The Vietnam visa on arrival is a widely used option for travelers flying into Vietnam. If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, this step-by-step guide will help you understand the process and make your visa application stress-free.

1. General information about Vietnam visa on arrival

1.1. What is it?

A Vietnam visa on arrival, also known as an airport visa, is a convenient way for travelers to obtain entry into Vietnam. This type of visa is issued directly at one of Vietnam’s international airports upon arrival.

To obtain a visa on arrival, travelers must first complete an online application to receive a visa approval letter (also known as the pre-approval letter) before traveling to Vietnam. This official document, issued by the Vietnamese immigration authority, allows travelers to receive the visa stamp at the airport upon arrival.

A major advantage of the Vietnam visa on arrival process is its simplicity. Applicants do not need to send their passports or any other documents to an embassy or consulate. The entire application can be completed online with minimal paperwork.

Once in Vietnam, travelers just present the visa approval letter at the airport, pay the stamping fee, and receive their Vietnam visa.

The Vietnam entry visa on arrival is a convenient option for travelers arriving by air

1.2. How many types?

While there are several types of Vietnam visas available, only two types can be obtained through the Vietnam visa on arrival system at Vietnam's international airports:

Tourist visa

The tourist visa is the most commonly issued visa type for travelers entering Vietnam for leisure purposes.
This visa does not allow for any form of employment during the traveler’s stay in Vietnam.

Business visa:

Vietnam business visa is issued for foreigners entering Vietnam for business-related activities, and it is divided into two sub-categories:

DN1 Visa: Issued to foreigners working with enterprises or organizations in Vietnam that have legal status according to Vietnamese law.
DN2 Visa: Issued to foreigners entering Vietnam to offer services, establish a commercial presence, or conduct other activities in line with international treaties to which Vietnam is a member.

>>> Check out some information about Vietnam multiple entry visa!

2. Why should you apply for a Vietnam visa on arrival?

Applying for a Vietnam visa on arrival is easy, with many advantages:

Fast processing: One of the biggest advantages is how fast the process can be. In urgent situations, the visa approval letter can be processed in less than 2 working hours.
Convenient and paperless: Applicants do not need to prepare any supporting documents or send their passport anywhere. The online application is straightforward and only requires basic personal details such as full name, gender, nationality, date of birth, passport number, passport expiry date, and intended date of entry into Vietnam. Everything, from applying to receiving the approval letter, is handled completely online.
Low cost: Getting a Vietnam visa on arrival is often more economical when considering the total expenses involved. Although the visa stamping fee at the airport may vary, travelers using the visa on arrival service can avoid additional expenses such as traveling to the embassy, postage, or document preparation.

>>> Read more about Vietnam visa exemption to better prepare your trip!

3. Guide to getting a Vietnam visa on arrival step by step

If you are planning to travel to Vietnam and want a quick, simple way to get your Vietnam visa on arrival, here is a step-by-step guide.

3.1. Check the eligibility

Before applying for a Vietnam visa on arrival, make sure you meet the following conditions:

You are currently outside Vietnam and want to apply for a visa to enter the country.
You have a valid passport (or an international travel document) that is still in effect.
You are not subject to any restrictions under Article 21 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (e.g., being banned from entry due to national security).

Some nationalities, including Russia, Japan, Korea, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland, are exempt from needing an e-visa for Vietnam to enter Vietnam under unilateral or bilateral agreements. You can check the official visa exemption list on the website of the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country.

The Vietnam tourist visa on arrival allows travelers to explore the country in up to 30 days

3.2. Fill out the form

After confirming your eligibility for the Vietnam visa on arrival, the next step is to fill out your Vietnam visa application form via the official government website: https://evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/foreigners.

