Airports eligible for Vietnam visa on arrival

For many international visitors, one of the most convenient ways to enter Vietnam is by using the visa on arrival system. To make your trip easier, it is important to know the list of Vietnam visa on arrival airports, the steps involved, and the available expedited services. By planning ahead, you can save time and avoid unnecessary stress at immigration checkpoints.

Austria passport beside guide on vietnam visa processing time austrian citizens

Airports that accept visa on arrival applications

The Vietnamese government only allows the visa on arrival option at specific international airports. Travelers should be aware of these Vietnam visa on arrival airports before booking flights. Currently, the main airports include:

• Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) – Ideal for travelers heading to northern Vietnam.
• Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) – The busiest entry point for visitors.
• Da Nang International Airport – Convenient for central Vietnam and coastal destinations.
• Cam Ranh International Airport (Nha Trang) – Popular for tourists visiting beach resorts.

If you land at an airport not on this list, you must already have a valid visa or eVisa. This is why confirming your entry point in advance is crucial.

How the visa on arrival process works

The process begins before you fly. Travelers must obtain a pre-approval letter from the Vietnamese Immigration Department through a licensed agency. With this document, you can board your flight and complete the visa process at one of the Vietnam visa on arrival airports.

Upon arrival, you will need to:

1. Present your approval letter and passport.
2. Submit two passport-sized photos.
3. Fill out the visa application form provided at the airport.
4. Pay the stamping fee in cash.
5. Wait for your visa to be issued before clearing immigration.

This procedure is generally straightforward, but during peak travel seasons, lines may be long.

Immigration queue representing vietnam visa processing time austrian citizens

Express and expedited visa options

For travelers who require urgent entry, there are special services such as the Vietnam express visa and Vietnam visa expedited processing. These services speed up the approval process for your pre-approval letter, often within hours or the same day.

While these options involve additional costs, they are highly valuable for last-minute trips, business emergencies, or situations where travelers cannot wait for the standard three-day processing time.

Required documents for visa on arrival

Even when using expedited services, you must provide complete and accurate documents. To ensure a smooth process, prepare the following:

• Passport valid for at least six months
• Printed approval letter
• Two recent passport photos
• Completed entry and exit form
• Stamping fee in cash (USD or VND)

By preparing everything in advance, you can minimize waiting time at the airport and avoid unnecessary delays.

Luggage and passport symbolizing vietnam visa processing time austrian citizens journey

Common mistakes travelers should avoid

When applying for a Vietnam express visa or using Vietnam visa expedited services, mistakes can still cause problems. Some common issues include:

• Misspelling names or passport details on the application form
• Forgetting to print the approval letter before departure
• Arriving at an airport not authorized for visa on arrival
• Not carrying the correct amount of cash for stamping fees

By double-checking your details and documents, you can avoid these errors and ensure a hassle-free arrival.

When to choose expedited services?

Not every traveler needs urgent processing. However, a Vietnam visa expedited service is recommended if you:

• Plan to travel within 48 hours
• Forgot to apply for your visa until the last minute
• Have urgent business meetings or family emergencies in Vietnam
• Are traveling during peak holiday seasons when standard processing may slow down

In these cases, expedited services guarantee that your approval letter is ready in time for your trip.

Travel agency consultant explaining vietnam visa processing time austrian citizens

Plan ahead for smooth entry

The list of Vietnam visa on arrival airports is limited, so travelers must confirm their entry point before departure. Whether you apply in advance or use a Vietnam express visa or Vietnam visa expedited service, preparation is the key to smooth entry into Vietnam.

By understanding the process, gathering the right documents, and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that your arrival is stress-free. For travelers who value convenience, visa on arrival remains a practical option to explore the beauty and culture of Vietnam without unnecessary complications.

>>> You may want to know: Can you get an urgent Vietnam visa during public holidays?