Urgent visa question
Can I fly to Vietnam without a visa and get one on arrival?
Checked by Joey Visa Vietnam Team · October 2026
Short answer
No, unless your nationality is visa-exempt. Airlines check for an approved e-Visa or a visa-on-arrival approval letter before you board. Visa on arrival still needs an approval letter issued in advance and only works at airports.
The details
- Visa on arrival is not "turn up and get a visa" — the approval letter comes first.
- Around 40 nationalities can enter visa-free for 14 to 90 days.
- Every nationality can stay on Phu Quoc island for up to 30 days without a visa when flying there directly.
- Everyone else needs the 90-day e-Visa — it can be issued within 60 minutes on working days.
Visa on arrival
Approval letter needed
Visa-free
Around 40 countries
Fastest e-Visa
Within 60 minutes
Flying soon? Get your e-Visa with a guaranteed delivery time.
More questions
Can I get a visa on arrival in Vietnam without an approval letter?
No. You need the approval letter before you fly — airlines usually won't let you board without it or an e-Visa, unless your nationality is visa-exempt.
Which is better for Vietnam: e-Visa or visa on arrival?
For most travellers the e-Visa: it's fully online and works at airports, land borders and seaports. Visa on Arrival needs an approval letter and a stamping fee at the airport.
Ready for your Vietnam visa?
Apply in about 2 minutes. A real person checks every application before it is filed — standard, urgent or emergency.
Questions? WhatsApp +84 343 470 507 · info@joeyvisavietnam.com