If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam and flying in soon, you might have come across something called “Vietnam Visa on Arrival” — often shortened as VOA.
It’s one of the most convenient ways for travelers to enter Vietnam, especially if you don’t have time to wait for an e-visa.
👉 If you are not in emergency, apply for Vietnam evisa online.
Step-by-step Guide to get a visa on arrival for Vietnam:
- Step 1: Check whether you need a visa for Vietnam here.
- Step 2: Submit your application if a visa is required for your trip.
- Step 3: Get confirmed about processing time and service fee, and make payment.
- Step 4: Get visa approval letter delivered to your registered email.
- Step 5: Show visa approval letter to get on board, and then get visa stamped at Vietnam airport upon arrival.
Here are all the things you need to know about Vietnam visa on arrival.
Table of Contents
What is Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a type of visa that allows you to obtain your visa stamp at one of Vietnam’s international airports, after receiving a visa approval letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Instead of visiting an embassy or consulate, you apply online through a trusted visa agency (like Vietnam-visa.com), who submits your application to the authorities on your behalf.
Once your approval letter is issued, you bring it with you and get your visa stamped upon arrival in Vietnam.
✅ Available for:
- Tourists, business travelers, and others arriving by air only.
- Entry through Hanoi (Noi Bai), Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), Da Nang, or Nha Trang airports.
🚫 Not available for:
- Land or sea entry points.
- Travelers without a visa approval letter.
👉 Learn more: Vietnam visa approval letter – Full guide
List of Applicable Airports for visa on arrival to Vietnam
You can get a visa on arrival for Vietnam at the following airports:
- Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong)
- Da Nang International Airport (Da Nang)
- Cam Ranh International Airport (Khanh Hoa)
- Can Tho International Airport (Can Tho)
- Lien Khuong International Airport (Da Lat)
- Phu Quoc International Airport (Phu Quoc)
Read more: Step-by-step visa procedures at Vietnam airports
Who can get Vietnam visa on arrival at airport?
Almost all nationalities can apply for a Vietnam visa on arrival, except citizens of countries eligible for visa exemption and stay in Vietnam no longer than their permitted exemption duration.
🔗 You can check if your country is eligible for visa exemption here: Vietnam Visa Exemption Countries list
When Should You Choose Visa on Arrival?
Although the Vietnam e-visa is now the most popular option, the visa on arrival still plays an important role — especially in urgent or complex cases.
You should consider VOA if:
- 🕓 You need to travel urgently – the approval letter can be issued within hours via the Emergency Vietnam Visa Service.
- ✈️ You enter Vietnam by air (not land or sea).
How long is Vietnam visa on arrival good for?
The Vietnam visa on arrival validity currently depends on the visa type, specifically:
| Visa type | Visa on arrival term |
| Tourist visa | ►Up to 30 days, depending on nationality and travel itinerary ► Single entry ► Cannot be extended |
| Business visa | ► Up to 3 months ► Single/multiple entry ► Can be extended ONCE with sponsor from the same company |
Vietnam Visa on Arrival Cost and Processing Time (2025)
The cost of a Vietnam visa on arrival consists of two separate fees:
| Fee Type | Description | Amount (USD) |
| Service fee | Paid online to the visa agent for processing your approval letter | From $20–$35 depending on type and urgency |
| Stamping fee | Paid in cash (USD) at the airport on arrival | $25 for single-entry, $50 for multiple-entry |
💡 The stamping fee is fixed by the Vietnam Immigration Department and payable directly at the airport visa counter.
🕐 Processing time: 2–5 working days (standard)
⚡ Urgent processing: as fast as 4–8 working hours (see Vietnam emergency visa)
Documents Required for Vietnam Visa on Arrival
To get your VOA at the airport, prepare the following:
- Passport – valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
- Printed approval letter – issued by Vietnam Immigration.
- Two passport-sized photos (4x6cm).
- Visa application form (NA1) – can be completed at the airport or in advance.
- Stamping fee – in cash (USD).
How to Apply for Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
Steps required to apply for a visa on arrival for Vietnam:
The above are brief steps for VOA application. See the full guide on how to apply for Vietnam visa on arrival.
Important Notes & Tips
- VOA is not available for land borders or cruise entries. If you plan to enter Vietnam by bus, car, or ship, apply for an e-visa or get your visa at an embassy.
- Bring exact cash in USD for the stamping fee, as card payments are not accepted.
- Children and infants need their own visa if they have separate passports.
- Check your approval letter carefully for name, passport number, and entry dates — errors may result in denial at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. You must have a pre-approved letter issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department before departure.
Typically 2–4 working days, but urgent cases can be processed within a few hours.
No, visa on arrival is only for air travelers.
Final Thoughts
The Vietnam Visa on Arrival remains a lifesaver for many travelers, especially those flying to Vietnam at short notice or who can’t apply for an e-visa. It’s fast, convenient, and widely accepted at major airports — as long as you have your approval letter in hand.
For a smooth and stress-free experience, make sure to:
- Apply early through a trusted visa agency
- Double-check your details before submission
- Prepare exact cash for your stamping fee