Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA): Frequently Asked Questions

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

Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a visa option that allows you to collect your official visa sticker on your passport directly at a Vietnamese international airport, provided that you have obtained a pre-approved Visa Approval Letter in advance. Without this visa letter, you cannot board your flight and cannot enter Vietnam legally.

2. Vietnam VOA vs. Vietnam E-visa: Which is better?

Both options work well, but the right choice depends on your travel plans:

· Vietnam VOA: Requires an Approval Letter processed through a visa agency. It is restricted strictly to arrivals by air at major international airports. The service fee is paid online, while the government stamping fee is paid in cash (USD) upon arrival. Standard processing takes about 7 working days.

· Vietnam E-visa: Applied 100% online directly by yourself. It is accepted at international airports, land border crossings, and seaports. Processing takes 3–5 working days (or 2–4 hours for urgent requests).

3. My Vietnam e-Visa is still pending. Can I switch to Vietnam VOA?

Yes, you can. If your e-Visa has not been issued yet and your departure date is approaching, an express Vietnam VOA service can help prevent you from missing your flight. Just ensure you receive your Visa Approval Letter before checking in at the airport. No granted Vietnam visa letter or valid evisa, no boarding! (Unless you are in Vietnam visa exemption list)

Fees & Payment

4. How much does Vietnam VOA cost?

A Vietnam visa on arrival application consists of two separate fees:

1. Service Fee: Paid to the visa agency for processing your pre-approval letter at Vietnam Immigration Department.

2. Stamping Fee: Paid directly in cash (USD) to the Immigration Officers at the arrival airport to get the visa sticker on your passport.

5. What is the stamping fee for Vietnam VOA?

The stamping fee is the official government charge. Current rates are:

· $25 USD for single-entry

· $50 USD for multiple-entry

6. Can I use a credit card to pay the stamping fee at the airport?

No, you cannot. The stamping fee must be paid in cash (recommended to pay in USD) directly to Vietnam Immigration upon arrival. We strongly recommend preparing the exact amount in cash to ensure a smooth and fast process.

In case you take our Fast Track service, you might request us to pay stamping fee on your behalf.

7. Is the VOA service fee refundable if my application is rejected?

Refund policies depend on the agency. If your visa application is denied by Vietnam Immigration, your visa agency may still charge a small administrative or operation fee.

Processing Time

8. Can I get a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter urgently?

Generally, standard processing takes about 7 working days and express service may available with extra fee. To avoid any unwanted hassles, we always advise travelers to apply as early as possible to allow sufficient time for their Vietnam VOA preparation.

9. How long in advance should I apply for my Vietnam visa?

Since processing takes around 7 working days, please submit your application well ahead of your trip. Note: Your visa validity starts from your expected entry date, not the date you submit the application.

Required Documents

10. What documents do I need for Vietnam VOA?

Requirement may vary among nationalities and visa agencies:

While there are applicants just need to share passport copy, entry/exit date, entry/exit port, there are people from other nations may need to provide extra documents: Strong travel history, flight reservation, hotel booking:

Please prepare the following documents before your trip:

1. Passport copy: Must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended arrival date.

2. Travel history: Copies of previous visas or resident cards from other countries (if applicable).

3. Flight ticket reservation: A confirmed flight booking (payment not required).

4. Hotel reservation: Accommodation bookings (if available).

5. Travel itinerary: A brief plan of the cities/places you will visit in Vietnam.

How to Get & Use Vietnam VOA

11. Do I need to print my Vietnam VOA approval letter?

Yes, absolutely. You must print out your Visa Approval Letter and keep it together with your passport and flight tickets. Airlines will check this before letting you board, and Immigration requires it at the airports.

12. Can I board my flight to Vietnam without an approval letter?

No. Airlines will strictly deny boarding if you do not present a valid Vietnam e-Visa or a Visa Approval Letter.

13. Can I use Vietnam VOA when entering by land or sea?

No. Vietnam VOA is restricted strictly to arrivals by air at major international airports.

14. How and where do I receive my Vietnam VOA?

· Receiving the Approval Letter: Your Visa Approval Letter will be sent directly to your email by visa agents.

· Collecting the visa sticker: Upon landing at a Vietnamese international airport, proceed to the Landing Visa counter to submit your documents and get your Vietnam visa sticker.

15. Is Vietnam VOA available to all travelers?

It is available to tourists and business travelers arriving by air. It is not available for land/sea entries or travelers lacking a pre-arranged approval letter.

Dates, Flexibility & Airports

16. What if I am not sure of my exact entry and exit dates?

You can provide your tentative (approximate) travel dates. Your arrival date should be the earliest day you plan to enter, and your visa will remain valid till your departure from Vietnam.

17. Must I travel on the exact date listed on my visa letter?

Not strictly. You can enter and exit Vietnam on any date within your visa's validity period, as long as you depart Vietnam before your visa expires.

18. Can I change my travel dates after the visa letter is issued?

Yes, you can adjust your plans as long as you travel within the approved validity. However, you cannot enter before the start date or stay past the expiration date. If your schedule shifts significantly outside this duration, a new approval letter must be requested.

19. What if I change my itinerary and arrive at a different Vietnam airport?

That is completely fine. Your Visa Approval Letter is accepted at any international airport in Vietnam. Just remember to complete your landing visa procedures at your first port of entry.

20. Which airports in Vietnam accept VOA?

All international airports in Vietnam accept the Visa Approval Letter.

21. What should business travelers note when applying for a Vietnam visa?

Business travelers should coordinate with their sponsoring company in Vietnam to facilitate the approval letter process. Business visas can be granted for up to 90 days (single or multiple entry).

22. Do I need passport photos at the airport landing visa counter?

Yes. Please prepare 01 standard passport-sized photo to submit upon arrival. Otherwise, you must pay extra to officers.

23. Do I need to show onward tickets upon arrival?

Are you looking for a reliable visa agency to get Vietnam visa on arrival? Check our clients’s reviews on Trustpilot and see why clients choose us Vietnam Visa VOA.

Website: https://vietnamvisavoa.com
Hotline: +84 969 255 515 (WhatsApp, Zalo, Viber, WeChat)
Email: support@vietnamvisavoa.com