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Vietnam Visa on Arrival

Vietnam offers a "Visa on Arrival" (VOA) option, but it's crucial to
understand that it's not like the typical VOA you might experience in
other countries where you simply show up at the airport and get a visa.
For Vietnam, "Visa on Arrival" actually means getting a pre-approval
letter online before you travel, and then getting the actual visa
stamp at one of Vietnam's international airports.
Here's a breakdown of how Vietnam's Visa on Arrival works:
1. What is Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)?
It's a visa type specifically for travelers arriving by air at one of
Vietnam's international airports. You must obtain a "visa approval
letter" beforehand from a licensed Vietnamese visa agency. This letter
acts as permission for you to board your flight and get your visa
stamped upon arrival.
2. Who is eligible for VOA?
• Generally, foreigners who are outside Vietnam and wish to enter the
country by air.
• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your
planned stay in Vietnam.
• You must not fall under any categories prohibited from entry under
Vietnamese law (e.g., using forged documents, having certain infectious
diseases, being deported previously).
3. The Process - Step-by-Step:
• Step 1: Apply for a Visa Approval Letter Online.
o You'll need to find a reputable Vietnamese visa agency online. There
isn't one single "official government website" for the approval letter,
as these are typically facilitated by private agencies authorized by the
Vietnamese Immigration Department.
o Fill out their online application form with your personal details
(full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, planned
entry/exit dates, port of entry, purpose of travel).
o Upload a copy of your passport data page and a recent passport-sized
photo.
o Pay a service fee to the agency for processing the approval letter.
o Processing times vary, but standard is usually 2-5 working days.
Urgent services are often available for a higher fee (e.g., 1-2 working
days, or even a few hours).
• Step 2: Receive Your Approval Letter.
o The agency will email you the official visa approval letter (a scanned
copy). This letter will list your name (and sometimes other applicants
if it's a group letter) and confirm that you are approved to get a visa
upon arrival.
o You'll also typically receive an "Entry/Exit Form" (Form NA1) to fill
out.
o Print this letter and the Entry/Exit Form! You'll need hard copies.
• Step 3: Prepare Documents for Arrival.
o Printed visa approval letter.
o Completed Entry/Exit Form (Form NA1).
o Your original passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay,
with at least two blank pages).
o Two recent passport-sized photos (4x6 cm or 2x2 inches, white
background, no glasses/hat).
o Cash for the stamping fee (USD is preferred, but VND is often
accepted).
+ Currently, the stamping fee is typically USD $25 for a
single-entry visa and USD $50 for a multiple-entry visa.
• Step 4: Get Your Visa Stamped at the Airport.
o Upon arrival at one of Vietnam's international airports (e.g., Noi Bai
in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc),
look for the "Landing Visa" or "Visa on Arrival" counter.
o Present your passport, printed approval letter, completed Entry/Exit
Form, and photos to the immigration officer.
o Pay the stamping fee in cash.
o Wait for the officer to process your application and stamp the visa
into your passport.
o Crucially, double-check all the details on your new visa stamp
(name, passport number, visa type, validity dates) before leaving the
counter. If there are any errors, get them corrected immediately.
o After getting your visa, proceed to the regular immigration counter
for entry into Vietnam.
Important Considerations:
• Air Travel Only: VOA is strictly for those arriving by air. If
you're entering by land or sea, you'll need to obtain a visa in advance
from a Vietnamese embassy/consulate or apply for an e-visa (if
eligible).
• No Official Government Website for Approval Letters: As
mentioned, the approval letter service is usually provided by authorized
private agencies. Be sure to use a reputable one to avoid scams.
• E-Visa vs. VOA: Vietnam also has an e-visa system available to
citizens of many countries. The e-visa is applied for and received
entirely online before you travel, and you simply present the printed
e-visa at immigration upon arrival. It offers up to 90 days, single or
multiple entry, for a fee of USD $25 (single) or USD $50 (multiple). For
many travelers, the e-visa is a simpler process if your nationality is
eligible, as it bypasses the need for the approval letter and the
additional stamping fee at the airport. You can apply for an e-visa on
the official Vietnam National Electronic Visa system website:
evisa.gov.vn (Note: As of November 2024, the website might move to
thithucdientu.gov.vn and evisa.gov.vn).
• Passport Validity: Always ensure your passport has at least six
months of validity remaining from your date of entry.
• Photos: Have recent, standard passport-sized photos ready.
• Cash for Stamping Fee: This is essential as credit card
payments are generally not accepted at the VOA counter.
Given the option of the e-visa, it's often a more streamlined choice for
many nationalities, allowing you to avoid the VOA counter altogether.
However, if your nationality isn't eligible for the e-visa or you have
specific travel needs that VOA caters to, it remains a viable option.
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