Vietnam Visa on Arrival Application, Eligibility, and Fees

Learn about the process of applying for a Vietnam visa on arrival, including eligibility criteria, required documents, processing time, and costs. Discover the advantages of this method over traditional visas, as well as tips for a successful application and frequently asked questions.

What is Vietnam visa on arrival?

Vietnam visa on arrival is a type of visa that allows travelers to obtain their visa upon arrival at Vietnam’s international airports. This process requires applying for a visa approval letter through a travel agency or visa service provider before departure. The visa approval letter is then presented at the visa on arrival counter upon arrival, along with the necessary documents and fees, to receive the actual visa stamp in the passport. This type of visa is only valid for air travel and must be obtained prior to arrival in Vietnam.

Eligibility criteria for Vietnam visa on arrival

The eligibility criteria for a Vietnam visa on arrival are as follows:

1. The traveler must be arriving in Vietnam via an international airport.

2. The traveler’s passport must have at least six months validity remaining from the date of entry into Vietnam.

3. The traveler must have a pre-approval letter for a visa on arrival issued by a Vietnamese travel agency or sponsor.

4. The traveler must fill out an application for a visa on arrival and pay the visa fee upon arrival at the airport.

5. The traveler must have a return ticket or an onward ticket to another country.

6. The purpose of the traveler’s visit must be tourism, business, or a family visit.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria for a Vietnam visa on arrival may change periodically, so it is recommended to check the latest requirements before applying for a visa.

How to apply for Vietnam visa on arrival?

To apply for a Vietnam visa on arrival, follow these steps:

1. Visit a trusted travel agency or visa service provider that offers visa on arrival services for Vietnam.
2. Fill out the online visa application form provided by the agency or service.
3. Provide all necessary information and documents, which may include passport details, travel itinerary, and a passport photo.
4. Pay the visa processing fee. The fee will vary depending on the length of your stay and the type of visa you are applying for.
5. Wait for the visa approval letter to be issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department, which usually takes 2-3 business days.
6. When you receive the approval letter via email, print it out and prepare two passport-sized photos, your passport, and the stamping fee (paid in cash upon arrival at the airport).
7. Upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports, proceed to the visa on arrival counter, present your approval letter, passport, photos, and stamping fee to the immigration officer, and get your visa stamped into your passport.

Note that visa on arrival is only available for air travelers entering Vietnam through one of the country’s international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Nha Trang).

Documents required for Vietnam visa on arrival application

The documents required for a Vietnam visa on arrival application are:

1. Passport: A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry to Vietnam.

2. Visa Approval Letter: A letter that verifies your visa has been approved by the Vietnam Immigration Department. This letter is obtained through a travel agency or visa service provider.

3. Two passport-sized photos: These should be taken within the last six months and should meet the visa application requirements.

4. Entry and exit form: This form will be provided along with your visa approval letter, and must be filled out and signed before arrival in Vietnam.

Note: Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of your visit (e.g., business visa, tourist visa, etc.). It is recommended to check with the visa service provider for specific requirements.

Processing time for Vietnam visa on arrival

The processing time for a Vietnam visa on arrival typically takes 2-3 business days. However, expedited processing options such as urgent (1 business day) and super-urgent (4 hours) are also available for an additional fee. It’s important to note that the processing time may vary depending on the volume of visa applications and national holidays in Vietnam.

Cost of Vietnam visa on arrival

The cost of a Vietnam visa on arrival varies depending on the type and length of the visa, as well as the number of entries. Generally, a single-entry visa for one month can cost around $25-50 USD, while a multiple-entry visa for three months can cost around $50-100 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees for processing and stamping upon arrival. It is recommended to check with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate or a reputable visa service provider for the most up-to-date and accurate information on visa costs.

Advantages of Vietnam visa on arrival over traditional visa

Vietnam visa on arrival has several advantages over traditional visas, including:

1. Convenience: The process of obtaining a Vietnam visa on arrival is more convenient than traditional visas as it can be done online from anywhere in the world, without the need to visit an embassy or consulate.

