Vietnam Visa FAQs - Visa Frequently Asked Questions

To apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for Vietnam, follow these steps: Choose a Visa Service Provider: Contact a licensed visa agency or travel company to request the visa approval letter. Ensure they are reputable and authorized to issue visa services. Submit Required Information: You must provide details such as your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and intended date of arrival. Pay Service Fees: Pay the service fee to the visa agency for processing the approval letter. Fees vary based on the agency and the type of visa requested. Receive Visa Approval Letter: After processing (typically 2–3 business days), the agency will email you a visa approval letter, which you must print and bring with you when traveling. Arrival in Vietnam: Upon arrival at the airport, head to the “Visa on Arrival” counter. Present the approval letter, passport, two passport-sized photos, and pay the stamping fee. At Vietnam's international airport (Phu Quoc, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Noi Bai, or Cam Ranh): Before going through immigration, proceed to the Visa on Arrival desk. Send in your passport, completed application, passport photographs, approval letter, and stamping cost. After processing, you’ll receive the actual visa, allowing you to enter Vietnam.

No, you cannot. With prior approval, you can only get a Vietnam visa directly on arrival at the airport. The "Visa on Arrival" (VOA) program in Vietnam requires travelers to obtain a visa approval letter before their arrival. This approval letter is typically arranged through a licensed travel agency or visa service provider. Once you have the letter, you can pick up your visa at the airport upon landing. The VOA is applicable only for air travel, and it’s available for those arriving at one of Vietnam's major international airports: Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), and Da Nang.

Visa on arrival in Vietnam is available at FIVE major international airports: Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Da Nang International Airport in Da Nang. Cam Ranh International Airport in Nha Trang. Phu Quoc International Airport (Phu Quoc) Travelers arriving at any of these airports with a pre-approved visa letter can complete their visa process upon landing. You must apply online in advance for an acceptance letter through a travel agency or visa service in order to receive a visa upon arrival. When you arrive, be sure to have the printed permission letter, a filled-out visa application form, passport photographs, and cash (USD or VND) for the visa stamping cost.

A Vietnam visa on arrival (VOA) is available to travelers arriving by air who have pre-applied online for a visa approval letter. It is specifically for foreign nationals who enter Vietnam through its international airports. Visa on arrival is only applicable to certain nationalities, typically those from countries that do not have a visa exemption agreement with Vietnam.

Applicants typically receive their Vietnam visa approval letter via email after submitting an online application through a visa agency or official government portal. The process begins with filling out a visa application form and making the necessary payment online. Once the application is approved, the immigration department sends the approval letter in a PDF format to the email address provided by the applicant.

The processing time for a Vietnam visa approval letter generally takes between 2 to 4 working days for regular applications. This is the standard timeframe for most online applications submitted through approved visa agencies. However, expedited services are available for applicants who need quicker processing. For urgent cases, approval letters can be processed in as little as 1 working day, or even within a few hours for emergency cases, though these services often come at a higher cost.

Yes, there is a risk of malaria in certain regions of Vietnam, particularly in rural and forested areas. The disease is transmitted by infected Anopheles mosquitoes, which are more prevalent in the southern provinces and along the borders with Laos and Cambodia. While major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have a lower risk, travelers venturing into rural landscapes, especially in the Central Highlands or the Mekong Delta, should be cautious. Preventive measures are crucial for anyone traveling to areas where malaria is a concern. The use of insect repellent containing DEET, wearing long sleeves and pants, and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito bites. Additionally, travelers may consider taking antimalarial medication before, during, and after their trip, depending on their itinerary and the advice of a healthcare professional. It’s also important to recognize the symptoms of malaria, which can include fever, chills, headaches, and flu-like symptoms. If you suspect you may have contracted malaria during your travels, seeking medical attention promptly is essential, as early diagnosis and treatment can be lifesaving. However, you can have a piece of mind when traveling to Vietnam. In modern days, travelers don’t have to worry about malaria because the hospital and treatment facilities in Vietnam have developed now.

Travelers to Vietnam may experience a few common illnesses, often due to changes in climate, food, and exposure to local conditions. One of the most frequent issues is traveler’s diarrhea, which can result from consuming unfamiliar food or water. Street food is delicious in Vietnam, but it’s important to ensure the food is cooked thoroughly and comes from a clean source. When dining at street food stalls, the cooking and serving practices may not always meet high food safety standards. However, this doesn’t mean you should eliminate street food from your must-try list while traveling in Vietnam. It’s advisable to read online reviews or seek recommendations from locals before selecting a restaurant or food vendor. Similar to many tropical nations, Vietnam experiences significant sunlight exposure. Spending extended periods outdoors can lead to heatstroke, headaches, or a mild fever. Another illness is dengue fever, which is another illness travelers might encounter, especially during the rainy season. This mosquito-borne disease causes flu-like symptoms such as fever, joint pain, and rash. Protecting yourself by using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves in areas with mosquitoes is essential. Respiratory infections can also affect travelers, especially in larger cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where air pollution can be high. Masks are helpful for reducing exposure to pollutants and protecting against infections in crowded places.

Vietnam is a fantastic destination for solo female travelers, offering a rich cultural experience, stunning landscapes, and welcoming locals. Known for its bustling cities like Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam has become a popular spot for solo adventurers seeking both vibrant urban life and serene countryside retreats. One of the best aspects of traveling alone in Vietnam is the country's safety. While it’s always important to stay cautious when traveling to some new places, Vietnam is generally considered safe for female travelers. Locals are friendly and often eager to help, which adds to the sense of comfort when exploring on your own. Vietnam’s well-developed tourist infrastructure also means it’s easy to navigate, with plenty of hostels, homestays, and group tours available. For solo female travelers who love adventure, Vietnam offers numerous activities like trekking in Sapa, cruising through Ha Long Bay, and exploring ancient temples in Hue. The food scene is another highlight, with street vendors offering delicious local dishes like pho and banh mi, perfect for trying new flavors in a laid-back atmosphere. With careful planning and common travel safety practices, solo female travelers can enjoy a fulfilling and memorable experience in this beautiful country.

No, you cannot apply for a visa to Vietnam if your passport is set to expire in less than six months from your planned date of entry. Most countries, including Vietnam, require that passports be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay to ensure that you have sufficient time to renew your passport and handle any unexpected delays.