Planning international travel often involves navigating visa requirements, which can sometimes be a source of apprehension. For those intending to visit Vietnam, the Visa on Arrival (VOA) option offers a streamlined entry method for citizens of many countries. This guide explains the VOA process and lists the nationalities currently eligible to obtain their visa upon landing at a Vietnamese airport.
Understanding Vietnam's Visa on Arrival System
Vietnam's Visa on Arrival program simplifies the entry process for numerous international visitors, allowing them to secure their official visa stamp directly at one of the country's international airports. This method is particularly convenient as it avoids the need to visit a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in advance. However, it is crucial to understand that VOA is not an automatic entitlement; it requires prior preparation.
Travelers utilizing the VOA system must first obtain an official visa approval letter before their departure. This letter, issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department, serves as permission to board a flight to Vietnam and to receive the visa stamp upon arrival. Without this pre-approval document, airlines may deny boarding, and immigration officials will not process a VOA application at the airport. The process typically involves applying through a reputable service provider who facilitates the acquisition of this approval letter.
Nationalities Eligible for Visa on Arrival in Vietnam
A significant number of countries have citizens who are able to apply for a Visa on Arrival when entering Vietnam by air. This list is subject to updates by Vietnamese authorities, so verifying current regulations close to your travel date is always advisable. The following table outlines the countries whose citizens were reported as eligible for VOA as of July 12, 2023:
| Country | VOA Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Albania | Yes |
| Andorra | Yes |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Yes |
| Argentina | Yes |
| Australia | Yes |
| Austria | Yes |
| Bahamas | Yes |
| Barbados | Yes |
| Belarus | Yes |
| Belgium | Yes |
| Belize | Yes |
| Bolivia | Yes |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Yes |
| Brazil | Yes |
| Brunei | Yes |
| Bulgaria | Yes |
| Burma | Yes |
| Cambodia | Yes |
| Canada | Yes |
| Chile | Yes |
| Colombia | Yes |
| Costa Rica | Yes |
| Croatia | Yes |
| Cuba | Yes |
| Czech Republic | Yes |
| Denmark | Yes |
| Dominica | Yes |
| Dominican Republic | Yes |
| Ecuador | Yes |
| El Salvador | Yes |
| Estonia | Yes |
| Finland | Yes |
| France | Yes |
| French Polynesia | Yes |
| Georgia | Yes |
| Germany | Yes |
| Gibraltar | Yes |
| Greece | Yes |
| Greenland | Yes |
| Grenada | Yes |
| Honduras | Yes |
| Hungary | Yes |
| Iceland | Yes |
| Indonesia | Yes |
| Ireland | Yes |
| Italy | Yes |
| Japan | Yes |
| Laos | Yes |
| Latvia | Yes |
| Liechtenstein | Yes |
| Lithuania | Yes |
| Luxembourg | Yes |
| Macedonia | Yes |
| Malaysia | Yes |
| Malta | Yes |
| Marshall Islands | Yes |
| Mexico | Yes |
| Micronesia, Federated States of | Yes |
| Moldova | Yes |
| Monaco | Yes |
| Montenegro | Yes |
| Nauru | Yes |
| Netherlands | Yes |
| Netherlands Antilles | Yes |
| New Caledonia | Yes |
| New Zealand | Yes |
| Nicaragua | Yes |
| Norway | Yes |
| Palau | Yes |
| Panama | Yes |
| Paraguay | Yes |
| Peru | Yes |
| Philippines | Yes |
| Poland | Yes |
| Portugal | Yes |
| Puerto Rico | Yes |
| Romania | Yes |
| Russia | Yes |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | Yes |
| Saint Lucia | Yes |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Yes |
| San Marino | Yes |
| Serbia | Yes |
| Singapore | Yes |
| Slovakia | Yes |
| Slovenia | Yes |
| Solomon Islands | Yes |
| Spain | Yes |
| Suriname | Yes |
| Sweden | Yes |
| Switzerland | Yes |
| Thailand | Yes |
| Tuvalu | Yes |
| Ukraine | Yes |
| United Kingdom | Yes |
| United States | Yes |
| Uruguay | Yes |
| Vanuatu | Yes |
| Vatican City | Yes |
| Venezuela | Yes |
It is important to note that if your country is not listed above, you will typically need to follow standard visa application procedures through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country or country of residence. These procedures often involve more stringent requirements and may necessitate sponsorship from a Vietnamese citizen or organization.
