Vietnam visa on arrival is an option for many international travelers who arrive by air, but it normally requires a pre-approved letter issued before travel. Visitors should arrange that approval in advance and be ready to pay a stamping fee in cash at the airport when they collect the visa in their passport.
What the Vietnam visa on arrival is and how it works
The Vietnam visa on arrival (VOA) is a system that allows eligible foreign nationals to obtain an entry visa once they land at certain international airports in Vietnam. The VOA process is contingent on holding an approval letter issued by Vietnamese immigration authorities; without that document, airline check-in or entry may be refused.
Agencies and service providers commonly assist with preparing the approval letter for clients. Note that the VOA arrangement applies to entry by air; travelers arriving overland or by sea usually need a visa obtained through other channels.
Key features and the list of eligible nationalities
The main advantage of the visa on arrival is that it shifts the visa stamping step to the airport rather than requiring visitors to visit a consulate before departure. However, the prior approval letter is an essential part of the process and must be in hand when you arrive.
Citizens of the following countries are listed as eligible to obtain an entry visa at airports in Vietnam upon arrival. The list below reflects the countries that have been published for air arrivals:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Burma
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Denmark
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- French Polynesia
- Georgia
- Germany
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Greenland
- Grenada
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Laos
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Macedonia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Moldova
- Moldova
- Moldova
- Moldova
- Moldova
- Moldova
- Mexico
- Micronesia, Federated States of
- Moldova
- Moldova
- Moldova
- Moldova
- Moldova
- Moldova
- Moldova
- Netherlands
- Netherlands Antilles
- Nauru
- New Caledonia
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Norway
- Palau
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Puerto Rico
- Romania
- Russia
- San Marino
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- Spain
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Tuvalu
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vanuatu
- Vatican City
- Venezuela
Note: the source material indicates this list may be updated in future publications; travelers should verify eligibility with official channels before booking.
Practical tips for arranging a visa on arrival
Most visitors secure the required approval letter through a travel agent or a visa service before flying. These services are typically described as handling the paperwork and providing the applicant with the document to present at the airport upon arrival.
When you reach the immigration desk to receive the physical visa stamp, the stamping fee must be paid in cash (USD or VND) at the counter. Travelers report that having a printed copy of the approval letter and a valid passport ready speeds the process at entry.
- Book the approval letter well before departure to avoid last-minute problems.
- Carry cash in USD or VND to cover the stamping fee on arrival.
- Keep a printed copy of the approval letter and your passport accessible during check-in and at immigration.
- If you plan onward domestic travel from arrival airports, check local connections such as Hanoi to Halong Bay.
Cultural and arrival-stage context
Interactions at passport control usually follow formal procedures; staff verify the approval letter and passport details before affixing the visa stamp. Many travelers find the process straightforward when documents are in order.
Time spent waiting at immigration or collecting luggage can be a chance to familiarise yourself with local customs or decide where to head next. If you want to sample local refreshments after arrival, see our guide to Vietnamese drinks to learn about common options and ordering tips.
Who the visa on arrival suits — and who needs other options
The VOA arrangement primarily serves people arriving by air who hold passports from the eligible countries listed earlier. It is useful for tourists and short-term business visitors who prefer to secure the stamp at an international airport rather than at a consulate overseas.
Travelers from countries not included on the published list are required to apply for a visa through formal channels and may be subject to stricter entry requirements. The source material notes that nationals not on the list may need sponsorship from a Vietnamese citizen or to complete embassy-based procedures.
- Good fit: air travelers from listed countries seeking a visa arranged before departure.
- Not suitable: travelers arriving by land or sea without an approval letter; nationals not on the eligible list.
- Alternative: consult the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country if you do not qualify for VOA.
Comparisons and alternatives
The visa on arrival is one of several pathways to enter Vietnam. Alternatives include electronic visas (e-visas) and traditional visa applications through diplomatic missions. Each route has pros and cons depending on nationality, point of entry, and travel plans.
Visitors should compare options and select the route that matches their itinerary and timing. The table below outlines general differences; terms and availability can change, so verify current rules before making arrangements.
| Feature | Visa on Arrival (VOA) | E-visa | Embassy/Consulate visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| How to obtain | Requires an approval letter issued in advance; visa stamp collected at airport | Applied online and usually issued electronically before travel | Applied in person or by post to a diplomatic mission |
| Typical use | Air arrivals from eligible countries | Suitable for some nationalities and specific entry points | Used by travelers who cannot use VOA or e-visa routes |
| Point of entry | International airports (arrival stamp on passport) | Designated entry points listed with the e-visa | Any approved entry once visa issued |
| Payment | Stamping fee paid in cash (USD or VND) at airport | Paid online during application | Paid according to consulate process |
| Documentation needed | Approval letter and passport | Digital application and passport data | Consular application forms and supporting documents |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an approval letter to use the visa on arrival?
Yes. Visitors typically must hold an approval letter issued before travel; airlines often check this document at check-in and immigration requires it to issue the visa stamp.
Can I pay the stamping fee by card at the airport?
According to published guidance, the stamping fee is paid in cash (USD or VND) at the airport. Travelers should bring appropriate currency to avoid delays.
Is the visa on arrival available at land borders?
The visa on arrival system in the referenced material applies to those entering Vietnam by air. Visitors arriving overland should check embassy or border procedures, as overland VOA is typically not the same.
Where can I confirm whether my country is eligible?
Consult official Vietnamese immigration sources or the nearest embassy or consulate for the most current eligibility lists and application procedures, since published lists may change.
What happens if my nationality is not on the eligible list?
Nationals not included will generally need to complete visa formalities through diplomatic channels and may require sponsorship or additional documentation as indicated by Vietnamese authorities.