Visa on Arrival Procedure at Vietnam Airports: All You Need to Know
This post will explain the Visa on Arrival process at Vietnam airports, including the costs, required paperwork, and how to obtain a visa at major airports such as Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi.
What is a Vietnam Visa On Arrival?
A Vietnam Visa On Arrival (VOA) is a convenient way for travelers to obtain a visa upon landing at one of Vietnam's international airports. You can obtain a pre-approval letter through online application rather than seeking a visa at a Vietnamese embassy prior to your trip. At Vietnam's airport you show the provided letter that grants the police to stamp your visa onto your passport.
The VOA system functions under valid authorization from the Vietnamese Immigration Department. Travelers can access this service exclusively at particular international airports that operate within the Vietnamese territory.
Visa On Arrival Documents Needed
The Visa on Arrival procedure at Vietnam airports requires specific documents which you must possess during the application process. Every applicant must carry these items to visit the Vietnam airports:
- Visa Approval Letter: The official letter reaches your possession after finishing the online application process. The same Visa on Arrival letter should be printed alongside your other travel items.
- Passport: Your passport requires six months validity when you plan to enter Vietnam.
- Passport-sized Photo: Preparation of your passport application requires one picture in the standard passport dimension with the necessary specifications.
- Visa Stamp Fee: Your required payment for the stamp fee depends on whether your visa type is for tourism or business combined with the period of your stay. You must pay the stamp fee before entering Vietnam through airport checkpoints.
- Completed Entry/Exit Form: At the airport, you can find the Entry/Exit form, which requires your completion upon your arrival.
You should proceed to the visa counter at the airport for processing after you have this information on hand.
Get Visa at Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi)
Upon arriving at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, follow the signs to the “Nơi cấp thị thực – Visa upon arrival”, located in the immigration hall. Here’s what you need to do:
- Submit your documents:
- Your original passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Printed Visa Approval Letter
- Completed Visa Application Form (Form N1) with your photo
- 2 passport-sized photos (4x6 cm)
- Wait for processing: The officer will review your documents, and you may need to wait until your name is called or your passport is raised.
- Head to the officer for payment of visa stamping fees after receiving your name call using either USD or VND currency. You need to pay $25 for a single-entry visa, while a multiple-entry visa costs $50.
- The officer will provide your passport back to you after payment including the visa stamp. Verify the visa information on your document contains no incorrect details.
- Go to the Foreigners Passport Control Counter to get the immigration stamp only after confirming your visa status.
That’s it! You’ve now completed your Visa on Arrival at Noi Bai Airport.
Get Visa at Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
For travelers arriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, follow these simple steps to get your Visa on Arrival:
- Head to the “Nơi cấp thị thực – Visa upon arrival” counter: Located on the left side as you enter the immigration hall.
- Submit your documents:
- Your passport
- Visa Approval Letter (printed out)
- Completed Visa Application Form (Form N1)
- 2 passport-sized photos (4x6 cm)
- Once your documents are submitted, wait for your name to be called or your passport to be raised.
- Once your name is announced proceed to the officer who will accept your payment using cash and Financial United States Dollar or Vietnamese Dong before returning your passport with the new visa stamp.
- Before approaching Immigration Control, verify that all information on your visa matches correctly. Notify the reception immediately after detecting any mistakes.
- The Immigration Control is ready for you to enter Ho Chi Minh City after finishing these procedures. Moving through the immigration checkpoints follows a simple rapid route.
After completing these steps, you’re all set to move through the Immigration Control and enter Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a smooth and quick process!
Get Visa at Da Nang Airport (Da Nang City)
Visitors can acquire their Visa at Da Nang International Airport following this procedure.
- Follow the signs to the “Nơi cấp thị thực – Visa upon arrival”, which is clearly marked.
- Submit your documents:
- Original passport
- Printed Visa Approval Letter
- Completed Visa Application Form (Form N1)
- Passport-sized photo (4x6 cm)
- Wait for processing: After submitting your documents, take a seat and wait for a few minutes.
- Pay the visa fee: When called, go to the cashier (near the Visa counter) to pay your stamping fee in cash (USD is recommended).
- After payment, your passport will be returned with the visa stamp.
- Once you have your visa, head to the Passport Control to complete your entry.
The complete operation at Da Nang Airport takes 15-20 minutes duration which ranks them among the fastest entry points.
Get Visa at Other Airports
The Visa on Arrival procedure remains easy at all additional international airports:
- Cam Ranh International Airport - CXR.
- Phu Quoc International Airport - PQC.
- Can Tho International Airport - VCA.
- Cat Bi International Airport - HPH
The Visa on Arrival procedure remains easy at all additional international airports such as Cam Ranh (CXR), Phu Quoc (PQC), Can Tho (VCA), and Cat Bi (HPH) in Vietnam.
You should locate the Visa on Arrival counter by following the airport signage.
- Submit your documents:
- Passport
- Visa Approval Letter
- Completed Visa Application Form (Form N1)
- Passport-sized photo (4x6 cm)
- Similar to other airports, wait for the officer to process your documents.
- Proceed to pay the visa fee at the cashier after your name is called.
- After payment, you’ll get your passport back with the visa stamp
The Visa on Arrival procedure at these airports usually takes around 15-30 minutes, depending on the number of passengers. However, if you'd like to save time and avoid the queues, you can also opt for the Airport Arrival Fast-track Service or rely on a third-party agency like Seniworld. We can assist you in streamlining the procedure, guaranteeing a more rapid and trouble-free experience while providing an affordable option. With our effective services, let us help you save time!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to process a Visa on Arrival at the airport?
The Visa on Arrival procedure at Vietnam airports usually takes 15-30 minutes. However, during busy travel seasons, it may take longer, so be prepared to wait a bit.
Can I get a Visa on Arrival if I’m entering by land or sea?
No, Visa on Arrival is only available for travelers entering Vietnam by air. If you’re traveling by land or sea, you must apply for a visa in advance.
What is the visa approval letter, and how do I get one?
The Visa Approval Letter is a letter you receive after applying online through a licensed agency. It’s essential for the Visa on Arrival procedure at Vietnam airports and must be presented at the airport along with your passport and other required documents.
Can I pay the visa fee with a credit card?
Generally, Visa on Arrival fees are paid in cash (USD or VND), so make sure you have the exact amount ready. Some airports may accept cards, but it’s always best to have cash on hand.
Conclusion
Knowing the Vietnam Airport Arrival Visa Process provides a quick and easy way to get permission to enter the country. With the right paperwork, all airports in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and other cities like Da Nang and Phu Quoc offer visa on arrival. The process can go even more quickly if you work with a third-party agency like Seniworld. Through our assistance, we can help you speed up approval, saving time and offering competitive rates. All you need to do to begin exploring Vietnam is to obtain your Visa Approval Letter online. Safe travels!