Last Updated: Thursday April 02, 2026
Planning a trip to Vietnam in 2026. You are probably wondering about Vietnam visa options for tourists. One big question is whether to get a Vietnam visa on arrival or an e-visa.
There are a lot of rules and different ways to get a visa. So it is an idea to understand the different types of Vietnam visas. This will help you avoid problems when you get to the airport. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about a Vietnam visa on arrival in 2026. It will explain how it works and which option is best for your trip to Vietnam.
What is a Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)?
Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a type of visa that you get when you arrive at an airport. You need to do some things before you travel to Vietnam. You need to get a Vietnam visa letter before you go. You can get this letter from a company that helps people get visas.
When you get to Vietnam, you will finish getting your visa at the airport. There is a counter at the airport (Vietnam immigration visa on arrival counter) where you can do this. That is why some people call it a Vietnam airport visa.
This process is why VOA is sometimes referred to as a Vietnam airport visa.
Available for:
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Tourists travelers, and others arriving by air only.
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Entry through Hanoi (Noi Bai), Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), Da Nang, or Nha Trang airports, etc
Not available for:
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Land or sea entry points.
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Travelers without a visa approval letter.
How Vietnam Visa on Arrival Works Step by Step

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If you are going to Vietnam and you want to use the visa on arrival in Vietnam 2026, it is easy to do. You just need to do things, and it will be okay.
Step 1 – Check Eligibility and Apply Online
Check whether you need a visa for Vietnam here. If you’re required to get a visa, you need to fill out a form on a website that helps people get visas. You can go to this website: https://vietnam-immi.org/booking
Step 2 – Get Your Vietnam Visa Letter
After you apply, you will get an email with your Vietnam visa letter. This is a paper that you need to get on a plane to Vietnam.
Step 3 – Arrive at the Vietnam Airport
When you get to the airport in Vietnam, you need to find the counter that says Vietnam immigration visa on arrival. It might also say Landing Visa.
Step 4 – Give Them Your Papers
You need to give the people at the counter some things. These are:
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Passport – valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
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Printed approval letter – issued by Vietnam Immigration.
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Two passport-sized photos (4x6cm).
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The Government fees
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US$25 for single entry;or
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US$50 for multiple entry, to be paid in cash at the airport
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The Entry and Exit form (NA1, the word form attached), which you can fill out beforehand to save time at the airport.
Learn more about Guide To Vietnam Visa On Arrival: NA1 Form Download & Tips
Step 5 – Get Your Visa
The people at the counter will look at your papers. The visa is like a stamp in your passport that says you can stay in the country. Vietnam visa on arrival is a way to get into Vietnam, and it is not hard to do.

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Vietnam Visa Types: VOA vs E-Visa Explained
If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, it is crucial to understand the difference between the Vietnam VOA and E-Visa.
Here are the key differences:
|
Feature |
Vietnam E-Visa |
Vietnam Visa on Arrival |
|
Application |
Online |
Online + airport process |
|
Entry type |
Airport, land, sea |
Airport only |
|
Documents |
Digital visa approval |
Visa approval letter + stamping |
|
Airport wait time |
Usually none |
May require waiting |
|
Best for |
Most tourists |
Group travel and some nationalities |
Is Vietnam E-Visa Better Than VOA?
Many people who travel ask: "Is the Vietnam e-visa better than the visa on arrival?"
The answer is usually yes. This is because the e-visa is easier to get. When you get an e-visa, you have a visa before you travel to Vietnam. So when you get to the airport, you can just go to the immigration counter without having to fill out any papers.
The visa on arrival is still a good option for some people. Some people cannot get an e-visa because of their nationality.
Vietnam Visa Options for Tourists (2026)
When you want to visit Vietnam you have Vietnam visa options to think about. The main Vietnam visa options for tourists are:
Vietnam E-Visa
You can apply for the Vietnam E-Visa online. The Vietnam E-Visa is good for tourism and short visits. A lot of nationalities can get the Vietnam E-Visa.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival
To get the Vietnam Visa on Arrival you need a Vietnam visa letter. They give you the Vietnam Visa on Arrival at the airport. This Vietnam Visa on Arrival is good for people who need to travel
Embassy Visa
The Embassy Visa is the kind of visa that you get from a Vietnamese embassy. People usually use the Embassy Visa when they want to stay in Vietnam for a time or if they have a special case.
Choosing the Vietnam visa can save you time and prevent problems when you travel to Vietnam.
List of Applicable Airports for visa on arrival to Vietnam
If you want to get a visa when you arrive in Vietnam, there are airports where you can do this.
You can get a visa on arrival for Vietnam at the following airports:
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Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi
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Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City
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Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong
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Da Nang International Airport in Da Nang
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Cam Ranh International Airport in Khanh Hoa
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Can Tho International Airport in Can Tho
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Lien Khuong International Airport in Da Lat
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Phu Quoc International Airport in Phu Quoc
You can get a visa on arrival for Vietnam at these Vietnam airports.
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Important Notes and Tips for VOA
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Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) is only valid for entry through international airports. If you plan to enter Vietnam by land border, bus, car, or cruise ship, you should apply for an e-visa or obtain a visa from a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in advance.
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Please prepare the exact stamping fee in USD, as credit cards are not accepted at the airport visa counter.
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Each child or infant must have their own visa if they hold a separate passport.
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Carefully review your visa approval letter, including your full name, passport number, and entry dates. Any mistakes may lead to problems or refusal at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I get a Vietnam airport visa without a visa letter?
No. You must obtain a Vietnam visa letter in advance. Without it, airlines may refuse boarding.
2. What is the difference between the Vietnam VOA and e-visa?
The difference between the Vietnam VOA and the e-visa is how you receive the visa.
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E-visa: Apply online and receive the visa by email.
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VOA: Get a visa letter first and receive the visa stamp (sticker) at the airport.
3. Where can I use Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
Vietnam airport visa is only available at international airports such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Cam Ranh, and Phu Quoc.
Whether you need a fast visa, airport fast track, private car, or eSIM, Vietnam-Immi.org is here 24/7 to support your trip.
- Whatsapp: +84379522522
- Hotline: +84.379.522.522
- Email: [email protected]
