Vietnam Visa on Arrival Explained
Vietnam Visa on Arrival, commonly called VOA, is a visa process in which eligible travelers arrange a visa approval letter before traveling and complete the visa stamping process after arriving at a designated international airport in Vietnam.
Unlike a Vietnam E-Visa, the traditional VOA process does not give you the completed visa before departure. You travel with the required approval documentation and complete the final visa issuance and stamping procedure at the airport.
For many travelers, the Vietnam E-Visa is now the simpler option because the visa can be issued electronically before you travel.
How Vietnam Visa on Arrival Works
The traditional Vietnam VOA process generally follows these steps:
Step 1: Request a Visa Approval Letter
Submit your required passport and travel information through an authorized visa service provider or applicable requesting organization.
The provider arranges the visa approval process and sends the approval letter electronically when issued.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Before flying to Vietnam, prepare:
- Original passport
- Visa approval letter
- Required passport photographs
- Completed visa forms or arrival documentation where applicable
- Cash for the visa stamping fee
Make sure your passport information matches the approval letter exactly.
Step 3: Arrive by Air in Vietnam
Traditional Visa on Arrival is associated with designated international airports rather than ordinary land or sea entry.
Because entry arrangements can change, travelers should confirm that their specific airport accepts the applicable VOA procedure before departure.
Step 4: Visit the Visa Counter
After arriving at the airport, proceed to the designated visa or landing visa counter before completing immigration formalities.
Present your passport, approval documentation, photographs and other required documents.
Step 5: Pay the Stamping Fee
The government stamping fee is paid at the airport.
For the standard categories, the historical government fee schedule has included:
- US$25 for single entry
- US$50 for multiple entry
The stamping fee is separate from any private service fee charged for arranging the approval letter.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival Requirements
If you are using the VOA route, prepare your documents before your flight to avoid unnecessary delays.
Common requirements include:
- Valid passport
- Visa approval letter
- Passport photographs
- Completed visa or arrival documentation where applicable
- Cash for the applicable stamping fee
- Confirmed travel and arrival information
Passport details should be checked carefully before travel. Differences between your passport and approval documentation may cause problems during the visa issuance process.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival Fees
There are normally two different types of charges to understand.
1. Visa Service Fee
A private visa service provider may charge a service fee for arranging the approval letter and providing application assistance.
This fee is separate from the government stamping fee.
2. Government Stamping Fee
The traditional stamping fee has been charged at the airport when the visa is issued.
The commonly published rates are:
- US$25 for single entry
- US$50 for multiple entry
Other visa validity or entry categories may have different government fees.
Always confirm the applicable fee for your specific visa before traveling.
Is Vietnam Visa on Arrival Still Available?
Vietnam Visa on Arrival remains a recognizable visa route, particularly for travelers searching for an approval-letter-based process.
However, Vietnam's E-Visa system has become the more straightforward option for many travelers. Vietnam's Immigration Department currently provides an electronic visa that can be applied for online, with validity of up to 90 days and single or multiple entry options.
The official E-Visa process also allows applicants outside Vietnam to apply directly or through requesting agencies and organizations.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival vs Vietnam E-Visa
| Feature | Vietnam Visa on Arrival | Vietnam E-Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Apply before travel | Yes | Yes |
| Approval letter | Required for traditional VOA | Not required |
| Visa issued before departure | No, final stamping occurs on arrival | Yes, electronically |
| Airport visa counter | Required | No VOA stamping counter |
| Land entry | Traditional VOA is not the normal route | Yes, at designated E-Visa checkpoints |
| Sea entry | Traditional VOA is not the normal route | Yes, at designated E-Visa checkpoints |
| Government fee | Paid as applicable at stamping | US$25 single / US$50 multiple |
| Cash at airport | Required for VOA stamping | No separate VOA stamping fee |
| Convenience | More steps after landing | Generally simpler |
| Best suited for | Travelers specifically using an eligible VOA arrangement | Most travelers who can use E-Visa |
Start My Vietnam E-Visa Application
When Is a Vietnam E-Visa Better?
For most travelers who are eligible for an E-Visa, the E-Visa route is generally easier because the visa is issued electronically before departure.
An E-Visa may be the better choice if you:
- Want your visa before boarding your flight
- Want to avoid a visa-on-arrival counter
- Prefer electronic processing
- Are entering Vietnam by land or sea
- Want to avoid carrying cash for VOA stamping
- Want a simpler arrival process
- Are planning single or multiple entry travel
Vietnam's current E-Visa system provides visas for up to 90 days, with single or multiple entry options.
