What is a visa on arrival (VOA) in Vietnam?
A Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Vietnam is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to obtain their visa upon arrival at designated international airports in Vietnam. This process eliminates the need for travelers to apply for a visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate before their trip.
Eligibility And Application Process
Currently, citizens from approximately 80 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and most European nations, are eligible for a VOA. To apply for a VOA, travelers must follow these steps:
- Online application: Fill out an online application form.
- Payment: Pay the processing fee online.
- Receive approval letter: After processing (typically 1-3 business days), an approval letter is sent via email.
- Present documents upon arrival: Upon arrival in Vietnam, travelers must present the approval letter, a completed entry-exit form, and two passport-sized photos and pay a stamping fee to receive the visa stamped in their passport.
Vietnam Visas-on-Arrival Requirements
To qualify for a VOA, applicants must have:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry.
- The completed VOA application form.
- A pre-approval letter.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs.
- Payment for the visa stamping fee.
Important notes
- The VOA is only applicable to travelers entering Vietnam by air; those arriving by land or sea must obtain a visa in advance.
- It's recommended to apply for the VOA at least 2-3 weeks before the intended travel date to ensure timely processing.
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