Many Australian travellers find themselves confused about whether they need a visa to enter Vietnam, which visa type to choose, and where to submit their application safely. Every year, countless …
Many Australians planning a trip to Vietnam in 2026 find themselves overwhelmed by conflicting information online—some sources say Visa on Arrival (VOA) is cancelled, others say it still exists, leaving travellers confused and anxious about whether they will be allowed to board their flight. The truth is simple: VOA is still available for Australians in 2026, but it cannot be obtained directly at the airport without an Approval Letter issued before departure. Understanding this updated process is essential to avoid risks, denied boarding, and unnecessary stress.
Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival system has long been a popular entry method for travellers seeking flexibility, especially among Australians who appreciate convenient visa solutions. Traditionally, travellers could simply arrive at a major international airport in Vietnam, submit their documents, pay the fee, and receive their visa on the spot. This made Vietnam one of the easiest Southeast Asian countries to visit.
Contrary to rumours, VOA was never cancelled. What changed is the procedure. Since 2020, the Vietnamese government has implemented stricter pre-arrival screening to reduce fraud, manage airport capacity, and improve national security. These changes led to the introduction of a mandatory Approval Letter, which must now be issued before travellers board their flight.
While some travellers interpreted these procedural updates as the removal of VOA, the reality is that the system has been modernised rather than abolished. VOA remains active and valid—but only for travellers who follow the correct pre-approval steps. Without the Approval Letter, airlines cannot legally board passengers heading to Vietnam.
As of 2026, the VOA system functions smoothly for travellers who prepare in advance. By obtaining the Approval Letter beforehand, Australians can still enjoy the flexibility and convenience of VOA while ensuring full compliance with Vietnam’s current entry regulations.
Australians are still fully eligible for Vietnam Visa on Arrival in 2026. However, the key requirement is that they must apply for and receive an Approval Letter online before departing. Immigration officers at Vietnamese airports will only issue your VOA if your name is already registered in the system through this pre-approval process.
To qualify for VOA, travellers must complete the online application, provide accurate passport information, and download the Approval Letter once it is issued. This document must then be printed and presented at airline check-in and again at the VOA counter upon arrival in Vietnam.
In addition, travellers should prepare passport photos, a completed entry form, and the stamping fee in USD to ensure the process is smooth upon arrival. These requirements are standard across major entry airports such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
The critical takeaway is that no airline will allow boarding without the Approval Letter, as the responsibility falls on them to verify your eligibility. Therefore, VOA remains a completely valid option for Australians, provided they fulfil the required steps before their flight.
The misconception that VOA is cancelled often comes from outdated travel blogs written before policy changes were introduced around 2020. Many of these blogs still appear prominently in search results, misleading readers with obsolete information. Because the content hasn’t been updated in years, travellers assume the procedures remain the same—leading to confusion and misinformation.
In addition, numerous unofficial websites simply recycle old visa guidelines, failing to reflect modern immigration requirements. This contributes to a fragmented online landscape where travellers struggle to determine which sources are reliable. Travel forums and social media groups add more confusion as users often share experiences from previous years without clarifying the updated rules.
Unlicensed visa services also play a role in the misinformation problem. Some advertise “walk-in VOA at the airport” without explaining the Approval Letter requirement. Travellers who rely on such services often end up with fake documents or incomplete guidance. This is one of the most common reasons Australians are denied boarding at their departure airport.
All these factors combined lead to costly consequences. Australians lose flights, accommodation bookings, and valuable travel time due to misinformation. Understanding the real rules—and applying through reputable sources—is the only way to avoid these risks.
Attempting to travel without an Approval Letter almost always results in being denied boarding. Airlines are required to check that passengers meet Vietnam’s visa entry requirements before they issue boarding passes. If you cannot present the Approval Letter, staff are obligated to stop you from boarding—even if you argue, even if you arrive early, and even if you have valid reasons.
