Important notes on Vietnam visa on arrival
When tourism becomes one of Vietnam’s key sectors for the economic growth, the country makes great effort to facilitate its immigration procedure for foreigners in order to attract more potential visitors. One of the most noticeable attempts is its innovation in Vietnam visa policy. Accordingly, Vietnam has introduced visa on arrival which makes it easier and more simple for overseas travellers to enter Vietnam. Since this policy is quite new, however, many visitors are still unclear about it. These below are some important notes that foreigners should pay attention to before planning to access Vietnam.
Important notes on Vietnam visa on arrival
1. Apply for a visa on arrival
Instead of applying at nearby Vietnam Embassy, with Vietnam visa on arrival policy, overseas visitors can ask for a visa online from anywhere and in anytime. The process is very simple. All things are done online, from applying, to paying and then getting the visa approval letter which is known as prerequisite to get the real visa later at the airport. This method does not require applicants to hand in any of their documents like original passport, photo or any related documents. The only requirement for them is holding a passport of at least 6 months of validity, counted from entry date, together with one blank page for visa stamped. The applicants will be required to fill in an application form for a visa approval letter. All information entered to the form must be exactly relevant with the passport holder’s information. Any non-conforming or contradictory input will lead to rejection from access to Vietnam. Therefore, it is recommended that applicants check the information twice for the completely accuracy. Types of visas should also be carefully considered in advance and entered correctly since a foreigner with purpose of entry different from one specified in the visa approval letter will not be accepted by Vietnam Immigration Officer. Foreigners can apply for a visa as early as 6 months before the actual travel or as late as 30 minutes thereof. However, for the best safety, applying two days or one week before entering Vietnam is highly suggested.
2. Get visa on arrival
As visa approval letter is issued and delivered to applicant by email, he/she needs to print it out and bring it together when travelling to Vietnam. Once this letter is in hand, foreigners is granted to get real stamped visa at any of Vietnam international airports of arrival. After their landing, the visitors will go directly to the visa landing desk to get stamped visa. Requirements for a visa to be stamped includes: a fully filled entry and exit form, visa approval letter, original valid passport and two passport-sized photos. After getting visa stamped, foreigners come to Immigration counter to be checked for eligibility to enter Vietnam by Immigration officer.
Read more: Vietnam visa requirements on arrival