Can I get a visa at the airport without pre-approval?

No. Visa on arrival requires a pre-approval letter obtained online before travel. Without this letter, you'll be denied boarding or entry.

What's the difference between e-visa and visa on arrival?

E-visa is fully processed online, single entry only. Visa on arrival requires pre-approval letter but allows multiple entries and is processed at the airport.

Can I extend my tourist visa in Vietnam?

Tourist visas cannot be extended. You must exit the country and re-enter with a new visa. Cambodia and Thailand are popular exit destinations.

Do I need a visa for transit through Vietnam?

If you're staying in the international transit area under 24 hours, no visa needed. If you want to leave the airport or stay longer, you need a visa.

How to get a tourist visa for Vietnam

Most travelers need either an e-visa ($25, 3-5 business days) or visa on arrival ($25 plus $25 stamping fee). Apply online through the official government portal or get a pre-approval letter from a licensed agency. Some nationalities get 45-day visa exemptions.

Check if you need a visa. Citizens of 24 countries including UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain get 45 days visa-free. US, Canada, Australia, and most other nationalities need a visa for any stay length.
Choose your visa type. E-visa: $25, single entry, 30 days, apply online 3-5 business days before travel. Visa on arrival: $25 visa + $25 stamping fee, need pre-approval letter, good for multiple entries up to 30 days.
Apply for e-visa online. Go to evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (official government site). Upload passport photo and passport scan. Pay $25 by card. Download and print your e-visa when approved in 3-5 business days.
Or get visa on arrival pre-approval. Use a licensed agency like Vietnam-visa.com or vietnamvisapro.com. Pay $17-25 for approval letter (takes 2-3 business days). Print the letter and bring $25 cash for airport stamping fee plus 2 passport photos.
Prepare required documents. Passport valid 6+ months beyond travel date. Printed visa or approval letter. Return flight ticket. Two 4x6cm passport photos if using visa on arrival.
Enter Vietnam. With e-visa: show printed e-visa at immigration. With approval letter: go to visa on arrival counter, pay $25 stamping fee, get visa stamped in passport, then proceed to regular immigration.

Can I get a visa at the airport without pre-approval?: No. Visa on arrival requires a pre-approval letter obtained online before travel. Without this letter, you'll be denied boarding or entry.
What's the difference between e-visa and visa on arrival?: E-visa is fully processed online, single entry only. Visa on arrival requires pre-approval letter but allows multiple entries and is processed at the airport.
Can I extend my tourist visa in Vietnam?: Tourist visas cannot be extended. You must exit the country and re-enter with a new visa. Cambodia and Thailand are popular exit destinations.
Do I need a visa for transit through Vietnam?: If you're staying in the international transit area under 24 hours, no visa needed. If you want to leave the airport or stay longer, you need a visa.