Vietnam Visa on Arrival in 2025: A Guide for Travelers

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Key Takeaways

Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival requires prior approval, entry via designated airports, and documents including a passport, photos, and Form NA1.
Approval letter processing takes 3-5 days or 8 hours for urgent service; stamping fees are $25–$50 USD.
Visa is valid for 30-90 days; extensions require Vietnam Immigration approval and entry must be by air only.

Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival (VOA) program offers an accessible option for travelers looking to visit this Southeast Asian country. Designed to make the visa process easier for those entering by air, the VOA system has gained popularity among tourists and business visitors alike. In 2025, several updates to Vietnam’s visa policies further enhance its appeal for international travelers. Below, we take an in-depth look at every aspect of Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival system, breaking it down into simple steps and clear information.

Vietnam Visa on Arrival in 2025: A Guide for Travelers

Eligibility Requirements for Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival

The VOA system is available to citizens of most countries. While it serves as an efficient option for many, there are specific requirements and conditions that apply:
– You must enter the country through one of Vietnam’s designated international airports. Land or sea travelers are not eligible for a VOA and will need a visa in advance.
– A pre-approval letter is mandatory. This document is obtained before your trip through a licensed Vietnamese travel agency. It acts as permission for you to apply for a visa at the airport upon arriving in Vietnam.

Eligible international airports where VOA is available include Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Cam Ranh in Nha Trang, and Hai Phong.

Purpose and Benefits of the Visa on Arrival

The Visa on Arrival system brings notable convenience and flexibility for travelers.
1. Efficiency for Last-Minute Travel Plans: If you decide to visit Vietnam on short notice and don’t have time to apply for a visa through the embassy, VOA is a faster alternative.
2. Streamlined Online Application: The process requires basic information, and there’s no need to submit extra documents via post or in person before traveling.
3. Multiple Entry Options: Travelers opting for VOA can choose from single-entry visas or multiple-entry visas with varying durations.

The system is especially beneficial for tourists and business professionals who may not have a Vietnamese embassy nearby.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Here is a step-by-step overview of what is involved when applying for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival in 2025:

Pre-Approval Letter Application: Visit the website of a licensed Vietnamese travel agency or visa service provider. Complete an online form by entering your passport and travel details.
Processing and Receiving the Approval Letter: Processing usually takes 3-5 working days for standard service or 8 working hours if fast-track service is requested. Once processed, you’ll receive your approval letter by email. Print a copy to carry with you.
Preparation for Travel: Ensure you have all the required documents, including:
- A passport valid for at least six months after your intended date of entry.
- Two recent, passport-sized photos (white background).
- A completed visa application form known as Form NA1.
- Cash in USD to cover the stamping fee.
At the Airport: Upon arrival in Vietnam, proceed to the VOA counter, present the required documents, and pay the stamping fee. A visa will then be issued and stamped into your passport.

Required Documents and Fees

For VOA, travelers need to gather the following documents before departure:
1. Your approval letter (printed version).
2. A passport valid for at least six months.
3. Two photos with dimensions of 4×6 cm or 3×4 cm.
4. A completed Form NA1, which is available online or at the airport.
5. Exact USD cash for the stamping fee.

The cost of a single-entry visa with a VOA is $25 USD for up to 30 days, while the fee for multiple entries up to 90 days is $50 USD. These fees are separate from the service charge for the pre-approval letter, which varies depending on the agency and processing time selected.

Visa Validity, Renewal, and Restrictions

VOA visas are generally valid for up to 30 days or 90 days, depending on whether it is single-entry or multiple-entry. If travelers wish to extend their stay, renewal must be arranged through the Vietnam Immigration Department. Extensions, however, are not automatic and typically require supporting evidence of your reason to remain longer.

VOA is strictly limited to entry through airports. Anyone entering Vietnam by land or sea must obtain an appropriate visa before travel.

