Vietnam Visa on Arrival

Vietnam has become a top destination for travelers worldwide, thanks to its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. To make visiting this beautiful country more accessible, Vietnam offers a Visa on Arrival (VOA) program for international visitors. Vietnam Visa Express provides you with comprehensive information about the Vietnam Visa on Arrival, including what it is, how it works, its benefits, and step-by-step instructions for obtaining it.

What is Vietnam Visa on Arrival?

The Vietnam Visa on Arrival is a type of travel visa that allows international travelers to obtain their visa upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports. Introduced to streamline the visa process, VOA is available to citizens of certain countries traveling for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes.

Unlike traditional visas that require a visit to a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, the VOA process involves applying online for a pre-approval letter. Once approved, travelers can collect their visa upon arrival in Vietnam.

Eligibility for Vietnam Visa on Arrival

The VOA is available to citizens of most countries. However, it is important to note that:

• Visa exemptions exist for citizens of several countries. Depending on your nationality, you may not need a visa for short stays (e.g., 15-30 days).
• The VOA is only applicable for travelers arriving by air. If entering Vietnam by land or sea, a visa must be obtained beforehand through an embassy or consulate.

To confirm your eligibility, consult Vietnam’s official visa policies or check with an authorized visa agency.

Types of visas available on Arrival

Vietnam offers several types of visas under the VOA program, depending on the purpose and duration of your visit:

• Tourist Visa (DL): For leisure and sightseeing. Valid for 1-3 months, with single or multiple entries.
• Business Visa (DN): For business-related activities. Valid for up to 1 year, with single or multiple entries.
• Student/Internship Visa (DH): For educational purposes. Requires additional documentation from the educational institution.
• Work Visa (LD): For employment in Vietnam. Requires a work permit from a sponsoring company.
• Family Visit Visa: For visiting relatives residing in Vietnam.

Benefits of obtaining Vietnam Visa on Arrival

Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival (VOA) program is a game-changer for travelers looking to visit this vibrant Southeast Asian country. Introduced to simplify the visa process, the VOA program offers several advantages that cater to the needs of modern travelers. It combines convenience, speed, flexibility, and adaptability, making it a preferred choice for many. Let’s dive deeper into these benefits.

1. Convenience: no need to visit a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate

One of the most significant benefits of the VOA program is its convenience. Travelers no longer need to make an appointment, wait in line, or travel to a Vietnamese embassy or consulate to secure a visa. Instead, the VOA application process can be completed entirely online. All you need is access to the internet, a few essential documents, and the application form. This streamlined approach eliminates geographical and logistical barriers, allowing people from around the world to apply for a visa without leaving their homes. It’s especially helpful for those living in areas where Vietnamese embassies or consulates are not easily accessible.

2. Time-saving: the online application process is quick and straightforward

The VOA program is designed with efficiency in mind. The online application process typically takes only a few minutes to complete, and approval is granted within a few business days. This is a stark contrast to traditional visa methods, which often involve lengthy processing times and complex paperwork. Once you receive the approval letter via email, you simply present it upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports. This saves travelers a significant amount of time, especially those with tight schedules or urgent travel needs.

3. Flexibility: suitable for last-minute travelers

For spontaneous adventurers or those facing sudden travel requirements, the VOA program is incredibly accommodating. Unlike traditional visas that require planning weeks or even months in advance, VOA allows travelers to apply just a few days before departure. This level of flexibility ensures that last-minute plans are no longer hindered by bureaucratic delays. Whether you’re planning a quick business trip or an impromptu vacation, the VOA program adapts to your schedule seamlessly.

4. Multiple options: offers various visa types to suit different purposes

The Vietnam VOA program also stands out for its variety of options. Travelers can choose from different visa types based on their purpose of visit and duration of stay. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or other purposes, there are single-entry and multiple-entry visas available for stays ranging from 30 days to 90 days. This diversity ensures that the program meets the unique needs of various travelers, making it an inclusive and practical solution for all.

Documents needed to apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival

Applying for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a straightforward process, but it’s important to ensure that you have the necessary documents to avoid delays or complications. The VOA program has simplified the requirements, making it easy for travelers to gather the essentials. Here’s a breakdown of the key documents you’ll need:

1. Passport with minimum validity

Passport is one of the most important document to apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival.

The most critical document is your passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of arrival in Vietnam. Additionally, the passport should have at least two blank pages to accommodate the visa stamp and other necessary endorsements. Double-check your passport’s validity before starting the application process to avoid any issues at the airport.

2. Visa approval letter

Sample of visa approval letter.

The Visa Approval Letter is a vital document required for VOA. This letter is issued by the Vietnamese Immigration Department after you apply online through an authorized travel agency or service. Once approved, the letter will be emailed to you, and you’ll need to print it out to present at the immigration counter upon arrival. Make sure you review the information on the letter for accuracy, as any errors can cause delays.

3. Completed entry and exit form

Along with your approval letter, you’ll need to fill out an Entry and Exit Form, which is also known as the NA1 Form. This form is typically sent alongside your approval letter or can be downloaded online. Completing it in advance saves time during the visa stamping process at the airport.

4. Passport-sized photos

You’ll need to provide two passport-sized photos (4×6 cm) with a white background. These photos should be recent and meet the standard requirements for travel documents. Keeping extra copies handy is a good idea in case of any unforeseen needs.

5. Visa stamping fee

Lastly, travelers should be prepared to pay the visa stamping fee in cash upon arrival at the designated immigration counter. This fee is a mandatory charge for obtaining the physical visa stamp in your passport and varies depending on the type of visa you applied for. For a single-entry visa, the fee is typically lower, while a multiple-entry visa requires a higher payment due to the extended privileges it provides. The exact fee structure is determined by the Vietnamese authorities and is subject to change, so it’s advisable to confirm the latest rates before your trip.

Payment is usually accepted in U.S. dollars (USD) or Vietnamese dong (VND), but USD is the preferred currency at most entry points. To avoid delays, travelers are encouraged to bring the exact amount in cash, as credit cards or other payment methods are not accepted for the stamping fee. Having the correct change also helps expedite the process and reduces waiting times at the counter.

Streamline your visa application process with Vietnam Visa Express

Save time by completing the Entry/Exit form before arriving at one of Vietnam’s airports. Simply click here to download, print, and complete the PDF form (please note the photo requirements).

Get started with our 6-step process:

1. 1. Step 1: Fill out our quick online application form, providing your arrival date and airport, seaport or land border’s information.
   2. Step 2: Pay the visa servicing fee online.
   3. Step 3: Within the same day, depending on your chosen processing time, you will receive an email with your official Vietnam visa Approval Letter issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department.
   4. Step 4: Print the Approval Letter and prepare two 4cm x 6cm photos of yourself according to our photo requirements.
   5. Step 5: Bring the printed Approval Letter, photos, government Stamping Fee (along with your passport and any other required documents) with you on your trip to Vietnam.
   6. Step 6: Upon arrival at the Immigration counter in Vietnam, present the Approval Letter and photos to the immigration officer, and then pay the stamping fee to receive your visa.

In summary, Vietnam Visa Express is an excellent choice for obtaining a Vietnam Visa on Arrival. Their combination of expertise, efficiency, transparent pricing, and customer-focused service makes them a standout option in the industry. By entrusting your visa application to Vietnam Visa Express, you can save time, avoid stress, and focus on enjoying your trip to Vietnam. Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or any other purpose, Vietnam Visa Express ensures a smooth and worry-free start to your journey.                                      Experience a hassle-free journey to Vietnam with Vietnamvisaexpress.com!

Apply now