Some details about Vietnam Visa on Arrival for US Citizens you should know

• September 14,2023
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If you are a US citizen planning a trip to Vietnam, you will be pleased to know that obtaining a Vietnam visa has never been easier. With the Vietnam Visa on arrival for US citizens program, the hassle of visiting the embassy or consulate is a thing of the past. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the entire process, from applying for your VOA to clearing immigration upon arrival. Let's check it out!

WHAT IS A VIETNAM VISA ON ARRIVAL?

Basic definition

Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA), also known as a Landing Visa, is a legitimate visa option that permits foreign travelers to obtain their visas upon arrival in Vietnam. This kind of visa allows tourists to enter and exit the country. 

Visas obtained through the embassy and e-visa options are available for various entry points, including airports, land borders, and seaports. However, Visa on Arrival is exclusively applicable to individuals entering Vietnam by air through one of the country's eight designated international airports.

Instead of obtaining a visa stamp in advance and affixing it to their passports before traveling, applicants are required to follow a two-step process when opting for a Visa on Arrival. First, they must apply for a visa approval letter (also referred to as a pre-approved visa letter or visa invitation letter) through a local visa agency in Vietnam.

Subsequently, this approval letter is presented at the airport upon arrival, where a visa stamp is issued and affixed to the traveler's passport.

Airports in Vietnam Eligible for Visa on Arrival

You can get a Vietnam Visa on Arrival for US citizens at the following airports:

• Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)

• Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong)

• Da Nang International Airport (Da Nang)

• Cam Ranh International Airport (Khanh Hoa)

• Lien Khuong International Airport (Da Lat)

• Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)

• Can Tho International Airport (Can Tho)

• Phu Quoc International Airport (Phu Quoc)

Vietnam Visa on Arrival in Brief

REQUIREMENTS FOR US CITIZENS

After finding out all the basic information about Vietnam Visa on Arrival, let us show you the requirements for US citizens.  

Required documents to apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival for US citizens

To apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival, please prepare the following documents:

• Two passport-sized photos (4×6 cm).

• A completed visa application form.

• A valid passport.

• Payment for visa fees (ranging from 25 USD to 50 USD).

• A Letter of Approval issued by a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

• Your flight itinerary.

• Your hotel reservation details.

Remember to prepare all necessary documents to apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival

Required elements for a passport for Vietnam Visa on Arrival

Upon your arrival in Vietnam, your passport must adhere to the following criteria:

• It must be your original passport.

• The passport should be valid for a minimum of 6 months from your arrival date in Vietnam.

• There should be at least one blank page available for visa stamping.

• The passport should be in good condition and not damaged in any way.

Photograph guidelines to apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival for US citizens

Please ensure that you have the appropriate passport-sized photos on hand. You should carry photographs that meet the specified criteria:

• Two passport-size photographs

• Each photograph should measure 4×6 cm.

• The background must be white.

• The image should display a front view with an uncovered head, and sunglasses should not be worn.

• One of the photos must be affixed to the form, while the other should be submitted separately.

Application Vietnam Visa Online

APPLY VIETNAM VISA ON ARRIVAL FOR US CITIZENS

Arriving at Immigration can be a daunting and stressful experience as well as when you apply for a Visa on Arrival. But don't be afraid, we have got you covered. Here's what you can expect when you arrive at the port of entry in Vietnam.

1. Fill out the online Vietnam visa application form

Complete the secure application form by providing the necessary details, including your full name, anticipated arrival date, intended port of entry, and so on.

2. Proceed with the payment of the service fee

Make sure to review your application carefully to prevent any processing delays. Once you finished reviewing it, you can proceed to pay the visa processing fee and submit your application.

3. Receive the approved letter

After finishing your payment, you will get your visa approval letter (also known pre-approved letter). You also get the entry-and-exit application form delivered to your email within the guaranteed time.

Then you print them out and bring them along on your flight to Vietnam.

4. Arrive at Vietnam Airport

You can only apply for a VOA at designated airports in Vietnam. This means you cannot arrive at any other airport in Vietnam.

5. Have the documents ready

Upon arrival in the immigration area, have your travel documents ready. Ensure you have the visa application form filled out, your passport, visa approval letter, visa fees in cash, and photographs.

6. Go to the Immigration desk

You must queue at the immigration desk that says Landing Visa or On Arrival Visa. The queue's length can vary depending on the time of year, with the potential for significant congestion, especially during summer breaks. 

At the immigration counter, the officer will request the necessary documents and verify them. Here you must also pay your Visa on Arrival fees.

7. Get your Visa on Arrival

Once the immigration officer is happy with the documents, they will stamp the passport with the visa and an entry stamp. And that is all. Once you have your visa, you can go collect your bags.

One of the places where you get your Vietnam Visa on Arrival

WHEN SHOULD US CITIZENS APPLY FOR A VIETNAM VISA ON ARRIVAL?

According to the Vietnam Embassy, Visa on Arrival (VOA) is hailed as a fast, convenient, and cost-effective way to travel. Therefore, it is ideal to consider obtaining a VOA under the following circumstances:

• Shorter tourism or business trip: If you are planning a relatively short tourism or business trip to Vietnam, VOA can be the best choice due to its swift processing.

• Limited time before your trip: When you have limited time before your scheduled departure and need a faster visa-processing option, VOA can be the solution to meet your time constraints.

• Hassle-free application: If you prefer a hassle-free visa application process without the requirement of visiting the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in person, VOA offers the convenience you seek.

However, it's important to note that the Vietnam Embassy also encourages travelers to consider obtaining their visas before their journey to Vietnam. This approach helps avoid any potential hassles or delays that may arise when attempting to secure a VOA at the airport upon arrival.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF VIETNAM VISA ON ARRIVAL

Beneath the convenience of a Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA), there are also its advantages and disadvantages. From efficient processing times to potential waiting periods, let's explore the multifaceted nature of Vietnam Visa on Arrival for US citizens so that they can have a comprehensive understanding.

Advantages (pros)

• No requirement to send your original passport away.

• Open to all travelers arriving by air.

• Option for multiple entries.

• Flexibility with visa duration, ranging from up to 3 months to 1 year.

• Efficient processing in just two working days (expedited service of 2-4 hours is available).

Disadvantages (cons)

• Potential wait times in line at the Immigration Counter upon arrival at Vietnamese airports to obtain the visa stamp.

• The possibility of having multiple names on the approval letter

• Foreigners cannot personally apply for the visa on arrival; the application must be handled through authorized travel agencies or organizations in Vietnam.

• Limited availability, as it is only accessible at the five main airports.

In conclusion, Vietnam Visa on Arrival for US citizens offers a streamlined and convenient way to embark on your Vietnamese adventure. Its user-friendly process and flexibility make it an attractive choice for travelers seeking entry to this captivating country. While there are considerations to bear in mind, the benefits often outweigh these drawbacks.

In case you have any inquiries or require assistance with your Vietnam Visa, do not hesitate to reach out to us at +1 315 715 8498 or send an email to [email protected]. Our team is readily available and enthusiastic about offering you the assistance you need!