Visa On Arrival

What is visa-on-arrival

Vietnam, alongside several neighboring countries like Cambodia, Indonesia (Bali Island), and India, continues to offer a visa-on-arrival option. This process allows travel agencies to obtain visas on behalf of their clients. Since recent legislative changes, this service has become more accessible and is no longer confined solely to tourists booking guided tours. Most travel agencies in Vietnam are now equipped to facilitate the approval letter for a fee, making the visa-on-arrival process simpler.

It is important to note that this process differs from the e-visa, which was implemented on February 1, 2017, and is available to a limited number of nationalities.

Legitimacy

This procedure is legitimate, with visas issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department. Numerous online tourism businesses allow applicants to apply for their visa digitally. Pertaining to regulations set forth by the Ordinance on Entry, Exit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (No. 24/2000/PL- UBTVQH 10 dated April 28, 2000 - View full document here), Chapter III, Article 6, outlines that foreigners are granted entry at international border checkpoint under specific conditions that include:

1. Traveling for the funerals of relatives or visiting seriously ill family members;
2. Departing from countries where Vietnamese diplomatic missions or consulates are absent;
3. Participating in organized programs by international tour enterprises in Vietnam;
4. Offering urgent technical support for projects, delivering first aid to the ill or victims, or providing rescue efforts during natural disasters;
5. Other urgent circumstances as classified.

With the exception of condition (3), which requires travel agencies to handle applications to the immigration office, the other conditions necessitate verification and pre-approval from Vietnamese embassies and consulates abroad.

How to apply

To apply for a visa-on-arrival, you must fill out an online application form through a travel agent that provides this service. After your application is processed, you will receive an approval letter, which you present upon arrival at a Vietnamese airport to obtain your visa stamp (learn more about the procedures at Vietnam airport). Required documents at the airport include: your approval letter, your valid passport, and two passport-sized photos.

Advantages

• The visa-on-arrival application process is simple and efficient. Most agencies provide detailed guidance on obtaining the visa, ensuring clarity.
• This option saves you valuable time, particularly in urgent travel situations.
• No requirement to mail your passport, which can be a convenience when traveling.

Disadvantages

• The visa-on-arrival service is available only for air travel. Travelers entering Vietnam through land borders or cruise ships cannot utilize this option.
• There can be significant wait times at the airport, typically ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the time of day and travel volume.
• The processing of visas-on-arrival often occurs in bulk, so you may find your name listed alongside many others, some of whom you may not be familiar with.

Where to get the visa letter

You can arrange your pre-approved visa letter through your travel operator or a specialized agency. Reliable options include myvietnamvisa.com and rushvietnamvisa.com, both of which offer services for single and multiple entries. In general, the processing time for a visa letter can take between 2 to 3 working days, so it's advisable to apply well ahead of your travel date.

Updated: As of March 2025, visas on arrival for Vietnam remain primarily available for individuals entering the country for emergency situations or travel agency-arranged tours. Travelers should check with appropriate authorities for further information and changes.