Do you have relatives, business partners, or foreign travelers coming to Vietnam who heard that they can "get a visa on arrival at the airport"? This option definitely exists, but many people misunderstand that they can simply walk up to the counter and be issued a visa. In reality, Vietnam visa on arrival (visa at the border gate) only applies to specific cases and strictly requires an entry approval letter prior to boarding your flight.
This article provides a comprehensive guide on: who is eligible for a visa on arrival, the required documents and fees, the 5-step procedure at the counter, airports offering on-site visa issuance, and when you should opt for an electronic visa (e-visa) or visa exemption for a faster and more economical experience.
Quick Summary
- Visa on arrival cannot simply be requested upon landing: you must have an entry approval letter pre-approved by the Vietnam Immigration Department.
- Visa stamping fee: 25 USD (single entry) or 50 USD (multiple entry, up to 90 days), payable in cash at the counter.
- Required documents to bring: a passport valid for at least 6 months, a printed copy of the entry approval letter, a completed Form NA1, and 2 passport photos (4x6 cm).
- Most travelers should choose an e-visa (up to 90 days) or check whether they qualify for a visa exemption.
What is a Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
A visa on arrival is a type of visa that immigration officers affix or stamp directly into your passport at an international airport checkpoint upon arrival in Vietnam, rather than being obtained in advance at an Embassy or Consulate.
The key point is: foreign nationals must be pre-approved by the Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security) through a sponsoring agency, organization, enterprise, or individual in Vietnam. This official approval document is commonly known as an entry approval letter. Without this letter, airlines may deny boarding, and even if you arrive in Vietnam, you will not be granted a visa.
Who is Eligible for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
According to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (Law No. 47/2014/QH13 as amended and supplemented), visas at international border gates are only considered for issuance if foreign nationals fall under one of the following 6 cases:
- Departing from a country without a Vietnamese diplomatic mission (Embassy, Consulate).
- Having to transit through multiple countries before arriving in Vietnam.
- Entering Vietnam to tour on a program organized by an international tour operator in Vietnam.
- Foreign crew members on board vessels anchored at Vietnamese sea ports who wish to exit through another border gate.
- Entering Vietnam to attend a relative's funeral or visit a critically ill relative.
- Entering Vietnam to participate in emergency incident response, search and rescue, natural disaster relief, epidemic prevention and control, or for other special reasons upon request by competent authorities.
In other words, visa on arrival is a channel reserved for specific or emergency circumstances, not a general visa application method for all travelers.
Application Documents for a Visa on Arrival
Phase 1: Applying for the Entry Approval Letter (Before Your Flight)
- A photo/scan of the passport biographical page; the passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
- Flight details: entry date and arrival airport checkpoint.
- Purpose of entry and information on the sponsoring agency, organization, or individual in Vietnam.
- The sponsoring agency or organization submits the application dossier (Form NA2 for agencies/organizations) to the Vietnam Immigration Department. Processing time is typically 3–5 business days; expedited processing services are available at an additional fee.
Phase 2: Required Documents to Bring on Your Flight to Vietnam
- Original passport valid for at least 6 months with blank pages remaining.
- Printed visa approval letter (color printing is recommended; bring 2 copies).
Visa Stamping Fees at Vietnam Airports
The visa fee is regulated by the Ministry of Finance and paid directly at the airport visa counter (see the complete Vietnam visa fee schedule):
| Visa Type | Validity | Stamping Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Single entry | Up to 90 days | 25 USD |
| Multiple entry | Up to 90 days | 50 USD |
This is only the official government fee. The service fee for obtaining the visa approval letter (if using an agency) is a separate charge, depending on the provider and the level of urgency. Many visa counters accept cash only, so make sure your clients don't have to look for an ATM right after landing.
Visa on Arrival Procedure: 5 Steps
- Disembark the plane and proceed directly to the "Visa on Arrival" / "Landing Visa" counter located before the immigration control area. Do not queue at immigration first.
- Submit your documents: original passport, visa approval letter, completed Form NA1, and 4x6 cm photos.
- Wait for your name to be called and pay the visa stamping fee in cash.
- Receive your passport back with the visa stamp, carefully checking your full name, passport number, and visa expiration date.
- Proceed through immigration control to receive your entry stamp, collect your baggage, and exit.
During peak hours, waiting times at the visa counter at Noi Bai or Tan Son Nhat can range from 30–60 minutes. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer or have someone picking you up, let them know in advance so they can adjust their schedule accordingly.
Notice on pre-arrival declaration: Starting April 15, 2026, foreign passengers entering through Tan Son Nhat Airport are required to complete an online declaration in advance and present a QR code at the checkpoint. Please check the latest guidelines from your arrival airport before your departure date.
