The Vietnam visa on arrival allows travelers arriving by air to receive a visa stamp at one of the country’s international airports after obtaining an approval letter from immigration. Applicants complete an online form, pay a processing fee through a secure channel, and present the approval letter, passport and photos at the airport to get the visa issued.
What the Vietnam visa on arrival is and how it works
The approval letter is an official authorization issued by Vietnamese immigration that permits entry and exit for a defined period. Once you have that letter, you can collect the physical visa sticker at one of Vietnam’s international airports: Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) or Da Nang International Airport.
Visa on arrival (VOA) is available only to travelers who enter Vietnam by air; land border crossings and seaports normally require a visa obtained beforehand through an embassy or consulate. The VOA process separates the administrative pre-approval (online) from the final stamping at the port of entry.
Key features and what to expect on arrival
The VOA procedure typically involves three stages: submitting an online application, completing payment via a secure payment gateway, and printing the approval letter to present on arrival. When you reach immigration at the airport, you will hand over your approval letter, a completed entry/exit form, passport photos and the stamping fee in cash to receive the visa sticker.
Airport immigration counters for VOA are dedicated areas where officers check the approval letter and supporting documents before affixing the visa. Processing time at the airport varies with arrival volumes—during peak hours queues are longer—so many travelers plan extra time on arrival.
- Airports that accept VOA: Hanoi (Noi Bai), Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), Da Nang.
- VOA applies only to air arrivals; embassy visas are needed for land entry unless otherwise arranged.
- Typical documents required at arrival: approval letter, printed entry form, passport photos, passport, stamping fee in cash.
Practical tips for preparing your application and arrival
Complete the online application carefully: the approval letter will reflect the exact name, passport number and dates you provide, so mistakes can cause delays. Common items requested in the form include full name, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport number and passport expiry date, plus the intended arrival date and port of entry.
Before you travel, print the approval letter and the arrival/departure form; fill out the form in advance to save time at the airport. Bring two passport-sized photos (the size commonly requested is 4x6 cm), and have cash in US dollars ready for the stamping fee—many counters accept only cash for this payment.
- Double-check passport validity—most immigration systems require a minimum remaining validity; confirm the requirement for your nationality.
- Print at least one spare copy of the approval letter; keep digital backups in case the paper is misplaced.
- Expect queues at busy periods; paid fast-track services are available from third-party providers for those who prefer faster processing at arrival.
- If you plan onward travel from Da Nang, see guidance on Da Nang to Hoi An by bus for local transfer options.
Cultural and regulatory context
Vietnamese immigration procedures are managed centrally, but implementation at ports of entry can vary in practice. Travelers should treat the approval letter as an administrative permit rather than the final visa; the visa is only conferred when the immigration officer places the sticker in your passport.
Rules and fees can change, so many travelers check recent official notices or recent traveler reports before booking. When authoritative guidance is unavailable, rely on the information provided at the time of application and verify details with the issuing party. Most find it helpful to leave room in their schedule in case an unexpected administrative step is required on arrival.
For longer journeys that cross multiple regions of Vietnam, combining the VOA with local transport planning helps reduce friction after landing. For example travelers heading inland from Hanoi sometimes combine arrival timing with intercity rail connections; for those moving south after landing, consider reading about Hanoi to Hoi An by train to understand onward options via Da Nang.
Who Visa on Arrival suits and when to choose the embassy instead
VOA is convenient for air travelers who want to avoid a pre-departure embassy appointment. It is well-suited to tourists and short-term visitors who arrive by plane and who can supply the required documents and cash stamping fee upon arrival.
By contrast, obtaining a visa through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate is often preferred by travelers who will cross a land border, those who require longer or special-purpose visas, or anyone who needs an official visa sticker before departing their home country. Embassy applications may involve in-person visits, a physical submission of the passport, and a processing window that typically takes several working days.
- Choose VOA if you arrive by plane and want quicker pre-departure arrangements.
- Choose embassy/consulate if you need the visa before travel, are entering by land, or require a nonstandard visa type.
Comparing Visa on Arrival and embassy/consulate visas
| Feature | Visa on Arrival (VOA) | Embassy / Consulate Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Where to obtain | Online pre-approval; final stamp at Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang airports | At Vietnamese diplomatic missions in your country |
| Who can use it | Air travelers only | Travelers arriving by any border (depending on rules) and those who need visas in hand |
| Typical processing time | Online approval usually same day to a few days; stamping time depends on airport queues | Usually several working days; times vary by mission |
| Documents needed at arrival | Approval letter, printed entry/exit form, passport photos, passport, stamping fee (cash) | Passport, embassy application form, photos, any supporting documents required by the mission |
| Typical stamping fee (reported) | Reportedly around US$25 for a 30-day single-entry (some reports also list US$25 for a 3-month single-entry) and about US$45 for certain multi-entry visas | Fees vary by embassy/consulate and nationality |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is visa on arrival available at land border crossings?
Visa on arrival is generally limited to passengers arriving by air. Travelers crossing into Vietnam by road or sea usually need a visa issued in advance by an embassy or consulate unless a specific border facility explicitly offers visa issuance—check with official channels before travel.
What documents should I prepare to get the visa stamped at the airport?
Prepare the approval letter you received by email, a printed entry/exit application form (many people complete this in advance), two passport-sized photos (commonly 4x6 cm), your passport and the stamping fee in cash. Having spare copies and extra photos can speed the process if issues arise.
How long does it take to receive the approval letter after applying online?
Processing times vary by provider and workload. Many applicants receive the approval letter within the same day or a few days, but it is wise to allow extra time and to confirm the expected turnaround when you submit your application.
Can I correct an error on the approval letter if I notice a typo?
Because the approval letter must match your passport details, any error can cause problems at immigration. Contact the issuer immediately if you spot a mistake; procedures for corrections differ between providers and may require reissuing the letter.
What forms of payment are accepted for the airport stamping fee?
Stamping fees at arrival counters are frequently accepted in US dollars cash. Card payments are often not available at the immigration desk, so bring the correct currency and some extra for contingencies.