Plan your Vietnam adventure with our guide to visa stamping at airports for 2025-2026! Learn about the visa on arrival process, requirements, costs, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and tips for seamless Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Photograph the festive spirit of Vietnam’s traditionsWritten 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, myvietnamvisa.com, vietnamvisa.govt.vn, and cambodia-travel.com. Information based on latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Vietnam, a vibrant Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its rich history, cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s Ancient Town, Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, and bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City cambodia-travel.com. A must-visit for global travelers, Vietnam attracts tourists for its UNESCO sites, affordable travel, and proximity to regional hubs like Bangkok (1,200 miles from Hanoi) culturetrip.com. Understanding the visa stamping process at Vietnam’s airports is crucial for travelers using the visa on arrival option to ensure a smooth entry for exploring cultural treasures or joining eco-friendly Vietnam Tours. The visa on arrival, available for air travelers, requires a pre-approved visa letter and stamping at the airport vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical steps for visa stamping at airports, cultural etiquette, and sustainable Vietnam Travel options to enhance your journey.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the visa on arrival is a convenient option for tourists arriving by air, requiring an online approval letter and stamping fee payment at the airport. This guide blends visa stamping insights, cultural tips, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a seamless visit.
The Vietnam visa on arrival is available for air travelers at major international airports (e.g., Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang) for tourism purposes, valid for 30–90 days, single or multiple entry. It requires a pre-approved visa letter obtained online and a stamping fee paid in cash at the airport. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival with two blank pages. Total costs range from $50–$100 (~1,250,000–2,500,000 VND). Processing for the approval letter takes 3–7 business days, with urgent options available. Verify requirements via vietnamvisa.govt.vn or trusted agencies like vietnam-visa.com.
Eligibility: Available to most nationalities for air travel only, for tourism purposes (e.g., sightseeing, cultural visits, or guided tours) vietnam-visa.com.
Purpose: Tourism, valid for 30–90 days, single or multiple entry.
Validity and Duration: 30 days (single/multiple entry) or 90 days (multiple entry), starting from the entry date specified in the approval letter myvietnamvisa.com.
Entry Points: Available at major international airports, including:
Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
Da Nang International Airport (Da Nang)
Cam Ranh International Airport (Nha Trang)
Phu Quoc International Airport
Others listed at vietnamvisa.govt.vn
Cost:
Service Fee: $25 (~625,000 VND, single entry) or $50 (~1,250,000 VND, multiple entry), paid online for the approval letter.
Stamping Fee: $25 (~625,000 VND, single entry) or $50 (~1,250,000 VND, multiple entry), paid in cash (USD or VND) at the airport.
Total: $50–$100 (~1,250,000–2,500,000 VND).
Urgent Processing Fee: $10–$50 (~250,000–1,250,000 VND) for 1–2 day or 4–8 hour processing via agencies vietnam-visa.com.
Processing Time: Approval letter: 3–7 business days; urgent processing: 1–2 days or 4–8 hours. Stamping at the airport takes 15–60 minutes, depending on queue length myvietnamvisa.com.
Requirements:
Online Application for Approval Letter:
Apply via vietnam-visa.com or similar agencies.
Provide passport details (full name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, entry date, entry airport).
Pay the service fee ($25–$50) online via credit/debit card.
Receive the approval letter via email (print at least two copies).
At the Airport for Stamping:
Printed visa approval letter.
Passport (valid 6+ months, two blank pages).
Two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm, taken within 6 months, no glasses, white background).
Cash for stamping fee ($25–$50, USD or VND; USD preferred for consistency).
Completed Entry and Exit Form (provided at the airport or downloadable from vietnam-visa.com).
Special Notes:
The visa on arrival is only valid for air travel; land or sea entry requires an e-visa or embassy visa vietnam-visa.com.
Phu Quoc Island offers a 30-day visa exemption for direct arrivals by air or sea with an onward ticket, bypassing the need for a visa on arrival vietnam-visa.com.
Overstaying incurs fines (~1,250,000 VND/day or ~$50/day) and risks deportation or blacklisting.
