Planning a trip to Vietnam from Canada? As exciting as the adventure sounds, one crucial detail to sort out before your flight is your visa. For Canadian passport holders heading …
If you’re a Canadian citizen planning a trip to Vietnam in 2025 and landing in Ho Chi Minh City, getting a Visa on Arrival (VOA) could be the easiest and most flexible way to enter the country. This article is your one-stop guide to understanding the requirements, preparing the right documents, and navigating the visa process smoothly at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
Canadians are required to obtain a visa prior to entering Vietnam, whether for tourism, business, or transit purposes. One of the most popular options for air travellers is the Visa on Arrival, which allows you to collect your visa directly at designated international airports like Ho Chi Minh City (SGN).
That said, this process isn’t completely spontaneous. Even though the visa is issued at the airport, you’ll still need to apply ahead of time for a Visa Approval Letter—a pre-authorization document issued by Vietnam’s immigration authorities. Without it, most airlines departing from Canada won’t permit you to board.
To be eligible, your Canadian passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, and you must have at least one blank page available for the visa stamp. Once these basics are in place, you’re ready to begin the process.
Before you depart Canada, make sure to apply online for your Visa Approval Letter. One recommended site is Vietnam Immigration, where you can fill out your application in just a few minutes. Processing times for the approval letter are typically 3 to 5 working days, but urgent processing is also available if you’re in a hurry—some services deliver within hours.
After receiving your approval letter via email, print out a hard copy and bring it with you. Black and white is fine; there’s no need for a colour print. You’ll also need to prepare two recent passport-sized photos (4×6 cm) with a white background, taken within the last six months.
It’s a good idea to fill out the NA1 visa application form before you arrive, although blank copies are also available at the airport. Lastly, bring cash in US dollars to pay the visa stamping fee—$25 USD for single-entry visas and $50 USD for multiple-entry. Make sure your cash is clean and untorn to avoid any issues at the counter.
Upon landing at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, follow the signs that lead you to the “Visa on Arrival” desk. This area is located before the immigration control area. Once there, present your passport, Visa Approval Letter, completed NA1 form, two photos, and the cash fee to the officers at the counter.
They’ll review your documents and begin processing your visa. Wait times vary depending on the number of international arrivals, but the average wait is between 15 and 30 minutes. During busier hours, such as weekends or public holidays, you may need to wait a bit longer.
Once your visa has been issued, it will be stamped directly into your passport. Be sure to double-check the information on your visa for accuracy, such as your name and visa duration. After that, proceed to immigration for final entry clearance—and welcome to Vietnam!
Planning ahead makes a huge difference when applying for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival. Double-check all documents in advance, making sure that your approval letter matches your passport details, your photos meet official guidelines, and your form is filled out correctly.
Try scheduling your flight to arrive during off-peak hours. Early mornings or mid-afternoons are usually quieter times at the airport, while evenings and holidays tend to be much busier and can lead to longer waits.
Another excellent option is to book a Vietnam Fast Track service, which provides priority assistance upon arrival. A staff member will meet you at the gate, guide you through the visa process, and help you skip the queues at immigration. It’s especially useful if you’re travelling with family, elderly passengers, or on a tight itinerary. You can book this service directly through Vietnam Immigration.
For Canadians flying into Ho Chi Minh City in 2025, the Visa on Arrival option is both efficient and traveller-friendly. By preparing the required paperwork in advance and optionally using Fast Track services, you can bypass the hassle and start enjoying Vietnam as soon as you land. Whether you’re here for adventure, business, or a bit of both, the right preparation will ensure a smooth arrival experience.
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