Planning a holiday to Vietnam’s sun-soaked central coast from Australia? If your journey begins in Danang, one of the country’s fastest-growing tourist hotspots, you may be considering the Visa on Arrival (VOA) option. It’s fast, flexible, and perfect for Aussies who prefer planning on the go. But how exactly does it work? And what do you need to know before stepping on the plane?
Many Australian travellers make the mistake of thinking a visa can be picked up at the airport without any paperwork. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. To help you breeze through immigration without delays or hassles, we’ve compiled this detailed and updated guide for 2025. It explains everything you need to successfully apply for and receive your Vietnam Visa on Arrival at Danang International Airport.
Vietnam remains one of Southeast Asia’s most welcoming destinations for Australian visitors. In 2025, Australians are still required to obtain a visa before entry, but the Vietnamese government continues to offer the convenient Visa on Arrival option for short-term travel. This is particularly handy for those entering through Danang, which is increasingly becoming a preferred entry point.
Unlike electronic visas or traditional consulate applications, the VOA allows eligible travellers to collect their visa directly at the airport. However, it’s essential to apply for an official “Approval Letter” from the Vietnam Immigration Department before your flight. This document is mandatory and proves you’ve been pre-authorised to receive a visa upon landing.
To avoid mistakes or delays, most travellers are encouraged to go through a trusted visa agency that can ensure everything is submitted correctly. It’s a smart move, especially if you’re travelling at short notice or unfamiliar with Vietnam’s entry procedures.
Visa on Arrival is a process that lets you obtain your travel visa at the airport when you arrive in Vietnam. It’s different from applying at the embassy or through an online e-Visa system in that you don’t need to send off your passport or visit a consular office.
For Australians, the VOA option is great for those who decide on a trip spontaneously, or for frequent travellers who want a quicker, more streamlined visa process. All it takes is a quick online application to get an Approval Letter, which you bring with you to present on arrival.
What makes VOA especially appealing is the flexibility—it offers various visa types including single or multiple entries and durations ranging from 1 to 3 months. Whether you’re travelling for a beach escape, a business trip, or visiting family, VOA gives you more options with fewer hoops to jump through.
If you’re heading to Danang and want to take advantage of the VOA system, make sure you have the following ready before departure:
📌 If you haven’t applied for the Approval Letter yet, you can get one quickly through this trusted provider: https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/. Applications are processed within a few hours and sent directly to your email.
Be sure to double-check that your printed documents are clear and legible—immigration officials will reject blurry or partial copies.
After landing at Danang International Airport, head straight to the “Visa on Arrival” counter before you proceed to immigration. You’ll need to submit your Approval Letter, passport, completed NA1 form, and two photos to the visa officer on duty.
Once your documents are accepted, you’ll be asked to wait while your visa is processed. This usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes, though it can be longer during peak travel periods. When your name is called, pay the stamping fee and collect your passport with the visa sticker inside.
With your visa in hand, proceed to the immigration desk for the standard entry process. Provided everything is in order, you’ll be welcomed into Vietnam with minimal fuss.
Several Australians each year face unnecessary hold-ups at Danang Airport because of small oversights. These can range from forgetting to print the Approval Letter to using incorrect photo formats. Here are the most common mistakes:
👉 To ensure a smooth experience, consider using a reliable visa service such as Vietnam Visa Services. Their team checks every detail before you depart, helping you avoid complications on arrival.
While you can handle the VOA process on your own, many Aussies prefer the peace of mind that comes with using a professional agency. Vietnam Visa Services has been helping international travellers for over 15 years and offers these key benefits:
For hassle-free entry, especially if you’re short on time or travelling during a busy season, their service can be a real lifesaver.
The Vietnam Visa on Arrival system offers Australian travellers a flexible, efficient, and reliable way to enter the country through Danang Airport. As long as you plan ahead and follow the right steps, the process is straightforward and quick. And if you want to take the stress out of preparing everything yourself, Vietnam Visa Services can handle it all for you.