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6 Things To Know About Vietnam Visa on Arrival 2023

Vietnam visa on arrival

Are you in trouble with obtaining Vietnam visa on arrival at the airport? Unlike its neighboring countries Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, travelers to Vietnam cannot expect to get a visa on arrival simply with a passport and photos.

One of the barriers that separate travelers from Vietnam’s trending destinations is probably a visa. The fact is that the Vietnam visa requirements have constantly been updated, so you need to check out the latest news.

As for Vietnam visa on arrival, there are some key differences you should know before planning your trip. Don’t worry as there are always ways to deal with your visa issues. Read 10 Tips for Your First Trip to Vietnam.

1. What is Vietnam visa on arrival?

Many travelers still have some misunderstandings about the Vietnam visa on arrival (also called landing visa). One of the reasons is that its requirements are quite different from other typical visas on arrival.

Generally, visa on arrival is a visa that is granted when you arrive in a foreign country. You don’t need to apply in advance of travel.

Vietnam visa on arrival, however, requires applicants to apply for an approval letter before getting the visa stamped upon arrival. It really don’t give you flexibility in your travel plans because you still have to arrange your travel authorization in advance.

» See more on Vietnam Travel Myths You Shouldn’t Believe

2. Can you get Vietnam visa on arrival?

A woman with luggage

Once you get the entry approval letter, you can submit it along with your passport, photo and pay a stamping fee to get your landing visa. Without a valid approval letter, you are not eligible for the visa at the airport.

Many travelers have complained that Vietnam visa on arrival is not available. In fact, the term visa on arrival now is not officially recognized. It is actually a process of getting a sponsorship or endorsement from a local agency.

» See more on The Ultimate Guide to Vietnam Travel Visa

3. Vietnam visa on arrival approval letter

As mentioned earlier, the approval letter is a MUST if you wish to obtain the visa on arrival. The Vietnam visa on arrival approval letter is also a Vietnam entry permit (the Vietnamese term is công văn nhập cảnh). It is a letter issued by Vietnam Immigration Department.

Travelers can enter and exit Vietnam within a given period (1 month or 3 months with single or multiple entries). After COVID 19, getting a visa on arrival is only possible via a local tour operator. That is quite inconvenient because you have to relate to a third party.

4. Valid ports of entry

People queing at the visa counter

This type of visa is eligible for those who travel by air. Travelers can only obtain a visa on arrival at some designated airports in Vietnam. Here is the list of legitimate airports:

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

For other ports of entry including land borders and seaports, you cannot obtain the landing visa.

» See more on A Traveler’s Guide to International Airports in Vietnam

5. Vietnam visa on arrival price

The fees include the service fee for getting the approval letter and the visa stamping fee. The service fee may vary depending on the time you wish to take the approval letter. The stamping fee is fixed: USD 25 for a single-entry visa and USD 50 for a multiple-entry visa. Upon receiving the visa, you have to pay the stamping fee by cash.

There is no official website for Vietnam visa on arrival, so you should be highly alert when choosing an agent for assistance.

6. Replacements

Since August 15 2023, Vietnam’s immigration policy has implemented some significant changes. The changes are to provide more convenience for travelers coming to Vietnam with greater length of stay.

If you find Vietnam the landing visa a bit frustrating, check whether you are eligible for Vietnam visa exemption. If you are not in the list, go to the next step with Vietnam e-visa. Previously, Vietnam e-visa is available for only 80 countries. Now, Vietnam has allowed citizens from ALL countries and territories to enter the country with an e-visa. The application for an e-visa for Vietnam is 100% online and you can complete it on your own.

» See more on How to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa 2023 in 5 Minutes 

To be honest, there are quite a few problems that you might encounter when applying for a visa for Vietnam. Nevertheless, you can still enjoy your multi-day tour in Vietnam with careful preparations and some expert travel trips.

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