How to Get a Visa on Arrival in Vietnam: A Step-by-Step Guide

Traveling to Vietnam? Wondering how to secure a visa upon arrival, given that you might not have an existing connection in the country? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the visa on arrival process in Vietnam, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

Visa Exemption and Requirements

It's worth noting that a visa on arrival in Vietnam is not a standard offer for all travelers. A number of countries are exempt from needing a visa, with the current valid list including:

Chile Panama Cambodia Indonesia Kyrgyzstan Laos Malaysia Singapore Thailand Philippines Brunei Myanmar Belarus Denmark Finland France Germany Italy Japan VertexArrayed [[]] Norway Russia South Korea Sweden United Kingdom Kazakhstan

For travelers from these countries, the stay duration varies. However, for those not holding one of these passports, obtaining a visa is mandatory.

Easy Visa on Arrival Application Process

If you do not fall into the visa-exempt category, fear not! The process to obtain a Vietnam visa on arrival is relatively straightforward. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Fill in the Application Form

To apply for a visa on arrival, you need to provide personal passport details and fill out the application form. This can usually be done online through a reputable service provider. Simply go to a reliable site, input your necessary information such as:

Full name Date of birth Passport country Passport number Passport expiry date

Step 2: Send Information and Pay Fee

Once the form is filled out, you need to send this information electronically. If all the details are correct and legitimate, a service fee payment can be made using secure third-party providers such as Zooz Gate2shop, Western Union, Xoom, or PayPal. This payment to the Immigration Department is then reviewed.

Step 3: Receive Visa Approval Letter

Depending on the service opted for, you can expect to receive the visa approval letter via email within 2 days to 2 hours. For standard service, it usually takes around 2 days to 4 hours. For express service, it is possible to receive the approval within just 2 hours. Make sure to save a copy of this letter, as it will be required at the airport for the final step.

Step 4: Collect Your Visa at the Airport

Upon arrival at one of the international airports in Vietnam—Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Cam Ranh, or Da Nang International Airports—proceed to the Visa on Arrival office. Show your visa approval letter to the immigration officials, and they will process your application. Although the visa approval letter might appear in grayscale, this won't be an issue as the immigration department screens applications thoroughly.

Step 5: Visa Stamping

The final step involves getting the visa stamped into your passport. Fill out the visa form as required, and pay any associated charges directly to the visa office personnel to complete the process.

Conclusion and Additional Tips

Getting a visa on arrival in Vietnam is a convenient and streamlined process for those who are not eligible for visa exemptions. By following these steps, you can simplify your entry into Vietnam and enjoy your trip stress-free.

For more information or assistance, it's always advisable to consult official government websites and trusted service providers. Happy travels!