Extensions may be possible through agencies for $30–$100 (~750,000–2,500,000 VND); contact vietnam-visa.com for details.
Overseas Vietnamese and their spouses/children may qualify for a 5-year visa exemption certificate (~$10–$20 or ~250,000–500,000 VND) myvietnamvisa.com.
Obtain Approval Letter: Apply online via vietnam-visa.com or a similar agency at least 3–7 days before travel. Provide accurate passport details, select single or multiple entry, and specify your entry airport. Pay the service fee ($25–$50). Receive the approval letter via email and print at least two copies.
Prepare Documents: Before departure, ensure you have:
Printed approval letter.
Passport (valid 6+ months, two blank pages).
Two 4x6 cm photos (no glasses, white background).
Cash for stamping fee ($25 for single entry, $50 for multiple entry, in USD or VND).
Completed Entry and Exit Form (available at the airport or online).
Arrive at the Airport: Upon landing at a Vietnam international airport (e.g., Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang), locate the “Visa on Arrival” counter (usually near immigration).
Submit Documents: Present your approval letter, passport, photos, cash for stamping fee, and completed Entry and Exit Form to the immigration officer. Double-check that all details match your passport.
Pay Stamping Fee: Pay $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry) in cash (USD preferred; VND accepted but exchange rates may vary). No credit cards are accepted for the stamping fee.
Receive Visa Stamp: Wait 15–60 minutes for processing, depending on queue length. Your passport will be stamped with the visa, indicating the validity period and entry type.
Proceed to Immigration: Present your stamped passport at the immigration counter for entry clearance. Declare any restricted items (e.g., medications over $100 value) travel.state.gov.
Collect Luggage and Exit: After immigration clearance, collect your luggage and proceed to customs if needed.
Cash Requirement: Ensure you have USD or VND for the stamping fee; ATMs may be available post-immigration, but cash is required at the counter vietnam-visa.com.
Queue Times: Peak travel seasons (e.g., dry season, November–April) may lead to longer waits at the visa counter; arrive early to avoid delays.
Photo Backup: Carry extra passport photos in case of issues with submitted photos; some airports offer photo services for ~$5 (~125,000 VND).
Application Timing: Apply for the approval letter 7–14 days before travel to account for holidays (e.g., Tet); urgent processing (4–8 hours) is available for last-minute plans vietnam-visa.com.
Tip: Use the visa on arrival for its speed and convenience for air travelers, but ensure you have the approval letter and cash ready. An e-visa ($25–$50) may be simpler for land/sea entry. A guest shared: “The visa stamping at Hanoi airport was quick with our approval letter prepared.”
Cultural etiquette enhances your experience during Vietnam Tours, especially when navigating visa stamping at the airport. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands when presenting your passport, approval letter, or photos at the visa counter to show respect.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for cultural sites post-arrival (e.g., pagodas, markets); a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms. Airport attire can be casual but neat culturetrip.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at the visa counter and immigration; avoid loud behavior or impatience in queues; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals after entry. Avoid pointing at people or sacred objects, as this is disrespectful. A guest shared: “Politeness at the visa counter made our entry smooth.”
Customs: Avoid public criticism of the government to prevent issues; tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND) for local vendors; respect traditions during festivals like Tet culturetrip.com.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to immigration officers or locals; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($1 or 25,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; carry your approval letter and passport securely. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen prepared travellers thrive in Vietnam’s vibrant culture after visa stamping.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics like “cảm ơn”; English is common in tourist areas and airports, but translation apps are useful in rural areas culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow immigration rules; avoid overstaying your visa (fines of ~1,250,000 VND/day apply); support local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with “Hanoi” or “Ho Chi Minh City” for navigation after leaving the airport; keep your stamped passport handy.
Eco-Tip: Use digital approval letters to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day) or public transport to minimize emissions, aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Note: Etiquette reflects current norms; verify visa on arrival procedures via vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your Vietnam experience post-visa stamping, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, myvietnamvisa.com, and cambodia-travel.com. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s Ancient Town, or Ha Long Bay independently after visa stamping; suitable for flexible travellers; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Carry your stamped passport and approval letter as backup; verify visa validity for your stay vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Schedule: Daily; cultural sites like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum open 7:30 AM–10:30 AM (free); markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM (free); vibrant during Tet (January/February, lunar calendar).
