Planning a trip from Canada to Vietnam and feeling unsure about how to get your visa? You’re definitely not the only one. Many Canadian travellers find the visa process confusing, …
For many Canadians planning a trip to Vietnam, the Visa on Arrival (VOA) option can seem like a convenient solution—simple, flexible, and available at several major airports. However, the VOA system is not something you can sort out spontaneously after landing. Without the required approval letter and supporting documents prepared beforehand, travellers can face delays, stressful situations at immigration, or even be refused entry. This guide provides a complete overview tailored to Canadian travellers, outlining eligibility requirements, needed documents, airport procedures, how to obtain the approval letter, and practical tips to ensure a smooth arrival in Vietnam.
Canadians are eligible to use Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival program, but it operates differently from the walk-up application process some travellers imagine. You must have a pre-approved visa approval letter issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department before you board your flight. Airlines generally ask to see this letter during check-in, and without it, travellers are often denied boarding to avoid complications upon arrival.
The VOA is available for several travel purposes, including vacation travel, short-term business visits, and trips to visit relatives or friends. Many Canadian travellers appreciate the flexibility of this option, especially when their travel plans involve multiple Vietnamese cities or last-minute arrangements. Still, the process only works efficiently when everything is prepared ahead of time.
A Canadian arriving in Vietnam without the required paperwork will not be able to obtain a visa at the airport. Immigration officers follow a strict policy: no approval letter, no VOA processing. Therefore, your approval letter must be secured before travelling, and printed copies should be brought along to avoid issues.
While Vietnam’s e-visa system offers an alternative, the VOA remains a preferred option for many Canadians—particularly those who need multiple-entry visas or specific entry durations. With proper preparation, the VOA can be a seamless experience from touchdown to immigration.
Canadian travellers must ensure their passports are valid for at least six months beyond their planned arrival date in Vietnam. This requirement is enforced not only by Vietnamese immigration officials but also by airlines at departure airports. Additionally, at least two blank pages are necessary to accommodate the visa sticker and subsequent entry stamps.
The visa approval letter is another mandatory requirement. This official document confirms that the Vietnam Immigration Department has authorised your eligibility for a VOA. Details such as your name, passport number, and arrival date on the letter must match your passport exactly. Preparing several printed copies is recommended for convenience.
While not always requested, proof of onward travel—such as a return ticket—or evidence of accommodation is helpful to have. These documents can demonstrate that your travel plans are legitimate and well organised. Immigration staff occasionally check them during peak travel seasons or when further verification is deemed necessary.
Canadians must also comply with any health, customs, or border requirements in effect at the time of travel. Policies may adjust during holiday seasons, special events, or in accordance with public health considerations, so it is wise to confirm current requirements before departure.
Upon arrival, Canadians must present a printed visa approval letter, which serves as the basis for obtaining their VOA. Electronic copies on a phone or tablet are often not accepted at the airport, making printed copies essential. The approval letter should clearly display all required traveller information and the official immigration stamp.
Travellers will also need a completed NA1 entry/exit form. Although the form is available at the airport, filling it out in advance saves time and helps you move more quickly through the VOA area. In addition, two passport-sized photos (4 × 6 cm) are required. Immigration officers are particular about photo standards, so it is best to bring photos that meet the specifications.
Your Canadian passport will be temporarily held by immigration officers while your visa is processed. During this time, you will pay the stamping fee in USD cash. The fee is $25 USD for single-entry visas and $50 USD for multiple-entry visas. Since credit cards and non-USD currencies are usually not accepted, preparing the exact amount beforehand is recommended.
Depending on airport conditions and individual circumstances, officers may also ask for your hotel booking confirmation or travel itinerary. Having these printed and easily accessible ensures a smoother, faster arrival experience.
Before leaving Canada, travellers must apply for the visa approval letter through an authorised visa service provider. Platforms such as VietnamImmigration.com offer reliable processing and professional assistance. After your application is approved, print the approval letter, prepare your passport photos, and complete the NA1 form before your flight.
When you land at Noi Bai International Airport, Da Nang International Airport, Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Cam Ranh International Airport, Phu Quoc International Airport, Cat Bi International Airport, or Lien Khuong International Airport, follow the signs to the Visa on Arrival counter. This counter is located before the main immigration hall. Submit your documents—including the approval letter, photos, passport, and NA1 form—and pay the required stamping fee in USD cash.
Processing time generally ranges from 10 to 25 minutes, depending on the number of incoming passengers. Immigration officers will verify your details and attach the visa sticker to your passport. The stamped passport will be returned to you, along with a receipt for the stamping fee.
After receiving your passport with the visa, proceed to the immigration control lines. Officers will review your newly issued visa and admit you into the country. You may then collect your luggage and continue to customs.
The visa approval letter is a crucial pre-arrival document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department. It must be arranged before departure, as it cannot be obtained at the airport. This letter confirms your eligibility for VOA processing upon arrival.
Canadians can apply for the approval letter through authorised agencies such as VietnamImmigration.com, which specialises in preparing and submitting applications. These services help verify that all information is accurate and formatted correctly before submission, reducing the likelihood of delays or errors.
To apply, travellers must provide their passport details, intended travel dates, visa type (tourist or business), and arrival airport. Once the application is approved, the letter is emailed to the traveller, who must print it for use at the airport. Multiple printed copies are recommended.
Frequent mistakes include misspelled names, incorrect passport numbers, and mismatched arrival dates. Reviewing your details carefully before submission ensures an easier process upon landing.
Standard processing for the approval letter typically takes three to five business days. This option works well for travellers who plan their trip in advance. For those with urgent needs, faster processing is available—ranging from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the level of service purchased. Same-day or two-day processing is also commonly offered.
Processing times may vary during major Vietnamese holidays, busy travel periods, or if the submitted information is incomplete. These factors can extend the turnaround time, so it’s best to apply early whenever possible.
To prevent last-minute complications, Canadian travellers should submit their request for the approval letter at least one week before departure. This ensures ample time for corrections or clarifications if needed.
Canadian travellers should check the condition of their passport before flying. Torn pages, water damage, or any type of deterioration may result in refusal of entry. Vietnamese immigration officers are strict about passport quality, so ensuring your passport is in good condition is essential.
Printed copies of all documents—especially the approval letter—should be carried at all times. Digital versions stored on mobile devices may not be accepted at the VOA counter, and relying on them can cause avoidable delays. Bringing extra photos and completed forms will also speed up the process.
Travel rules, including health and customs requirements, may change depending on seasonal trends or government updates. Canadians travelling during peak periods, such as holiday seasons, should anticipate possible additional checks when entering the country.
Being organised is the biggest advantage. Keep all documents together, prepare USD cash, and stay ready to present your materials when requested. These small steps ensure a quick and stress-free entry into Vietnam.
Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival option offers flexibility and convenience for Canadian travellers, provided all steps are taken in advance. The approval letter is essential, and having printed documents, proper photos, and USD cash ensures a smooth arrival process at Vietnamese airports. By using a trusted visa service such as VietnamImmigration.com, Canadians can secure their visa approval efficiently and begin their journey to Vietnam with confidence and peace of mind.
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