A Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) lets you collect your visa stamp at Vietnam’s international airports after obtaining a pre-approved letter online. The stamping fee is $25 USD for single entry or $50 USD for multiple entry, paid in cash upon landing. VOA is available at 8 major airports including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, and the approval letter takes 2 to 5 business days to process. While the Vietnam eVisa has become the most popular option, VOA remains a practical choice for urgent travel or travelers who prefer agency-assisted processing.
What Is a Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
A Vietnam Visa on Arrival is a visa stamp issued at the airport when you land in Vietnam. Unlike the eVisa, which is fully processed online, VOA requires a two-step process: first, you obtain a visa approval letter from the Vietnamese Immigration Department through a licensed visa agency; second, you present that letter at the airport visa counter to receive your physical visa stamp in your passport.
The approval letter is an official document issued by Vietnam’s Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security. Once approved, a copy is sent to both your email and to the immigration officers at your chosen airport of entry.
VOA is one of several Vietnam visa types available to foreign visitors. It sits alongside the eVisa, embassy-issued visas, and visa-free exemptions as an official pathway into the country.
Key characteristics of VOA:
- Available only for travelers arriving by air
- Requires a pre-arranged approval letter before departure
- Stamping fee paid in cash (USD or VND) at the airport
- Covers tourist and business travel purposes
- Validity ranges from 1 to 3 months depending on visa type
Which Airports Offer Visa on Arrival in Vietnam?
You can only get a Visa on Arrival at designated international airports in Vietnam. If you are entering by land border or seaport, you must have an eVisa or a visa issued by an embassy before travel.
The 8 airports that process VOA stamps are:
| Airport | City | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Noi Bai International Airport | Hanoi | HAN |
| Tan Son Nhat International Airport | Ho Chi Minh City | SGN |
| Da Nang International Airport | Da Nang | DAD |
| Cat Bi International Airport | Hai Phong | HPH |
| Cam Ranh International Airport | Nha Trang | CXR |
| Can Tho International Airport | Can Tho | VCA |
| Lien Khuong International Airport | Da Lat | DLI |
| Phu Quoc International Airport | Phu Quoc | PQC |
Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) are the two busiest airports and typically have the longest queues at the VOA counter. Da Nang is the third most common entry point for VOA travelers.
Who Can Get a Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
Almost all nationalities are eligible for Vietnam Visa on Arrival. Citizens of countries that qualify for visa-free entry do not need a VOA for short stays that fall within their exemption period. However, if a visa-exempt traveler wishes to stay longer than their allowed duration, they can apply for a VOA or eVisa instead.
Citizens of the following countries are exempt from visa requirements and typically do not need a VOA for short stays:
| Nationality | Visa-Free Duration |
|---|---|
| Belarus, Chile | Up to 90 days |
| UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway | Up to 45 days |
| Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan | Up to 30 days |
| Philippines | Up to 21 days |
| Brunei, Myanmar | Up to 14 days |
For US citizens, Australian citizens, Canadian citizens, Indian citizens, and travelers from most other countries not listed above, a visa is required. These travelers can choose between VOA, the eVisa, or an embassy visa.
How to Apply for Vietnam Visa on Arrival: Step-by-Step
The VOA process has two distinct phases: getting the approval letter online, and collecting the visa stamp at the airport.
Step 1: Apply for the Approval Letter Online
You cannot walk into a Vietnamese airport and get a visa without prior approval. You must first obtain a visa approval letter through a licensed visa agency that works with the Vietnam Immigration Department.
To apply, you provide:
- Full name exactly as it appears in your passport
- Date of birth and nationality
- Passport number and expiry date (must be valid for at least 6 months)
- Intended arrival date and airport of entry
- Visa type requested (1 month single, 1 month multiple, 3 months single, 3 months multiple)
The agency submits your information to the Immigration Department and, once approved, emails you the approval letter. A copy is also sent directly to the immigration counter at your arrival airport.