Cost: Entry: $0–$2 (0–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day; taxi: $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Various cities in Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay).
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or public transport to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites or markets.
Tip: Check visa validity at vietnamvisa.govt.vn; visit early (6:00 AM) for serenity; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless after visa stamping at the airport.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Temple of Literature or Hoi An’s Ancient Town; includes English-speaking guide, transport, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Carry your stamped passport; confirm visa validity with tour operator vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi or Hoi An hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi or Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local vendors.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest noted: “The group tour was culturally rich after quick visa stamping.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Ha Long Bay for cruising and a local market; includes English-speaking guide, transport, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use your visa on arrival for air entry to Hanoi or other airports; carry stamped passport myvietnamvisa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest noted: “The combo tour was a perfect adventure post-visa stamping.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi’s cultural sites, Ha Long Bay’s cruises, and Hoi An’s Ancient Town; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry visa on arrival for multi-city travel; carry stamped passport vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City 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, Ho Chi Minh City, or Hoi An.
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 noted: “The multi-day tour was immersive after easy visa stamping.”
Visa on Arrival: Convenient for air travelers ($50–$100), quick with pre-approved letter, ideal for spontaneous or flexible travel plans.
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and budget-friendly, perfect for independent travellers post-visa stamping.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, great for cultural insights with minimal hassle.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural sites with adventure for a comprehensive experience.
Multi-Day Cultural Tours: Offer in-depth exploration, ideal for multi-city travel with a multiple-entry visa.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key travel opportunities for visa on arrival holders include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically January/February (lunar calendar), vibrant with celebrations; warm in the south (25–32°C), cooler in the north (15–25°C); check dates at cambodia-travel.com.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September (lunar calendar), festive with lantern displays; warm and rainy (24–33°C); check dates at cambodia-travel.com.
Cultural Site Visits: November–April for dry conditions in the south (Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc); March–April for mild weather in the north (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay); February for optimal weather nationwide holiday-weather.com.
Dry season (November–April, 25–33°C in the south, 15–25°C in the north) is ideal for cultural visits, markets, and festivals. Wet season (May–October, 24–33°C) suits budget travelers and indoor experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or crowds. Verify weather via accuweather.com.
Step 1: Apply for Approval Letter:
Visit vietnam-visa.com or a similar agency.
Complete the online form with accurate passport details (full name, passport number, date of birth, nationality), entry date, and entry airport.
Select single or multiple entry (30 or 90 days).
Pay the service fee ($25–$50) via credit/debit card.
Receive the approval letter via email within 3–7 business days (or 4–8 hours for urgent processing, additional $10–$50).
Print at least two copies of the approval letter.
Step 2: Prepare Documents:
Printed approval letter.
Passport (valid 6+ months, two blank pages).
Two 4x6 cm photos (no glasses, white background).
Cash for stamping fee ($25–$50, USD or VND).
Completed Entry and Exit Form (downloadable or available at the airport).
Step 3: Arrive and Locate Visa Counter:
Upon landing at a Vietnam international airport (e.g., Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang), follow signs to the “Visa on Arrival” counter, typically before immigration.
Step 4: Submit Documents and Pay Fee:
Present your approval letter, passport, photos, and Entry and Exit Form to the officer.
Pay the stamping fee in cash ($25 for single entry, $50 for multiple entry).
Step 5: Receive Visa Stamp:
Wait 15–60 minutes for processing (queues may be longer during peak seasons).
Receive your passport with the visa stamp, indicating validity and entry type.
Step 6: Proceed to Immigration:
Present your stamped passport at the immigration counter for entry clearance.
Declare restricted items (e.g., medications) if applicable.
Eco-Tip: Use digital approval letters to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day) or public transport for sustainable travel post-arrival.
