For many travelers, obtaining a visa can be one of the most stressful parts of planning an international trip. Vietnam, a top tourist destination in Southeast Asia, offers various visa options at the airport.
What is a Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
A Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a type of visa that travelers can apply for online and then collect at one of Vietnam’s international airports upon landing. While this visa option offers flexibility and convenience, it requires prior preparation before departure.
It’s not a true “visa on arrival” in the sense that you can just show up at the airport and apply. Instead, travelers must first complete an online process, receive an approval letter, and present the necessary documents at the airport to receive the visa stamp.
There are several visa types available under the Visa on Arrival program:
– Tourist Visa: The most common type for travelers, available for 30 or 90-day stays, with single or multiple entries.
– Business Visa: Ideal for travelers visiting Vietnam for work, available for one month, three months, or longer, with single or multiple entries.
– Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Vietnam en route to another destination.
Which international airports in Vietnam offer a Visa on Arrival?
Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
As the largest airport in northern Vietnam, Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) serves as the primary entry point for travelers heading to the capital city, Hanoi. This airport is a major hub for international flights from Europe, Asia, and other regions. It is one of the busiest in the country, and many visitors choose this airport as their gateway to explore the cultural and historical sites of northern Vietnam.
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is the largest and busiest airport in Vietnam, handling millions of passengers each year. Located in Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s southern commercial hub, it is a key entry point for international travelers. The airport offers Visa on Arrival services for visitors who have completed the necessary steps before departure.
Da Nang International Airport (Da Nang)
Serving the central region of Vietnam, Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is a growing hub for international flights, particularly from other Asian countries. As a popular destination for tourists seeking beach resorts and cultural experiences, Da Nang has become a key entry point for travelers. The airport is fully equipped to handle Visa on Arrival requests, making it convenient for those exploring central Vietnam.
Cam Ranh International Airport (Nha Trang)
Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) is located near the coastal city of Nha Trang, a major tourist destination known for its beaches and resorts. Though smaller than the airports in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Cam Ranh has seen a rise in international traffic and is another airport offering Visa on Arrival services.
It’s important to note that the Visa on Arrival is not available at land border crossings, train stations, or seaports. Therefore, if you are traveling by land from neighboring countries such as Laos or Cambodia, you must obtain your visa beforehand. Similarly, travelers arriving by sea should also apply for a visa in advance, as the VOA is only applicable for air travelers arriving at the designated airports.
Application process for Visa on Arrival
Step 1: Apply for a Visa approval letter online
The first step in the Vietnam Visa on Arrival process is to apply for a visa approval letter through an authorized travel agency or visa service provider. These agencies are typically based in Vietnam and act as intermediaries between the traveler and the Vietnamese Immigration Department.
To apply for the approval letter, you will need to provide the following information:
– Full name as it appears in your passport
– Date of birth
– Nationality
– Passport number (valid for at least six months)
– Date of arrival and intended length of stay
– Type of visa (single-entry or multiple-entry)
The processing time for the approval letter is typically two to five business days, though expedited services are available for an additional fee. Once approved, the agency will send the visa approval letter to your email.
Step 2: Prepare the necessary documents
In addition to the visa approval letter, you will need to prepare the following documents for presentation at the airport:
– Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.
– Two passport-sized photos: The photos should be 4×6 cm and taken against a white background.
– Completed entry and exit form: This form is typically provided at the airport, but you can also download and complete it beforehand.
– Visa stamping fee: The stamping fee must be paid in cash (USD or VND) upon arrival. As of 2024, the fee is approximately $25 for a single-entry visa and $50 for a multiple-entry visa.
Step 3: Arriving at the airport
When you arrive at one of the designated international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Cam Ranh), proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter before heading to the immigration line. Here, you will submit your documents (approval letter, passport, photos, and entry/exit form) and pay the visa stamping fee.
In general, the Vietnam Visa on Arrival program offers a convenient option for travelers arriving at specific international airports in Vietnam. By following the steps outlined above and arriving at one of the designated airports, you can quickly obtain your Vietnam visa and begin exploring all that this beautiful country has to offer. Safe travels!
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