Vietnam visa on arrival is in no way novel, so I found out recently. I’m Logan from Canada, and I love to explore some of the less infamous destinations around the world. Over the years, I have noticed that these destinations still have decent tourist attractions, rich traditions, friendly communities, vast coasts, and beaches as well as fun activities. You also have access to five-star services, and the experience is more or less similar.
Vietnam is mainly my favorite tourism destination. Its unique history and location make the decision very simple if planning for a vacation to countries within the Indochina peninsula. Alongside Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand, Vietnam is one of the first names that pop up when comparing destinations from that region.
When I first heard about Vietnam visa on arrival, I was skeptical for obvious reasons. There are too many scams online these days, so you better do your research before disclosing your private details and identity. Fast-forward to a few days later, I realized that this is one of the most convenient ways to travel to Vietnam without having to stop at an embassy or travel agency.
The first time I learned about visa on arrival
As with most trips, I always begin with in-depth online research. Once I pick a country, the next step is to quickly submit my visa application as I look into possible destinations I will be visiting. The first page of my Google search results for Vietnam visa cheap had an option for visa on arrival in the related search section. Further research on the subject revealed a couple of things:
· It is legit
Vietnam visa on arrival (VOA) is a permissible legal document under the issuing authority of the immigration department. You can check the ordinance on entry, foreigner residency, and exit. A VOA is a pre-qualification letter you can use to check-in at the departure airport. You can apply online through a travel agency in Vietnam and receive the official stamp at approved international airports upon arrival.
· Available for air travel only
Vietnam visa on arrival is only usable when traveling by air. As of this piece, you can use it at international airports in Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc. When entering Vietnam via land or sea, you will be required to provide the regular stamp visa. You can look up the list of applicable airports to be sure.
· Eligibility requirements
You require a visa to travel to Vietnam. Most visitors are eligible to apply for a VOA as long as you are entering Vietnam by air. You get one pre-qualification letter per person, so if you have kids that require a separate visa, you must apply a separate VOA. Your visa must also have at least six months to expiration at the time of arrival. Other requirements include two recent passport pictures, original ID card, and a credit card or PayPal billing details.
Why choose visa on arrival?
The benefits of applying for a VOA are quite straightforward. The process is fast and convenient. In emergency cases, you can get pre-approval within 2 business days of application. However, if you have no emergency, the application process can take from 4 hours to 8 hours depending on a myriad of factors including customer loyalty and application traffic. Some of the critical benefits of Vietnam visa on arrival include:
- Easy application process.
- You can apply from anywhere in the world (online).
- Secure your pre-qualification letter via mail.
- Convenience – no need to visit the embassy.
- Get official stamp when you arrive in Vietnam
The application process
It took me less than 10 minutes to complete my Vietnam VOA application. Since the process happens online, all you need is a strong, secure connection to the internet. There is no official website for the service, and private agencies mostly run it. The steps include:
- Find a reliable online agency that provides visa on arrival (I suggest for Vietnam Visa Cheap).
- Navigate to the application page.
- Fill in your details (name, residence).
- Receive your pre-approval letter via mail. Print a hard copy to produce upon arrival.
- You should prepare two clear image passport-size photos. The passport should be valid for at least six months. You also need a $25 stamp fee (for single entry) or $50 for multiple admission.
- Present all the above documents upon arrival in Vietnam.
Conclusion
Visa on arrival is a convenient way to acquire permissible travel documents. You also receive official stamping once you arrive at your destination. The only downside is you cannot use the VOAs when entering Vietnam via land or sea. If these are none of your concerns, you can try a visa on arrival and compare the experiences. Qualification is easy, and the process only takes a few days. Nonetheless, you should make sure you apply from credible, reputable agencies that have the mandate to offer such documents.
