Getting your visa stamp at a Vietnam international airport (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, etc.) in 2026 is a straightforward process, but small clerical errors can lead to long delays or being denied entry.
1. The “Essential Four” Documents
Before you even leave your home country, ensure you have these four items in your carry-on:
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Original Passport: Must have at least 6 months of validity remaining and at least 2 blank pages.
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Printed Approval Letter: You must have a physical paper copy. Digital copies on your phone are generally not accepted by the airline or at the landing visa counter.
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Entry/Exit Form (Form NA1): You can save 20 minutes by downloading and filling this out before you land.|
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Tip: Write in CAPITAL LETTERS and ensure your name matches your passport exactly.
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Two Passport Photos: Size 4×6 cm (or 2×2 inches), white background, no glasses, taken within the last 6 months.
2. The Cash Strategy (Critical)
The stamping fee is paid directly to the Immigration Officers in cash.
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Fees: $25 USD for Single Entry or $50 USD for Multiple Entry.
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Currency: While they accept VND, the exchange rate used at the counter is often poor. Pay in USD.
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Condition: Bills must be clean, crisp, and not torn. Older “Series 2006” $100 bills or any bill with writing on it may be rejected.
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Exact Change: Bring the exact amount. The officers sometimes run low on change, which can delay your process.
3. Avoid These Common Mistakes
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Arrival Date Errors: You cannot enter Vietnam before the start date on your approval letter. You can enter on or after it.
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Name Order: Ensure your name on the Approval Letter matches the ICAO line (the bottom line of your passport). If your name is misspelled on the letter, you may be forced to pay for a “Rush Correction” at the airport (very expensive).
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Accompanying Children: If your child has their own passport, they must have their own Approval Letter and their own set of photos/fees.
4. The Airport Workflow
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Don’t go to Immigration yet: When you land, look for the “Landing Visa” or “Visa Upon Arrival” counter before the passport control lines
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Submit & Wait: Hand over your documents and passport. You will be asked to sit and wait.
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Listen Carefully: Officers will call your name (often with a thick accent) or hold up your passport photo.
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Pay & Inspect: Pay the fee, take your passport, and immediately check the visa sticker.
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Check: Is the name spelled right? Are the dates correct? Once you leave the window, it is very hard to fix errors
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🕒 Estimated Wait Times (2026)
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Low Season (May–Sept): 15–30 minutes.
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High Season (Oct–April): 45–90 minutes.
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Pro Tip: If you have a tight connection or just want to avoid the crowd, most agencies offer a “Fast Track” service where an agent meets you at the gate and handles the queue for you.