The Visa on Arrival Application Process and Fees
The process for obtaining a Vietnam Visa on Arrival involves two primary financial components: a service fee and a stamping fee. The service fee is paid to the agency that assists in securing your visa approval letter. This fee covers the administrative work involved in submitting your application to the Vietnam Immigration Department and receiving the official approval document. The cost of this service fee can vary depending on the processing speed requested (e.g., standard, urgent) and the specific agency used.
The second component is the stamping fee, which is paid directly to immigration officers at the airport upon your arrival in Vietnam. This fee is typically paid in cash, either in US Dollars (USD) or Vietnamese Dong (VND), and is for the physical visa stamp placed in your passport. Travelers should ensure they have the exact amount in the required currency to avoid delays. For managing finances during your trip, understanding local banking services can be helpful, especially for cash withdrawals. You can find more information on banking services in Hanoi and other major cities.
What to Expect at Vietnamese International Airports
Upon landing at one of Vietnam's international airports (such as Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang International Airport), travelers with a visa approval letter will proceed to a dedicated "Visa on Arrival" or "Landing Visa" counter. Here, you will present several documents: your passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay), your printed visa approval letter, a completed entry/exit form (often provided on the flight or at the counter), and passport-sized photographs.
After submitting these documents and paying the stamping fee, immigration officials will review your application and affix the visa stamp into your passport. The waiting time at this counter can vary depending on the number of arriving passengers and the efficiency of the processing staff. It is advisable to allow ample time for this procedure, especially if you have connecting flights. While waiting, consider browsing for unique purchases and souvenirs in Vietnam to plan your shopping.
Essential Tips for a Smooth Visa on Arrival Experience
To ensure a hassle-free experience when applying for a Visa on Arrival in Vietnam, keep the following recommendations in mind:
- Apply for Approval Letter in Advance: Never travel to Vietnam expecting to get a VOA without a pre-approved letter. This document is mandatory for boarding your flight and for the airport immigration process.
- Print All Documents: Carry multiple printed copies of your visa approval letter, completed entry/exit form, and passport photos. Digital copies are generally not accepted at the immigration counter.
- Prepare Cash for Stamping Fee: Have the exact amount for the stamping fee in USD or VND ready. Credit card payments are typically not accepted at the VOA counter.
- Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your planned entry date into Vietnam and has at least two blank pages for the visa stamp.
- Check Visa Details: Carefully review all details on your approval letter and the final visa stamp to ensure accuracy (name, date of birth, passport number, visa type, and validity period).
For travelers planning extensive journeys within the country, such as overnight rail journeys in Vietnam, having your visa sorted well in advance provides peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Visa on Arrival and an e-Visa for Vietnam?
A Visa on Arrival requires a pre-approval letter obtained online, with the actual visa stamp issued at a Vietnamese international airport. An e-Visa (electronic visa) is obtained entirely online before travel, and the visa is sent via email, which you print and present upon arrival. Both require prior application, but the e-Visa does not require a separate stamping fee at the airport. Eligibility for each can differ by nationality.
Can I get a Visa on Arrival if I enter Vietnam by land or sea?
No, the Visa on Arrival facility is exclusively available for travelers entering Vietnam via one of its international airports. If you plan to enter Vietnam by land border crossing or by sea, you must obtain a traditional visa from a Vietnamese embassy or consulate before your trip.
How long does it take to get a visa approval letter?
The processing time for a visa approval letter can vary. Standard processing typically takes 2-3 business days. Expedited services are often available for an additional fee, which can reduce the processing time to as little as a few hours for urgent travel. It is always recommended to apply well in advance of your travel dates to avoid any last-minute stress.
What if my country is not on the VOA eligibility list?
If your nationality is not among those eligible for Visa on Arrival, you will need to apply for a visa through the traditional method. This involves contacting the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country of residence, completing their application forms, and submitting your passport and other required documents. This process usually takes longer and requires more preparation.
Do children need their own visa approval letter for VOA?
Yes, every individual traveler, including infants and children, requires their own separate visa approval letter and will have their own visa stamp placed in their passport upon arrival. Each person must complete the necessary application steps.