Tip: Apply for the approval letter 7–14 days early to avoid delays during holidays (e.g., Tet); carry USD for the stamping fee to avoid exchange rate issues; have extra photos ready. A guest noted: “Visa stamping at Tan Son Nhat was quick with all documents prepared.”
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed visa approval letter (at least two copies), two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm, no glasses, white background), cash (USD or VND) for stamping fee ($25–$50 or ~625,000–1,250,000 VND), completed Entry and Exit Form, wallet ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) for cultural site visits; quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($5 or 125,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($5 or 125,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($1 or 25,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., phở); 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 ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($20 or 500,000 VND) for photos (with permission).
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND) for market purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for 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 on Arrival Costs
Service Fee: $25 (~625,000 VND, single entry) or $50 (~1,250,000 VND, multiple entry), paid online.
Stamping Fee: $25 (~625,000 VND, single entry) or $50 (~1,250,000 VND, multiple entry), paid in cash at the airport.
Total: $50–$100 (~1,250,000–2,500,000 VND).
Urgent Processing Fee: $10–$50 (~250,000–1,250,000 VND) for 1–2 day or 4–8 hour processing via agencies. Travel Tour Costs
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: $0–$2 (0–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day; taxi: $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., phở, banh mi): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., silk scarves, conical hats): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations at Cultural Sites: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person, Excluding Visa)
Budget: $10–$30 (~250,000–750,000 VND, self-guided, snacks, transport).
Mid-range: $30–$60 (~750,000–1,500,000 VND, group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $60–$100 (~1,500,000–2,500,000 VND, private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $50–$150 (~1,250,000–3,750,000 VND) for visa on arrival and daily travel costs, and $0.20–$10 (~5,000–250,000 VND) for purchases or add-ons.
Visa Stamping Tips: Apply for the approval letter 7–14 days early via vietnam-visa.com; carry USD for the stamping fee to avoid exchange rate issues; bring extra photos; verify entry airport matches your approval letter vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào” greeting; dress neatly at the airport and modestly for cultural sites; respect immigration officers; avoid overstaying to prevent fines.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for affordability, or multi-day tours for immersion post-visa stamping.
Schedules: Cultural sites open 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (November–April); book early for festivals (January/February, September).
Sustainability: Use bicycles or public transport; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for key cities like “Hanoi” or “Ho Chi Minh City.”
Weather: Dry season (Nov–Apr, 25–33°C in the south, 15–25°C in the north) ideal; wet season (May–Oct, 24–33°C) suits indoor activities; check forecasts via accuweather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115).
Who is eligible for a Vietnam visa on arrival? Most nationalities, for air travel only, with a pre-approved visa letter vietnam-visa.com.
How much does visa stamping at the airport cost? $50–$100 (~1,250,000–2,500,000 VND), including service fee ($25–$50) and stamping fee ($25–$50) myvietnamvisa.com.
What documents are needed for visa stamping? Approval letter, passport, two 4x6 cm photos, cash for stamping fee, Entry and Exit Form vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
How long does visa stamping take at the airport? 15–60 minutes, depending on queue length vietnam-visa.com.
Can I use a visa on arrival for land or sea entry? No, it’s only for air travel; use an e-visa for land/sea entry vietnam-visa.com.
Are eco-friendly tours available in Vietnam? Yes, group tours with fuel-efficient transport or bicycles; check localvietnam.com.
Enhance your Vietnam journey post-visa stamping with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, ~625,000–1,000,000 VND, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, ~2,000,000–3,750,000 VND, 2 days): Explore ecotourism sites with eco-friendly transport.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, ~3,750,000–6,250,000 VND, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam Visa Stamping at Airport with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and thorough preparation with your approval letter—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With visa on arrival costs from $50–$100 (~1,250,000–2,500,000 VND), eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers adventure and sustainability. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, apply for your approval letter early and respect local customs for the best experience. For more guides, check trusted resources like vietnamvisa.govt.vn. Safe travels!
Sources:
Visa Information: vietnam-visa.com, myvietnamvisa.com, vietnamvisa.govt.vn, travel.state.gov
Cultural and Travel Details: culturetrip.com, cambodia-travel.com
Weather Information: accuweather.com
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