Many Australian travellers believe they can simply arrive at a Vietnamese airport and obtain a visa immediately after landing. While Vietnam does offer a visa on arrival option in certain situations, the process is not quite as simple as many people assume.

Before boarding your flight, there are important requirements you may need to complete, including obtaining the appropriate travel documents in advance. Understanding how Vietnam’s airport visa process works can help you avoid unexpected problems during check-in and enjoy a much smoother arrival experience.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

• Whether Australian tourists need a visa before flying to Vietnam
• How Vietnam Visa on Arrival works
• Why a Visa Approval Letter is required
• Which Vietnamese airports may support airport visa processing
• The difference between an eVisa and Visa on Arrival
• Which documents Australians should prepare
• Whether it is possible to fly without an Approval Letter
• How airport Fast Track services can help
• Frequently asked questions about Vietnam airport visas

Do Australian Tourists Need a Visa Before Flying to Vietnam?

In most cases, yes.

Australian passport holders generally need a valid visa before entering Vietnam, even when the trip is only for a short holiday.

The main exception applies to travellers visiting Phu Quoc Island under the specific visa-exemption arrangement. Australian tourists may qualify for a visa-free stay of up to 30 days if they meet all of the following conditions:

• They travel directly to Phu Quoc on an international flight;
• They remain only on Phu Quoc Island;
• Their stay does not exceed 30 days;
• They do not travel to any other destination in Vietnam.

If your itinerary includes Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Ha Long Bay or any destination outside Phu Quoc, you will normally need an appropriate Vietnam visa.

Travellers should arrange the correct documents before arriving at the airport. Without a valid visa or the paperwork required for Visa on Arrival, an airline may refuse boarding or request additional proof before allowing the passenger to travel.

Can Australians Get a Vietnam Visa at the Airport?

Yes, in certain situations.

However, Visa on Arrival does not usually mean that an Australian traveller can fly to Vietnam without any advance preparation and then begin the application after landing.

Vietnam Visa on Arrival, often referred to as VOA, normally requires travellers to arrange an important document before departure:

A Visa Approval Letter

This letter must generally be obtained before boarding the flight to Vietnam.

After arriving at an eligible international airport, the traveller presents the Approval Letter and the required documents at the Landing Visa Counter. The visa is then placed in the passport before the passenger proceeds to immigration clearance.

In other words, the application begins before the journey, while the physical visa is received at the airport.

What Is a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter?

A Vietnam Visa Approval Letter is an official pre-arranged document used by eligible travellers who plan to receive their visa after arriving at a Vietnamese international airport.

It is important to understand that the Approval Letter is not the visa itself.

Instead, it confirms that the traveller has been approved to complete the Visa on Arrival procedure at an eligible airport.

The letter is generally used to:

• Show the airline that the passenger has prepared the required visa documentation;
• Access the Landing Visa Counter after arriving in Vietnam;
• Support the issuance of the physical visa at the airport;
• Confirm the traveller’s approval details before immigration clearance.

Travellers should receive the Approval Letter before departure, check that the information is correct and print a copy to carry during the journey.

The name, passport number and other personal details on the letter should match the passport exactly.

How Does Vietnam Visa on Arrival Work?

The Visa on Arrival process generally involves the following steps.

Step 1: Apply for a Visa Approval Letter

Submit the required passport information, travel details and supporting documents through an appropriate visa service.

Step 2: Receive the Approval Letter by Email

Once the request is processed, the Approval Letter is normally sent electronically.

Check all information carefully after receiving it.

Step 3: Print the Approval Letter

Prepare a clear printed copy before travelling.

Keeping a digital copy is also useful, but a printed version may be easier to present during airline check-in and airport processing.

Step 4: Fly to Vietnam

Carry the passport, Approval Letter, portrait photograph and other required documents in your hand luggage.

Do not place essential visa paperwork only in checked baggage.

Step 5: Go to the Landing Visa Counter

After landing, follow the airport signs or staff instructions to the Landing Visa or Visa on Arrival area before proceeding to the standard immigration desks.

Step 6: Submit the Required Documents

Applicants generally need to present:

• Their passport;
• The printed Visa Approval Letter;
• The required portrait photograph;
• The completed arrival or visa form, where applicable;
• Other supporting documents requested for the case.

Step 7: Pay the Visa Stamping Fee

A visa stamping fee may need to be paid at the airport.

