Vietnam Visa on Arrival | Requirements & Application Guide

Maybe you want to see the visa stamped into your passport. Maybe you’re flying into Vietnam on short notice, or you’ve heard friends talk about “VOA” and wonder what it means. Whatever brought you here, this guide explains how the Vietnam visa on arrival works, what it costs, and when another option might suit you better.

What Is Vietnam Visa on Arrival?

Visa on arrival, or VOA, is a two-step way to enter Vietnam. You first obtain an official approval letter before you fly, then collect your visa stamp at a Vietnamese international airport when you land. 

The name causes confusion, so here’s the key point: you can’t simply turn up at the airport and ask for a visa. Without the approval letter, airlines won’t let you board your flight to Vietnam. The letter is what makes the whole process work. 

Is It Still Available?

Yes. The visa on arrival process remains available for air entry in 2026. That said, it isn’t the main route anymore. As of 2026, the Vietnam Immigration Department primarily issues e-visas to travelers of all nationalities. For many people the e-visa is simpler, and we’ll compare the two below. 

Vietnam Visa on Arrival Requirements

The documents required depend on your approved visa arrangement and the instructions of the immigration authorities.

Generally, travelers should prepare:

• Valid passport: A passport meeting Vietnam's applicable entry requirements.

• Official approval documentation: The relevant visa approval or authorization, where required.

• Visa application form: The prescribed form completed according to immigration instructions.

• Passport photograph: A suitable photograph if required for visa issuance.

• Travel information: Your arrival date, flight number, and intended entry checkpoint.

• Visa fee: The applicable government charge and an accepted payment method.

Additional documents may be required for business visits, organized tours, family circumstances, or special immigration cases. Check all requirements before your flight rather than relying on outdated airport visa instructions.

How to Apply for Vietnam Visa on Arrival

The procedure is easier to understand when you know what needs to happen before departure and what happens after landing.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before choosing Visa on Arrival, confirm that your travel circumstances qualify under Vietnam's immigration regulations. For many travelers, applying for a Vietnam e-Visa may be a more straightforward option.

Step 2: Prepare Your Travel Information

You may be asked to provide your full name, nationality, passport information, purpose of travel, arrival date, and entry checkpoint. Make sure these details match your passport and flight itinerary.

Step 3: Arrange the Necessary Immigration Approval

If Visa on Arrival is appropriate for your case, follow the applicable procedure to obtain the required advance authorization.

Depending on the circumstances, an eligible sponsoring or inviting organization may need to assist with the application. Do not travel until your authorization has been confirmed and you have the documents required by your airline and the Vietnamese authorities.

Step 4: Travel to the Authorized Entry Checkpoint

Bring your passport, approval documents, visa application form, photographs if required, and other supporting paperwork. Follow the airline's document-checking requirements before departure.

Step 5: Complete the Visa Issuance Procedure

On arrival, follow the instructions of immigration officers at the relevant checkpoint. Present the required documents and complete the applicable visa issuance formalities. You may need to pay the government visa issuance fee.

Step 6: Complete Immigration Clearance

After receiving the appropriate visa, proceed through the immigration entry process. Before leaving the checkpoint, check your visa details and permitted duration of stay. Immigration officers retain authority over the final entry decision.

Vietnam Visa on Arrival vs. Vietnam e-Visa

Many travelers are unsure which option is better? The main difference is that an e-Visa is issued online before travel, while Visa on Arrival involves visa issuance at a checkpoint under qualifying arrangements.

Vietnam's e-Visa system is available to citizens of all countries and territories, subject to immigration eligibility requirements.

For most tourists and short-term visitors, we recommend checking e-Visa eligibility before considering Visa on Arrival.

What Does It Cost?

VOA has two separate costs, and that’s what surprises many travelers.

1. The approval letter service fee. You pay this online when you apply. It varies by agency and by how fast you need the letter. The service fee is non-refundable once the letter is issued.

2. The stamping fee. You pay this in cash at the airport. The stamping fee is USD 25 for single entry and USD 50 for multiple entry, cash only. Cash in US dollars is recommended. The stamping fee is paid directly to Vietnam Immigration, separate from our service fee.

So your total is the letter fee plus the stamping fee. Bring the right cash with you, since airport cash machines and exchange queues can add stress after a long flight.

Which Airports Offer It?

VOA is only available at international airports, not at land borders. The major airports commonly listed are Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Other airports may be included, depending on current rules. [Insert the airports you serve.] If you’re arriving by land or sea, VOA isn’t an option, and you’d need an e-visa or visa from an embassy. 

Don’t Forget the Pre-Arrival Declaration

On top of your visa, there’s a separate online form to complete before you fly. Vietnam has been expanding its mandatory pre-arrival declaration for international arrivals to all airports in the country, and you present the QR code at immigration. It’s free and it’s done on the official portal. See our guide to the pre-arrival declaration for the full steps. [Link to your pre-arrival article.] 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Showing up without the letter: No letter means no boarding. Don’t count on sorting it out at the airport.
• Forgetting to print it: A paper copy is needed.
• Not bringing cash: The stamping fee is cash only, and you’ll want the right amount ready.
• Arriving at the wrong place: VOA only works at airports, so don’t plan a border crossing on it.
• Wrong details on the letter: Names, passport numbers, and dates should match your passport. Check before you fly, not at the counter.
• Waiting until the last minute: Approval letters take time, so apply well before your trip, especially around holidays.
• Using look-alike websites: Apply through a licensed provider or an official channel.

Make Your Arrival Smoother

Landing after a long flight and queuing at the VOA counter is not everyone’s idea of fun. Consider adding:

• Airport Fast Track. A representative meets you and helps you through formalities. Immigartion Fast Track
• Private airport transfer. A driver waiting for you, and a fixed price. Private Airport Transfer

Why Choose Vietnam Visa Center?

16+ years of experience. We’ve helped travelers with Vietnam visas for more than 16 years, so we know the common pitfalls.

We check before we submit. A second pair of eyes catches the wrong digit before it becomes an airport problem.

Honest advice. If an e-visa is better for you, we’ll tell you.

A licensed company. We operate under License No. 01-3031/2025/CDLQGVN-GP LHQT, issued by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

Real people. Questions about airports, fees, or documents.