Plan your Vietnam visa on arrival with our guide for international travelers! Learn about durations, requirements, extensions, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Experience Vietnam’s heritage with VOA-prepared toursWritten by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Travelers, please note: Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available for air entry with a pre-approval letter. International travelers can apply for a VOA pre-approval letter online through agencies, then obtain the visa at Vietnam’s international airports. Duration varies from 30 to 90 days, single or multiple entry. E-visas or exemptions may be more convenient for some nationalities. This guide details VOA durations, requirements, extensions, and travel tips for a seamless journey.
Vietnam, a captivating Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s ancient town, Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, and vibrant cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City vinpearl.com. Understanding Visa on Arrival (VOA) durations ensures smooth entry for travelers from eligible countries, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. VOA durations range from 30 to 90 days, with single or multiple entry options, allowing flexibility for exploring Vietnam’s rich heritage. This guide provides practical VOA insights, duration details, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for international travelers.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, VOA is accessible via pre-approval letters for air entry at major airports like Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai. This guide blends VOA duration requirements, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Travelers eligible for VOA can obtain visas at 8 international airports (e.g., Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai), with durations of 30 or 90 days (single/multiple entry). Pre-approval letters cost $5–$20 (125,000–500,000 VND), and stamping fees are $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND). Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Hoi An cost $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); guided tours range from $15–$80 (375,000–2,000,000 VND). Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels. Verify VOA requirements via vietnam-visa.com or travel.state.gov.
Standard Visa on Arrival:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short to medium stays.
Eligibility: Citizens of over 200 countries (e.g., US, UK, India, Canada, Australia); requires pre-approval letter from agencies vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: 30 days (single entry) or 90 days (multiple entry); calculated from the date of entry vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Pre-approval letter: $5–$20 (125,000–500,000 VND); stamping fee at airport: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); non-refundable vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Apply online through agencies like Vietnam Visa for a pre-approval letter; provide passport details, travel dates, and entry airport vietnam-visa.com.
Receive the letter via email within 2–3 working days (expedited 1–4 hours for additional fee $10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Print the letter and bring it with passport, two passport photos (4x6 cm), and stamping fee in USD to the VOA counter at the airport vietnam-visa.com.
Present documents at the VOA counter; wait 15–30 minutes for visa stamp; proceed to immigration travel.state.gov.
Ensure details match passport to avoid issues; VOA is only available at 8 airports (e.g., Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai, Da Nang) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable for 30–90 days with a sponsor or agency; fees $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); apply at immigration offices in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid only at 8 airports; not available at land borders or seaports vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Travelers must not fall under suspension categories (e.g., security risks) as per Vietnam’s immigration laws travel.state.gov.
Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or hosts travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: VOA is only for air entry with pre-approval; e-visas or exemptions are recommended for land/sea crossings or non-eligible nationalities vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Pre-Approval Letter: Required for VOA; obtain from agencies with passport scan, entry details, and photos vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours; handled by hotels; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Proof of Onward Travel: Recommended but not mandatory for VOA; have return ticket ready vietnam.travel.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience after VOA stamping during Vietnam Tours. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands for transactions at airports or cultural sites to show respect culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi); carry a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at immigration counters; avoid loud behavior or disputes; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or VOA letter securely. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs eased our VOA process and trip.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); avoid littering at cultural sites like Ha Long Bay or Hoi An; complete residence registration within 24 hours travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to officers or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep passport handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen VOA travelers thrive in Vietnam’s vibrant culture.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics like “cảm ơn”; English is common in tourist areas culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow airport rules (no photography in immigration); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use PassApp for safe ride-hailing after VOA; carry a printed VOA letter or passport photocopy travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day) or motorbike taxis ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) to reduce emissions vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your VOA-prepared journey, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay independently after VOA stamping; suitable for travelers with valid VOA durations; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use 30–90 day VOA durations; carry stamped passport; register temporary residence at hotels evisa.gov.vn.
Schedule: Daily; Hoi An ancient town open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Ha Long Bay accessible anytime.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Hanoi, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm VOA duration at airport; check vietnam-visa.com; a guest from the US noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with VOA duration.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid VOA duration; carry stamped passport; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest from Canada noted: “Legend’s tour ensured VOA compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a cycling tour; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use multiple-entry VOA for multi-city travel; carry stamped passport; confirm eligibility vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hoi An hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and cycling reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest from India noted: “The combo tour was VOA-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use multiple-entry VOA for multi-city travel; carry stamped passport; confirm temporary residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest from France noted: “The multi-day tour was a VOA-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for travelers with VOA durations.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for VOA-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with VOA-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key visa-prepared travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with temple ceremonies and family traditions; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April, honoring Vietnam’s founders; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September, festive with lantern parades; warm and wet (24–31°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Cultural Site Visits: Dry season (January–August) for comfortable weather; February for optimal conditions vinpearl.com.
Dry season (January–August, 18–33°C) is ideal for visa-prepared visits and cultural sites. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for budget travelers and indoor experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid crowds and heat. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify VOA Duration: VOA durations are 30–90 days; confirm with pre-approval letter; extend if needed with sponsor vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry pre-approval letter, passport photos, and USD stamping fee; have proof of onward travel travel.state.gov.
Border Procedures: Arrive at airports with pre-approval; pay stamping fee in USD; complete residence registration within 24 hours (handled by hotels) travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital pre-approval letters to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis after VOA for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for pre-approval 2–3 days early; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check VOA status with agencies vietnam-visa.com. For extensions, apply at immigration offices in major cities.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), pre-approval letter, passport photos (4x6 cm), stamping fee in USD ($25–$50), proof of onward travel, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($3 or 75,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 75,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($2 or 50,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., pho); small backpack ($2 or 50,000 VND); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($6 or 150,000 VND) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND) for purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 50,000 VND); umbrella ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Visa and Travel Costs
VOA Costs: Pre-approval letter: $5–$20 (125,000–500,000 VND); stamping fee: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); expedited processing: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on extension length and type vietnam-visa.com.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., banh mi, pho): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., crafts, textiles): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, VOA costs, and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use VOA extensions to save on new applications.
Visa Tips: Apply for pre-approval 2–3 days early for 30–90 day durations; use multiple-entry for flexible travel; extend VOA with sponsor if needed vietnam-visa.com.
Border Tips: Arrive at airports with pre-approval; pay stamping fee in USD; complete residence registration within 24 hours travel.state.gov.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress modestly for temples; respect local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for visa-compliant insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (January–August); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or motorbike taxis; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An.
Weather: Dry season (Jan–Aug, 18–33°C) ideal; hot period (Apr–Aug, 24–33°C) suits early mornings; wet season (Sep–Dec, 24–31°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via weather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115, nearest embassy).
What is the duration of Vietnam Visa on Arrival? 30 days (single entry) or 90 days (multiple entry), with extensions available vietnam-visa.com.
How do I get a Vietnam Visa on Arrival? Apply for a pre-approval letter online, then pay stamping fee at the airport; available only for air entry vietnam-visa.com.
How much does a Vietnam Visa on Arrival cost? Pre-approval: $5–$20; stamping fee: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry) vietnam-visa.com.
Can Vietnam Visa on Arrival be extended? Yes, for 30–90 days with a sponsor; fees $25–$100; apply at immigration offices vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available for land borders? No, only for 8 international airports; use e-visas or embassy visas for land/seaports vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your VOA-prepared Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and entry fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam Visa On Arrival Duration with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for international travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, apply for pre-approval letters early for 30–90 day durations, and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that VOA is only for air entry; plan accordingly. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
evisa.gov.vn
travel.state.gov
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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