Alternatives to Visa on Arrival

In addition to VOA, visitors to Vietnam have other options for obtaining a visa:
1. E-visas: Available to citizens of all countries since August 2023, Vietnam’s e-visa is valid for up to 90 days and allows both single and multiple entries.
2. Visa Exemptions: Citizens of 13 countries, including Japan 🇯🇵, the UK 🇬🇧, France 🇫🇷, and South Korea 🇰🇷, enjoy visa-free travel for up to 45 days as of August 2023.
3. Traditional Embassy Visa: Travelers who prefer the assurance of applying before departure can contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate for a visa.

While each option has unique advantages, VOA remains a favored choice for air travelers seeking flexibility.

Recent Changes to Vietnam’s Visa Policies

Several developments in Vietnam’s immigration rules have transformed the visa application landscape over the last few years:
1. E-visa Expansion: Citizens of every country are now eligible for e-visas, making this process available globally.
2. Extended E-visa Validity: Travelers can stay up to 90 days using an e-visa. This change offers flexibility to professionals and longer-term tourists.
3. Increased Visa-Free Days: In a bid to attract more visitors, Vietnam increased its visa-free period for eligible countries, tripling it to 45 days for some.

These adjustments reflect Vietnam’s efforts to welcome more international tourists and make entering the country as hassle-free as possible.

Real-World Example: Business Travel via VOA

Consider the case of a business professional attending an urgent conference in Da Nang. With no embassy nearby to issue a traditional visa, the traveler applies for a VOA approval letter online and chooses the urgent processing service. Within 8 hours, their letter is emailed, and they print it before traveling. Upon arrival at Da Nang Airport, they present the required documents, pay the $50 USD fee for a multiple-entry visa, and proceed to their conference on time.

This scenario details how VOA serves professionals with tight schedules who need an efficient visa solution.

Key Pros and Cons of Vietnam’s VOA System

Pros:
1. Faster processing for emergencies or last-minute travel plans.
2. Straightforward online procedures for obtaining an approval letter.
3. Cost-effective compared to some embassy-based applications.

Cons:
1. Limited to air travel; inaccessible for land or sea entries.
2. Requires precise preparation, including obtaining an approval letter and preparing cash.
3. Long queues may occur at VOA counters during peak seasons.

Travelers should weigh these factors based on their particular situation and travel plans.

Additional Resources

To stay updated with the latest visa rules or regulations, it’s always a good idea to refer to Vietnam’s Immigration Department website for accurate and official guidance.

VisaVerge.com highlights that continual updates to Vietnam’s visa policies demonstrate responsiveness to global traveler needs and reinforce Vietnam’s position as one of Southeast Asia’s top destinations.

In summary, Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival system offers convenience and practicality for those entering the country by air. Its simple process, combined with flexible options like e-visas and visa exemptions, makes traveling to Vietnam a seamless experience for many. By following all requirements and preparing necessary documents, visitors can ensure a smooth process and enjoy their trip to this culturally rich and diverse destination.

Learn Today

Visa on Arrival (VOA) → A visa option allowing travelers to obtain entry authorization after arriving at a specific airport.
Pre-Approval Letter → Official document obtained before travel, permitting a traveler to apply for a visa upon arrival at the airport.
Stamping Fee → A mandatory fee paid at the airport to receive the visa, separate from the pre-approval process costs.
E-visa → An electronic visa applied for and issued online, allowing entry for specified durations and purposes.
Multiple-Entry Visa → A visa permitting several entries into a country within its validity period, useful for frequent travelers.

This Article in a Nutshell

Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival (VOA) streamlines entry for air travelers. It requires a pre-approval letter, valid passport, photos, and a stamping fee. Perfect for last-minute plans, it offers single or multiple entries. Limited to airports, VOA ensures efficiency, complemented by expanded e-visas and visa-free policies. Vietnam’s accessibility keeps improving!
— By VisaVerge.com