Is visa on arrival available in Vietnam now?

Vietnam visa on arrival: $25 vs $50 stamping fee

Regarding whether is visa on arrival available in Vietnam now, travelers needing urgent approval or business permits still have this backup option. Missing the mandatory pre-arrival steps leads to denial and extra cash payments. Understanding the exact process avoids unnecessary delays and financial loss at Vietnamese airports.

Is Visa on Arrival Available in Vietnam Now?

To answer the common question, is visa on arrival available in Vietnam now? Yes, it is available as of April 2026, though the process is often misunderstood by first-time travelers. The most critical point to understand is that it is not a walk-up service; you cannot simply land and ask for a visa without having a pre-approved letter arranged through a travel agency before your flight. This entry method is specifically designed for air travelers arriving at major international hubs like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang.

Recent updates in 2026 have added new layers to the entry process. As of April 17, 2026, a mandatory Vietnam digital arrival card pre-arrival form must be completed before you land, especially for those entering through Tan Son Nhat Airport.^[1] While the official E-visa remains the preferred choice for 90% of tourists due to its digital-only nature, the visa on arrival remains a vital backup for those needing last-minute approval or business-specific entry permits that fall outside standard E-visa categories.

Mandatory Requirements for Vietnam Visa on Arrival in 2026

Getting your visa at the airport requires more than just a passport. You must carry a printed copy of your Visa Approval Letter. This letter is issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department but is typically processed through a licensed Vietnam visa approval letter travel agency. Without this physical paper in your hand, airlines will almost certainly deny you boarding at your point of departure.

Typical processing times for these letters range from 2 to 5 working days,^[3] though emergency services can sometimes provide them within 4-8 hours for an additional fee. Once you land, you will also need to pay the Vietnam visa on arrival stamping fee 2026 in cash. This fee is currently set at 25 USD for a single-entry visa and 50 USD for multiple-entry permits. It is highly recommended to have the exact amount in US Dollars, as the exchange rates offered for other currencies at the airport counters are often unfavorable.

I learned this the hard way during a trip last year. I thought Visa on Arrival meant exactly that - arrive and get a visa. I was stuck at the check-in desk in Singapore, franticly searching my email for a letter I didnt have. It took a 200 USD express fee and a very stressful three-hour wait to get the letter sent to my phone so I could board the next flight. Dont be me. Get the letter first. It is the one thing that will actually stop your trip before it starts.

The New 2026 Digital Arrival Card and Port Procedures

The introduction of the mandatory digital arrival card in April 2026 marks a significant shift toward paperless entry. This card must be filled out online before arrival. At Tan Son Nhat International Airport, failure to show the QR code from this completed form can lead to significant delays at the immigration queue. Most travelers report that the form takes about 10 minutes to complete if you have your flight and accommodation details ready.

If you are wondering how to get Vietnam visa on arrival at Tan Son Nhat or other major hubs, the airport procedure follows a specific sequence: First, head to the Visa on Arrival or Landing Visa window before joining the main passport control line. Hand over your passport, the printed approval letter, two passport-sized photos, and your cash. You will then wait for your name to be called - usually about 15-30 minutes depending on the crowd - to receive your passport back with the fresh visa sticker inside. Only after this do you proceed to the immigration officer to have the visa stamped for entry.

Which Airports Support Visa on Arrival?

It is important to remember that visa on arrival is only valid for those entering Vietnam by air. If you are crossing a land border from Cambodia or Laos, or arriving via a cruise ship, this method is not available to you. Supported airports include: Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi): Efficient but can be busy during the morning rush. Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City): The busiest hub; expect longer wait times. Da Nang International Airport: Generally the fastest processing experience for tourists. Cam Ranh (Nha Trang) and Phu Quoc: Available for those on direct international flights.

Vietnam E-Visa vs. Visa on Arrival (2026)

Official E-Visa (Recommended)

• 100% online through the official government portal

• Fixed fee paid online; no additional stamping fees at the airport

• Skip the visa counter at the airport and go straight to immigration

• Accepted at 42 international border crossings including land and sea

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

• Requires a pre-approval letter from a third-party agency

• Agency service fee + 25 USD or 50 USD cash stamping fee

• Must wait at the airport counter (15-60 minutes) to get the visa sticker

• Strictly limited to major international airports only

Minh's Family Reunion: A Lesson in Paperwork

Minh, an IT professional living in Sydney, was planning a trip back to Ho Chi Minh City in early 2026 for a family wedding. He decided to help his Australian friend, Mark, apply for a visa on arrival because it sounded faster than waiting for the official e-visa portal, which had been slow that week.

Mark arrived at Tan Son Nhat with his digital approval letter on his phone, thinking a digital copy was enough. The officer at the landing visa counter was firm: no printed letter, no entry. Mark had to spend 45 minutes finding a printer in a restricted airport zone, which was incredibly stressful.

They realized that while Vietnam is digitizing, physical paper is still king for certain immigration steps. Mark finally found a staff member to help him print the document, but he was the last person in a very long queue by the time he returned.

The delay cost them nearly two hours in the heat. Mark eventually entered, but the experience taught them that for 2026 travel, the 25 USD stamping fee must be paired with a physical printout and a pre-filled digital arrival card to ensure a smooth 15-minute transition.