Can You Get a Tourist Visa on Arrival in Vietnam?

If you’re planning a visit to Vietnam, one of the first things you’ll need to consider is obtaining a visa. Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit, you may have several different options for obtaining a visa, including applying in advance through an embassy or consulate, applying online for an e-visa, or getting a visa on arrival at the airport. In this article, we will explore whether it’s possible to get a tourist visa on arrival in Vietnam, how to do it, and the pros and cons of this approach.

Who Can Get a Tourist Visa on Arrival in Vietnam?

While not all nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival in Vietnam, citizens of many countries can obtain this type of visa. The list of eligible countries includes most European nations, as well as Australia, Canada, the United States, and many others. It’s worth noting that the visa on arrival option is only available for those traveling to Vietnam by air – if you are arriving by land or sea, you’ll need to obtain a visa in advance or apply for an e-visa.

What Is a Tourist Visa on Arrival in Vietnam?

As the name suggests, a tourist visa on arrival is a type of visa that you can obtain upon arrival in Vietnam. Rather than applying in advance through an embassy or consulate, you simply fill out an online application form and pay the visa fee when you arrive at the airport. After submitting your application, you’ll receive a pre-approval letter via email. When you arrive in Vietnam, you’ll present this letter along with your passport and the visa fee, and you’ll be issued a visa on the spot.

When Should You Apply for a Tourist Visa on Arrival in Vietnam?

If you’re considering a tourist visa on arrival in Vietnam, it’s important to plan ahead. While the process of obtaining a visa on arrival is relatively quick and straightforward, you’ll still need to allow time for processing and make sure that you have all the necessary documents in order. You can apply for a visa on arrival online up to six months in advance of your trip, but it’s recommended to do so at least two weeks before your departure date.

How to Obtain a Tourist Visa on Arrival in Vietnam

The process for obtaining a tourist visa on arrival in Vietnam is relatively simple. Here are the steps:

1. Go to the website of a reputable visa agency that offers visa on arrival services for Vietnam.
2. Fill out the online application form with your personal information as well as details about your travel plans.
3. Pay the visa fee online using a credit card or other payment method.
4. Wait for your pre-approval letter to arrive via email (this usually takes 1-2 business days).
5. Print a copy of the pre-approval letter and bring it with you to Vietnam.
6. When you arrive at the airport in Vietnam, show the pre-approval letter along with your passport and pay the visa stamping fee (which varies depending on the length of your stay).

Pros and Cons of Obtaining a Tourist Visa on Arrival in Vietnam

Like any visa option, there are pros and cons to obtaining a tourist visa on arrival in Vietnam. Here are some of the factors to consider when deciding if this approach is right for you:

Pros

• Convenient: You don’t need to visit an embassy or consulate in person, and the online application process is relatively quick and easy.
• Fast processing: Once you arrive in Vietnam, you can get your visa on the spot within a matter of minutes.
• Cost-effective: The fees for a visa on arrival are often lower than those for a traditional visa obtained through an embassy or consulate.

Cons

• Risk of scams: Because the process for obtaining a visa on arrival relies on third-party agencies, there is a risk of scams or fraudulent websites.
• Uncertainty: While the vast majority of applications are approved, there is always a small chance that your application could be denied upon arrival in Vietnam.
• Limited entry points: Tourist visas on arrival are only available at certain airports in Vietnam, so if you arrive by land or sea, you’ll need to obtain a visa in advance.

Alternatives to Obtaining a Tourist Visa on Arrival in Vietnam

If you’re not comfortable with the idea of obtaining a tourist visa on arrival in Vietnam, there are several other options to consider. Here are a few:

• Traditional visa: You can apply for a traditional visa through an embassy or consulate in your home country or a nearby country. This approach usually requires an in-person appointment and can take several weeks to process.
• E-visa: If you don’t want to go through the hassle of applying for a traditional visa, you may be eligible for an e-visa. This is an electronic visa that you can apply for online and print out before your trip.- Visa exemption: If you’re from a country that has a visa exemption agreement with Vietnam, you may be able to stay for a limited amount of time without a visa. However, this option is only available to certain nationalities and travel purposes.

