If you’re planning to visit Vietnam, you will most likely need to obtain a visa to enter the country. The good news is that the Vietnamese government offers an option for travelers called the Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) program, which allows you to obtain a visa upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of applying for a Vietnam visa on arrival.
What is Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) is an alternative way of obtaining a visa for Vietnam that is issued upon arrival at the airport. This program is available to citizens of most countries who are traveling to Vietnam for tourism, business, or visiting family.
The VOA process involves applying for a visa approval letter online, which is then issued by the Vietnamese government and sent to you via email. You’ll need to print out this letter and bring it with you to the airport, along with your passport and other required documents, to receive your visa upon arrival.
What are the requirements for Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
To apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival, you will need to meet the following requirements:
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- A valid passport: Your passport must have at least six months remaining validity and two blank pages for visa stamping.
- An online visa approval letter: You can apply for this letter through a reputable travel agency or a reliable visa processing company. The letter will be issued by the Vietnamese government and sent to you via email.
- A completed Vietnam entry and exit form: You can download this form from the website of the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Two passport-sized photos: You will need to bring two recent passport-sized photos with you to the airport.
- Visa stamping fee: This fee is paid upon arrival at the airport in Vietnam. The fee amount depends on the type of visa you’re applying for and your nationality.
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How to Apply for Vietnam Visa on Arrival
- Fill out the online application form: To apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival, you will need to fill out an online application form. You can do this through a reputable travel agency or a reliable visa processing company. The application form will require you to provide your personal information, travel details, and other required information.
- Make payment: Once you have submitted your application form, you will need to pay the visa approval letter fee. This fee can be paid online using a credit card or other payment methods accepted by the visa processing company.
- Receive your visa approval letter: After you have submitted your application form and payment, you will receive your visa approval letter via email within 2-3 business days. Make sure to print out the letter and bring it with you to the airport.
- Prepare other required documents: In addition to the visa approval letter, you will need to prepare other required documents, such as your passport, two passport-sized photos, and completed entry and exit form.
- Arrive in Vietnam and get your visa: Once you arrive at one of Vietnam’s international airports, you will need to present your visa approval letter, passport, and other required documents to the immigration officer. You will then be required to pay the visa stamping fee, and your visa will be stamped in your passport.
Types of Vietnam Visa on Arrival
There are several types of Vietnam Visa on Arrival that you can apply for, depending on your travel purpose and duration of stay. These include:
- Tourist visa (DL): This type of visa is suitable for those who are traveling to Vietnam for tourism purposes. The maximum duration of stay is 30 days, and you can apply for a single entry or multiple entries.
- Business visa (DN): This type of visa is suitable for those who are traveling to Vietnam for business purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or conducting business activities. The maximum duration of stay is 90 days, and you can apply for a single entry or multiple entries.
- Transit visa (NG): This type of visa is suitable for those who are traveling through Vietnam to another destination. The maximum duration of stay is 5 days, and you can apply for a single entry only.
- Work visa (LD): This type of visa is suitable for those who will be working in Vietnam for a company or organization. The duration of stay will depend on the employment contract, and you can apply for a single entry or multiple entries.
- Student visa (DH): This type of visa is suitable for those who will be studying in Vietnam at a university or other educational institution. The duration of stay will depend on the study program, and you can apply for a single entry or multiple entries.
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Choosing the right type of visa for your travel purpose and duration of stay is important, as the requirements and fees may vary.
Vietnam Visa Application Website
Here are some websites that are commonly used for Vietnam visa on arrival applications:
- Vietnam Visa Online (vietnamvisaonline.net)
- Vietnam Visa Pro (vietnamvisapro.net)
- Vietnam Visa Corp (vietnamvisacorp.com)
- Vietnam-Visa.com (vietnam-visa.com)
When using these websites, you will typically need to fill out an online application form, provide your passport details, and pay a service fee. Once your application is processed, you will receive a visa approval letter via email, which you can use to obtain your visa upon arrival at a Vietnam airport.
FAQs about Vietnam Visa on Arrival
- Can I apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival if I’m traveling by land or sea?
No, the Vietnam Visa on Arrival program is only available for those who are arriving by air at one of Vietnam’s international airports.
- How long does it take to get a Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
The processing time for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival is typically 2-3 business days after you have submitted your application and payment.
- Can I extend my Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
Yes, you can extend your Vietnam Visa on Arrival by applying for a visa extension at a local immigration office in Vietnam. The extension process can take several days, and you will need to pay a fee.
- Can I use the Vietnam Visa on Arrival for multiple entries?
Yes, you can apply for a multiple-entry visa through the Vietnam Visa on Arrival program. This type of visa allows you to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times during the validity period.
Conclusion
Applying for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival is a convenient and efficient way to obtain a visa for Vietnam. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily apply for a visa approval letter online and receive your visa upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports.
Make sure to choose the right type of visa for your travel purpose and duration of stay, and prepare all the required documents to avoid any issues upon arrival. Enjoy your trip to Vietnam!