How to Get a Vietnam Visa Sticker on Your Passport: Embassy Visa vs. Visa on Arrival

Are you planning to visit Vietnam and would like to get a Vietnam visa sticker in your passport instead of Vietnam evisa?

Depending on your nationality, visa eligibility, travel plans, and the purpose of your visit, you may be able to obtain a visa through a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate or use Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA), if you qualify.

In this guide, we, Vietnamvisavoa’s visa experts explain how each option works, the documents you may need, its advantages and disadvantages, and the questions travelers frequently ask.

Option 1: Get a Vietnam Visa Sticker at a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate

What Is a Vietnam Embassy Visa?

A Vietnam Embassy visa is a visa issued through a Vietnamese Embassy, Consulate, or another Vietnamese visa-issuing mission authorized to handle your application abroad. This option suits travelers who prefer to obtain a physical visa in their passport before travelling.

However, requirements are not identical worldwide. The Vietnamese mission responsible for your application determines the applicable submission procedure and document requirements. Below we would mention common procedure for your reference:

Procedure: How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa at an Embassy

Step 1: Contact the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate

Find the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate responsible for your country or place of residence. Check its official website or contact its consular section to confirm whether it accepts applications from your nationality and whether your intended visa type can be issued.

Ask about appointment requirements, application methods, processing times, fees, and whether an approval letter or sponsorship is necessary for your case.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

The documents commonly requested may include:

• An original passport that meets the applicable validity requirements.

• A completed Vietnam visa application form.

• Recent passport-sized photographs that meet the embassy's specifications.

• A visa approval letter (officially issued by Vietnam Immigration), if required for your application.

• Supporting documents related to your travel purpose, accommodation, invitation, or sponsorship, where applicable.

• Payment mode and service fees.

Note: Always follow the checklist provided by the relevant Vietnamese mission rather than relying on a general list found online. Some applicants may need additional documents depending on their nationality, visa category.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Submit your application according to the embassy's instructions. Some Embassies may require an in-person appointment, while others may accept applications through a designated service provider or by post.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

Processing times vary by embassy, visa category, and individual circumstances. Additional checks or missing documents may delay your application.

It is advisable to apply well before your intended departure date. Do not book non-refundable travel arrangements on the assumption that your visa will be approved by a particular date.

For those who need to submit Vietnam visa approval letter. First, they need to find Vietnam visa agency to work with, get ready for this document might take 7-10 working days.

Step 5: Receive Your Passport with your visa sticker

Once your Vietnam visa application is approved, follow the embassy's instructions for collecting or receiving your passport.

Before leaving the Embassy, carefully check the visa information, including your name, passport number, visa validity dates, number of permitted entries, and permitted duration of stay. Contact the issuing authority promptly if you notice any errors.

Pros of Applying at a Vietnamese Embassy

1. Obtain your physical visa before departure

You can complete the applicable visa-issuance process before traveling, reducing uncertainty about whether you have received the required visa documentation in advance.

2. Suitable for certain specific cases

Some visa categories or personal circumstances may require processing through a Vietnamese diplomatic mission or an inviting or sponsoring organization.

3. Greater Flexibility in Your Entry Route

With a Vietnam visa sticker on your passport, you can choose to enter Vietnam by land, by sea or by air.

Cons of getting visa through Embassy

• Potentially more paperwork: You may need to complete forms, provide supporting documents, or arrange an appointment.

• Travel or courier costs: Depending on the location, you may need to visit the embassy or arrange passport delivery.

• Variable processing time: Procedures and waiting periods differ between missions.

• Less convenient if you live far away: Applicants in countries without an accessible Vietnamese diplomatic mission may face additional logistical challenges.

Important Notes

Embassy procedures and requirements may vary between countries. A document accepted by one Vietnamese Embassy may not be sufficient for another.

Always confirm the latest requirements directly with the relevant embassy or consulate before submitting your application.

Option 2: Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)

What Is Vietnam Visa on Arrival?

Vietnam Visa on Arrival is a visa-issuance option in which a visa sticker will be placed in the passport under the condition that they get Vietnam visa approval letter granted by Vietnam Immigration prior to their trip to Vietnam.

Unlike an embassy-issued visa sticker obtained before departure, the traveler only receives the visa at the airport after arrival, subject to the applicable requirements and approval.

Important: Vietnam Visa on Arrival is not simply a visa that you can request when you land without preparation. Do not board your flight without having a granted Vietnam visa approval letter in your hands.

Procedure: How to Get a Vietnam Visa on Arrival

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility and Travel Arrangements

Before applying, confirm that VOA is available for your circumstances and that your intended arrival point supports the relevant visa-collection procedure.

This option is generally associated with international air travel. Do not assume that an approval letter for airport visa collection can be used at a land border or seaport.