Standard processing takes 2 to 5 business days. Express and emergency services can deliver the letter in as little as 4 to 8 hours for an additional fee.
Step 2: Collect Your Visa at the Airport
When you land in Vietnam, follow these steps at the airport:
- Proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter (signs are posted in English)
- Submit your printed approval letter, completed entry and exit form, passport, and 1 or 2 passport photos (4×6 cm, white background, no glasses)
- Pay the stamping fee in cash (USD or VND)
- Wait 15 to 30 minutes for your visa to be stamped into your passport
- Proceed through immigration with your stamped passport
The entry and exit form is typically handed out on the airplane. You can also download it in advance from your visa agency.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival Fees in 2026
VOA costs consist of two separate fees: the stamping fee paid at the airport, and the service fee paid to the agency for processing your approval letter.
Stamping fee (paid at airport in cash):
| Visa Type | Stamping Fee |
|---|---|
| Single entry, 1 month | $25 USD |
| Multiple entry, 1 month | $50 USD |
| Single entry, 3 months | $25 USD |
| Multiple entry, 3 months | $50 USD |
| Multiple entry, 6 months | $95 USD |
| Multiple entry, 12 months | $135 USD |
The stamping fee must be paid in cash. US dollars are preferred, though Vietnamese dong is also accepted. Credit cards are not accepted at the VOA counter.
Agency service fee: This varies by provider, typically ranging from $6 to $50 USD depending on the visa type, processing speed, and the agency. Emergency processing (under 24 hours) costs more than standard 3 to 5 day processing.
For the most current eVisa pricing, see our Vietnam visa fees page.
VOA vs eVisa: Which Should You Choose?
Since the eVisa expanded to all nationalities in August 2023, many travelers now prefer it over VOA. Both are legitimate options, but they differ significantly in cost, convenience, and process.
| Feature | Visa on Arrival | eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| How to get it | Approval letter from agency + airport stamp | Apply online at evisa.gov.vn |
| Agency required | Yes | No |
| Processing time | 2-5 days (approval letter) + airport queue | 3 working days standard |
| Entry points | 8 airports only | 42 international checkpoints (airports, land, sea) |
| Total cost | $25-50 stamping + $6-50 service fee | $25 single / $50 multiple |
| Urgent option | Yes (4-8 hour express) | No |
| Land/sea entry | Not available | Available |
| Extension | May be extendable | Not extendable in-country |
Choose VOA if you need urgent processing (approval letter in hours), are arriving by air at one of the 8 supported airports, or prefer agency assistance with paperwork.
Choose the eVisa if you want the lowest cost, are entering by land or sea, prefer to handle the application yourself, or want entry flexibility at 42 checkpoints. See our eVisa application guide for a step-by-step walkthrough.
Documents Required for Visa on Arrival
You must bring the following documents to the VOA counter at the airport:
- Printed visa approval letter (digital copies on your phone are not accepted)
- Original passport with at least 6 months validity from your entry date and at least 2 blank pages
- 1 to 2 passport-sized photos (4×6 cm, white background, no glasses, taken within the last 6 months)
- Completed entry and exit form (available on the plane or from your agency)
- Cash for the stamping fee ($25 or $50 USD depending on visa type)
- Same passport used for the approval letter application (mandatory)
A common reason for delays at the VOA counter is arriving with a different passport than the one listed on the approval letter. If you renewed your passport after applying, you must obtain a new approval letter.
Processing Time for Vietnam Visa on Arrival
The VOA process has two separate timelines:
Approval letter processing:
– Standard: 2 to 5 business days
– Express: 1 to 2 business days
– Emergency: 4 to 8 hours
Airport stamping: 15 to 30 minutes after landing (can be longer during peak hours at Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City)
For a detailed comparison of all visa processing times, see our Vietnam visa processing time guide.
