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

No. Visa on arrival requires a pre-approval letter arranged in advance. Only e-visa holders and those with embassy visas can show up without prior arrangements.

Which is faster - e-visa or visa on arrival?

Visa on arrival with pre-approval can be faster (1-2 business days) but requires airport processing time. E-visa takes 3 business days but you skip the visa counter entirely.

Do I need a visa for a layover in Vietnam?

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

Can I extend my Vietnam visa once I'm there?

Tourist visas can be extended once for 30 days for around $45-65 through travel agencies in major cities. The process takes 2-3 business days.

How to Get a Vietnam Visa Quickly and Cheaply

The fastest and cheapest option for most travelers is an e-visa ($25, 3 business days) or visa on arrival with pre-approval letter ($25-45 total, 1-2 business days). Both are significantly cheaper than embassy visas which cost $60-160 and take 5-7 business days.

Choose your visa type. E-visa works for 90% of travelers: single entry, 30 days, $25. Visa on arrival needs a pre-approval letter but allows multiple entry. Embassy visa is most expensive but most reliable for complex situations.
Apply for e-visa online. Go to evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (the official site). Upload passport photo and passport scan. Pay $25 by card. Takes 3 business days maximum.
For visa on arrival: get pre-approval letter. Use Vietnam-visa.com or similar service. Costs $8-20 for the letter. Takes 1-2 business days. You'll pay an additional $25 stamp fee at the airport.
Print everything. Print your e-visa or approval letter plus a backup copy. Vietnamese immigration requires physical documents. Phone screenshots are not accepted.
Prepare arrival documents. For visa on arrival: bring 2 passport photos, completed entry/exit form (NA1), and exact cash for stamp fee. E-visa holders go straight to immigration with printed visa.

Can I get a Vietnam visa at the airport without pre-approval?: No. Visa on arrival requires a pre-approval letter arranged in advance. Only e-visa holders and those with embassy visas can show up without prior arrangements.
Which is faster - e-visa or visa on arrival?: Visa on arrival with pre-approval can be faster (1-2 business days) but requires airport processing time. E-visa takes 3 business days but you skip the visa counter entirely.
Do I need a visa for a layover in Vietnam?: If you're staying in the international transit area and continuing within 24 hours, no visa needed. If you want to leave the airport or stay longer, you need a visa.
Can I extend my Vietnam visa once I'm there?: Tourist visas can be extended once for 30 days for around $45-65 through travel agencies in major cities. The process takes 2-3 business days.