2. Time-saving: The processing time for a Vietnam visa on arrival is usually faster than traditional visas, with most applications processed within 2-3 working days.

3. Cost-effective: Vietnam visa on arrival is generally cheaper than traditional visas due to lower processing fees and no additional costs associated with travel to embassies or consulates.

4. Flexibility: With a Vietnam visa on arrival, travelers have more flexibility in terms of their travel plans, as they can apply for the visa at any time and change their itinerary as needed.

5. No passport submission: Unlike traditional visas, travelers do not need to submit their passports during the application process for a Vietnam visa on arrival, which eliminates the risk of losing or damaging their passport during transit.

Overall, Vietnam visa on arrival provides an easier, faster, and more cost-effective way for travelers to obtain a visa compared to traditional visas.

Common issues faced during Vietnam visa on arrival application

Common issues faced during Vietnam visa on arrival application include:

1. Incomplete or inaccurate information provided in the application form.
2. Insufficient validity period of passport (should be at least 6 months from the date of entry).
3. Failure to pay the visa processing fee.
4. Choosing the wrong visa category or type.
5. Lack of a pre-approval letter issued by the Vietnamese Immigration Department.
6. Arrival at the wrong airport, as visa on arrival is only available at certain airports in Vietnam.
7. Failure to present the required documents, such as the pre-approval letter and passport photos, upon arrival.

To avoid these common issues, it is recommended to carefully review the visa requirements and application process before applying for a Vietnam visa on arrival. It is also important to ensure that all required information and documents are provided accurately and completely.

Tips for a successful Vietnam visa on arrival application

Here are some tips for a successful Vietnam visa on arrival application:

1. Prepare all necessary documents: You will need your passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a recent passport-sized photo, and the visa approval letter from a reputable travel agency.

2. Choose a legitimate travel agency: Make sure to choose a reputable travel agency that has experience in providing visa on arrival services. You can check reviews and recommendations online before making your selection.

3. Fill out the application correctly: Be sure to fill out the application form accurately and completely. Any mistakes or omissions can cause delays or even rejection of your application.

4. Pay attention to processing times: Processing times for visa on arrival applications can vary, so make sure to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates. It’s also a good idea to confirm the expected processing time with your chosen travel agency.

5. Know your entry and exit dates: When applying for a Vietnam visa on arrival, you will need to know your exact entry and exit dates. Make sure to plan your travel itinerary carefully and include any side trips or extensions in your application.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of a successful Vietnam visa on arrival application and enjoy a smooth entry into the country.

FAQs about Vietnam visa on arrival

FAQs about Vietnam visa on arrival:

1. What is a Vietnam visa on arrival? A Vietnam visa on arrival is a document issued by the Vietnamese Immigration Department that allows foreigners to enter and stay in Vietnam for a designated period of time.

2. Who is eligible for a Vietnam visa on arrival? All foreign passport holders are eligible to apply for a Vietnam visa on arrival, except for citizens of countries that are exempt from visa requirements.

3. How do I apply for a Vietnam visa on arrival? You can apply online through a travel agency or a visa service provider. You will need to fill out an application form and submit it along with your passport details, itinerary, and payment.

4. How long does it take to process a Vietnam visa on arrival? It typically takes 2-3 business days to process a Vietnam visa on arrival, although expedited processing options are available for an additional fee.

5. What documents do I need to present upon arrival in Vietnam with a visa on arrival? Upon arrival, you will need to present your original passport, the approval letter for your visa on arrival (which you received via email), two passport-sized photos, and the stamping fee.

6. Can I extend my Vietnam visa on arrival? Yes, it is possible to extend your Vietnam visa on arrival. You should contact the nearest Immigration Office for more information on extension procedures and fees.

7. Can I use a Vietnam visa on arrival to enter Vietnam by land or sea? No, a Vietnam visa on arrival can only be used for air entry into Vietnam. If you plan to enter by land or sea, you will need to apply for a visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in advance.