How Canadian Travellers Can Obtain Vietnam Visa on Arrival at Hanoi Airport in 2025

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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 to Hanoi in 2025, the visa on arrival (VOA) is a convenient option—but only if you know exactly how it works. This guide walks you through everything you need to prepare, what happens when you land, and how to avoid common mistakes at the airport, so you can focus on enjoying your time in Vietnam.

✅ Can Canadians Use the Vietnam Visa on Arrival System?

Yes, Canadian citizens can apply for a visa on arrival when flying into Vietnam, including at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. However, it’s important to note that this process requires advance preparation. You must obtain an official visa approval letter before departure, which allows you to collect your visa once you arrive.

This approval letter is issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department and acts as a pre-authorization. Without it, you will not be permitted to board your flight to Vietnam. The VOA is not a spontaneous option—it’s a pre-planned process that ends with your visa being issued upon arrival.

As long as you are entering Vietnam by air and have your documentation ready, the VOA is a straightforward and flexible option for Canadian travellers.

📄 What You Need to Prepare Before Flying from Canada

Before you pack your bags, make sure you’ve gathered the necessary documents for your visa on arrival. This preparation is key to avoiding delays once you land.

Start by applying for your visa approval letter. It’s best to use a trusted provider like Vietnam Immigration, which offers fast turnaround times, typically within 2 to 8 hours. This document will be sent to you via email—be sure to print at least one hard copy to take with you.

Next, prepare two passport-sized photos (4 cm x 6 cm) taken within the last six months. The photos should have a white background, and you should not be wearing glasses or headwear.

You’ll also need to complete the NA1 entry and exit form. You can download it online and fill it out before your flight to save time at the airport. Some travellers wait to fill it out upon arrival, but having it ready in advance is a smart move.

Finally, bring cash for the visa stamping fee. In 2025, the fee is USD $25 for single entry or USD $50 for multiple entries. Payment must be made in cash using either US dollars or Vietnamese dong—credit and debit cards are not accepted.

✈️ What to Expect When You Arrive at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi

Once you arrive at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, don’t rush to the immigration line right away. Look for signs directing you to the Visa on Arrival counter, typically located before the passport control area.

At the counter, submit your printed visa approval letter, passport, completed NA1 form, two passport photos, and the stamping fee in cash. The immigration officer will review your documents and ask you to wait briefly while your visa is processed.

The wait time usually ranges from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how many travellers are arriving at the same time. Once your name is called, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker attached. Be sure to double-check all the details on the visa for accuracy.

With your visa in hand, proceed to the regular immigration queue to officially enter Vietnam. After that, you’re free to pick up your luggage and begin your adventure.

⚠️ Common Mistakes Canadian Travellers Should Avoid

The visa on arrival process is relatively simple, but it can go wrong if you’re not prepared. Here are some of the most frequent errors Canadian travellers make—and how to avoid them.

1. Forgetting to print your visa approval letter: A digital copy on your phone isn’t enough. Always bring at least one printed copy.
2. Incorrect or missing passport photos: Your photos must meet the specific requirements, or they may be rejected. Keep a few extras with you just in case.
3. Inaccurate details on your approval letter: Check your name, passport number, and travel dates carefully. Any mismatch could delay your visa issuance.
4. Not carrying the stamping fee in cash: ATMs may not be immediately accessible in the visa area. Having exact change ready in USD or VND will save you time.

Avoiding these common pitfalls will help ensure a smooth experience when you arrive in Vietnam.

🚀 Prefer a Hassle-Free Experience? Use a Trusted Visa Service

If you’d rather not worry about paperwork, or if you’re short on time, consider using a reputable visa application service like Vietnam Immigration.

Here’s what they offer:

• Fast and reliable processing (approval letters within 2–8 hours)
• 100% guaranteed visa approval or your money back
• A simple, user-friendly online application system
• Round-the-clock customer support to answer your questions
• Over 15 years of experience helping travellers enter Vietnam safely

Many Canadian travellers use this service to ensure a stress-free entry process, especially when flying internationally for the first time or on a tight schedule.

✅ Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead and Travel Confidently

The Vietnam visa on arrival option is a convenient choice for Canadians visiting Hanoi in 2025—as long as you take the necessary steps before your trip. From applying for the approval letter to preparing your paperwork and having cash ready, every detail counts.

To make things easier and ensure everything is done right, it’s smart to use a professional service that takes care of the details. Start your journey on the right foot with peace of mind.

👉 Apply now: https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/