A fairly convenient visa on arrival process has recently been introduced, but this requires a prior application to Hanoi and is generally intended mostly for groups and citizens of countries without Vietnamese embassies.

What is a ‘Visa on Arrival ?’: this seems to be the easiest way to get your visa if you want to avoid the complicated procedures and bureaucracy. The entry visa will be stamped on your passport as you pass through our immigration checkpoint. Though it is valid only for 30 days, it can be extended once you are in Vietnam. This kind of visa is available for entering the country by air only.

Comments from other travelers

I did it a couple of times and it was pretty hassle-free and fast. If I remember correctly, the immigration dude filled out the form for me and then accompanied me through immigration (not sure that is SOP though).

The actual procedure is very quick only one form to fill in at the desk it will take a matter of minutes, all the questions are standard, such as Name, passport number, address in Vietnam. exactly the same as you have filled out on the arrival card given out on the aircraft.

After they have stuck the visa in your passport and relived you of the appropriate fee you will need to queue again at the immigration desk to have your passport stamped

What can be time consuming is waiting in line if a lot of people arrive at the same time. I try and get a seat at the front of the aircraft so I get off the aircraft first, however if you are being bussed to the terminal make sure you are last on the bus.

I arrived in Hanoi from Phnom Penh in November and passed through the immigration process before my luggage appeared on the carousal