Thursday - 07th, Dec 2023 14:22:39 PM (Vietnam Time)
-Vietnam Visa Embassy

Frequently Asked Questions

We have listed most frequently asked questions regarding visa on arrival, however, if you have any further questions, feel free to contact us!. Surely you will get your right answers shortly.

Visa on Arrival - What it is all about

  • What is visa on arrival?

    This is an alternative way to get your visa for Vietnam. You just need to fill in our “Online Application Form“, pay the service fee, get your “Visa approval letter” within 2 working days and pick up your visa at your destination airport (Hanoi airport, Ho Chi Minh city airport) –

    After we obtain the approval letter for you, we will forward you a copy by email. Copies of the same document will be forwarded on your behalf to Vietnam Immigration checkpoints at International Airports only. When you arrive in Vietnam, the Immigration officers will have those documents ready and will be able to issue your entry visa quickly.

    See Also:  You can check out the information below for the detailed airport map where you will pick up your visa when you arrive.

    Hanoi Airport Map – Hanoi airport visa-on-arrival counter.
    Ho Chi Minh city Airport Map – Ho Chi Minh city airport visa-on-arrival counter.

  • Is the “visa on arrival” legitimate?

    Yes it is. visa-on-arrival is an alternative way to get your visa to Vietnam. Also the IATA (International Air Traffic Association) has recognised visa on arrival. Check out the visa information sections on the following airline websites: Sky team, Oneworld and Star Alliance.

  • What is the “approval letter”?

    The “Visa approval letter” is a letter issued by Vietnam Immigration Department  that allows you to enter and exit Vietnam for a given time period. With the approval letter, you can pick up your visa upon arrival at one of the  three international airports in Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang).

    At the airport, the corresponding authority will verify the details on the approval letter based on your passport and travel documents. As long as you make sure you input the correct details when applying, you will surely be granted entry upon arrival in Vietnam with the approval letter. However, it is strongly advised that you read our website and follow all the instructions carefully to avoid problems or delays at the airport.

    See Also:  You can check out the information below for the detailed airport map where you will pick up your visa when you arrive.

    Hanoi Airport Map – Hanoi airport visa-on-arrival counter.
    Ho Chi Minh city Airport Map – Ho Chi Minh city airport visa-on-arrival counter.

  • How long does it takes to get the approval letter?

    Normally, the approval letter is processed and emailed you within two (2) to three (03) business days (excluding Saturday, Sunday and National Holidays). In urgent cases, you are able to have the approval letter within the time frame below.

    * Same Day Processing (Working day): If you submit your application and pay the fee before 12.00 PM Vietnam time on a Working day (Monday-Friday), we will send you the letter of approval by 18:00 PM on the same working day.

    * Next Day Processing (Working day):  If you submit your application and pay the fee before 12.00 PM Vietnam time on a Working day (Monday-Friday), we will send you the letter of approval by 18:00 PM on the following (next) working day.

    Note: The above processing time does not apply for Friday afternoon (after 12.00 PM) + Saturday and Sunday. Please consider the time difference between Vietnam and your country. For current Vietnam time, please click here.

    **** Note: the visa counter at Vietnam airport is 24/7 open so if you already have the approval letter, you can still pick up your visa at Vietnam airport on weekend.

  • How do I receive my visa approval letter?

    A colored scanned copy of the approval letter will be sent to you by email, so please make sure that you have provided us with the correct email address.

    You can also request a copy by fax. In this case, please provide us with your fax number and email it to [email protected]

    Note: the approval letter is in JPG format

  • What does the approval letter look like?

    A sample of what the approval letter looks like can be found here.

     

  • Are there any exceptions with this type of visa?

    Yes, visa on arrival is NOT VALID for OVERLAND ENTRY. The three international airports in Vietnam that you can receive your visa stamp with this approval letter are: Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) and Danang Airport (Da Nang).

    Note: If you plan to enter Vietnam by land or cruise, please visit a Vietnamese embassy to get your visa.

