But the system has rules, traps, and a few things that can go wrong. This guide explains exactly how it works, who qualifies, and how to avoid the mistakes that leave travelers stuck at the airport.
What is visa on arrival in Vietnam?
Vietnam's visa on arrival (VOA) is a two-step process. First, apply online through a licensed agency to get a pre-approval letter. Second, present that letter at the airport upon arrival, pay the stamping fee, and receive the visa in your passport.
The system exists because Vietnam does not have embassies or consulates in every country. Instead of traveling to a diplomatic mission, travelers can use the online system. The letter is essentially a permission slip from Vietnam's Immigration Department.
The visa on arrival is only for air travel. Land border crossings cannot use this system. If entering Vietnam overland from Cambodia, Laos, or China, a different visa type is required.
Who qualifies for visa on arrival?
Most nationalities qualify for visa on arrival. The scheme covers citizens of countries that do not have a visa exemption agreement with Vietnam. This includes the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, India, South Africa, and most European nations.
Travelers from visa-exempt countries do not need any visa for stays under a certain period. For example, citizens of Japan, South Korea, Russia, and several European countries can enter without a visa for 15 to 45 days depending on nationality. These travelers cannot use visa on arrival because they do not need a visa at all.
Some nationalities face restrictions. Citizens of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and several African countries may need additional documentation or sponsorship. The approval letter can be refused without explanation. In these cases, applying through a Vietnamese embassy or using the e-visa system is often more reliable.
The e-visa system is a separate scheme that allows travelers from 80 eligible countries to apply directly through the official government portal. It costs $25 and takes 3 to 5 working days. For eligible nationalities, the e-visa is often simpler and cheaper than visa on arrival. The Vietnam E-Visa 2026 guide explains this option in detail.
Step-by-step process for visa on arrival
Step 1: Choose a licensed agency
The pre-approval letter can only be obtained through licensed travel agencies. The Vietnamese Immigration Department does not accept direct applications for visa on arrival letters.
Hundreds of websites offer this service. Prices range from $15 to $40 USD depending on processing speed and the agency's markup. Legitimate agencies are registered with the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism and have physical offices in Vietnam.
Red flags to avoid include agencies asking for passport photos, requesting payment through wire transfer only, or promising guaranteed approval. No agency can guarantee approval. The Immigration Department makes the final decision.
The article on which website is legit for a Vietnam visa provides a detailed breakdown of trustworthy portals and common scams.
Step 2: Complete the application form
The application requires basic information: full name, date of birth, passport number, nationality, entry date, and expected duration of stay. The information must match the passport exactly. A single spelling error can result in a rejected application or a denied visa at the airport.
Choose the visa type carefully. Tourist visas are valid for 30 days or 90 days, with single or multiple entry options. Business visas require additional documentation. The agency will ask about the purpose of the visit and the intended length of stay.
Step 3: Pay the service fee and wait
Standard processing takes 2 to 5 working days. Urgent processing, with delivery in 1 to 2 working days, costs more. Some agencies offer same-day service for an additional fee.
The service fee covers the agency's work in preparing and submitting the application. It does not include the stamping fee paid at the airport. Travelers pay the stamping fee separately, in cash, upon arrival.
Step 4: Receive the approval letter
The agency sends the approval letter by email as a PDF file. Print the letter and keep a digital copy on the phone as backup. The letter contains a reference number and the traveler's personal details.
Check the letter for errors immediately. If the name is misspelled or the passport number is incorrect, contact the agency right away. Fixing errors after arrival is nearly impossible.
Step 5: Fly to Vietnam
The approval letter is not the visa. It is a document that allows the airline to board the passenger and the immigration officers to issue the visa upon arrival. Airlines check the letter before issuing a boarding pass. Without it, the airline may refuse to let the passenger board.
Step 6: Go to the visa on arrival counter
After landing, follow the signs to the "Landing Visa" or "Visa on Arrival" counter. This counter is separate from the regular immigration lines. It is usually located before passport control.
Present the approval letter and passport to the officer. The officer will ask for the stamping fee. The standard fee is $25 for a single-entry visa and $50 for multiple entry. Cash is required, preferably in US dollars. Some airports accept Vietnamese dong, but the exchange rate is poor.
The officer will take the passport and issue the visa. The process takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the queue. After receiving the passport with the visa sticker, proceed to the immigration line.
Pro tip: Carry exact change in US dollars. The officers do not always have change, and overpaying in dong is common. Small denominations are easier to handle.
Step 7: Clear immigration
With the visa stamped in the passport, join the regular immigration queue. The officer will check the passport, take a photo, and let the traveler through. The entire process, from landing to exiting the airport, takes 30 to 60 minutes during normal traffic.
Airport counters and what to expect
Vietnam has several international airports where visa on arrival is available:
| Airport | Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Noi Bai (Hanoi) | HAN | Busiest northern hub, counter is before immigration |
| Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) | SGN | Largest airport, counter can be crowded |
| Da Nang | DAD | Central Vietnam, usually fast |
| Cam Ranh (Nha Trang) | CXR | Popular for beach resorts, moderate traffic |
| Phu Quoc | PQC | Island airport, visa exemption applies for some routes |
| Cat Bi (Hai Phong) | HPH | Smaller airport, counter may be closed during low season |
The counters are staffed during flight arrivals. If arriving on a late-night flight, the counter should still be open, but waiting times can be longer.
