How to Get a Vietnam Visa on Arrival: Complete Guide

An electronic travel authorization issued online by the Vietnamese government that allows travelers to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes for up to 90 days, with single or multiple entries, without needing a physical visa stamp.

Step by step Guide to apply

Step 1: Check your eligibility

• Vietnam requires a pre-approved visa before arrival. Visa on arrival is only issued with an approval letter.
• Citizens of the UK, France, Spain, Italy, and Germany can enter visa-free for up to 45 days (valid until August 2028). Longer stays require a visa.
• Travelers flying directly to Phu Quoc (PQC) can stay visa-free for up to 30 days if they remain on the island.
• Applicable Airports
  · Noi Bai (HAN)
  · Da Nang (DAD)
  · Tan Son Nhat (SGN)
  · Cam Ranh (CXR)
  · Phu Quoc (PQC)
  · Can Tho (VCA)
  · Cat Bi (HPH)

Step 2: Get your documents ready

• Ensure your passport has a minimum remaining validity of 6 months and at least 2 blank pages available for the visa stamp.
• If a passport renewal is planned, it is advisable to complete this prior to submitting your visa application.
• Two recently taken passport-sized photos (4×6 cm or 2×2 in) are required.
• A printed copy of the pre-filled entry/exit form is recommended to save time upon arrival at the Vietnam airport.

Step 3: Apply for your visa

A detailed guide for the visa on arrival application process:

• Step 1: Contact us to submit your application for an approval letter. Standard processing takes 3 – 5 working days, while urgent processing is completed within 8 working hours.
  • Phone: (+84) 856 598 868
  • WhatsApp: (+84) 856 598 868
  • Email: info@simplevietnamvisa.com
• Step 2: Upon receiving the approval letter by email, print a hard copy. Also prepare 2 passport-sized photos, a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity at the time of entry, and the stamping fee in cash, USD 25 for a single-entry visa or USD 50 for a multiple-entry visa.
• Step 3: Present all of the above documents to immigration officers upon arrival at an international airport in Vietnam, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Hai Phong, and Da Nang, to receive your visa stamp.

What Is Visa on Arrival?

Vietnam visa on arrival (VOA), also referred to as a landing visa, is a visa type that permits foreign nationals to collect their entry visa upon arriving at a Vietnamese international airport, provided that a pre-approved authorization letter has been obtained beforehand.

Unlike other visa types such as the E-visa or embassy-issued visa, visa on arrival is exclusively available to travelers entering Vietnam by air, and only at one of 8 designated international airports across the country.

Rather than having a visa affixed to the passport in advance, applicants are required to first obtain a visa approval letter, also known as a pre-approved visa letter or visa invitation letter, through a local visa agency in Vietnam. This letter is then used to obtain the visa stamp upon arrival at the airport.

Advantages

• No embassy required
  Apply online through a licensed agency and receive your visa stamp upon arrival, no need to visit an embassy or send your passport.
• Fast processing
  Suitable for urgent travel. In some cases, approval letters can be issued within 2–3 hours, even on weekends.
• Lower upfront costs
  No expenses for document preparation, postage, or embassy visits. You only pay the stamping fee at the airport.
• Multiple-entry availability
  This visa type supports both single and multiple-entry options.
• Broad eligibility
  Available to travelers of all nationalities arriving in Vietnam by air.

Limitations

• No direct government application
  Visa on arrival must be arranged through a licensed agency, as there is no official portal for individual applications.
• Waiting time at the airport
  Stamping usually takes around 15-20 minutes during low season and may extend to 30-60 minutes in peak periods.
• Limited entry points
  Only selected international airports in Vietnam support visa on arrival, so your arrival location must be eligible.
• Shared approval letters
  Approval letters may include multiple applicants, as agencies sometimes issue them in groups.
• Variable service fees
  Agency fees can vary. The stamping fee is USD 25 (single entry) or USD 50 (multiple entry), payable in cash at the airport.

Who Is Eligible for Vietnam Visa on Arrival?

Vietnam visa on arrival is available to a wide range of travelers, including:

• ‣ Tourists joining trips organized by licensed Vietnamese travel agencies
• ‣ Business travelers visiting for commercial or professional purposes
• ‣ Transit passengers with Vietnam as part of a multi-country itinerary
• ‣ Seafarers and crew members entering via seaports and exiting through another country
• ‣ Visitors in special circumstances, such as attending a funeral, visiting seriously ill relatives, or entering Vietnam for urgent or official purposes

Other Conditions for Visa On Arrival

Beyond entering by air through a designated airport, applicants for Vietnam visa on arrival must also satisfy the following requirements:

• Currently residing outside of Vietnam at the time of application
• Holding a valid passport with a minimum remaining validity of 6 months from the planned date of entry
• Not prohibited from entering Vietnam under Article 21 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam
• Traveling from a country that does not have a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate 

For a full list of eligible entry airports and further guidance, feel free to contact us or refer to our detailed guide on Vietnam visa on arrival requirements.

Processing Time and Fee

Processing Time

Since a pre-approved visa letter is mandatory for Vietnam visa on arrival, it is important to factor in the preparation time well in advance of your departure date.

Processing time for the approval letter varies depending on the service type selected:

• Urgent processing: 2–4 hours
• Standard processing: 2–5 working days

Once all required documents are in hand, the visa stamping process at the arrival airport typically takes 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the queue length at the time of arrival. Wait times tend to be longer during peak travel season (October–April).

Fee

Vietnam visa on arrival involves two separate fees, the approval letter service fee charged by the visa agency, and the stamping fee payable in cash upon arrival at the airport. Total costs vary depending on the visa type and the service provider selected. Additional charges may apply for urgent or same-day processing.

Current standard service fees are as follows:

Note: The government stamping fee must be paid in cash (USD) at the airport counter. Credit and debit cards are not accepted.

For a personalized fee quote or to begin your application, contact our team via phone, WhatsApp, or email:

• Phone/WhatsApp: (+84) 856 598 868
• Email: info@simplevietnamvisa.com

Frequently Asked Questions