Vietnam visa on arrival
Vietnam visa on arrival is the easiest way to obtain an entry permit to Vietnam so far. It is regulated in the Vietnam Law on Entry, Exit and Residence No. 47/2014/QH13 passed by the National Assembly of Vietnam and issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department so that Vietnam visa on arrival is totally legitimate.
Visa on arrival is a major change in Vietnam immigration procedures that allows the foreigners to apply for Vietnam visa online and collect it at arrival airports. This helps the travelers avoid all the complicated process and bureaucracy of a traditional way.
Is Vietnam visa on arrival legitimate?
Visa on arrival is issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department, a government’s organization which is belonging to Ministry of Public Security;
Legal basis:
- Ordinance on entry, exit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam
- Government’s Decree No. 21/2001/ND-CP
- Joint Circular No. 04/2002/TTLT/BCA-BNG
Vietnam visa on arrival legal basis
What is the visa on arrival process?
Step 1. The foreigners submit visa application online:
It will take a couple minutes to complete visa application form with a computer or smartphone connected to internet;
Step 2. Conduct payment for processing fee:
After submitting the application form, the foreigners will receive the instruction to make a payment for the processing fee. The payment can be done online with credit cards, PayPal or bank wiring transfer.
Processing fee and stamping fee
Step 3. Receive approval letter:
Within 2 working days from the payment completion time, the visa approval letter will be delivered to the customer’s email. The customers then print out the letter, double check with their passport to make sure there is no discrepancy.
Step 4. Get visa stamp on arrival:
The customers prepare 2 passport-sized photos and the stamping fee 25 USD/ 50 USD (in cash). By the date of departure for Vietnam, they will bring along with the original passport and a printed approval letter to get on the plane. Upon arrival airport, they just show all documents at the visa counter, pay the stamping fee and get a visa stamped onto the passport.
Visa on arrival process
Who can apply for Vietnam visa on arrival?
Vietnam visa on arrival is available for those enter Vietnam by airplane at one of Vietnamese international airports. In this case, the travellers need to prepare a passport with 6 months validity and 2 blank pages at least, a computer connected to internet, a credit card or debit card to make a payment online and some money in USD or VND to pay for visa stamping fee upon arrival.
Sample of a visa approval letter in 2023 by e-visasvietnam.com
List of applicable Vietnamese international airports
Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong)
Da Nang International Airport (Da Nang)
Cam Ranh International Airport (Khanh Hoa)
Can Tho International Airport (Can Tho)
Lien Khuong International Airport (Da Lat)
Phu Quoc International Airport (Phu Quoc)
Van Don International Airport (Quang Ninh)
How long does it take to expedite a visa on arrival?
It takes 2 working days (normal service) to complete a visa approval letter.
In a rush situation, the customers can select a rush service (1 working day), an urgent service (4 working hours) or an emergency service (2 working hours) to have a visa expedited faster.
The processing time at the visa counter depends on the time the customers arrive in. Normally, it will take 15 – 30 minutes to complete a visa stamp onto the passport. The customers can also order the fast track service to reduce their waiting time in a long lines at the visa counter.
Urgent visa on arrival service