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Vietnam Visa on Arrival: Still Available in 2025? Who Can Apply?

Vietnam Visa on Arrival: Still Available in 2025? Who Can Apply?

Jessica Pham Jessica Pham | Updated October 6, 2025

Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a visa type that allows travelers to apply online before flying and get the visa stamped upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports. In other words, you don’t need to visit an embassy or consulate — everything starts online and ends at the airport.

This type of visa was introduced years ago as a flexible and time-saving solution for travelers entering Vietnam by air. It quickly became a favorite among international visitors — especially those booking last-minute flights, joining group tours, or staying for an extended period.

With VOA, the process is also quite straightforward:

  1. You fill out an online application form.
  2. You receive a visa approval letter by email, issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department.
  3. You print this letter, present it upon landing, and pay the stamping fee at the airport counter.
  4. Finally, you receive your visa stamp — and enter Vietnam smoothly.

For many years, this method was considered the go-to option for foreign travelers who didn’t want to spend days visiting embassies or dealing with paperwork.

However, since the introduction of the nationwide Vietnam E-Visa systemand especially after its expansion in August 2023, when it became available to all nationalities and territories – travelers have been asking: “Is Visa on Arrival still available in 2025, or is it now replaced by the E-Visa?

Let’s break it down.

Is Vietnam Visa on Arrival Still Available in 2025?

The short answer is yes — but only in limited cases.

The traditional VOA process technically remains in place, but in practice, it has been almost entirely replaced by the Vietnam E-Visa system, which is simpler and cheaper.

As of 2025, the Vietnam Immigration Department primarily issues E-Visas for all travelers, regardless of their nationality. That means most foreign visitors can easily apply online for an upt-o-90-day visa, single or multiple entries without needing any pre-approval letter or on-arrival stamping.

Still, Visa on Arrival is not completely gone. It’s now reserved for special or urgent situations, such as:

  • Travelers who need to enter Vietnam within hours and can’t wait for E-Visa processing.
  • Those visiting under a special invitation or sponsorship from a Vietnamese organization, enterprise.

In short, VOA is no longer a standard option for ordinary tourists — and if you’re planning a leisure trip, the E-Visa is the best (and recommended) way to enter Vietnam.

How does Visa on Arrival Work

If you are in the case that requires a visa on arrival for Vietnam, here are all the steps that you need to follow:

Step 1: Apply Online via a Trusted Agency

  • You must apply through a licensed agency, such as Vietnamdiscovery.com.
  • The agency will help you submit the required details (passport information, travel dates, and purpose of visit) and obtain an approval letter issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department.
  • This is the only official document that allows you to receive a visa upon arrival. Without this letter, airlines won’t even let you board your flight to Vietnam.

Step 2: Receive Your Approval Letter

  • Within 2–5 working days, or even a few hours in urgent cases, you’ll receive the letter via email.

Step 3: Present the Letter Upon Arrival

  • When you land at one of Vietnam’s major international airports — Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), or Da Nang — head to the Visa on Arrival counter.
  • Show your printed-out approval letter, passport, a passport-size photo, and complete the NA1 entry form (usually available at the counter).

Step 4: Pay the Stamping Fee

  • You’ll then pay the stamping fee in cash — US$25 for a single-entry visa or US$50 for a multiple-entry one.
  • After that, the immigration officers will affix your visa sticker to your passport, and you’re ready to enter Vietnam.

It’s relatively simple — but not without downsides. Travelers often face long queues, cash-only payments, and occasional confusion about documents. That’s why the E-Visa system has become the default method for most visitors today.

Why E-Visa Is the Better Alternative?

Since August 2023, the Vietnam E-Visa has been expanded to all nationalities, making it the single most accessible and official visa type.

It brings the best of both worlds – speed, convenience, and reliability  – without any in-person visits or airport hassles.

Here’s why travelers now overwhelmingly prefer E-Visa over VOA:

Apply Anywhere, Anytime
No matter where you are, you can apply fully online and receive approval by email. No queues, no waiting at the airport.

All Nationalities Accepted
E-Visa is now open to citizens from every country and territory, not just a select list.

39 Official Ports of Entry
You can enter and exit Vietnam through 39 checkpoints, including international airports, land borders, and seaports — much more flexible than VOA, which works only for air arrivals.

Fewer Steps
There’s no stamping at the aiport upon arrival, no show of your passport-size photo, no extra fee at Vietnam airport – everything is processed online.

Fully Digital & Secure
Once approved, you’ll receive a PDF visa via email — ready to print or show on your phone.

Why Apply Vietnam Visa Through VietnamDiscovery

Although travelers can technically apply for an E-Visa through the government website, many prefer VietnamDiscovery – and for good reason.

As a licensed travel agency with over 15 years of experience, VietnamDiscovery offers:

  • Dedicated visa specialists who review your documents before submission — ensuring zero mistakes.
  • 24/7 customer support via chat and email — ready to assist if you face flight changes, urgent needs, or entry issues.
  • Fast-track and VIP services — including priority approval and immigration assistance on arrival.
  • End-to-end travel support — from airport pickup to tours, accommodation, and local SIMs.

Applying directly through VietnamDiscovery means your visa process is completely stress-free and guaranteed.

Our experts know the latest immigration rules and can advise you on whether VOA or E-Visa best fits your travel purpose.

💡 Tip: Not sure which visa option applies to your case? Contact VietnamDiscovery’s support team. We’ll review your travel plan and guide you – whether you need a quick VOA approval or a standard E-Visa.

Common Questions About VOA

Can I still get Visa on Arrival for tourism?

Yes. But regular tourists should apply for an E-Visa, as VOA is now limited to special or urgent cases only.

What if my flight is in less than 24 hours?

In rare urgent cases, you can request a VOA approval letter via VietnamDiscovery’s express service. They can help coordinate with immigration for same-day approval.

Can I enter Vietnam by land or sea with a VOA?

No. VOA applies only to travelers arriving by air at major international airports. For land or sea entry, use an E-Visa.

Conclusion: Visa on Arrival – Mostly Replaced, but Not Gone

The Vietnam Visa on Arrival played a major role in welcoming millions of travelers for over a decade. But as of 2025, it has become a backup option, used mainly for emergencies or special business trips.

For most travelers, the Vietnam E-Visa is now the best, fastest, and most reliable way to enter Vietnam. It’s fully digital, valid for 30 days, and accepted at all 39 entry ports nationwide.

If you want to make your visa application smooth, secure, and supported from start to finish, apply directly through VietnamDiscovery.com. Our experienced visa team will guide you every step of the way — so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your trip to Vietnam.

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