Step 2: Prepare Your Information and Documents

An application commonly requires information from your passport and travel plans, such as:

• Your full name exactly as shown in your passport.

• Nationality, date of birth, and passport details.

• Intended arrival date and port of entry.

• Requested visa validity and number of entries.

• Other information or supporting documents required for your particular application.

Additional requirements may apply depending on nationality, visa category, and the approval procedure. Check it personally with Vietnam visa agency for updates.

Step 3: Obtain the Required Visa Approval

Apply through an appropriate agency or sponsoring organization that can arrange the required approval under the applicable Vietnamese immigration procedure.

Review all submitted information carefully. Incorrect passport details, dates, or entry information can cause problems during travel.

Wait until the required approval has been issued and verify that it matches your intended travel arrangements.

Step 4: Prepare for Your Flight

Before departure, prepare the documents specified in your approval instructions. These normally includes your passport, arrival form, a printed photograph, a completed visa form, and stamping fee in cash ($25 US or $50 US for single/multiple entry respectively)

Step 5: Complete the Visa Procedure at the Airport

After arriving at the designated international airport, follow the signs and instructions for the visa-on-arrival/ landing visa counter.

Allow sufficient time for this procedure, particularly if you have a connecting flight, a transfer, or a scheduled pickup.

Note:

Check the visa information in your passport before proceeding. Make sure your name, passport number, validity dates, number of entries, and permitted stay are correct.

If anything appears incorrect, ask the relevant officer for guidance immediately.

Advantages of Vietnam Visa on Arrival

1. Convenient for eligible air travelers

You can arrange the required approval before departure and complete the visa-issuance procedure at the airport upon arrival.

2. Personal assistance with the application process

If you use private visa service providers, you will receive assistance instantly and professionally with checking your information, preparing the application, and understanding the documents required.

3. Less complicated procedure compared to Vietnam visa at Embassy

For travelers who qualify and prefer this arrangement, VOA may be a practical alternative to completing the entire visa-issuance process through an embassy abroad.

Disadvantages of Vietnam Visa on Arrival

• Advance approval is essential: You must complete the required process before traveling.

• Airport waiting time: You may need to wait at landing visa counter after landing.

• Limited entry arrangements: Do not assume that VOA is available for land or sea entry.

Important Notes

Use a reliable service provider and verify the details of your approval before departure. Make sure the arrival airport, intended entry date, passport information, and visa conditions match your travel plans.

Embassy Visa vs. Vietnam Visa on Arrival: Which Should You Choose?

The best option depends on your circumstances rather than simply which method appears faster or cheaper.

Choose an Embassy Visa if:

• You specifically require a physical visa sticker before departure.

• Your visa category or personal circumstances require consular processing.

• You prefer to complete the relevant visa-issuance procedure abroad before traveling.

Consider Visa on Arrival if:

• You are eligible for this visa-issuance route.

• You are arriving by international air entry point.

• You are comfortable completing the final visa procedure at the airport.

Consider an eVisa as well. If your main objective is simply to enter Vietnam legally for a short visit, a physical visa sticker may not be necessary. Vietnam's official eVisa system provides Vietnam electronic visas with a maximum validity of 90 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

1. Can I get a Vietnam visa sticker directly at the airport?

You cannot. You must obtain a Vietnam visa approval in advance in order to board your flight and then receive visa sticker on arrival.

2. Is a Vietnam Embassy visa better than Visa on Arrival?

Neither option is universally better. An embassy visa may be more suitable if you need a visa issued before departure. VOA may be convenient if you arrive by air.

3. What documents do I need for a Vietnam visa sticker?

Requirements depend on where you apply and which visa category you need. Common documents include a valid passport, a completed application form, photographs, applicable fees, and any required approval or supporting documents.

4. How long does it take to get a Vietnam visa?

There is no single processing time that applies to every application. Embassy processing times vary by location and visa category. VOA also requires time to arrange prior approval, followed by the visa-issuance procedure at the airport. Apply early and confirm the expected timeline before making travel arrangements.

5. Can I use Visa on Arrival if I enter Vietnam by land or sea?

Do not assume that you can. Vietnam Visa on Arrival is generally associated with authorized international airport entry arrangements. If you plan to enter by land border or seaport, check which visa option is valid for your specific entry point.

Need Help Choosing the Right Vietnam Visa?

Choosing the right option to get Vietnam visa can be confusing, especially when requirements differ by nationality, visa category, application location, and entry point.

Contact us Vietnam Visa VOA Team before submitting your Vietnam visa application if you are unsure whether to apply through a Vietnamese Embassy, use Visa on Arrival, or consider an eVisa.

Website: https://vietnamvisavoa.com

Hotline: +84 969 255 515 (WhatsApp, Zalo, Viber, WeChat)

Email: support@vietnamvisavoa.com