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Is Vietnam Visa on Arrival Still Available for Canadians in 2026? Your Most Up-to-Date Guide

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Planning a trip to Vietnam in 2026 should feel exciting, but for many Canadian travellers, finding accurate visa information has become surprisingly challenging. Articles published years ago still circulate online, and travel forums often share outdated or contradictory advice, making it tough to know what’s actually required. So let’s clear things up right away: Canadians can still use Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival (VOA) in 2026, but it’s no longer something you can simply obtain after landing. You must secure an official Approval Letter before boarding your flight. Without it, airlines will not check you in. Understanding this requirement is essential if you want to avoid last-minute stress, denied boarding, and costly surprises during your travels.

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1. What Exactly Is Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival, and What Has Changed for 2026?

Vietnam’s VOA program has long been a helpful option for international visitors who prefer flexibility or who need to arrange travel quickly. In the past, Canadians could fly into major Vietnamese airports—such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang—and complete the visa process directly at the VOA desk upon arrival. It was straightforward, convenient, and often faster than dealing with embassy applications.

Although some online sources now claim that VOA is no longer available, the program itself has not been discontinued. What has changed over the past few years is the procedure. Since 2020, Vietnam has modernized its immigration screening to improve efficiency and enhance border security. As part of these adjustments, travellers must now obtain a pre-arrival Approval Letter issued through an online application before entering the country.

This approval system ensures that immigration authorities can verify traveller details ahead of time. Once approved, your name is added to an official airport list, allowing officers to issue your visa when you land. Without this pre-approval, immigration officers can’t process your request, even if you are otherwise eligible.

So, while the VOA structure still operates in 2026, it’s no longer a “walk up and apply” service. Canadians can still benefit from this visa option, as long as they complete the required approval step before travelling.

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2. Can Canadians Still Use Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival in 2026? Absolutely—Here’s How It Works

Yes—Canadian citizens can indeed still obtain a Vietnam Visa on Arrival in 2026. However, there’s one crucial requirement: you must apply online for an Approval Letter before your trip. This document is essential, as airlines are required to verify that you have proper authorization before allowing you to board any flight to Vietnam.

Once your Approval Letter has been issued, print a physical copy and carry it with you during travel. You will need to present it at your departure airport during check-in, and again when you arrive in Vietnam. Without this letter, airline staff have no choice but to deny boarding—even if you insist that VOA is “still available.”

Canadians should also prepare other required documents, including passport photos, a completed entry form, the stamping fee in USD, and a passport that remains valid for at least six months past entry. These items help ensure the airport process runs smoothly once you land.

In short, VOA remains a valid and convenient entry option, but it’s only available to those who take the necessary step of obtaining the Approval Letter in advance.

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3. Why So Many Canadians Believe Vietnam’s VOA Was “Cancelled”

The confusion among Canadian travellers mainly stems from outdated information still circulating online. Many travel blogs that appear in search results were written before 2020 and describe an older version of the VOA process that no longer exists. When Canadians read these articles, they may assume that VOA is either unchanged or completely cancelled.

Compounding the confusion are websites that recycle old information without verifying whether policies have been updated. These sites often contradict one another, and travellers who rely on them may end up misinformed or unprepared. Social media groups and travel forums also contribute to the issue, as users frequently share outdated experiences or stories from previous years.

There are also fraudulent visa websites that falsely claim travellers can obtain VOA directly at the airport without any pre-approval. These misleading services often sell fake documents, and Canadians who unknowingly purchase them may be denied boarding at the airport.

As a result, many travellers face significant losses—missed flights, forfeited hotel bookings, and cancelled tours—because they followed incorrect or outdated advice. Understanding the correct process helps prevent these costly and frustrating travel setbacks.

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4. What Happens If a Canadian Traveller Tries to Fly Without an Approval Letter?

The consequences are immediate and unavoidable: you won’t be allowed to board the plane. Airline staff are required to confirm that all passengers heading to Vietnam meet the entry requirements. If you cannot provide an Approval Letter, they legally cannot issue a boarding pass, regardless of your explanation or travel history.

