Traveling to Vietnam is a dream for many, with its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious cuisine. However, before you can fully immerse yourself in this enchanting country, you need to navigate the visa process. For many travelers, obtaining a visa can be a confusing and time-consuming task. But fear not, because the Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) option is here to make your entry into Vietnam hassle-free. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about the Vietnam Visa on Arrival, from eligibility and requirements to the step-by-step process of applying for one. So read on and get ready for an unforgettable journey in Vietnam!

How to Obtain a Vietnam Visa on Arrival

The Vietnam Visa on Arrival is a temporary visa that allows you to enter the country without obtaining a visa in advance. This means that you can apply for a visa upon arrival at any of Vietnam’s major international airports, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. The process is simple, fast, and convenient, making it a popular choice among travelers.

To obtain a Vietnam Visa on Arrival, you can follow these steps:

1. Fill out an online application form: The first step is to fill out an online application form. You can find this form on the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department or through authorized agencies. The form will require you to fill in personal details, such as your name, passport number, date of birth, and purpose of visit.

2. Make a payment: After submitting the online application form, you will be directed to make a payment for the visa processing fee. This fee varies depending on your length of stay and type of visa. Typically, the fee ranges from $25-$50 USD for a single-entry visa and $50-$95 USD for a multiple-entry visa.

3. Receive the approval letter: Once your payment is confirmed, you will receive an approval letter via email within 2-3 business days. This letter serves as proof that you have been approved to enter Vietnam and must be presented upon arrival.

4. Prepare necessary documents: Before your trip, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready, including a printed copy of your approval letter, a completed entry and exit form, two passport-sized photos, and the visa stamping fee (in cash).

5. Get your visa stamped upon arrival: When you arrive in Vietnam, head to the VOA counter at the airport and submit your approval letter, entry and exit form, photos, and visa stamping fee. After a quick review, you will receive your visa stamped on your passport, and you can then proceed with your journey in Vietnam.

  

Requirements for Vietnam Visa on Arrival

To be eligible for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival, you must fulfill certain requirements. These include:

Eligibility

• Be a citizen of one of the countries eligible for the VOA program. The list of eligible countries is subject to change, so it’s best to check the official website before applying.
• Hold a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining from the intended date of departure from Vietnam. It is essential to have enough validity on your passport to cover your entire stay in Vietnam.
• Have a confirmed round-trip ticket or onward travel arrangements. This serves as proof that you are not planning to overstay your visa.
• Fulfill the purpose of your visit, whether it be tourism, business, or another approved reason. It’s important to note that the VOA is only available for short-term stays, so if you plan on staying longer in Vietnam, you will need to apply for a different type of visa.

Necessary Documents

• A filled out entry and exit form: This form can be provided to you upon arrival at the airport, but it’s best to fill it out beforehand to save time.
• Two passport-sized photos: These must be taken within the last six months and meet the specific size and background color requirements.
• Visa stamping fee (in cash): The amount varies depending on your length of stay and type of visa, so it’s best to have the correct amount in USD with you.

Validity and Fees of Vietnam Visa on Arrival

The Vietnam Visa on Arrival is available for both single and multiple entries. The validity and fees for each type of visa vary, as shown in the table below:

Type of Visa	Validity	Processing Time	Visa Stamping Fee
Single Entry	1-3 months	2-3 business days	$25-$50 USD
Multiple Entry	1-3 months	2-3 business days	$50-$95 USD

It’s important to note that the VOA processing fee mentioned above is different from the visa stamping fee, which must be paid in cash upon arrival in Vietnam. The visa stamping fee also varies depending on your length of stay and type of visa, as shown in the table below:

Type of Visa	Length of Stay	Visa Stamping Fee
Single Entry	up to 30 days	$25 USD
Single Entry	30-90 days	$50 USD
Multiple Entry	up to 30 days	$50 USD
Multiple Entry	30-90 days	$95 USD

Benefits of Vietnam Visa on Arrival

There are many benefits to choosing a Vietnam Visa on Arrival, including:

• Convenience: With the VOA option, you can apply for a visa online from the comfort of your own home, saving you time and effort.
• Fast processing time: The VOA process typically takes 2-3 business days, making it a quick option compared to applying for a visa at an embassy or consulate.
• Cost-effective: The fees for the VOA are generally lower than those for other types of visas, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers.
• Flexible entry points: The VOA is available for entry at any of Vietnam’s major international airports, providing flexibility for travelers to choose their preferred point of entry.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Vietnam Visa on Arrival

To make the Vietnam Visa on Arrival process even smoother, here is a step-by-step guide that you can follow:

1. Determine your eligibility: First, make sure that your country is eligible for the VOA program by checking the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.

2. Fill out the online application form: Access the online application form through the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department or authorized agencies. Fill in all required personal details and submit the form.

3. Make the payment: After submitting the online application form, you will be directed to make a payment for the visa processing fee.

4. Wait for the approval letter: Upon successful payment, you will receive an approval letter via email within 2-3 business days. Make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see the email in your inbox.

5. Prepare necessary documents: Before your trip, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready, including a printed copy of your approval letter, a completed entry and exit form, two passport-sized photos, and the visa stamping fee (in cash).

6. Get your visa stamped upon arrival: Upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s major international airports, head to the VOA counter and submit your approval letter, entry and exit form, photos, and visa stamping fee. After a quick review, you will receive your visa stamped on your passport, and you can then proceed with your journey in Vietnam.

Vietnam Embassy and Consulate Locations for Visa on Arrival

If you prefer to have your visa ready before your trip, you can also apply for a Vietnam Visa at an embassy or consulate in your country. Below is a list of some of the embassies and consulates of Vietnam around the world:

Country	City	Embassy/Consulate
United States	Washington D.C.	Embassy
Canada	Ottawa	Embassy
United Kingdom	London	Embassy
Australia	Canberra	Embassy
New Zealand	Wellington	Embassy
Singapore	Singapore	Embassy
Malaysia	Kuala Lumpur	Embassy
India	New Delhi	Embassy
France	Paris	Embassy
Germany	Berlin	Embassy

For a complete list, please check the official website of the Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

FAQs about Vietnam Visa on Arrival

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about the Vietnam Visa on Arrival:

Is the VOA available for all nationalities?

No, the VOA program is only available for citizens of countries that are eligible for the program. It’s best to check the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department for the updated list of eligible countries.

How long does it take to process a VOA?

The processing time for the VOA is usually 2-3 business days.

Can I enter Vietnam at any airport with a VOA?

Yes, the VOA is available for entry at any of Vietnam’s major international airports, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.

Can I extend my stay if I have a VOA?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Vietnam by applying for a visa extension through the Vietnam Immigration Department. However, this process can be time-consuming and may require additional fees.

Can I use the VOA for land or sea entry?

No, the VOA is only available for entry by air to Vietnam’s major international airports.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Vietnam Visa on Arrival should not be a daunting task. With this comprehensive guide, you now have all the information you need for a smooth and enjoyable entry into the enchanting land of Vietnam. From eligibility and requirements to the step-by-step process of applying for a VOA, we hope this guide has shed light on this convenient and cost-effective option for travelers. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the vibrant culture and beauty of Vietnam!