How long does it take to obtain a Vietnam Visa on arrival

Vietnam visa on arrival (VOA) is a type of visa that allows foreigners to enter Vietnam by applying online and receiving an approval letter via email. The visa approval letter grants permission to board a flight to Vietnam and get a visa stamp at one of the international airports in Vietnam. Visa on arrival is a convenient way beside the E-Visa, to get Visa to Vietnam instead of submitting for the complex Visa procedures at the Vietnam Embassies.

The time it takes to obtain a Vietnam visa on arrival depends on the processing time you choose when you apply for a visa approval letter online:

  • Normal Processing: 5 – 7 working days: It is not recommended for Tourist Visa on arrival, applicants can apply for tourist E-Visa for convenient and prompt process which normally takes 3 working days to process. But those applying for Business Visa on arrival can apply for this type of processing time.
  • Urgent Processing: 2 working days: If you need a visa approval letter quickly, you can select this option for expedited approval.
  • Emergency Processing (only applicable for Tourist Visa on arrival): 4 – 8 working hours: This is the fastest option and ideal for last-minute travel arrangements. However, it comes with a higher processing fee.

Depending on your nationality and agency you choose to apply for, the processing time can be faster or longer than expected.

Please Notes:

– Weekends and major holidays are not counted in the processing time.

– The visa on arrival is only applicable for air travelers who arrive at one of the international airports in Vietnam. If you plan to enter Vietnam by land or sea, you need to apply for a visa through an online e-visa system, or at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country. 

– Once you receive your approval letter, you can get your visa stamped upon arrival at designated Vietnam airports.