Requirements, Procedures and Tips

  • Do you require a scan of my passport scan?

    In most cases, a passport scan is not required for an online visa application. However, if the Immigration office wishes to verify the information you provide, you are required to send them a scan copy of your passport. In such cases, we will notify you by email immediately.

  • Do I need a photo and if so, what is its size?

    Yes, you do. However, photos are required upon arrival Vietnam’s airports only, so please remember to bring at least 2 photos of standard passport size (04*06 cm).

    Note: If you do not have time to prepare those photos before your departure, you can also get them taken at a Vietnamese airport for 2 USD or less per photo.

  • What if my passport has expired?

    To apply for a visa to Vietnam, your passport must have at least 6 month’s validity. Therefore, if your passport is about to expire, please get a new one before applying for your visa in order to avoid unwanted problems at the airport.

  • Should I provide you with the exact date of arrival?

    No, not necessarily. The arrival date you provide should be the earliest you plan to arrive, but you can arrive after that date. The departure date is the last day you are permitted to be in the country, unless you get a visa extension.

    For example: If you apply for a 1-month visa and submit your arrival date as Jan 1, 2011, the visa letter will be valid from Jan 1, 2011 –  Feb 1, 2011. You can arrive anytime between Jan 1 – Feb 1 but must leave the country by Feb 1, 2011.”

  • What are the procedures at Vietnam airport?

    Upon arrival at the airport (See the airport map below), expect to fill in a simple form to fill in. Please remember to bring at least 2 passport-sized photos(04*06cm), 25 USD/person for stamp fee per person (1 month single). You can expect the process to take about 15 minutes total. (See our guide to visa procedure at Vietnam airports)

    Useful links:

    Hanoi Airport Map – Hanoi airport visa-on-arrival counter.
    Ho Chi Minh city Airport Map – Ho Chi Minh city airport visa-on-arrival counter.

  • How long in advance should I apply for a visa?

    A Vietnamese visa application can be applied for 1 day to 6 months in advance. Although it takes only 2-3 working days to get your visa approved, it is strongly advised that you apply for a Vietnamese visa 1 – 2 weeks before your arrival date to avoid any payment or other administrative problems.

Price, Payment and Others

  • How much does it cost?

    It depends on the type and length of the visa you are applying for. In general, there are two fees you are required to pay: The stamping fee (paid directly at Vietnam’s airport) +our service fee for the approval letter (paid in advance). Our detailed fee schedule can be found here.

    Normally, 1 month single entry will cost: 18 USD for our service fee for the letter of approval + 25 USD for the stamping fee at Vietnam airport.

    News & Updates on stamping fee for 2018

    Arrival in 2018: Stamp fee at the airport (price per person)

    25 USD for single 1 month/3 month

  • What is stamping fee and how much is it?

    The stamping fees is the fee you are required to pay at the Vietnamese airport in order to get the official visa stamped in your passport. The stamp fee must be in cash, no credit cards are accepted.

    Arrival in 2017: Stamp fee at the airport (price per person)

    + 25 USD for single entry
    + 50 USD for multiple entry

    Currencies accepted:

    Vietnam Dong (VND) and USD (US Dollars)

  • What credit/debit cards are accepted?

    We currently accept both Debit/Credit cards and PAYPAL for payment of our approval letter service fee. These include: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB andDiners Club. Please click here for payment guidelines.

  • My credit card number is correct, but it was not accepted. Why?

    There are a few possibilities:

    • The card expiration date was entered incorrectly.
    • You have reached your credit limit.
    • There was a computer error.
    • Your Visa Verified password / MasterSecure Code was entered incorrectly.

  • How safe are my credit card details?

    For secure online payment, we use Secure Socket Layers (SSL) from Comodo Inc. At no time are your debit/credit card details transmitted unencrypted over the internet. For further information, please refer to our privacy statement.

  • Is the same rate applied to everyone?

    Yes, the same fees are applied to anyone who uses our service.