Visa On Arrival Vietnam 2024 Everything You Need To Know

If you’re considering traveling to Vietnam in 2024, you might be curious about the visa prerequisites. Fortunately, obtaining a visa to go to Vietnam is quite simple, thanks to the possibility of getting a visa upon arrival (VOA). This post will provide you with all the necessary information on the VOA procedure, such as who is qualified, how to apply, the costs involved, and other important details.

Who Can Apply For Visa On Arrival In Vietnam?

Vietnam provides a visa on arrival service to tourists traveling from different parts of the world. However, not all nationalities qualify for this service. At present, citizens belonging to 80 countries are eligible for VOA, which includes nations like the United States, Canada, Australia, and most European countries. Nonetheless, it is advisable to verify your eligibility status by checking Vietnam’s immigration department’s official website before applying.

What Is Visa On Arrival And How Does It Work?

Visa on arrival is a convenient way to obtain a visa to visit Vietnam without having to visit an embassy or consulate. Instead, you can apply online and receive your visa upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports. The process is straightforward and consists of four simple steps:

1. Fill out the online application form
2. Make payment for the processing fee
3. Receive the visa approval letter via email
4. Present the approval letter and other required documents upon arrival at the airport

Once you arrive in Vietnam, you will need to present the visa approval letter, completed entry-exit form, two passport photos, and pay the stamping fee to get your visa stamped onto your passport.

When Should You Apply For Visa On Arrival In Vietnam?

You should apply for a visa on arrival at least 2-3 weeks before your intended travel date. This gives enough time to process your application and receive the visa approval letter. It’s important to note that the visa on arrival is only valid for air travel, as it’s issued at Vietnam’s international airports. If you plan to enter Vietnam by land or sea, you’ll need to apply for a different type of visa.

How To Apply For Visa On Arrival In Vietnam?

Applying for a visa on arrival in Vietnam is a simple process that can be completed online. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Visit the official website of a reputable visa agency
2. Fill out the online application form with your personal information and travel details
3. Make payment for the processing fee
4. Receive the visa approval letter via email within 2-3 business days

It’s important to ensure that all the information provided during the application process is accurate and matches your passport information. Any discrepancies could result in delays or even rejection of your application.

Pros And Cons Of Applying For Visa On Arrival In Vietnam

Like any visa application process, there are pros and cons to using the VOA method when visiting Vietnam.

Pros:

• Convenience: You don’t need to visit an embassy or consulate to apply for a visa
• Time-saving: The application process takes only a few minutes to complete, and you can receive your visa approval letter within a couple of days
• Cost-effective: Fees for visa on arrival (VOA) are generally cheaper than fees at embassies or consulates abroad.
• Flexibility: You have more time to make travel plans without worrying about the visa application process

Cons:

• Uncertainty: There is no guarantee of getting a visa on arrival. You might get rejected upon arrival if you fail to provide the required documents or have an invalid passport
• Limited entry points: Visa on arrival is only valid for entry into Vietnam via international airports, not for land or seaports.
• No possibility of extension: If you want to stay longer after your visa expires, you’ll need to apply for a new visa

Alternatives To Visa On Arrival In Vietnam

If you are not eligible for the VOA or prefer another method, there are several alternatives to consider:

1. Applying for a visa at the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country.
2. Applying for an E-visa online through the official website of Vietnam’s immigration department.
3. Applying for a multiple-entry visa if you plan to travel between Vietnam and neighboring countries frequently.

Step By Step Guide To Apply For Visa On Arrival In Vietnam

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a visa on arrival (VOA) in Vietnam:

1. Visit a reputable visa agency website and fill out the application form with your personal information and travel details.
2. Make payment for the processing fee via credit card, debit card, or PayPal.
3. Receive an email with the visa approval letter within 2-3 business days.
4. Print the visa approval letter and prepare other required documents such as a passport, two passport-size photos, and the completed entry-exit form.
5. Upon arrival at one of Vietnam ‘s international airports, present the visa approval letter and other documents to immigration officers.
6. Pay the stamping fee in cash (USD or VND) to get your visa stamped onto your passport.

Compare Visa On Arrival And E-visa

Vietnam offers two types of online visa applications: visa on arrival (VOA) and e-visa. Here’s a comparison between the two options:

Visa On Arrival

• Available for air travel only
• Application process takes 2-3 business days
• Issued upon arrival at Vietnam’s international airports
• Valid for up to 90 days with single or multiple entries
• Requires a visa approval letter and stamping fee upon arrival

E-Visa

• Available for air, land, and sea travel
• Application process takes 3-5 business days
• Issued electronically via email
• Valid for up to 30 days with single entry
• No additional fees required upon arrival

When choosing between the VOA and e-visa, consider your travel plans, length of stay, and preferred mode of transportation.

