Vietnam Visa on Arrival – General Information and Entry Process
Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a visa option that allows travellers to obtain their visa upon arrival at international airports in Vietnam, rather than applying in advance at an embassy.
Introduced before the E-Visa system, VOA remains a popular choice for:
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Travellers who missed the eVisa deadline
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Those who need urgent entry
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Or travellers requiring long-term or business visas
However, the Vietnam E-Visa has largely replaced VOA as the preferred method — faster, simpler, and available for both air and land borders.
⚡ Quick tip: If you’re flying soon, apply online for an Urgent Vietnam E-Visa instead.
🌍 Who Can Use Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available only for air travelers entering Vietnam through one of the following airports:
| Eligible Airports for VOA | City |
|---|---|
| Noi Bai International Airport | Hanoi |
| Tan Son Nhat International Airport | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Da Nang International Airport | Da Nang |
| Cam Ranh International Airport | Nha Trang |
| Phu Quoc International Airport | Phu Quoc |
🛑 Not valid for land border crossings or seaports.
✅ Who Qualifies for VOA
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Travellers with a pre-approved visa letter from a licensed Vietnamese travel agent
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Those entering by air only
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Business travellers or long-stay visitors
📌 The VOA approval letter must be presented at the airport visa counter upon arrival.
🖋 Vietnam Visa on Arrival Process (Step-by-Step)
The VOA process includes two main stages — obtaining a pre-approval letter before departure, and completing stamping at the airport on arrival.
🧾 Step 1: Apply for an Approval Letter
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Apply online through a licensed travel agency (e.g., VietnamEntryVisa.com)
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Receive the approval letter via email within 1–3 working days
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Print the letter and keep it with your travel documents
🛫 Step 2: Arrival at the Airport
At the VOA counter, present the following:
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Passport (6+ months validity)
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Printed approval letter
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Two passport-sized photos (4×6 cm, white background)
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Entry/exit form (given on arrival)
💳 Step 3: Pay the Stamping Fee
Pay the visa stamping fee in USD (cash only) at the counter.
| Visa Type | Stamping Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Single Entry (1–3 months) | $25 |
| Multiple Entry (1–3 months) | $50 |
| 6-Month Visa | $95 |
| 1-Year Visa | $135 |
🛂 Step 4: Receive Your Visa
Wait 15–30 minutes while the officer processes your application.
Once approved, your Vietnam visa sticker will be placed inside your passport.
📋 Required Documents for Visa on Arrival
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| 🛂 Passport | Valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date |
| 🖼 Two Photos | Size 4×6 cm, white background |
| 📄 Approval Letter | Issued by a licensed Vietnam visa agent |
| 💵 Stamping Fee | Payable in USD at airport counter |
| 🧾 Entry/Exit Form | Provided upon arrival |
🔗 Also see: Vietnam Visa Documents Required
⚖️ Visa on Arrival vs E-Visa – What’s the Difference?
| Feature | E-Visa | Visa on Arrival (VOA) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Method | 100% online | Online pre-approval + airport stamping |
| Eligible Entry Points | Airports, land borders, seaports | Airports only |
| Processing Time | 3–5 working days | 1–3 days (approval letter) |
| Documents Needed | Passport, photo, online form | Approval letter, photos, cash fee |
| Stamping Process | None (entry directly) | At airport upon arrival |
| Best For | Tourists, short visits | Business, long-term, last-minute trips |
💡 For most travelers, the E-Visa is faster and cheaper.
Compare options → E-Visa vs Visa on Arrival
⏱ Validity & Fees (Reference 2025)
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Validity: 30 days, 90 days, or 6 months (depending on approval)
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Entries: Single or Multiple
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Approval Time: 1–3 business days (approval letter)
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Stamping Fee: $25–$135 (paid at airport)
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Service Fee (Letter): $20–$40 (varies by agency)
🔗 For official fee comparison, see Vietnam Visa Fees 2025
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Is Visa on Arrival still available in Vietnam (2025)?
✅ Yes, but it’s limited to air arrivals only and requires a pre-approved visa letter.
Q2. Can I use Visa on Arrival at land borders or ports?
❌ No. VOA is valid only at international airports. For land borders, use an E-Visa.
Q3. How long does it take to get the approval letter?
Usually 1–3 working days, depending on the visa agent and travel purpose.
Q4. How much does the stamping fee cost?
Between $25–$135 USD, depending on visa type and duration.
Q5. Which is better — E-Visa or Visa on Arrival?
The E-Visa is faster, simpler, and usable at more entry points. VOA is better for business or urgent cases.
🏛 Official Sources & References
📌 FastVisaVietnam.com operates under Nguyen Adventure, a trusted travel service assisting global visitors since 2010.
🚀 Apply Vietnam Visa (E-Visa or VOA) Online
No matter your travel schedule, FastVisaVietnam.com makes the process easy and secure.
✅ E-Visa & VOA processing
✅ Urgent & same-day service available
✅ Trusted by 100,000+ travelers since 2010