If you’re planning to visit Vietnam, one of the easiest ways to get your visa is by applying for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival. This convenient method allows travelers to avoid the hassle of visiting an embassy and complete most of the process online. Here’s how you can apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival and what you need to know before you travel.
What is a Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
A Vietnam Visa on Arrival is a type of visa that you can obtain when you land at one of Vietnam’s international airports. This visa is available to citizens of most countries, making it a popular choice for tourists and business travelers alike. The Vietnam Visa on Arrival is valid for stays ranging from 30 to 90 days, depending on the type of visa you apply for.
Who Can Apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
Not everyone is eligible for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival. It is only available to travelers arriving in Vietnam by air. If you plan to enter the country by land or sea, you must apply for a visa through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in advance. Citizens from most countries can apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival, but it’s important to check Vietnam’s visa requirements before your trip.
Steps to Apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival
To apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival, follow these steps:
- Complete the Online Application: Start by filling out an online application form for the Vietnam Visa on Arrival. You’ll need to provide details such as your passport information, travel dates, and the type of visa you require (tourist or business).
- Pay the Service Fee: After submitting the application form, you’ll need to pay a service fee to the visa processing agency. This fee is for the approval letter required to obtain your Vietnam Visa on Arrival.
- Receive Your Approval Letter: Once your application is processed, you’ll receive an approval letter via email. Print this letter and keep it with your passport.
- Get Your Visa at the Airport: When you arrive at one of Vietnam’s international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang), head to the Visa on Arrival counter. Present your approval letter, passport, and two passport-sized photos. You’ll also need to pay a stamping fee in cash.
- Collect Your Visa: After your documents are reviewed, you’ll receive your Vietnam Visa on Arrival stamped into your passport. You are now free to enter Vietnam.
Advantages of the Vietnam Visa on Arrival
There are several benefits to choosing a Vietnam Visa on Arrival:
- Convenience: You can apply for your visa online and receive the approval letter via email without visiting an embassy.
- Flexibility: The Vietnam Visa on Arrival allows you to choose between single and multiple-entry visas, depending on your travel needs.
- Speed: The approval process is usually quick, often taking just a few days. In urgent cases, expedited services are available.
Key Considerations for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival
Before applying for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival, here are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Air Travel Only: The Vietnam Visa on Arrival is only valid for travelers arriving by air. Those entering by land or sea will need to apply for a visa in advance through an embassy or consulate.
- Service Fees: In addition to the stamping fee at the airport, you’ll also need to pay a service fee to the visa processing agency when you apply online.
- Documents Required: Be sure to bring a printed copy of your approval letter, your passport, and passport-sized photos when you travel.
How much is a Vietnam visa on arrival?
The cost of a Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) depends on a few factors such as the type of visa (single entry or multiple entry), the duration of your stay, and the processing service fees. Here’s a breakdown:
- Stamping Fee (Paid at the airport upon arrival in Vietnam):
- Single-entry visa (1 month or 3 months): $25 USD
- Multiple-entry visa (1 month or 3 months): $50 USD
- Multiple-entry visa (6 months): $95 USD
- Multiple-entry visa (12 months): $135 USD
- Service Fee (Paid online to the travel agency or visa service to obtain the visa approval letter): The service fee varies depending on the agency you use, how quickly you need the visa processed, and the type of visa you require. On average, the service fees range from:
- Single-entry visa (1 month): $15 to $25 USD
- Single-entry visa (3 months): $30 to $40 USD
- Multiple-entry visa (1 month): $20 to $30 USD
- Multiple-entry visa (3 months): $40 to $60 USD
Total Cost Example:
- For a 1-month single-entry visa, the cost would typically include:
- Service fee: $15 to $25 USD
- Stamping fee: $25 USD
- Total: $40 to $50 USD.
Keep in mind that the service fee may vary depending on the agency, the speed of processing, and your nationality. It’s important to research different providers before making a selection.
Can I arrive in Vietnam without a visa?
Whether you can enter Vietnam without a visa depends on your nationality and the agreements between Vietnam and your home country. Vietnam offers visa exemptions to citizens of certain countries for short stays. The length of visa-free stays also varies:
- Visa Exemption for Some Nationalities:
- Citizens of ASEAN countries (e.g., Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines) can enter Vietnam without a visa for stays ranging from 14 to 30 days.
