Can Your Nationality Apply for Vietnam VOA? Understanding the Pre-Approval Letter

Last Updated: Sunday, August 30th, 2026

Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) is one option available to certain foreign travelers who need a visa to enter Vietnam. However, the name “Visa on Arrival” can sometimes create confusion about how the process actually works.

Unlike simply obtaining a visa after landing, travelers using Vietnam VOA must apply in advance and receive a Visa Approval Letter before traveling to Vietnam. The visa is then issued at the designated airport after arrival, before the traveler proceeds through immigration.

Whether VOA is available, which processing option can be used, and what documents are required may depend on the traveler’s nationality and individual circumstances.

What Is Vietnam Visa on Arrival?

VOA requires pre-approval before travel

Vietnam VOA is a process that allows eligible travelers to arrange their visa approval before traveling and complete the visa issuance procedure at a Vietnamese international airport upon arrival.

The most important point to remember is that you cannot simply arrive in Vietnam without prior approval and request a VOA at the airport.

The traveler must first submit an application and obtain a Visa Approval Letter. Once approved, the letter should be printed and brought to Vietnam along with the required documents. At the airport, the traveler presents the documents at the visa counter to complete the visa issuance procedure before going through immigration.

Where can you use Vietnam VOA?

VOA is available for entry through designated international airports rather than all Vietnamese border crossings.

Travelers planning to enter Vietnam by land or sea should therefore check whether VOA is suitable for their itinerary before applying.

Can Your Nationality Apply for Vietnam VOA?

Eligibility depends on nationality

Vietnam VOA is not necessarily available under the same conditions for every nationality.

Eligibility can depend on the traveler’s nationality and application circumstances. Some nationalities may have different requirements or processing conditions, while certain processing options may not be available to all applicants.

For this reason, travelers should check their eligibility before making travel arrangements based on VOA.

Why does nationality matter?

Nationality can affect several aspects of the application, including:

• Whether VOA is available

• Which processing times are available

• Whether additional supporting documents are required

• The applicable processing fee

• How early the application should be submitted

A processing option available to one nationality should not automatically be assumed to be available to another.

What Documents Are Required for Vietnam VOA?

The documents required can depend on the purpose of travel and the applicant’s circumstances. Travelers may be asked to provide several documents and pieces of information.

1. Round-trip ticket

Applicants should provide a return or round-trip flight ticket, either purchased or reserved.

The ticket or reservation helps establish the intended arrival and departure dates and provides information about the planned length of the trip.

2. Reason for visiting Vietnam

Applicants should explain their purpose of travel to Vietnam.

They may also need to provide information about their contact or agency in Vietnam, depending on their circumstances.

The information provided should be consistent with the travel itinerary and supporting documents.

3. Hotel bookings in Vietnam

Travelers should prepare their hotel bookings in Vietnam, either confirmed or reserved.

If the trip involves several destinations, it is useful to have accommodation information covering the different locations included in the itinerary.

4. Detailed travel itinerary

A detailed travel plan may also be required.

This can include:

• Cities you plan to visit

• Approximate travel dates

• Accommodation details

• Planned activities during your stay

A clear itinerary helps provide a better picture of the intended purpose and duration of the trip.

5. Visa or residence document from another country

Depending on the applicant, a visa or residence document from another country may also be requested.

Examples include:

• UK visa

• US visa

• Visa issued by another country

• Residence card or residence permit

The specific documentation required can vary depending on nationality and individual circumstances.

How Long Does Vietnam VOA Processing Take?

Processing time varies by application

There is no single processing time that applies to every Vietnam VOA application.

Depending on nationality and eligibility, processing options may include:

• 2 working hours

• 4 working hours

• 2 working days

• 4 working days

• 7 working days in certain cases

The available processing options can vary, and not every option is available for every nationality.

Some applications may require additional review, which can affect the processing time.

Travelers who need a visa urgently should check the available processing time for their specific nationality before booking or boarding their flight.

Why do processing fees vary?

The fee can differ depending on the selected processing time and the type of visa being requested.

Generally, faster processing options have additional fees compared with standard processing. The available options and fees can also vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and circumstances.

Applicable government fees may also be separate from the processing fee and may be payable at the airport.

Because processing times and fees can vary, travelers should confirm the applicable information for their nationality before submitting an application.

How Does the Vietnam VOA Process Work?

Step 1: Submit an application

The traveler provides their personal information, passport details, travel information, and required supporting documents.

For tourist applications, this can include flight information, hotel bookings, and other information about the planned trip.

Step 2: Application review

The application is reviewed to determine whether the traveler is eligible and which processing option applies.

Additional documents or information may be requested if necessary.

Step 3: Receive the Visa Approval Letter

Once the application is approved, the Visa Approval Letter is issued to the traveler.

The traveler should check the information carefully and print the letter before traveling.

Step 4: Complete the visa procedure at the airport

After arriving at a designated Vietnamese international airport, the traveler presents the approval letter and other required documents at the visa counter.

Documents required upon arrival may include:

• Original passport valid for at least six months from the entry date

• At least two blank passport pages

• Visa Approval Letter

• Two passport-sized photographs

• Completed entry and exit form

• Applicable government or administrative fees

Additional documents may apply depending on the purpose of travel and visa category.

Once the visa issuance procedure is completed, the traveler can proceed to immigration.

What Should You Remember Before Traveling?

Apply before your flight

The most important rule is simple: do not wait until you arrive in Vietnam to arrange VOA.

The pre-approval must be obtained before traveling. The “arrival” part of Visa on Arrival refers to the visa issuance procedure at the airport, not the initial application.

Check your documents carefully

Before departure, make sure the information on your Visa Approval Letter matches your passport and travel details.

It is also important to bring the required photographs, passport, approval letter, and other supporting documents with you.

Check your nationality and processing time

If you have limited time before your flight, check whether your nationality is eligible and which processing options are available.

Some applicants may be able to use urgent processing, while others may require a longer processing period.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Key Takeaways

• Vietnam VOA requires advance application and approval before travel.

• You cannot simply arrive in Vietnam without prior approval and request a VOA at the airport.

• VOA eligibility can vary depending on nationality and individual circumstances.

• Applicants may need to provide a round-trip ticket, hotel bookings, passport information, and travel details.

• A visa or residence document from another country may be requested depending on the applicant.

• Processing can range from a few working hours to several working days for applicable cases.

• Not every processing option is available to every nationality.

• Faster processing generally involves a higher processing fee.

• Applicable government fees may be paid separately at the airport.

• Travelers should confirm their eligibility, documents, processing time, and applicable fees before traveling.

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