Vietnam E-Visa Government Fees
The current government E-Visa fees are:
- US$25 for a single-entry E-Visa
- US$50 for a multiple-entry E-Visa
The official processing period is up to 3 working days after receipt of the complete application and required fee. The government fee is generally not refunded when an application is refused.
A private visa-assistance provider may charge an additional service fee for application preparation, checking, submission or other assistance.
Why Many Travelers Choose E-Visa Instead of VOA
The biggest difference is where the final visa process takes place.
With traditional VOA:
Approval letter → Flight → Airport visa counter → Stamping fee → Visa issued → Immigration
With E-Visa:
Online application → Government processing → E-Visa issued → Flight → Immigration
For travelers who want to arrive in Vietnam and proceed directly through immigration, having the E-Visa issued before departure can make the process more convenient.
Can I Enter Vietnam by Land With Visa on Arrival?
Traditional Vietnam Visa on Arrival is primarily associated with international air arrivals and airport visa issuance.
If you plan to enter Vietnam through a land border or seaport, an E-Visa is generally the more appropriate route where your checkpoint is included in the official E-Visa entry and exit list.
Vietnam's Immigration Department publishes the designated checkpoints permitted for E-Visa entry and exit.
Can I Pay the VOA Stamping Fee by Card?
Travelers using traditional VOA should be prepared to pay the applicable stamping fee at the airport and should carry sufficient cash in US dollars.
Do not assume that a private online service fee includes the government stamping fee unless the provider clearly states this.
What If My Flight Is Very Soon?
If you are traveling soon, check whether you can obtain a Vietnam E-Visa in time rather than automatically choosing the traditional VOA route.
The standard government E-Visa processing period is up to 3 working days, while private providers may offer additional urgent application assistance subject to their own processing terms and availability.
If your departure is extremely close, review the available urgent processing options before making your travel arrangements.
Important Vietnam Visa on Arrival Advice
Do not confuse a visa approval letter with the actual visa.
An approval letter is part of the traditional VOA process. The visa is finalized at the applicable airport counter after you arrive and complete the required stamping procedure.
By comparison, an approved Vietnam E-Visa is issued electronically before travel.
This distinction is important when comparing prices, processing times and arrival procedures.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival or E-Visa: Which Should You Choose?
For most eligible travelers, Vietnam E-Visa is now the simpler option because the visa is obtained electronically before departure.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival may still be relevant when a traveler specifically qualifies for and chooses an approval-letter-based airport process.
If you are unsure which option is appropriate for your itinerary, consider:
- Your nationality
- Your entry date
- Your entry checkpoint
- Whether you are arriving by air, land or sea
- Your required number of entries
- How much time remains before departure
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
Vietnam Visa on Arrival is a visa process in which a traveler obtains an approval letter before travel and completes the visa issuance and stamping process at an applicable Vietnamese international airport.
Do I need an approval letter for Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
Yes. The traditional VOA process requires the applicable approval documentation before you travel.
Is Vietnam Visa on Arrival available at land borders?
Traditional VOA is associated with airport arrival and visa stamping. If you are entering Vietnam by land or sea, check the E-Visa option and confirm that your intended checkpoint accepts E-Visa entry.
How much is the Vietnam VOA stamping fee?
The commonly published government stamping fees are US$25 for single entry and US$50 for multiple entry, although other visa categories can have different rates.
Is the VOA stamping fee included in the online service fee?
Not necessarily. A private service fee and the government stamping fee are separate charges unless the provider explicitly states otherwise.
Is Vietnam E-Visa better than Visa on Arrival?
For many travelers, yes. E-Visa is generally more convenient because the visa is issued electronically before departure and does not require the traditional VOA stamping process at the airport.
Can I use Vietnam E-Visa for land entry?
Yes, provided that your intended land checkpoint is included in the official E-Visa entry and exit list.
Choose the Right Vietnam Visa Before You Travel
Vietnam Visa on Arrival can still be useful for travelers who specifically need an approval-letter-based airport visa process.
However, for many modern Vietnam trips, the E-Visa route offers a simpler experience: apply before travel, receive the electronic visa and arrive in Vietnam with your visa already issued.
If you are eligible for Vietnam E-Visa, compare both options carefully before paying for an approval letter or arranging airport stamping.
Start your Vietnam E-Visa application or explore professional Vietnam visa assistance today.