Vietnam Visa on Arrival for Australians – 2025 Rules & Application Guide

What is Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)?

Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a type of visa that allows travelers to obtain their visa at Vietnam’s international airports rather than applying at the embassy beforehand. Australians can apply online for an approval letter before traveling, and then pick up the visa stamp upon arrival.

Key facts for Australians in 2025:

VOA is valid for both tourism and business purposes.
Travelers must arrive by air (VOA is not available for land or sea entry).
You must apply online for a pre-approval letter before flying.

Vietnam Visa on Arrival vs. E-Visa – Which is Better for Australians?

Both options are popular, but each has its pros and cons:

Vietnam E-Visa

Fully online, single entry (30 days).
No need to collect a stamp at the airport.
Fixed government fee of USD 25.

Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Can be single or multiple entry, valid up to 3 months.
Flexible for urgent processing (1 hour, 2 hours, 5 hours).
Requires stamping fee at the airport upon arrival.

Recommendation:

If you only need 30 days, single entry, an e-visa is simpler.
If you need urgent processing or longer stay/multiple entry, VOA is better.

Vietnam Visa on Arrival Fees for Australians (2025)

Standard VOA Service (Tourist or Business):

Service fee (online approval letter): USD 25 – 50 (varies by agency).
Stamping fee at the airport: USD 25 (single entry), USD 50 (multiple entry).

Urgent Processing Fees (ApplyEvisaVietnam.com):

1-hour approval: USD 195
2-hour approval: USD 165
5-hour approval: USD 135

Note: These fees include service charges for the urgent approval letter but exclude the stamping fee paid at the airport.

How to Apply for Vietnam Visa on Arrival (Step-by-Step Guide)

Fill out the online VOA form
- Provide your full name, passport details, travel dates, and purpose of visit.
Pay the processing fee online
- Choose standard or urgent service (1h, 2h, or 5h).
Receive the approval letter by email
- Print it out (black-and-white copy is fine).
Prepare your documents before departure
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- 2 passport-sized photos (4x6 cm).
- Cash for stamping fee (USD preferred).
Get your visa stamped at the airport
- Present the approval letter, photos, and passport at the VOA counter.
- Pay stamping fee and receive the visa in your passport.

Which Vietnamese Airports Accept VOA?

VOA is only available at international airports:

Noi Bai (Hanoi)
Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City)
Da Nang (Da Nang)
Cam Ranh (Nha Trang)

Land border crossings and seaports do not accept VOA.

When Should Australians Choose an Urgent VOA?

Urgent Vietnam VOA service is recommended when:

You forgot to apply for an e-visa in time.
Your flight is within 24 hours and you need immediate approval.
You require multiple-entry visa for business trips.

ApplyEvisaVietnam.com provides guaranteed approval letters within:

1 hour (USD 195)
2 hours (USD 165)
5 hours (USD 135)

Documents Checklist for VOA (Australians 2025)

Valid Australian passport (6 months validity)
VOA approval letter (printed)
2 passport photos (4x6 cm, white background)
Entry/exit form (provided on the plane or at the airport)
Cash for stamping fee (USD 25 or 50)

Common Mistakes Australians Should Avoid

Arriving without a printed approval letter.
Forgetting to carry passport photos.
Not having cash for stamping fee (credit cards are not always accepted).
Applying for VOA when entering by land or sea – it only works for airports.

Conclusion – Is VOA the Right Choice for Australians in 2025?

Vietnam Visa on Arrival is a flexible and fast option for Australians, especially for urgent cases or multiple-entry trips. While the e-visa is simpler for single-entry 30-day stays, VOA is the go-to choice when: