When travelers ask me about Vietnam visa on arrival, they usually want to know if this option is really convenient, what documents they need, how long it takes at the airport, and whether it’s worth choosing over an e-visa.
If you plan to travel to Vietnam, keep reading carefully because this article will explain eligibility, step-by-step procedures, costs, required documents, and even detailed instructions for picking up your visa at major airports like Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), Hanoi (Noi Bai), Da Nang, and others.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)[1] is a convenient method that allows travelers to obtain their visa at one of Vietnam’s international airports. Instead of applying directly at an embassy or consulate, you will first receive a visa approval letter issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department. With this letter, you can board your flight and then get your visa stamped at the airport counter upon arrival.
Key things to note:
VOA works only for travelers entering Vietnam by air.
It is valid at eight (08) international airports: Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Noi Bai (Hanoi), Da Nang, Cam Ranh, Cat Bi, Lien Khuong, Can Tho, and Phu Quoc.
It is not valid at land borders or sea ports.
This method has been chosen by thousands of travelers because it saves time, avoids embassy visits, and provides flexibility in urgent cases.
Many travelers face unnecessary delays or even denied entry due to simple mistakes in the VOA process
Who is eligible for Vietnam Visa on Arrival
You are eligible to apply for Vietnam VOA if:
You are flying into Vietnam via one of the international airports listed above.
Your nationality is listed among those eligible for VOA (most travelers are).
You have obtained a valid visa approval letter before departure.
Tip: Even if you’re eligible, always double-check whether your passport country is on the VOA-eligible list. If not, you may need to apply for an e-visa or embassy visa instead.
A step-by-step guide to getting a Vietnam Visa on Arrival
Here’s the exact process I usually explain to my clients:
Apply for the Visa Approval Letter
Submit your request online through a trusted agency (like Tân Văn Lang).
Processing time: 2-4 working days for normal service, faster for urgent cases.
Prepare all required documents (see the checklist below).
Board your flight to Vietnam with the printed approval letter in hand.
At the airport VOA counter:
Submit your documents.
Wait for processing.
Pay the stamping fee.
Receive your visa and passport back.
Proceed to Immigration Control for the entry stamp.
The whole process at the airport usually takes 15-30 minutes, depending on crowd levels.
By completing an online form and preparing the required documents, you can save time at the airport
The crucial role of the Visa Approval Letter
The visa approval letter is not just a formality – it is the backbone of your VOA application. Without it, airlines may refuse to let you board.
Important notes:
The letter is issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department and shows your personal details, type of visa, and validity.
You must print it out and bring a physical copy (not just a digital version).
If you travel in a group, the approval letter may list multiple names. Don’t panic — this is normal.
Required documents for getting the visa stamp at the airport
To avoid delays, prepare the following in advance:
Original passport: Valid at least 6 months beyond your entry date, with at least 2 blank pages.
Visa approval letter: Already printed.
Completed Vietnam Visa Application Form (Form N1): Fill it out and attach your photo.
Visa photos: Two passport-sized photos (4x6cm).
Stamping fee: Cash only (USD or VND).
Document checklist in a glance:
Required Item
Notes
Passport
6+ months validity, 2 blank pages
Visa approval letter
Must be printed
Form N1
Provided with approval letter
Photos (4x6cm)
2 pcs, recent, background white
Stamping fee
USD cash recommended
Updated fees for Vietnam Visa on Arrival (Stamping & Service fees)
When budgeting for the cost of Vietnam visa on arrival, keep in mind that there are two separate fees [2] :
Service fee: Paid online when you apply for the visa approval letter.
Varies depending on visa type (1 month single, 3 months multiple, etc.).
Ranges from US$15 – US$40 (subject to updates).
Stamping fee: Paid in cash directly at the airport.
US$25/person for single entry (1 or 3 months).
US$50/person for multiple entry (1 or 3 months).
Tip: Always prepare small USD bills to avoid change issues.
Whether you’re coming for tourism, business, or family visits, VOA provides a quick solution without embassy visits
Procedure at Vietnam’s international airports
The VOA process is similar across all airports, but here’s what to expect at each major gateway:
Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
Find the “Landing Visa – Cấp thị thực tại chỗ” counter.
Submit documents, wait for your name to be called, then pay the fee.
Carefully check your visa details before leaving the counter.
Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi)
Look for the “Visa upon arrival” counter.
Officers will call out your name or hold up your passport.
Collect your passport, pay the stamping fee, and proceed to immigration.
Da Nang Airport
Follow signboards to the Visa on Arrival counter.
Hand in your documents, wait ~15 minutes, pay the fee, and receive your visa.
Other Airports (Cam Ranh, Cat Bi, Lien Khuong, Can Tho, Phu Quoc)
Follow the immigration hall signs.
VOA counters are usually on the left side.
Procedures are the same as above.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Visa on Arrival available for land border entry?
No. VOA works only at international airports. For land or sea entry, use an e-visa or embassy visa.
What exactly is a Visa Approval Letter and how do I get one?
It’s an official pre-approval document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department. You can only obtain it via a trusted agency or consultant before your trip.
Can I board my flight to Vietnam without the Approval Letter?
No. Airlines will not allow you to board without showing the approval letter.
How much is the stamping fee at the airport and what currency should I use?
US$25 for single entry, US$50 for multiple entry. Pay in cash (USD preferred).
Is Visa on Arrival more expensive than an E-visa?
Not necessarily. VOA may cost slightly more due to service fees, but it offers multiple-entry options and urgent processing, which the e-visa does not.
What should I do if my Approval Letter has incorrect information?
Contact your visa agency immediately before departure. Corrections must be made in advance.
How long is the typical wait time at the Visa on Arrival counter?
Usually 15-30 minutes, but during peak hours it may take longer. Fast-track service can reduce waiting time significantly.
At Tân Văn Lang, we provide full VOA support – from securing your visa approval letter, guiding you through Vietnam visa requirements, to arranging airport fast-track service so you don’t waste time in long queues.
Tôi là Khang Hy – chuyên viên tư vấn với hơn 3 năm kinh nghiệm hỗ trợ người nước ngoài tại Việt Nam trong các thủ tục visa, thẻ tạm trú và giấy phép lao động. Tôi luôn nỗ lực mang đến dịch vụ nhanh chóng, chính xác và tận tâm.