International Airports Issuing Visa on Arrival
The visa approval letter explicitly states the arrival airport where you will receive your visa, so passengers must fly to the exact airport registered. Major international airports with visa-issuing counters include:
| Airport | City / Destination |
|---|
Comparison between Visa on Arrival, E-visa, and Visa Exemption
| Criteria | Visa on Arrival | E-visa | Visa Exemption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | 6 specific cases as prescribed by law | Citizens of all countries and territories | Citizens of countries on the visa exemption list |
| Pre-travel requirements | Entry approval letter via a sponsoring entity | Self-applied online, approximately 3 working days | None |
| Duration of stay | According to the approval letter, up to 90 days | Up to 90 days | 14–45 days depending on the country |
| Government fee | 25/50 USD cash at the counter | 25/50 USD paid online | Free |
| Queuing at the airport | Yes, at the visa counter | No | No |
Countries with Vietnam visa exemption
- 45 days: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belarus.
- 45 days (tourism purposes) for 12 European countries under Resolution 229/NQ-CP, from August 15, 2025, to August 14, 2028: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland.
- 14–30 days for ASEAN countries under bilateral agreements: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia (30 days); the Philippines (21 days); Brunei, Myanmar (14 days).
- Foreigners arriving in Phu Quoc are eligible for a visa exemption of up to 30 days if they meet the specified conditions.
This list is subject to change based on new Government resolutions, so always double-check closer to your flight date.
When should you choose an electronic visa (e-visa)?
For most independent travelers, business visitors, or people visiting relatives, an e-visa is the fastest and most economical option: apply on the official Ministry of Public Security portal at evisa.gov.vn, usable at most air, land, and sea border gates without having to wait in line for a visa stamp. If travelers are hesitant about filling out the form themselves in Vietnamese/English, they can consult the Vietnam e-visa application service for foreigners.
Are you a foreign tourist visiting Vietnam soon? Post a free tour guide request to be greeted at the airport by someone who speaks your language and will accompany you throughout your trip.
Common mistakes when applying for a visa on arrival at the airport
- Thinking that just showing up at the airport is enough to get a visa. Without a pre-arranged entry approval letter, the visa will not be granted.
- Having a passport with less than 6 months of validity remaining, the most common mistake that leads travelers to be turned away right at the check-in counter.
- Information on the approval letter not matching the passport (misspelled names, incorrect date of birth, passport number).
- Flying into a different airport from the one stated on the approval letter.
- Not bringing USD cash to pay the visa stamping fee.
- Using fake e-visa websites that mimic the look of the official portal but charge several times higher fees.
- Overstaying the visa. Foreigners overstaying by 16–30 days may be fined 5–10 million VND; the longer the overstay, the higher the penalty. If you need to stay longer, process an extension before your visa expires.
Frequently asked questions about visa on arrival at the airport
Is visa on arrival granted for independent travel?
Independent travel generally does not fall under the eligible categories for a visa on arrival. Independent travelers should apply for an electronic visa (e-visa) or check if they qualify for a visa exemption.
How long does it take to obtain an entry approval letter?
It typically takes 3–5 working days, with urgent services available depending on the sponsoring entity. You should arrange it at least 1 week before your departure date. If you need it more urgently, refer to the options for urgent Vietnam visas.
Can the visa stamping fee be paid by card?
Many counters only accept USD cash; please prepare in advance to avoid wasting time.
Do children need their own visa?
Yes. Children holding their own passports must be named in the visa approval letter and issued a separate visa stamp; children sharing a passport with their parents must be clearly declared in the application dossier.
Can a visa on arrival be extended?
An extension or the issuance of a new visa may be considered within Vietnam through a sponsoring agency, organization, or individual, depending on the purpose of stay.
Airport Pickup and Travel Companionship
After completing visa procedures, what international travelers need most is someone to welcome them upon arrival, speak their language, and understand the local culture. On Huongdanviendulich.vn, you can:
- Post a tour guide request for free: airport pickup, sightseeing guidance, and business or conference interpretation. See more in the tour guide directory.
- Hire tour guides by city: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Need a private interpreter: English interpreter, Korean, Japanese, Chinese.
- Airport transfers or submit a car rental request to receive multiple quotes from transport providers.
- Post a tour request tailored to your desired itinerary, or explore existing city tours.
Thorough visa preparation, paired with a reliable tour guide waiting right at the arrivals gate, will ensure travelers enjoy a smooth start from the very moment they set foot in Vietnam.
This information is for reference only, compiled according to current regulations. Visa policies are subject to change; please verify with immigration authorities or your sponsoring organization prior to your trip.
