Visa on Arrival Vietnam: Your Ultimate Guide

Traveling to Vietnam is a thrilling experience, from exploring vibrant cities to relaxing on stunning beaches. One convenient option for securing your entry into this beautiful country is the Visa on Arrival Vietnam. This type of visa allows travelers to obtain their visa upon arrival at major Vietnamese airports, provided they have already obtained a visa approval letter before their trip. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the Visa on Arrival Vietnam, including how to apply, the benefits, and important tips for a smooth entry.

What is the Visa on Arrival Vietnam?

The Visa on Arrival Vietnam is a visa that can be obtained at one of Vietnam’s international airports. It is designed for travelers who have applied for and received an approval letter from a Vietnamese visa agency or travel service prior to their arrival. This type of visa is available for various purposes, including tourism and business, and allows you to collect your visa at the airport rather than through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

Why Choose Visa on Arrival Vietnam?

Opting for the Visa on Arrival Vietnam has several advantages:

1. Convenience: The process is streamlined, requiring you to handle visa arrangements before you travel and simply collect your visa upon arrival.
2. Efficiency: The approval letter can be processed quickly, often within a few business days.
3. Cost-Effective: The service fee for obtaining the visa approval letter is generally lower than the fees charged by embassies for traditional visas.
4. Flexibility: Suitable for travelers arriving by air and offers various visa options, including single-entry and multiple-entry visas.

How to Apply for Visa on Arrival Vietnam

Applying for the Visa on Arrival Vietnam involves a few straightforward steps:

1. Apply Online for the Approval Letter: Start by applying online through a reputable travel agency or visa service that specializes in Vietnamese visas. This application will request details such as your full name, nationality, passport number, and travel dates.
2. Submit Required Information: Provide accurate information and necessary documents, including a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport’s bio-data page. Ensure all details are correct to avoid processing delays.
3. Pay the Service Fee: The service fee for processing your visa approval letter is paid online. This fee varies depending on the type of visa you’re applying for (e.g., single or multiple entries).
4. Receive the Approval Letter: Once processed, you’ll receive the visa approval letter via email. Print this letter as you will need to present it upon arrival in Vietnam.
5. Prepare Documents for Arrival: Along with your visa approval letter, bring the following items to the airport:
   • Your passport (valid for at least six months from your entry date).
   • Two passport-sized photos (4×6 cm).
   • A completed entry/exit form (available online or at the airport).
   • Cash to cover the stamping fee (USD is preferred).
6. Collect Your Visa at the Airport: Upon arrival at a major Vietnamese airport (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang), proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter. Present your approval letter, passport, photos, and entry/exit form, and pay the stamping fee to receive your visa.

Cost of Visa on Arrival Vietnam

The cost of the Visa on Arrival Vietnam consists of two main components:

1. Service Fee: This fee is paid online when applying for the visa approval letter and typically ranges from $10 to $25 USD, depending on the visa type (single or multiple entries).
2. Stamping Fee: This fee is paid in cash at the airport upon receiving your visa. It is usually $25 USD for a single-entry visa and $50 USD for a multiple-entry visa.

Make sure to bring the exact amount in cash as credit cards are not always accepted.

Where to Obtain Visa on Arrival Vietnam

The Visa on Arrival Vietnam can be collected at the following international airports:

• Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
• Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
• Da Nang International Airport
• Cam Ranh International Airport (Nha Trang)

If you are entering Vietnam via land borders or seaports, you will need to apply for a traditional visa from a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

Processing Time for Visa on Arrival Vietnam

The visa approval letter for the Visa on Arrival Vietnam is typically processed within 2-3 business days. Expedited services are available for an additional fee if you need the approval letter sooner. Upon arrival at the airport, processing your visa usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the volume of travelers.

Visa on Arrival Vietnam vs. E-Visa

When choosing between the Visa on Arrival Vietnam and the Vietnam e-visa, consider these differences:

• Visa on Arrival Vietnam requires a pre-approved letter and is only available at airports. It can be convenient for those arriving by air.
• Vietnam e-visa is an online visa that allows entry through various points, including airports, land borders, and seaports, and doesn’t involve waiting at the airport for visa processing.

For travelers arriving by air, the Visa on Arrival Vietnam is a practical option, but if you prefer an entirely online process with fewer steps, the Vietnam e-visa might be more convenient.

Travel Tips for Visa on Arrival Vietnam

To make your Visa on Arrival Vietnam experience as smooth as possible, keep these tips in mind:

• Apply Early: Submit your application for the approval letter well in advance of your trip to avoid delays.
• Carry Cash: Bring enough cash to pay the stamping fee at the airport.
• Print All Documents: Ensure you have printed copies of your visa approval letter and entry/exit form.
• Prepare for Wait Times: During busy periods, expect potential delays at the VOA counter.

Conclusion

The Visa on Arrival Vietnam is a practical and flexible way to obtain your visa upon entering Vietnam. With its easy application process and the ability to collect your visa directly at the airport, it’s an appealing option for many travelers. Whether you’re visiting Vietnam for tourism or business, the Visa on Arrival Vietnam provides a hassle-free solution to get you started on your adventure.

Start your Visa on Arrival Vietnam application today, and get ready to explore the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history of Vietnam!