Even if you managed to board a flight without the letter (which is extremely unlikely), you would still be denied entry upon arrival. Vietnamese immigration officers cannot issue VOA to travellers whose names are not listed in the pre-approval system. The airport VOA counters do not accept walk-in visa requests without prior clearance.
Financially, the consequences can be severe. In most cases, airlines do not refund missed flights due to visa issues, and travel insurance policies rarely cover errors related to incorrect visa preparation. Travellers may also lose pre-paid hotels, tours, and transportation bookings.
Beyond the financial loss, the emotional strain can be overwhelming. Many travellers experience significant stress, frustration, and disruption to their plans—all because they did not secure the Approval Letter in advance. It’s a preventable problem, and understanding the rules is the best way to ensure your trip begins smoothly.
Applying for a VOA Approval Letter is straightforward when done properly. The most reliable option is to apply through VietnamImmigration.com, which provides accurate instructions, professional support, and secure processing. The process begins by filling out an online form with your travel details, passport information, and intended arrival airport.
It’s essential to enter your details carefully. Even minor mistakes, such as incorrect passport numbers or inconsistent spelling of names, can lead to delays or denial. Professional services like VietnamImmigration.com review your information, help correct errors, and ensure your application meets official immigration requirements.
Once approved, the Approval Letter will be sent to your email. You should print it and bring it with your passport when travelling. Upon arrival at the VOA counter in Vietnam, you’ll present the letter, complete the required forms, provide passport photos, and pay the stamping fee. Immigration officers will then issue your visa and stamp your passport.
Understanding common mistakes—such as unclear photos, incomplete forms, or wrong travel dates—helps avoid complications. Working with an experienced agency minimises risks and ensures your entry into Vietnam is smooth and delay-free.
With so much conflicting information online, applying through a trusted service is the safest option. Fake visa websites and unverified services create confusion and often charge travellers for invalid documents. Many Australians have reported receiving fraudulent Approval Letters that airlines reject at check-in.
Additionally, cheap visa services often fail to check applications thoroughly. A single mistake—such as an incorrect passport digit—can lead to visa rejection. Many travellers only discover the problem when they try to board their flight. By then, it’s too late to fix, and the cost of the mistake can be substantial.
Professional agencies provide a layer of protection. A service like VietnamImmigration.com ensures your information is accurate, your documents meet immigration standards, and your application is monitored from submission to approval. Their team provides support for urgent cases, sometimes issuing Approval Letters in as little as 2–8 hours.
With more than 15 years of experience, VietnamImmigration.com is a trusted choice for Australians who want peace of mind and a smooth travel experience. Their expertise significantly reduces risks and ensures all requirements are properly met before you fly.
Once you’ve obtained your Approval Letter and arrived at your airport of entry in Vietnam, the VOA process is quite straightforward. Your first step is to go to the Visa on Arrival counter before approaching passport control. At this counter, present your Approval Letter, passport, completed entry form, passport photos, and the stamping fee.
The immigration officers will verify your information and process the visa. Processing times vary depending on the number of arrivals, but being prepared with the correct documents helps speed up the process. It’s essential to ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, as this is a strict requirement for entry into Vietnam.
After receiving your visa, take a moment to verify that all information is correct—visa type, duration, and validity dates. If there are any errors, notify the immigration officer immediately. Once everything is confirmed, proceed to passport control to complete your entry.
By organising your documents in advance and ensuring your Approval Letter is genuine, the VOA process becomes quick and stress-free. Using a trusted agency like VietnamImmigration.com ensures all your documents are accurate and ready for smooth entry.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival is still fully available for Australians in 2026, but travellers must obtain an Approval Letter before flying. Failing to prepare this document leads to denied boarding, financial loss, and unnecessary stress. To ensure your visa is processed quickly, accurately, and safely, VietnamImmigration.com offers a trusted solution with over 15 years of experience supporting travellers to Vietnam.
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