Urgent Vietnam Visa On Arrival Letter: Emergency Guide

Whether you’ve just realized your e-visa is still “In Processing” or you have a sudden business trip to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, time is your biggest enemy. In 2025, the Urgent Vietnam Visa on Arrival letter (VOA) serves as a specialized “Express” lane for those who cannot wait the standard 3–5 business days for a government e-visa.

Getting a visa stamp with the approval letter at Vietnam airport.

1. What is an Urgent Vietnam Visa Approval Letter?

A Visa on Arrival letter is an official document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department.It is not the visa itself, but a pre-approval that allows you to board your flight and pick up the physical visa stamp once you land at a Vietnamese international airport.

From 2025, while the e-visa is widely used, the VOA letter is the preferred “emergency” route because specialized agencies can “fast-track” these specific applications through the system much faster than a standard e-visa.

2. When Should You Choose the Urgent Vietnam Visa on Arrival Letter (VOA)?

You should opt for this service if:

The E-visa is stuck: Your flight is in less than 24 hours and your e-visa status hasn’t changed.
Last-minute booking: You need to fly to Vietnam today or tomorrow.
Weekends/Holidays: You need a visa on a Saturday or Sunday (Standard e-visa processing only operates on business days).

3. Step-by-Step: How to Obtain an Emergency Vietnam Visa on Arrival Letter in Hours

To get an urgent letter, you must go through a licensed visa agency, as they provide the necessary “sponsorship” for the expedited process.

Submit Information: Provide your passport scan, portrait photo, and arrival flight details to the agency’s online portal.
Select Urgency Level: Choose between 1-hour, 4-hour, or same-day processing.
Receive the Letter via Email: The agency will send you a PDF of the “Visa Approval Letter.”
Print the Letter: You must have a physical copy to show the airline at check-in.
Board Your Flight: Without this letter, airlines will deny you boarding.

4. Processing Time & Service Tiers

In the world of urgent visas, every hour counts. Here is how the 2025 service tiers typically look:

Urgency Level	Processing Time	Best For
Emergency	1–2 Hours	Travelers already at the check-in counter.
Super Urgent	4 Working Hours	Same-day morning or evening flights.
Urgent	1 Business Day	Flights departing tomorrow.
Standard	2–3 Business Days	Backup for a delayed e-visa.

5. What Happens at the Vietnam Airport?

Once you land (at airports like Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, or Da Nang), follow the signs to the “Landing Visa” or “Visa on Arrival” counter. You will need to present:

Your printed Approval Letter.
A completed Entry-Exit Form (NA1).
Two passport-sized photos (4x6cm).
Stamping Fee: $25 USD for single-entry or $50 USD for multiple-entry (Cash only, USD or VND).

Expert Tip: In 2025, the VOA counter can be busy. Many urgent services offer a “Fast Track” add-on where a staff member meets you at the gate and handles the paperwork for you in 5–10 minutes.

6. Important Restrictions to Remember

Air Travel Only: The VOA letter is invalid for land borders or sea ports. If you are entering from Cambodia or Laos by bus, you must have a valid e-visa.
Passport Validity: Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your arrival date.
The “Double Fee”: Remember that you pay a service fee to the agency for the urgent letter and a stamping fee in cash at the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Vietnam visa on arrival without a letter? No. Airlines will not let you board the plane without either a physical visa, an e-visa, or a pre-approved VOA letter.

Is the urgent VOA service available on weekends? Yes, but only through specific “Holiday” or “Weekend” services which usually carry a higher premium.

What if my e-visa is still pending? You can still apply for an urgent VOA letter. It is a separate process and will not cancel your pending e-visa.