For a single-entry visa, the fee is commonly USD 25, subject to the applicable rules and the visa issued.

Travellers should prepare cash in US dollars or Vietnamese dong because card payment may not always be available at the counter.

Step 8: Receive the Visa

After the documents and payment have been accepted, the visa is placed in the traveller’s passport.

Check the visa immediately to confirm that the personal information, validity dates and number of entries are correct.

Step 9: Proceed to Immigration

Once the visa has been issued, continue to the immigration checkpoint for normal entry inspection.

Which Vietnamese Airports Offer Visa on Arrival?

Visa on Arrival is generally associated with international air entry through eligible Vietnamese airports.

Common airports used for airport visa processing may include:

• Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi;
• Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City;
• Da Nang International Airport;
• Cam Ranh International Airport;
• Phu Quoc International Airport;
• Other eligible international airports under the applicable policy.

Availability may depend on the current immigration arrangements and the details stated in the traveller’s Approval Letter.

Before booking flights, applicants should confirm that:

• The intended airport accepts the relevant airport visa procedure;
• The airport listed in the documents matches the actual itinerary;
• The traveller is entering Vietnam by air;
• All required paperwork has been arranged in advance.

Visa on Arrival should not automatically be assumed to work at every airport, seaport or land-border crossing.

Visa on Arrival vs Vietnam eVisa

A Vietnam eVisa and Visa on Arrival are different ways of obtaining entry permission.

Vietnam eVisa	Visa on Arrival
Visa is received before departure	Visa is received after landing
No Approval Letter is normally required	Approval Letter is required in advance
Delivered electronically by email	Completed at the Landing Visa Counter
Can be suitable for various approved entry points	Primarily used for eligible international airport arrivals
Traveller arrives with the approved visa	Traveller arrives with pre-approval documents

With an eVisa, the traveller receives the approved electronic visa before leaving Australia. The document can be printed and presented during check-in and entry inspection.

With Visa on Arrival, the traveller obtains the Approval Letter before departure and receives the physical visa after landing at an eligible Vietnamese airport.

Neither option is automatically better for every traveller.

An eVisa may be more convenient for someone who wants the visa completed before the journey or plans to enter through a land border, seaport or approved airport.

Visa on Arrival may be suitable in certain airport-arrival situations where the traveller has arranged the required Approval Letter in advance.

The right option depends on:

• The entry point;
• The departure date;
• The available processing time;
• The number of entries required;
• The traveller’s itinerary;
• Current immigration rules.

What Documents Do Australians Need for Visa on Arrival?

Australian tourists should prepare their documents before leaving for the airport.

The usual items may include:

• A valid Australian passport;
• A printed Visa Approval Letter;
• A recent portrait photograph measuring approximately 4 × 6 centimetres;
• Intended entry and exit information;
• Flight booking information;
• A completed visa or arrival form, where required;
• The visa stamping fee in cash;
• Additional supporting documents requested for the application.

The passport should remain valid for the period required under Vietnam’s entry rules and should contain sufficient blank space for the visa and entry stamps.

The portrait photograph should be clear, recent and suitable for official identification.

Travellers should also make sure that:

• The passport number on the Approval Letter is correct;
• The full name matches the passport;
• The intended arrival airport matches the actual flight;
• The visa type suits the itinerary;
• The stamping fee is prepared before arrival.

Keeping the documents together in an accessible travel folder can make the airport process more organised.

Can Australians Fly to Vietnam Without a Visa Approval Letter?

If an Australian traveller intends to use Visa on Arrival, they generally cannot rely on arriving without an Approval Letter.

Airlines may check visa documentation during check-in before allowing the passenger to board.

If the traveller cannot present an eVisa, Visa Approval Letter or another acceptable entry document, the airline may:

• Refuse boarding;
• Ask the traveller to arrange the missing paperwork;
• Delay check-in;
• Require confirmation from immigration or visa support;
• Request that the passenger change the flight.

The Approval Letter is therefore not an optional document for a traveller using the Visa on Arrival process.

It should be obtained before departure and carried throughout the journey.

Travellers should not assume that airport immigration staff can create an Approval Letter after they arrive without prior arrangements.

Is Fast Track Available at Vietnamese Airports?

Yes.

Airport Fast Track services may be available for travellers who want assistance with arrival formalities and reduced waiting time.

