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Is Visa on Arrival still an option for traveling to Vietnam in 2026? The short answer is yes, but the landscape has changed significantly. Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 rules.
The Shift Away from Visa on Arrival
Before the global expansion of the eVisa system, Visa on Arrival (VOA) was the most popular way for tourists to enter Vietnam. Travelers would obtain an 'Approval Letter' online and queue at the airport to get a visa stamped into their passports.
**In 2026, the eVisa has become the primary, recommended method for entering Vietnam.** It is available to all nationalities and eliminates the need to wait in line for a stamp at the airport.
While Visa on Arrival still exists, it is now largely treated as a backup option for emergencies, specialized business visas, or for travelers who cannot use the eVisa system for specific reasons.
You CANNOT simply land in Vietnam and request a visa. Even for VOA, you must secure a pre-approved Visa Approval Letter from a licensed agency before boarding your flight.
New 2026 Rule: Digital Pre-Arrival Declaration
A major update implemented in 2026 is the mandatory **Digital Pre-Arrival Declaration** for specific airports.
- **Tan Son Nhat (HCMC) & Phu Quoc:** If you are arriving at these airports, you must complete an online digital declaration form within 3 days prior to your departure. - **The Process:** Upon completing the form on the official immigration portal, you will receive a QR code. You must present this QR code to immigration officers upon arrival.
This rule applies whether you are using an eVisa, Visa on Arrival, or entering under a visa exemption.
When to use Visa on Arrival in 2026
You should only consider VOA in the following scenarios:
- **Last-Minute Travel:** If you need to fly in less than 24 hours, specialized agencies can arrange an emergency VOA Approval Letter faster than the standard eVisa processing time.
- **Sponsored Business Trips:** Some Vietnamese companies prefer to arrange an Approval Letter for their foreign workers rather than having the worker apply for an eVisa.
- **Longer Stays (Pre-2023 Rules):** While the eVisa now covers 90 days, some specific 1-year business visas still utilize the VOA or embassy-issued process.
The Disadvantages of VOA
- **Two Fees:** You must pay an agency fee online for the Approval Letter, PLUS a cash 'stamping fee' (usually $25 USD) at the airport. - **Long Queues:** You must queue at the 'Landing Visa' counter at the airport before you can join the regular immigration line. This can add 30-90 minutes to your arrival process. - **Photos Required:** You must bring physical passport-sized photos with you.
For 99% of tourists in 2026, the **eVisa** is cheaper, faster, and much less stressful.