Peak periods to avoid if possible:
– Tet holiday (Lunar New Year): Government offices close for 7 to 9 days, no approval letters issued
– Summer months (June to August): Higher travel volume means longer airport queues
– National holidays: Vietnamese government offices are closed, delaying processing
Important Tips for Vietnam Visa on Arrival
Print your approval letter. Immigration officers at the airport require a physical printed copy. Showing the letter on your phone or tablet is not accepted at the VOA counter.
Carry exact cash. The VOA counter does not give change. Bring the exact amount in clean, crisp US dollar bills. Damaged or marked bills may be rejected.
Arrive prepared. Fill out the entry and exit form before reaching the counter. Having your photos, passport, and cash ready speeds up the process significantly.
Same passport rule. You must enter and exit Vietnam on the same passport listed on your approval letter. This applies to all Vietnam visa requirements.
Phu Quoc exemption. If you are flying directly to Phu Quoc Island from abroad and staying no more than 30 days on the island, you do not need any visa regardless of nationality. This exemption does not apply if you transit through another Vietnamese airport.
Check your nationality. Citizens of visa-exempt countries do not need a VOA for stays within their exemption period. Applying for a VOA when you are visa-exempt is unnecessary and wastes money.
FAQs About Vietnam Visa on Arrival
Is Vietnam Visa on Arrival legitimate?
Yes. Vietnam Visa on Arrival is an official visa program recognized by the Vietnamese government. The approval letter is issued by the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security. However, you must use a licensed visa agency to obtain the letter, as the Immigration Department does not accept direct applications from individual travelers for VOA.
Can I get Visa on Arrival at a land border crossing?
No. Vietnam Visa on Arrival is only available at 8 international airports. If you are entering Vietnam by land (from China, Laos, or Cambodia) or by sea (cruise ship), you must have an eVisa or an embassy-issued visa before arrival.
How much does Vietnam Visa on Arrival cost in total?
The total cost is the stamping fee ($25 to $50 USD depending on entry type) plus the agency service fee ($6 to $50 USD). For a single-entry 1-month visa, expect to pay $31 to $75 total. The stamping fee is paid in cash at the airport; the service fee is paid online to the agency when you apply.
How long does it take to get the approval letter?
Standard processing takes 2 to 5 business days. Express processing takes 1 to 2 business days. Emergency processing can deliver the letter in 4 to 8 hours for a higher fee. Apply at least 10 business days before departure to avoid rush charges.
Can I extend a Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
Tourist VOA visas may be extendable for an additional 1 to 3 months, depending on current immigration rules. Business VOA visas can typically be extended once with sponsorship from the same company. Contact a local immigration office in Vietnam for the latest extension rules, as policies change frequently.
Do I need photos for Visa on Arrival?
Yes. You need 1 to 2 passport-sized photos (4×6 cm) with a white background, no glasses, and a neutral facial expression. Some agencies include a digital photo in your approval letter package, but bringing physical photos is recommended in case the airport counter requires them.
What happens if I arrive without an approval letter?
You will be denied boarding by your airline or denied entry at the Vietnamese airport. Airlines check for valid visas or approval letters before allowing passengers to board flights to Vietnam. Without an approval letter, you cannot receive a VOA stamp.
Is Visa on Arrival better than eVisa?
For most travelers, the eVisa is cheaper and more convenient since it requires no agency and works at 42 entry points. VOA is better for urgent travel (express approval in hours), travelers who prefer agency assistance, and those entering through airports not covered by eVisa. Both are equally valid for entry into Vietnam.
Can US citizens get Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
Yes. US citizens are eligible for VOA and must have a visa to enter Vietnam (the US is not on the visa-exempt list). US citizens can also apply for the eVisa, which costs $25 single or $50 multiple entry. See our Vietnam visa for US citizens guide for detailed requirements.
Which airport is best for Visa on Arrival?
Da Nang Airport typically has shorter VOA queues than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. If your itinerary allows, arriving through Da Nang can save 15 to 30 minutes of waiting time at the visa counter compared to the two major hubs.
