Wait Time for Vietnam Visa on Arrival: How Long Does It Actually Take?

Arriving in Vietnam is an incredible experience, but the first hurdle is often the Landing Visa Counter. If you’ve chosen the Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA), you might be wondering: How long will I be waiting at the airport?

The truth is, wait times can fluctuate wildly based on your arrival city, the time of day, and seasonal peaks. In this guide, we break down the average wait times for 2025 and show you how to bypass the queues entirely.

Vietnam Airport Wait Time for Vietnam Visa on Arrival

Wait times depend on “Busy Scores”—a measure of flight frequency and passenger volume.

Busy ScoreAverage Wait TimePeak HoursBusiest Day

Airport (Code) Busy Score Average Wait Time Peak Hours Busiest Day
Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) 10/10 15–45 minutes 10:00 AM – 02:00 PM Friday
Hanoi (HAN) 8/10 10–30 minutes 09:00 AM – 03:00 PM Friday
Da Nang (DAD) 6/10 Under 15 minutes 11:00 AM – 01:00 PM Saturday
Nha Trang (CXR) 5/10 Under 15 minutes 08:00 AM – 10:00 AM Thursday
Hai Phong (HPH) 4/10 Under 15 minutes 03:00 PM – 05:00 PM Monday

Note: During major holidays like Lunar New Year (Tet), Christmas, and Western New Year, these wait times can double. Always allow extra time during festive seasons.

Pro-Tips to Speed Up Your Entry

To avoid any problems at the Vietnam airport, follow these expert tips before you land:

  • Pre-Fill Your Forms: Have your Entry/Exit form (NA1) completed and signed before you land.
  • Exact Change is King: Prepare your stamping fee ($25 for single entry, $50 for multiple entry) in crisp USD or VND bills. ATMs are only available after you clear customs.
  • Photo Ready: Carry two passport-sized photos (4x6cm) that meet official requirements.
  • Priority for Families: If traveling with infants, seniors, or pregnant women, don’t hesitate to ask immigration officers for priority assistance.

What is the Vietnam Airport Fast-Track Service?

If you want to skip the “endless lines” at the Landing Visa Counter, our Fast-Track Service is the ultimate solution.

Instead of navigating the procedures alone, a dedicated staff member will meet you at the Landing Visa Counter (holding a sign with your name) and handle the entire stamping process on your behalf. You can relax or head straight to baggage claim while we secure your visa sticker in minutes.

Who should use Fast-Track?

  • First-Time Visitors: Avoid the confusion of “strange” local procedures.
  • Business Travelers: Every minute counts when you have a tight schedule.
  • Families & Large Groups: Keep your children or group members together and stress-free.
  • Special Needs: Highly recommended for pregnant women, seniors, and travelers with disabilities.

How to Book Your Express Entry

Booking is simple and can be added during your emergency Vietnam visa application:

  1. Select the Service: While applying for your VOA Approval Letter, choose the Airport Fast-Track option.
  2. Submit Flight Details: Provide your flight number and ETA at least 48 working hours before departure.
  3. Meet Your Assistant: Look for our staff holding your name board at the Landing Visa Counter.
  4. Hand Over Documents: Give them your passport, approval letter, photos, and stamping fee.
  5. Relax: We return your passport with the official visa stamp, and you’re ready to explore!

Why Choose Entry Vietnam Visa?

We specialize in express and emergency Vietnam visas. Whether you need an approval letter in 2 hours or a VIP escort through the airport, we provide 24/7 support to ensure you never miss a flight.

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