-visa a better fit?

A Vietnam e-visa may be a better choice if you want to have your visa issued before traveling or need greater flexibility in choosing your entry point. Unlike the airport-based VOA process, an e-visa can be used at designated air, land, and sea entry points.

For travelers who prefer to complete the visa procedure before departure, an e-visa also removes the need to complete a separate visa stamping procedure after landing. The better option therefore depends on your entry point and preferred visa process, rather than simply on how quickly you need the visa.

How to apply for Vietnam Visa on Arrival step by step

Prepare the Required Documents and Fee

To get ready for a visa on arrival, you need to prepare all the following:

• A hard copy of a pre-approved visa letter approved by the Vietnam Immigration Department.
• A visa application form (entry and exit declaration form) is provided by the local visa agency (Form NA1).
• 02 photos (4x6 or 3x4, same size, white or plain background, newly taken in 6 months, straight looking, without glasses or scarf) (01 is pasted on the visa application form, 01 is used for presentation if needed).
• A valid passport with a validity of at least 06 months beyond your stay in Vietnam.
• Stamping fee in cash (USD 25-50 based on your visa type).

Apply for Your Vietnam Visa on Arrival

There are things you need to do in advance of your trip and while being at the arrival port to get a visa. Here are 3 steps you need to follow:

• Step 1: Apply for a visa approval letter through a visa agency. The process may take 2 - 5 working days or just 2 - 4 working hours if you choose urgent service.
• Step 2: Receive your visa approval letter along with the visa application form (NA1) by email. Print a hard copy for both documents. Fill up all the information required in the visa application form and prepare 02 passport-sized photos, a valid original passport, and a stamping fee in cash.
• Step 3: At the immigration/landing visa counter at the arrival port, present all documents and things in Step 2 to get your visa stamp.

Related Blog Post: How To Pick Up Visa At Tan Son Nhat Airport?

How much does a Vietnam Visa on Arrival cost?

The total cost of a Vietnam Visa on Arrival includes two separate charges: an online service fee for processing the approval letter and a government stamping fee paid when the visa is issued at the airport. The table above shows the current fees and estimated total cost for different visa types.

How long does a Vietnam Visa on Arrival take and how can you speed it up?

The processing time for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival depends on the service level you choose. Standard applications usually take around 2 working days, while urgent services can shorten the approval-letter processing time significantly.

How long does a standard Vietnam Visa on Arrival processing take?

A standard VOA application generally takes around 2 working days to process. This refers to the time needed to review your application and issue the visa approval letter, not the time required for visa stamping after you arrive in Vietnam.
To avoid delays, submit your application with accurate passport and travel information and allow enough time before your flight. Applying in advance also gives you time to correct any errors if they are found during processing.

How quickly can you get an urgent Vietnam Visa on Arrival approval letter?

If you need to travel soon, urgent processing can provide the approval letter in as little as 1–2 hours, depending on the service selected and when your application is submitted. Same-day options may also be available for travelers who need their documents on short notice.

Urgent services normally cost more than standard processing. If you choose this option, check the promised processing time and make sure your application is complete before payment, as missing or incorrect information can still cause delays.

How can you speed up the Vietnam Visa on Arrival process?

The easiest way to reduce processing delays is to submit your application early, provide accurate information, and choose an urgent processing option when necessary. Double-check your passport number, full name, date of birth, entry date, and arrival airport before submitting the form.

If your flight is within the next few days, an urgent or same-day service may be more appropriate than standard processing. However, the faster approval-letter service does not eliminate the airport stamping procedure, so you should still prepare your passport, photo, entry form, approval letter, and stamping fee before your flight.

Related Blog Post: How To Pick Up Visa At Tan Son Nhat Airport?

Which airports support Vietnam Visa on Arrival?

Vietnam Visa on Arrival is available at designated international airports, including Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, and Da Nang, but not at land borders or seaports. The main VOA airports are listed below.

Visa On Arrival vs E-visa: Which should you choose?

Choosing between a Vietnam Visa on Arrival and an e-visa depends mainly on your travel plans, entry point, and how quickly you need your visa. VOA can be useful for last-minute air travel when you need an approval letter quickly, while an e-visa is often a better fit for planned trips or travelers entering Vietnam by land or sea.

Related Blog Post: ​​Vietnam Evisa Ports of Entry and Checkpoints

Important Tips for Applying for Vietnam Visa on Arrival

• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date in Vietnam.
• Double-check all the information you provide on the application form to avoid errors that could delay the processing of your visa approval letter.
• Bring enough cash to pay for the stamping fee upon arrival. The fee varies depending on the length of your stay and the type of visa you need.
• If you have any questions or concerns about the visa application process, don't hesitate to contact the visa agency you are working with.

In conclusion, getting a Vietnam visa on arrival is a simple and convenient way to obtain a visa for your trip to Vietnam. Just follow the steps outlined in this guide and you'll be on your way to exploring all the wonders that Vietnam has to offer.

FAQs

What is a Vietnam Visa on Arrival?

It is a two-step process: get an approval letter online, then have the visa stamped into your passport at the airport.

How long does a VOA approval letter take?

Standard processing takes about 2 working days, while urgent services can take as little as 1-2 hours.

How much is the stamping fee?

It is a separate government fee, paid in cash at the airport when your visa is stamped.

Is VOA available at land borders?

No. VOA is available only for eligible international airport arrivals.

Can I get a VOA the same day I fly?

Yes. Urgent and same-day processing options may be available, depending on the service.

Is VOA or e-visa cheaper and faster?

VOA suits last-minute air travel, while e-visa is generally better for planned trips with time to apply in advance.

Do I need a photo for VOA?

Yes. Bring a passport-size photo for the stamping procedure at the airport.