If you’re a Kiwi traveller excited for your upcoming Vietnam adventure, only to realise you still haven’t sorted your e-visa, don’t stress. Many New Zealanders find themselves in the same …
For many travellers from New Zealand planning a holiday, business trip, or multi-country adventure through Southeast Asia, figuring out the Vietnam visa process can feel a bit confusing at first glance. A common assumption among Kiwi travellers is that a “visa on arrival” means you can turn up at a Vietnamese airport and sort everything out on the spot. However, Vietnam’s VOA system doesn’t work that way. To receive a Visa on Arrival, New Zealand passport holders must first secure a Visa Approval Letter before boarding their flight. Without this document, airlines won’t allow check-in, and immigration officers in Vietnam cannot issue the visa once you land. This guide explains, step by step, exactly what New Zealand travellers need to prepare, how the approval letter works, what to expect at the airport, and how to avoid the mistakes Kiwis most commonly make when applying for Vietnam’s VOA.
Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival is a convenient entry option available to New Zealand passport holders arriving at major international airports across the country, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Cam Ranh, and Phu Quoc. Although the name suggests that everything is handled upon arrival, VOA requires advance preparation. The Vietnam Immigration Department must issue you a Visa Approval Letter before your trip, and this letter authorises airport officers to grant your visa once you reach Vietnam.
For Kiwis looking for a straightforward, flexible way to enter Vietnam without visiting an embassy or mailing their passport away, VOA offers an efficient alternative. The application begins online, allowing travellers to handle everything from home, whether they’re organising a family holiday, a solo backpacking trip, or a short business visit.
Travellers from New Zealand can choose between single-entry and multiple-entry visas, depending on the itinerary. The allowed length of stay varies, with options suited for short leisure trips as well as longer business-related visits. This makes VOA particularly useful for those planning to move around Southeast Asia and re-enter Vietnam during the same journey.
While the VOA system is simple once you understand it, the Approval Letter is essential. Without it, the airport cannot issue your visa.
Many New Zealand travellers appreciate VOA because it avoids the need for embassy visits and eliminates much of the paperwork associated with traditional visa applications. Instead of submitting documents in person or waiting weeks for approval, travellers can complete the initial process online and pick up their visa after landing in Vietnam.
Another reason VOA is popular among Kiwis is its speed. When travel plans come together quickly—perhaps for a spontaneous getaway or an urgent business commitment—the approval letter can be processed in as little as 2 to 8 hours through express services. This makes VOA a highly practical option for travellers who need flexibility and fast turnaround times.
Additionally, VOA helps bypass delays that sometimes occur with consular processing. Embassy visas may come with longer waiting periods and additional requirements. With VOA, the process is largely predictable, and most of the administrative work happens before departure, leaving only a short procedure once you arrive.
For New Zealand citizens who value convenience, speed, and minimal hassle, VOA is often the most appealing way to enter Vietnam.
Before flying to Vietnam, New Zealand travellers should prepare a small set of required documents to ensure a smooth VOA process. First and foremost, your New Zealand passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of arrival in Vietnam. This is a strict entry requirement.
You must also bring a printed Visa Approval Letter, which matches your passport details exactly. Even small errors—such as a misplaced digit or slightly incorrect spelling—can cause complications at check-in or at the airport in Vietnam. It’s wise to print more than one copy in case one becomes misplaced.
Travellers also need two passport-sized photos (4×6 cm, white background), which will be used by immigration officers when issuing the visa. Although certain airports have photo services, these aren’t always reliable, so bringing your own photos saves time and prevents delays.
Lastly, you’ll need to pay the visa stamping fee in USD upon arrival. For New Zealand travellers, the single-entry fee is typically 25 USD, while multiple-entry visas range from 50 USD to 135 USD depending on the duration of stay. You must also complete the NA1 entry form, which is available at the airport or can be printed and filled out beforehand.
Prepared with these items, the VOA process becomes quick and efficient.
The Approval Letter is at the centre of the VOA process, and applying for it online is straightforward. Begin by visiting VietnamImmigration.com, a trusted visa assistance provider with more than 15 years of experience supporting travellers from New Zealand and other countries worldwide. You’ll enter your basic travel details, including your full name, passport information, intended arrival airport, visa type, and your planned arrival date.
Next, choose the processing speed that suits your travel timetable. Standard processing typically takes 3–5 business days, which is ideal for travellers planning ahead. If your flight is approaching soon or your plans are last-minute, expedited options are available—often completed within 8 hours, 4 hours, or even 2 hours.
Once your application has been submitted and payment confirmed, the Vietnam Immigration Department reviews your details and issues your Approval Letter. This document is emailed as a PDF. For safety, print at least two copies and store them with your travel documents.
Having your Approval Letter ready before you fly ensures check-in goes smoothly and avoids delays when you arrive in Vietnam.
When your flight touches down in Vietnam, follow the airport signs to the Visa on Arrival or Landing Visa counter. This area is located before immigration, so make sure not to line up at the passport control booths until you’ve received your visa.
At the VOA counter, submit your printed Approval Letter, passport, two photos, and the completed NA1 form. Immigration officers will check your documents and may ask you to wait nearby while your visa is being processed. Processing time varies based on how busy the airport is, but most Kiwi travellers can expect to wait around 15 to 30 minutes.
Once your name is called, return to the counter to pay the stamping fee in USD. The officer will then place the official visa sticker inside your passport. Double-check the details to ensure everything is correct, including the dates, visa classification, and personal information.
After that, proceed to the regular immigration lines to have your passport stamped. With your visa approved and stamped, you’re free to collect your luggage and begin your travels in Vietnam.
Many New Zealand travellers encounter issues during the VOA process that could easily have been prevented with proper preparation. One common error is entering incorrect passport information on the Approval Letter application. Even minor mistakes—such as incorrect numbers or reversed names—can lead to delays or rejection.
Another frequent mistake is forgetting to print the Approval Letter or assuming a digital copy is sufficient. Airlines require a printed version during check-in, and immigration officers in Vietnam also expect travellers to show a hard copy.
Some travellers overlook the importance of bringing the correct photo size or forget photos entirely. Relying on airport photo services can be risky and may slow down the process.
The most significant misunderstanding among Kiwi travellers is assuming Vietnam issues visas directly at the airport without any prior approval. This is incorrect. Without a Visa Approval Letter, Vietnam cannot grant a VOA under any circumstances.
Avoiding these mistakes ensures your entry into Vietnam is smooth, stress-free, and trouble-free.
For travellers from New Zealand, Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival system offers a practical and efficient way to enter the country. By preparing your Approval Letter ahead of time, organising all necessary documents, and understanding what to expect at the airport, you’ll enjoy a seamless arrival and the perfect start to your journey through Vietnam.
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