- Citizens of several European countries (e.g., the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Nordic countries) can visit Vietnam for up to 15 days without a visa. This exemption is often temporary and subject to renewal by the Vietnamese government.
- Conditions for Visa-Free Entry:
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date.
- You must provide proof of onward travel, such as a return flight ticket.
- Visa-free stays are usually limited to tourism and short visits. For longer stays, business, or work, you’ll need to apply for a visa.
If your country does not have a visa exemption agreement with Vietnam, or if you wish to stay longer than the visa exemption period, you must apply for a visa, either through an eVisa, Visa on Arrival, or via a Vietnamese embassy/consulate.
What is the difference between a Vietnam eVisa and Visa on Arrival?
Both the Vietnam eVisa and Visa on Arrival (VOA) offer travelers the ability to enter Vietnam without going through the traditional embassy visa process, but they have key differences:
- Application Process:
- eVisa: The Vietnam eVisa is entirely online. You apply through the official Vietnamese government portal. You’ll need to upload a digital passport photo, provide your personal details, and pay the visa fee online.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): For the Visa on Arrival, you must first apply online through an agency to get a visa approval letter. This letter allows you to pick up your visa upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports.
- Eligible Ports of Entry:
- eVisa: The Vietnam eVisa is valid for entry at 33 international checkpoints, including airports, land borders, and seaports.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): VOA is only valid for entry at Vietnam’s international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang). You cannot use a VOA if you are entering Vietnam via land borders or seaports.
- Duration and Type of Visa:
- eVisa: The eVisa is a single-entry visa that is valid for 30 days. This means you can only enter and exit Vietnam once on this visa.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): VOA offers more flexibility. It allows for single or multiple entries and can be valid for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or even 12 months.
- Processing Time and Fees:
- eVisa: Processing typically takes around 3 business days. The fee for the Vietnam eVisa is about $25 USD (non-refundable), and no extra fees are required upon arrival.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): The VOA requires a service fee to get the approval letter (paid online) and a stamping fee that you pay in cash at the airport when you arrive. The total fees tend to be higher than the eVisa, especially for longer stays or multiple entries.
- Where the Visa is Issued:
- eVisa: The visa is issued electronically, and you receive a PDF document that you must print and present at the port of entry.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): The visa is issued at the airport when you arrive, based on the approval letter you have obtained in advance.
Can I get a Vietnam visa in 2 days?
Yes, it is possible to obtain a Vietnam visa in 2 days, especially if you use the expedited or urgent processing services offered by many visa agencies.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA) Express Service: Many agencies offer expedited services for Visa on Arrival approval letters. Depending on the urgency, you can opt for:
- Normal Processing: Typically takes 2-3 business days.
- Urgent Processing: Can take 1 business day.
- Super Urgent Processing: As fast as 2-4 working hours for extreme cases.
- eVisa Processing Time: The standard processing time for an eVisa is around 3 business days. However, if you need an eVisa urgently, you may contact some specialized services or agencies that offer expedited processing at an additional fee. This can reduce the processing time to 1-2 days.
Steps to Expedite the Visa Process:
- Select an Expedited Option: When applying for a VOA, ensure you choose the urgent or super-urgent processing option with the agency. You will pay an additional fee for faster processing.
- Check with Agencies: Not all agencies offer the same processing times, so compare different providers to see which offers the fastest service.
- Prepare for Arrival: When using expedited services for VOA, ensure you have cash for the stamping fee upon arrival and all required documents (passport, approval letter, entry/exit form).
In conclusion, while the standard processing time for both eVisas and Visa on Arrival is generally a few business days, expedited services make it possible to get your visa within 2 days, and in some cases, even faster.
Conclusion
A Vietnam Visa on Arrival is a simple and efficient option for travelers flying into Vietnam. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure a smooth application process and have your visa ready upon arrival. Make sure to double-check Vietnam’s visa regulations to confirm that you’re eligible for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival and enjoy your trip to this beautiful country.
Apply for your Vietnam visa online easily and quickly to streamline your travel plans.