How to apply for a Vietnam visa on arrival
Vietnam visa on arrival is an alternative way to get your visa to Vietnam, it is quick and simple. All you need to do is to apply for an approval letter online to get the visa stamp when you arrive.
Visa on arrival is applicable to air travel only, for travellers arriving by air to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh city, Da Nang, Nha Trang and Hai Phong airports.
Just remember: Before applying for a visa approval letter, please check your passport to make sure it is valid for at least 6 months at your date of arrival in Vietnam. Here are four steps to apply for a visa on arrival:
How to apply?
1 Apply & pay online
To complete the online application for a Vietnam visa approval letter, the visa applicants need to provide the following information exactly as shown in their passports (as once issued, the approval letter could not be amended in any way).
- Full name (exactly as in your passport)
- Gender
- Date of birth (DOB)
- Nationality
- Passport Number
- Proposed arrival date
- Proposed exit date
- Purpose of visit
Once the application is submitted, you will be redirected to a payment page where you can pay for the service using your debit/credit cards or Paypal account.
Common Questions
Can I change the information on the approval letter at later date?
No, It is not possible to change or amend the approval letter once it is issued, please double check all information to make sure that it is correct as in your passport.
Can I request for a private letter with my name/my partner name on it only?
Yes, you can tick on the "private letter" request on the form. However, there will be an additional fee for this service.
2 Get the visa approval letter by email in 3 working days
Once you submit the application form and pay for the service fee, we will send you an email with the PDF attachment in 3 working days for standard service and 1 working day for express service. You can also download it from our website at the Check Status page. Note: Please make sure your email is correct or check your spam box in case you do not receive the approval letter on time frame above.
Common Questions
If I apply on weekend, when I can expect the receive my approval letter?
As it takes 3 working days to process an approval letter, you will receive the approval letter by late Wednesday or early Thursday. If you need it quickly, please select the express service.
3 Prepare all required documents
Travel worry-free Upon landing, head to the Landing VISA (VOA) Counter, present the following:
- Your passport, Visa approval letter
- 2 Passport-sized photos
- M3 Form or On arrival form (click here to download it)
- Stamping fee to the Immigration Officer to get VISA stamped onto your passport.
Common Questions
Can I pay the stamping fee by credit cards?
No, the stamping fee is accepted in cash only either by VND or USD
Can I take the photos at Vietnam airport
That is possible in some cases, however, we strongly advise that you prepare the photos before you go.
4 Get your visa stamp upon arrival at Vietnam international airports
Upon arriving at one of the Vietnam international airports in Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City, travelers are required to complete an Entry/Exit form (available at the airports or by previous download from our website). You will then present your Approval Letter, passport, photos, and cash payment for the Stamping Fee in order to receive the visa stamped in your passport.
Common Questions
How long does it take to get the visa stamped at Vietnam airport?
Normally (90%), it takes about 15-30 minutes to get the visa stamp depending on the numbers of arrivals. However, about 5% of our customers reported that they had to wait for 1-1.5 hours at Vietnam airport so the wait time may vary.
Special Note: Visa on arrival is available for air travel only, in case you arrive by land or sea cruise you are advised to contact the embassy of Vietnam in your country to apply for a visa before you go.