Even if you somehow managed to board, immigration officials in Vietnam would not be able to issue your visa without pre-approval. The VOA counters at the airport are set up only for travellers whose information already appears in the immigration system. Without that record, entry will be denied.

Beyond the inconvenience, the financial impact can be substantial. Missed flights due to visa issues are typically not refunded, and travel insurance rarely covers mistakes caused by improper documentation. Many travellers also lose money on hotels, transportation, and prepaid excursions.

The emotional toll can be equally significant. There’s nothing more disappointing than arriving at the airport prepared for your long-awaited vacation, only to be turned away over paperwork that should have been handled beforehand. Securing your Approval Letter in advance ensures your trip begins without unnecessary stress.

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5. How Canadians Can Apply for a Vietnam VOA Approval Letter

Applying for an Approval Letter is relatively simple when you use a reputable service. One of the most reliable options for Canadian travellers is VietnamImmigration.com, which provides step-by-step instructions, thorough document checks, and fast turnaround times. You’ll need to complete an online form with your passport information, travel dates, and arrival airport.

Accuracy is crucial. Even a small mistake—like a misplaced number in your passport or an incorrect date—can lead to delays or rejection. A professional service such as VietnamImmigration.com reviews your application before submitting it to Vietnamese immigration authorities, helping ensure that everything is accurate and compliant.

Once the Approval Letter is issued, it will be emailed to you. Print it out and keep it with your travel documents. Upon arrival in Vietnam, head to the Visa on Arrival counter, where you’ll present the letter along with your photos, entry form, and stamping fee. Your visa will then be issued and added to your passport.

To avoid complications, travellers should double-check their documents and follow all instructions carefully. Using an experienced visa agency helps minimize errors and ensures a smooth experience upon arrival.

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6. Why Working with a Professional Visa Agency Helps Canadians Avoid VOA Problems

Given the amount of conflicting information online, submitting your application through a trusted agency can help prevent costly mistakes. Many fraudulent websites claim to offer legitimate visa services but provide fake or invalid documents instead. Canadian travellers who fall for such scams often only discover the problem when airline staff reject their paperwork at the airport.

Even when dealing with real services, some low-quality providers fail to review applications thoroughly. Something as small as a typo or formatting error can make your Approval Letter invalid, and these errors are usually discovered too late to fix on the spot.

A professional visa agency, like VietnamImmigration.com, ensures that your application is carefully checked and meets all official requirements. Their staff can identify common mistakes, correct incomplete information, and guide you through every step of the process. They also offer expedited services for travellers who need their Approval Letter urgently.

With more than 15 years of experience supporting international travellers, VietnamImmigration.com is a trusted and dependable choice for Canadians who want to prepare their visa documents with confidence and peace of mind.

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7. How Canadians Receive Their Vietnam Visa on Arrival at the Airport

When you arrive in Vietnam with your printed Approval Letter, the VOA process is straightforward. Before heading to passport control, look for the “Visa on Arrival” counter. Present your Approval Letter, passport, completed entry form, passport photos, and the stamping fee. Immigration officers will review your documents before issuing your visa.

Processing times may vary depending on the number of arriving passengers, but having your documents organized helps make the process smoother. Be sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, as this is a firm requirement for entry into Vietnam.

When your visa is ready, double-check the details printed on it—including your name, dates, and visa type—to ensure everything is correct. If something doesn’t match your information or travel plans, notify the immigration officer immediately.

Once everything is confirmed, proceed to passport control to officially enter Vietnam. With the Approval Letter prepared in advance and documents ready, the VOA experience is efficient and stress-free. A reputable agency like VietnamImmigration.com can help ensure that nothing is overlooked.

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Conclusion

Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival remains available to Canadian travellers in 2026—but only with a valid Approval Letter secured beforehand. Flying without this document will lead to denied boarding, financial losses, and major travel disruptions. For a smooth, reliable, and professionally handled application experience, VietnamImmigration.com is a trusted resource for Canadians preparing to visit Vietnam.