Some smaller airports, such as Cat Bi and Phu Quoc, may not have a dedicated visa on arrival counter. Travelers with approval letters are processed at a designated window in the immigration area. In rare cases, the counter is closed, and the traveler must use the e-visa or a different visa type.
Warning: Visa on arrival does not work for land border crossings. The approval letter is only valid at international airports. Entering overland requires a visa obtained from an embassy or the e-visa system.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Mistake 1: Using the wrong visa type
Visa on arrival is for tourism and short-term business visits. It is not available for long-term stays, work, or study. Those purposes require different visa categories obtained through an embassy.
Mistake 2: Applying too late
The standard processing time is 2 to 5 working days. Applying on a Friday for a Monday flight often results in a weekend delay. Urgent processing exists but costs more. The article on Vietnam e-visa processing time urgent covers timing issues in detail.
Mistake 3: Not printing the approval letter
Some travelers assume a digital copy on the phone is enough. Airlines and immigration officers often require a printed copy. Print two copies and keep one in the carry-on bag.
Mistake 4: Paying the stamping fee in the wrong currency
The stamping fee is officially $25 USD. Paying in dong results in a worse exchange rate. The officers may quote a higher dong amount than the official rate. US dollars in good condition are the safest option.
Mistake 5: Assuming visa exemption applies
Several countries have visa exemption agreements that allow stays of 15 to 45 days. Travelers who overstay the exemption period face fines of $15 USD per day and possible deportation. The exemption does not extend automatically.
Mistake 6: Booking a flight before receiving the approval letter
Airlines can deny boarding without the approval letter. Some airlines check the letter at check-in, others at the gate. Either way, flying without the letter is a gamble that often ends badly.
Mistake 7: Ignoring the passport validity rule
The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Passports with less than 6 months of validity are rejected at the visa counter. Renew the passport before applying.
Visa on arrival vs. e-visa: which one to choose
Vietnam's e-visa system is a direct alternative to visa on arrival for eligible nationalities. The e-visa is obtained through the official government portal, costs $25, and allows entry through 42 border gates, including land crossings.
The e-visa has several advantages. It does not require an agency, the fee is fixed, and the application is submitted directly to the Immigration Department. Processing takes 3 to 5 working days, and the visa is sent as a PDF file.
The visa on arrival has its own advantages. It allows 90-day visas, which the e-visa does not offer. It also covers nationalities that are not eligible for the e-visa.
| Feature | Visa on Arrival | E-visa |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Through licensed agency | Directly through government portal |
| Cost | $15-$40 service fee + $25 stamping | $25 flat fee |
| Processing time | 2-5 working days | 3-5 working days |
| Validity | 30 or 90 days | 30 days |
| Entry points | Airports only | 42 border gates including land |
| Eligibility | Most nationalities | 80 eligible countries |
The choice depends on nationality, travel plans, and comfort with online applications. The Vietnam visa for Indian citizens guide and the Moroccan citizens guide provide country-specific advice.
Costs and budget considerations
The total cost of visa on arrival includes two separate payments:
- Service fee to the agency: $15 to $40 USD (350,000 to 950,000 VND) depending on processing speed
- Stamping fee at the airport: $25 USD (600,000 VND) for single entry, $50 USD (1,200,000 VND) for multiple entry
The service fee varies significantly between agencies. Some charge as little as $15 for standard processing, while premium services cost $40 or more. The stamping fee is fixed by the government and does not change.
Travelers should budget at least $50 USD (1,200,000 VND) total for a single-entry visa on arrival. This is comparable to the cost of an e-visa but includes the airport stamping step.
Pro tip: Keep the stamping fee in US dollars separate from other cash. Fumbling through a wallet at the counter slows down the process and draws attention.
Planning around the visa process
The visa on arrival process takes time, and the approval letter is tied to the intended entry date. If travel plans change, the letter may need to be reissued. Most agencies offer free changes within a certain window, but others charge a fee.
Travelers arriving during peak season, from November to February, should expect longer queues at the visa counter. The article on Vietnam in December and the best month to travel guide can help with timing decisions.
For those planning multi-country trips, the visa process should be started at least a week before departure. The Vietnam and Cambodia combo itinerary and the Indochina grand tour provide context on how visa requirements fit into larger travel plans.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I get a visa on arrival at land border crossings? No. Visa on arrival is only available at international airports. Land border crossings require an e-visa or a visa obtained from an embassy before travel.
Q: How long does the visa on arrival process take at the airport? The stamping process takes 5 to 15 minutes at the counter, plus waiting time in the queue. During peak hours, the total time from landing to exiting the airport can reach 60 minutes.
Q: What happens if my approval letter has an error? Contact the agency immediately. Errors in the letter can cause the visa to be refused at the airport. Do not fly with a letter that contains incorrect information.
Q: Can I extend my visa on arrival once in Vietnam? Yes, extensions are possible through immigration offices in major cities. The process takes 3 to 5 working days and costs around $30 USD (700,000 VND). The extension is not guaranteed.
Q: Is the visa on arrival the same as the e-visa? No. Visa on arrival requires an approval letter from an agency and a stamping fee at the airport. The e-visa is obtained directly through the government portal and does not require an airport stamping step.
Q: Do children need a separate visa on arrival? Yes. Each traveler, including infants and children, needs their own approval letter and visa. Children must be included in the application with their own passport details.
Q: What if I arrive at an airport without the visa on arrival counter? Smaller airports may not have a dedicated counter. The immigration officers process the approval letter at a regular window. If the airport does not support visa on arrival, the traveler must use the e-visa or another visa type.