Can US Citizens Get a Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
For American travelers planning a trip to Vietnam, a common question is: Can US citizens get a Vietnam visa on arrival? The answer is yes, but with conditions. Unlike some countries where you can simply arrive and apply for a visa at the airport, Vietnam visa on arrival (VOA) requires pre-approval before you travel.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything US passport holders need to know about getting a Vietnam visa on arrival, including eligibility, application steps, processing time, visa fees, and alternatives like the Vietnam e-Visa.
What Is Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)?
A Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a pre-approved visa that allows travelers to collect their visa stamp upon arrival at a Vietnamese international airport. However, before you board your flight, you must obtain a visa approval letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department through a licensed travel agency.
Key Features of Vietnam Visa on Arrival for US Citizens:
✅ Available only at international airports (not land borders or seaports)
✅ Requires a visa approval letter before departure
✅ Available for tourist and business purposes
✅ Offers single-entry and multiple-entry visas
✅ Allows stays of 30 days, 90 days, 6 months, or 1 year
💡 Important: US citizens cannot arrive in Vietnam without a pre-approved visa and expect to get a visa at the airport. You must apply for a visa approval letter in advance.
Who Can Apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
Most nationalities, including US citizens, are eligible for Vietnam Visa on Arrival. However, US travelers can also apply for a Vietnam e-Visa or a visa through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
If you need a longer stay, multiple entries, or a business visa, then Visa on Arrival is the better choice.
How to Get a Vietnam Visa on Arrival as a US Citizen
The Vietnam Visa on Arrival process involves two steps:
Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.
Step 1: Apply for a Visa Approval Letter (Before Departure)
Since you cannot obtain a Vietnam Visa on Arrival without prior approval, you must first get a visa approval letter from a licensed Vietnamese travel agency.
- Find a reputable visa service – Search online for a trusted Vietnamese visa agency.
- Complete the visa application form – Provide your full name, passport details, travel dates, and visa type.
- Pay the visa approval service fee – The fee varies depending on the visa type and processing time.
- Receive the visa approval letter via email – Processing typically takes 2 to 5 business days.
🔹 Tip: Print your visa approval letter, as you will need to present it when boarding your flight and at immigration upon arrival.
Step 2: Obtain Your Visa at a Vietnam Airport
Once you arrive in Vietnam, follow these steps to complete your Visa on Arrival process:
- Present your visa approval letter at the immigration counter.
- Submit your passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay).
- Complete the Vietnam visa application form (Form NA1) – You can download and fill this in advance or complete it at the airport.
- Provide two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm, taken within the last 6 months).
- Pay the visa stamping fee (cash only, in USD or VND).
- Receive your Vietnam visa stamped into your passport.
🚀 Processing time at the airport: Usually 15–45 minutes, depending on the number of applicants.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival Fees for US Citizens
Vietnam VOA fees consist of two parts:
1. Visa Approval Letter Fees
- Tourist visa: $10 – $25 USD
- Business visa: $60 – $90 USD
- Express processing: Additional fee for same-day or next-day approval
2. Visa Stamping Fees (Paid at the Airport in Cash)
- $25 USD – Single-entry visa (valid for 30 or 90 days)
- $50 USD – Multiple-entry visa (valid for up to 90 days)
- $95 USD – 6-month multiple-entry visa
- $135 USD – 1-year multiple-entry visa (only available for US citizens)
🔹 Tip: Bring exact cash in USD or Vietnamese Dong (VND), as credit cards are not accepted at the airport visa counter.
Where Can US Citizens Get a Visa on Arrival in Vietnam?
Vietnam Visa on Arrival is available only at international airports:
✈ Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
✈ Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
✈ Da Nang International Airport (Da Nang)
✈ Cam Ranh International Airport (Nha Trang)
✈ Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong)
Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.
🚫 Not available at land borders or seaports – US travelers entering Vietnam by land or sea must apply for a Vietnam e-Visa or obtain a visa from a Vietnamese embassy.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival vs. Vietnam e-Visa for US Citizens
Feature | Vietnam Visa on Arrival | Vietnam e-Visa |
---|---|---|
Entry Type | Single or Multiple Entry | Single or Multiple Entry |
Validity | 30 days, 90 days, 6 months, or 1 year | 30 days or 90 days |
Processing Time | 2–5 business days | 3–5 business days |
Application Process | Approval letter required | Online application |
Entry Points | Airports only | Airports, land borders, and seaports |
Cost | Service fee + stamping fee | $25 USD (single entry), $50 USD (multiple entry) |
Best for | Longer stays, business travelers | Tourists, short trips |
🔹 If you’re a tourist staying up to 90 days, a Vietnam e-Visa is a simpler alternative. If you need multiple entries or a longer stay, Visa on Arrival is the better choice.
Can You Extend a Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
Visa extensions are not guaranteed and depend on Vietnam’s immigration policies. If you need a longer stay, consider:
✔ Applying for a longer-duration visa in advance
✔ Leaving Vietnam and applying for a new visa from another country
✔ Consulting a Vietnamese travel agency for extension options
FAQs About Vietnam Visa on Arrival for US Citizens
1. Can US citizens get a Vietnam visa on arrival without a pre-approval letter?
❌ No. You must apply for a visa approval letter before traveling. Airlines will not let you board without it.
2. How long does it take to get a Vietnam visa approval letter?
⏳ Standard processing: 2–5 business days
⚡ Urgent processing: Same-day or 1-day approval (higher fee)
3. Do I need passport photos for Visa on Arrival?
Yes. Bring two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm).
4. Can I pay the Vietnam Visa on Arrival fee with a credit card?
No. Only cash (USD or VND) is accepted at the airport.
Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.
5. Can I get a Visa on Arrival at a land border or seaport?
No. Visa on Arrival is only available at airports. If entering by land or sea, apply for a Vietnam e-Visa.
Final Thoughts: Should US Citizens Get a Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
For US citizens, Vietnam Visa on Arrival is a great option if you:
✔ Need a longer stay (more than 30 or 90 days)
✔ Require multiple entries
✔ Prefer airport visa pickup
However, if you’re a tourist visiting for 30 or 90 days, a Vietnam e-Visa is a simpler alternative.
Plan ahead, apply for your visa approval letter, and enjoy your trip to Vietnam!
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Start your journey today by applying for your visa online — quick, easy, and hassle-free! Get approved in no time and focus on what matters most: your travel adventure.
Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.
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