How long does a visa on arrival take in Vietnam?

Vietnam Visa on Arrival: Processing Time and Expedited Options

When planning a trip to Vietnam, obtaining a visa is a crucial step. The visa-on-arrival process is a convenient option for many travelers, but it’s essential to understand the processing time involved.

Standard Processing Time

For most standard visa-on-arrival applications, the processing time is typically 2-5 business days. This means that once you submit your application, it will take 2-5 business days for the visa to be approved.

Expedited Processing

If you need your visa more urgently, an expedited service is available. This service can process your visa application in just 2-4 hours. However, it’s important to note that the expedited service comes with an additional cost.

Approval Letter and Application Form

Once your visa on arrival has been approved, you will receive an approval letter and an application form (NA1) via email. It’s crucial that you print both the approval letter and the application form and present them upon arrival in Vietnam.

Steps to Obtain a Vietnam Visa on Arrival

To obtain a visa on arrival for Vietnam, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department and complete the online application form.
2. Pay the visa fee online or upon arrival in Vietnam.
3. Receive your visa approval letter and application form via email.
4. Print both documents and bring them with you to Vietnam.
5. Upon arrival in Vietnam, present the approval letter and application form at the immigration counter.
6. The immigration officer will affix a visa stamp to your passport.

Important Note:

• The visa-on-arrival process is only available for eligible nationalities. Check the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department to confirm if your country is eligible.
• You should apply for your visa on arrival well in advance to avoid any unexpected delays.
• Additional documents, such as a passport, visa fee payment receipt, and a passport-sized photo, may be required at the immigration counter.