Tips For A Smooth Experience With Visa On Arrival In Vietnam

Here are some tips to ensure a smooth experience when applying for a visa on arrival (VOA) in Vietnam:

1. Apply online through a reputable visa agency
2. Double-check all information provided during the application process
3. Bring enough cash (USD or VND) to pay the stamping fee upon arrival
4. Have a printed copy of the visa approval letter and other required documents
5. Arrive at the airport early to avoid long queues and potential delays

By following these tips, you can avoid any unnecessary stress or complications during the visa application process.

Tips for applying for an Immediate Visa On Arrival in Vietnam 2024

Here are some tips for applying for an immediate visa on arrival in Vietnam:

1. Apply early. The processing time for an immediate visa on arrival is typically 2-4 working hours, but it can be longer during peak travel times. It is best to apply at least 2 days in advance, but earlier is always better.

2. Use a reputable visa agency. Many companies offer visa-on-arrival services, but not all of them are created equal. Be sure to choose a reputable company with a good track record. You can read online reviews or ask for recommendations from friends and family.

3. Make sure you have all the required documents. The required documents for a visa on arrival include:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining
• Two passport-sized photos
• A completed visa application form
• An approval letter from a Vietnamese visa agency

4. Pay the visa fee. The visa fee for an immediate visa on arrival is typically $25-$45, depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. You can usually pay the fee online or at the airport upon arrival.

5. Have your documents ready when you arrive at the airport. When you arrive at the airport, you will need to present your passport, visa approval letter, and payment receipt to the immigration officer. It is a good idea to have all of these documents ready and organized before you arrive at the airport to avoid any delays.

Here are some additional tips to help you get your immediate visa on arrival in Vietnam as quickly as possible:

• Apply during off-peak hours. The busiest times for visa on arrival processing are typically early in the morning and late in the evening. If possible, try to apply during the middle of the day or on a weekday to avoid long lines.
• Use the fast-track visa on arrival counter. Some airports in Vietnam have a fast-track visa on arrival counter for travelers who have pre-approved visas. If you are eligible for the fast-track counter, be sure to use it to save time.
• Be prepared to pay a higher fee. Immediate visa on arrival processing typically costs more than regular visa on arrival processing. If you need your visa quickly, be prepared to pay the higher fee.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visa On Arrival in Vietnam

1. What is a Visa on Arrival (VOA)?

A Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to obtain a visa upon arrival at a designated port of entry in Vietnam. This eliminates the need to apply for a visa in advance at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

2. Which countries are eligible for VOA?

Currently, citizens of 80 countries are eligible for VOA in Vietnam. These countries include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei, and many others.

3. What are the requirements for VOA?

To obtain a VOA, you must meet the following requirements:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry into Vietnam.
• A completed VOA application form.
• Two recent passport-size photographs.
• A visa fee (varies depending on the nationality).

4. How to apply for VOA?

To apply for VOA, you can follow these steps:

• Check if your country is eligible for VOA.
• Prepare the required documents.
• Fill out the VOA application form online or at the port of entry.
• Submit the application form and the required documents to the immigration officer at the port of entry.
• Pay the visa fee.

5. How long does it take to process a VOA?

The processing time for a VOA is typically 1-2 working days. However, it may take longer during peak seasons or public holidays.

6. How long is a VOA valid for?

The validity of a VOA depends on the type of visa you apply for. There are three types of VOA:

• Single-entry visa: This type of visa allows you to enter Vietnam only once.
• Multiple-entry visa: This type of visa allows you to enter Vietnam multiple times within a specified period of time.
• Business visa: This type of visa is предназначено for business travelers and allows them to stay in Vietnam for an extended period of time.

7. Can I extend my VOA?

Yes, you can extend your VOA if you need to stay in Vietnam longer than the validity of your original visa. To do so, you must apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Vietnam.

8. What are the fees for VOA?

The VOA fee varies depending on the nationality of the applicant and the type of visa. The fee ranges from US$25 to US$100.

9. Where can I get a VOA?

You can obtain a VOA at any of the following ports of entry in Vietnam:

• Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
• Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
• Da Nang International Airport
• Cam Ranh International Airport
• Hai Phong International Airport
• Phu Quoc International Airport

10. What if I am denied a VOA?

If you are denied a VOA, you will be required to leave Vietnam immediately. You will not be allowed to enter the country until you have obtained a visa from a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.