Arriving in a foreign country without a clear plan for immigration can be stressful – especially when it comes to visas. If you’re a US citizen flying into Hanoi in …
Planning a trip overseas can be exciting—until you realise there’s still the visa process to sort out. If you’re an Australian passport holder flying into Hanoi in 2025 and wondering whether you can simply get your visa when you land, you’re in luck. Vietnam offers a visa-on-arrival (VOA) system at Noi Bai International Airport, but it’s not quite as spontaneous as it sounds. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare everything before your flight, so you can breeze through immigration when you touch down in Vietnam’s capital.
Yes, Australians are eligible for Vietnam’s visa on arrival program—but with conditions. This visa is only available to those arriving by air, and you must land at one of Vietnam’s designated international airports, such as Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport.
That said, “visa on arrival” doesn’t mean you can just show up and request one. You’ll need to apply for a visa approval letter in advance through an official or authorised online provider. This letter, issued by Vietnam’s Immigration Department, grants you permission to collect your actual visa once you land.
Without this pre-approval document, most airlines won’t even allow you to board your flight to Vietnam. So, it’s essential to have it sorted before departure—especially if you want to avoid unnecessary stress at check-in.
There are a few key documents and items you’ll need to organise before leaving Australia to ensure a hassle-free arrival in Hanoi:
First, and most importantly, you must obtain a visa approval letter. You can request one through Vietnam Immigration, a trusted platform offering fast-track processing, often within 2–8 hours. It’s highly recommended to use a service like this to avoid delays or confusion.
Next, make sure to pack two passport-sized photos (4x6cm) with a white background. These must be recent (taken within the last six months) and meet the photo requirements—no hats or glasses.
You’ll also need to complete a NA1 entry-exit form. This can be downloaded online and filled out before your trip, saving you time and hassle at the airport.
Lastly, prepare your visa stamping fee in cash. As of 2025, the standard rates are:
After your flight lands in Hanoi, don’t follow the crowd straight to immigration just yet. Instead, locate the “Visa on Arrival” counter, usually positioned near the immigration area, before the passport control booths.
At the counter, submit your printed approval letter, passport, completed NA1 form, passport photos, and stamping fee. The officer will check your documents, process your visa, and ask you to wait for your name to be called.
Processing times can vary depending on the number of arrivals, but most travellers are through in 15 to 45 minutes. Once your name is called, you’ll receive your passport with the visa affixed—be sure to verify all details carefully before proceeding.
Then, head over to immigration control to have your visa and passport officially checked and stamped. From there, collect your baggage and continue into Vietnam.
Many Aussie travellers run into avoidable issues at this stage. Here’s how you can sidestep the most frequent pitfalls:
By being proactive and well-prepared, you’ll avoid stress and start your trip on the right foot.
If you’d prefer to skip the hassle of paperwork and ensure everything goes smoothly, you can rely on a professional visa processing service like Vietnam Immigration.
They provide:
With such a service, you’ll land in Hanoi confident that all the hard parts are already taken care of.
For Australians heading to Vietnam in 2025, using the visa on arrival option at Hanoi Airport can be a smart and efficient solution—as long as you’re prepared. With the approval letter in hand and your documents ready, the rest is easy.
Avoid the risks and uncertainty of doing it all yourself last-minute. Let a trusted service handle it for you, and enjoy a smooth, worry-free start to your adventure in Vietnam.
👉 Apply here now: https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/
Arriving in a foreign country without a clear plan for immigration can be stressful – especially when it comes to visas. If you’re a US citizen flying into Hanoi in …
Are you overwhelmed by confusing visa rules? Tried the embassy route and gave up? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Australians run into delays, unclear instructions, or dead ends …
Planning your trip to Vietnam but not sure how long it’ll take to get your visa approved? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Every month, thousands of Australian travelers are searching for …