Step by Step Guide to Obtaining a Tourist Visa on Arrival in Vietnam

Here is a more detailed step-by-step guide to obtaining a tourist visa on arrival in Vietnam:

1. Choose a reputable visa agency that provides visa on arrival services for Vietnam.
2. Fill out the online application form with your personal information, planned entry and exit dates, and flight details.
3. Pay the visa fee via credit card or other accepted payment methods.
4. Wait for the pre-approval letter to arrive via email (usually within 1-2 working days).
5. Print out a copy of the pre-approval letter and prepare two passport-sized photos along with your passport (which must be valid for at least six months from your entry date).
6. Upon arrival at the airport in Vietnam, present your pre-approval letter, passport, and photos along with the visa stamping fee.
7. Wait to have your visa stamped into your passport (usually takes 5-10 minutes).

Comparing Different Visa Options for Vietnam

When deciding which visa option to choose for your trip to Vietnam, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each approach. Here’s a comparison of some of the most common visa options:

Tourist Visa on Arrival

• Pros: Convenient, fast processing, cost-effective.
• Cons: Risk of scams, uncertainty, limited entry points.

Traditional Visa

• Pros: High certainty, reliable.
• Cons: Time-consuming, requiring in-person appointments.

E-visa

• Pros: Electronic, no need for in-person appointments.
• Cons: Limited entry and exit ports, validity duration.

Visa Exemption

• Pros: No need for visas.
• Cons: Only available to certain nationalities and travel purposes, limited duration of stay.

Tips for Obtaining a Tourist Visa on Arrival in Vietnam

If you’ve decided that obtaining a tourist visa on arrival in Vietnam is the best option for your needs, here are some tips to help you navigate the process:

1. Choose a reputable visa agency and do your research before applying.
2. Allow plenty of time to complete your application and obtain your pre-approval letter.
3. Print out a copy of your pre-approval letter and bring it with you along with your passport and photos.
4. Be prepared to pay the visa stamping fee (in cash) upon arrival at the airport.
5. Double-check that all your documents and information are correct before departing for Vietnam.

The Best Option for Your Vietnam Visa Needs

When it comes to obtaining a visa for Vietnam, there are several different options to consider. While a tourist visa on arrival can be a convenient and cost-effective approach for many travelers, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and choose the option that best suits your needs. By following the tips and steps outlined above, you’ll be well-prepared to obtain your visa and enjoy a smooth and hassle-free trip to beautiful Vietnam.

FAQs After The Conclusion

Q1. How long does it take to get a pre-approval letter for a tourist visa on arrival in Vietnam?
A1. It usually takes 1-2 working days to receive a pre-approval letter via email.

Q2. Can I apply for a tourist visa on arrival if I’m arriving in Vietnam by land or sea?
A2. No, tourist visas on arrival are only available at certain airports in Vietnam. If you’re arriving by land or sea, you’ll need to obtain a visa in advance.

Q3. What should I do if my tourist visa on arrival application is denied?
A3. If your application is denied, you’ll need to leave Vietnam immediately and obtain a proper visa before returning.

Q4. How much does it cost to obtain a tourist visa on arrival in Vietnam?
A4. The cost varies depending on the length of your stay and the type of visa you’re applying for.

Q5. Is it safe to use third-party visa agencies to obtain a tourist visa on arrival in Vietnam?
A5. While most visa agencies are reputable and reliable, there is always a risk of scams or fraudulent websites. Be sure to do your research and choose a trusted agency with good reviews.

Conclusion

Obtaining a tourist visa on arrival in Vietnam can be a convenient and cost-effective approach for many travelers. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the process and enjoy a smooth and hassle-free trip to this beautiful country.

However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and choose the option that best suits your needs. Whether you opt for a traditional visa, e-visa, visa exemption, or tourist visa on arrival, make sure to plan ahead and allow plenty of time to complete the application process.