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Visitor & short-stay visas

Vietnamese Vietnam Visa on Arrival

Granted on arrival only in emergency situations, such as no nearby Vietnamese mission, complex transit or humanitarian reasons. It is not for regular visitors, who should use the e-visa instead.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

Visa-on-arrival (border-gate) fee, stay length and validity are not stated as fixed figures on the official portal for this emergency-only route; the rule is described but no fee, duration or validity figure has been asserted. Confirm with the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Vietnam government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Visa on Arrival
Route type
Visa on arrival
Where issued
At an international border gate, emergency cases only
Regular travellers
Use the e-visa instead (evisa.gov.vn)

Who can apply

  • Travellers with no nearby Vietnamese diplomatic mission
  • People transiting through several countries or travelling for humanitarian reasons

What you can do

  • Enter Vietnam on an emergency basis where the conditions are met

Requirements

  • Fall within an emergency or special case recognised under Vietnam's immigration law (for example no nearby Vietnamese diplomatic mission, complex multi-country transit, or humanitarian reasons)
  • Hold a passport (or passport substitute) valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry
  • Not fall under the entry-suspension cases in Article 21 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam

How it works

  • A visa at a border gate is granted only in the limited emergency situations set out in the law, not to ordinary visitors
  • Because it is exceptional, you should confirm your eligibility and any pre-arrangement (such as a prior request from a sponsoring body in Vietnam) with the Vietnam Immigration Department before travelling
  • If you are a regular traveller, apply for the e-visa on the National e-Visa portal instead

Frequently asked questions

  • No. A visa issued at a border gate is reserved for limited emergency and special cases under Vietnam's immigration law. Ordinary tourists and business visitors should apply for the e-visa in advance at evisa.gov.vn.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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