You will be asked to fill in several key sections to apply for a Vietnam visa on arrival, including:

Personal details: Full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, etc.
Visa type: Choose either single-entry or multiple-entry depending on your travel plans.
Passport details: Passport number, date of issue, and expiry date.
Contact information: Your address, phone number, and email.
Occupation: Your current job title and place of work.
Trip details: Your expected entry and exit dates, port of entry (international airport), purpose of travel (tourism or business), and expected length of stay.
Children under 14: If traveling with a child listed on your passport, you can request for them to be included in the same e-visa application.
Trip expenses and insurance: Information about who will cover your expenses and whether you have travel insurance.

The form requires accurate information. Also, be prepared to upload:

A portrait photo (front-facing, no glasses, white background)
A scan or photo of the passport data page (the page with your photo and personal information)

Once completed, you will need to review the form carefully before submitting. This form is part of the process to obtain the visa approval letter, which is required to receive your Vietnam visa on arrival at the airport.

3.3. Prepare the documents

After submitting your visa application online, you will need to wait for the Vietnam visa approval letter. The processing time varies depending on the type of visa you applied for. For a tourist visa, the approval letter is usually issued within 1 to 2 working hours, while for a business visa, it may take 2 to 7 working days. It is important to note that these timelines do not include weekends (Saturday and Sunday) or Vietnamese public holidays.

Once your application is processed, the visa approval letter will be sent to your email. When you receive it, you should print it out and prepare a few additional documents to bring with you when you arrive in Vietnam. These include: Vietnam Entry/Exit Form (Form NA1), two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm), your original passport, and the visa stamping fee.

3.4. Present the documents

Upon arriving at one of Vietnam airports, head to the Vietnam visa on arrival counter before going through immigration. There, you will need to present all the prepared documents to the immigration officer.

The officer will review your documents, verify the information, and proceed with issuing and affixing the visa stamp onto your passport. This process usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Wait times can be longer - up to an hour or more - during peak travel periods such as public holidays.

Note that e-visas and visas on arrival are only valid for entry and exit through designated international airports approved by the Vietnamese government. Be sure to check the latest list of eligible airports to ensure a smooth process.

3.5. Pay the fees

Once your documents have been verified at the Vietnam visa on arrival counter, the immigration officer will call your name to proceed with the payment of the stamping fee. This fee is required to have the visa stamped onto your passport.

When applying for a Vietnam visa on arrival, there are some cost of a visa for Vietnam involved:

Service fee: This is the amount you pay online in advance to obtain the visa approval letter. The cost varies depending on the type of visa (tourist or business), the number of entries (single or multiple), and the processing time (standard or urgent).
Stamping fee: This is paid in cash directly at the airport upon arrival in Vietnam. The current fees are:
- USD 25 for a single-entry visa
- USD 50 for a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 3 months

After making the payment, you will receive your passport with the visa stamped inside, along with a receipt for the fee.

>>> Plan a visa-free travel to Vietnam!

4. Can the Vietnam visa on arrival be used for land or sea entry?

The Vietnam visa on arrival is only applicable for travelers entering the country by air. If you plan to enter Vietnam by land or sea, you cannot use a visa on arrival. Instead, you will need to apply for a visa in advance through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or obtain an e-visa, if your nationality is eligible.

>>> Check out how to get a Vietnam visa extension!

The Vietnam visa on arrival offers an efficient way to enter Vietnam. With a straightforward online application process, minimal paperwork, and fast processing time, it is an ideal solution for those arriving by air.

While you are in Vietnam, don’t miss the chance to explore top tourist destinations like Hanoi, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Ha Long. Each destination offers its own charm, from bustling cities to tranquil beaches.

For a perfect stay in Vietnam, it is highly recommended that you relax at the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl. Vinpearl is known for their luxurious accommodation, professional service, and a full range of amenities ranging from private beaches and spas to restaurants and kids’ clubs.

To add even more excitement to your trip, you should head to the entertainment complexes of VinWonders. These world-class recreational paradises offer thrilling games, mesmerizing shows, and endless fun for all ages.