If you’re an Australian planning a trip to Vietnam—whether it’s to sample street food in Ho Chi Minh City, unwind on the beaches of Da Nang, or explore the heritage …
Got your flights sorted and your itinerary planned, but unsure about the visa? Don’t worry—you’re definitely not alone. Each year, thousands of Aussie travellers touch down in Vietnam and smoothly collect their landing visa at Hanoi Airport. As long as you know what to expect and prepare ahead, the process is straightforward. This guide will walk you through everything you need to get your landing visa and start your Vietnam holiday with ease.
Yes, Australians are eligible to apply for a landing visa when arriving in Vietnam by air, and Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport is one of the major international entry points where this service is available.
That said, the term “landing visa” can be a bit misleading. It’s not something you can apply for on the spot without preparation. You’ll need to obtain a visa approval letter before flying, which is an official document issued by Vietnam’s Immigration Department. This letter grants you permission to receive your visa when you land.
If you show up without it, the airline may refuse to let you board. So while the final visa is handed out at the airport, the groundwork needs to be done in advance.
The first step is to apply online for your visa approval letter. For a smooth and reliable process, it’s best to use a reputable site like Vietnam Immigration. They cater specifically to international travellers and offer express turnaround—often within 2 to 8 hours.
You’ll need to fill out an online form with your travel details, upload your passport scan if required, and pay a small processing fee. Once approved, the letter is emailed to you in PDF format. Be sure to print at least one hard copy, though having a spare won’t hurt. This document is essential—you’ll need to present it upon arrival.
Having this sorted before you depart Australia ensures you won’t face delays or entry issues at the airport.
After landing in Hanoi, head towards the Landing Visa counter, which you’ll find before the main immigration area. There are signs posted, or you can simply ask airport staff for directions.
At the counter, you’ll be asked to submit the following:
Once your documents are checked and your payment is received, you’ll wait briefly for your visa to be issued. Processing time usually ranges from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the counter is. When your name is called, you’ll receive your passport back with the visa sticker attached. Always double-check the details before proceeding to immigration.
Even the best-laid travel plans can hit a snag if you’re not careful. To help you steer clear of issues, here are a few mistakes that commonly trip up Aussie travellers:
With just a bit of attention to detail, your visa process can go off without a hitch.
If all this seems a bit much, or you’d just rather someone else handle the paperwork, consider using Vietnam Immigration. They’re a trusted provider with over 15 years of experience and thousands of successful visa applications.
Their service includes:
Many Aussies use this service to take the stress out of travel prep. It’s convenient, fast, and gives you peace of mind before takeoff.
Flights? Booked. Accommodation? Sorted. Landing visa? Almost there.
By now, you should know exactly what’s required to get your landing visa in Hanoi. With your approval letter, photos, forms, and cash in hand, you’ll breeze through the process and be out exploring in no time.
And if you’d rather skip the hassle entirely, Vietnam Immigration is there to take care of it all for you.
Safe travels and enjoy every moment in Vietnam!
If you’re an Australian planning a trip to Vietnam—whether it’s to sample street food in Ho Chi Minh City, unwind on the beaches of Da Nang, or explore the heritage …