Depending on the airport and service selected, Fast Track support may include:

• Meeting the traveller after arrival;
• Guiding the traveller to the appropriate visa counter;
• Assisting with document presentation;
• Supporting the airport visa procedure;
• Helping reduce waiting time in busy arrival areas;
• Guiding the traveller through immigration formalities.

Fast Track can be particularly useful for:

• Travellers arriving during busy periods;
• Families with young children;
• Older passengers;
• Business travellers with limited time;
• First-time visitors unfamiliar with the airport;
• Passengers using Visa on Arrival.

However, Fast Track does not change Vietnam’s immigration requirements.

It also does not guarantee that a visa will be issued or allow a traveller to enter without the correct documents.

The final decision regarding visa issuance and admission remains with the relevant Vietnamese authorities.

Why Choose Our Vietnam Visa Service?

Applying for Visa on Arrival involves more than simply arriving at the airport. The Approval Letter, passport information, airport details and supporting documents must be prepared correctly before the journey.

Our team has more than 15 years of experience assisting international travellers with Vietnam visa applications, airport visa arrangements and immigration-related questions.

Our services include:

• Assistance with obtaining a Visa Approval Letter;
• Reviewing passport and travel information before submission;
• Checking that the application details match the passport;
• Supporting faster processing where suitable;
• Providing airport Fast Track services where available;
• Offering customer support 24 hours a day, seven days a week;
• Answering questions about Vietnam visas and entry procedures;
• Following a clearly explained refund policy where applicable.

We aim to explain the process transparently so travellers understand what must be completed before departure and what will happen after landing.

You can submit your visa application or request airport-arrival support through:

https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa

Providing complete and accurate information early can help reduce delays and make the arrival process more manageable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Australians get a visa after arriving in Vietnam?

Yes, in eligible Visa on Arrival cases where the traveller has obtained a valid Approval Letter before departure.

Travellers should not assume they can begin the entire visa application only after landing.

Is a Visa Approval Letter mandatory?

Yes, when using the Visa on Arrival procedure.

The letter is normally required before boarding and is presented at the Landing Visa Counter after arrival.

Can I use Visa on Arrival at land borders?

Usually not.

Visa on Arrival is generally designed for travellers entering Vietnam by air through eligible international airports.

Travellers entering through a land border or seaport should arrange a visa that is valid for the intended checkpoint, such as an appropriate eVisa where available.

How long does the airport visa process take?

The airport process commonly takes approximately 30 to 90 minutes, although the actual waiting time can vary.

Factors include:

• The number of arriving passengers;
• The number of Visa on Arrival applications;
• Whether the documents are complete;
• The time of arrival;
• Airport staffing and operational conditions;
• Whether the traveller uses Fast Track assistance.

During busy periods, the process may take longer.

Fast Track can help reduce waiting time in many cases, but exact processing times cannot be guaranteed.

Is an eVisa easier than Visa on Arrival?

It depends on the traveller’s itinerary and preferences.

Some Australian tourists prefer an eVisa because they receive the approved visa before the flight and can proceed directly towards immigration after arrival.

Other travellers may use Visa on Arrival when it suits their airport entry plan and they have arranged an Approval Letter in advance.

The most appropriate option depends on the entry point, available time and journey details.

What happens if I forget my Approval Letter?

A traveller using Visa on Arrival may experience serious difficulties if the Approval Letter is unavailable.

The airline may request it during check-in, and the Landing Visa Counter may require it before issuing the visa.

Travellers should keep:

• A printed copy in their hand luggage;
• A digital copy on their phone;
• A backup copy in email or cloud storage.

If the document is lost or unavailable before departure, contact the visa service provider immediately.

Conclusion

Most Australian passport holders need a valid visa before travelling to Vietnam, unless they qualify for a specific exemption such as the limited Phu Quoc arrangement.

Visa on Arrival does not mean that travellers can arrive in Vietnam without preparation and begin the entire visa application at the airport. In eligible cases, a Visa Approval Letter must normally be arranged before the passenger boards the flight.

After arriving at an eligible international airport, the traveller presents the passport, Approval Letter, photograph and other required documents at the Landing Visa Counter, pays the applicable stamping fee and receives the visa before proceeding to immigration.

Preparing all documents in advance can reduce the risk of boarding problems and make the arrival process smoother.

Australian travellers who need assistance with an Approval Letter, Visa on Arrival or airport Fast Track support can submit their details through https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/ for professional guidance before departure and after arrival.