Thinking of escaping to the vibrant streets of Hanoi, unwinding on the stunning beaches of Da Nang, or immersing yourself in the culture and cuisine of Ho Chi Minh City? …
If you’re flying out from New Zealand with Vietnam on your mind, chances are you’re already picturing street food stalls, stunning landscapes, and cultural treasures. But before you touch down in Hanoi, there’s one final detail to take care of—your visa. Luckily, Vietnam offers a landing visa option that’s ideal for Kiwi travellers. With a little planning and preparation, you can breeze through the airport and start your adventure without delay. This guide walks you through every step.
Absolutely. In 2025, New Zealand citizens are still eligible to apply for a landing visa when entering Vietnam by air. This includes arrival through Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, which is one of the main international gateways.
However, this type of visa isn’t granted automatically upon arrival. You’ll first need to apply online for a visa approval letter before leaving New Zealand. This letter is issued by Vietnam’s Immigration Department and acts as official pre-clearance, allowing you to collect your visa at the airport.
Without this approval letter, you may not be allowed to board your flight in Auckland or Christchurch. So even though the actual visa is issued when you land, the process starts at home.
To secure your landing visa, the first thing you’ll need is a visa approval letter. This can be obtained through a trusted provider like Vietnam Immigration, which offers a simple, fast online application process tailored to international visitors.
Just fill in your details, select your visa type, pay the processing fee, and you’ll receive your letter via email—sometimes in as little as 2 hours. Make sure to print at least one copy, as digital versions are not accepted at the visa counter.
Having this document in hand will make your arrival process smooth and hassle-free. Keep it with your passport and travel documents so it’s easily accessible when you land.
Once you land in Hanoi, follow the signs to the Landing Visa counter, which is usually located before the immigration checkpoint. If you’re unsure, just ask a staff member for assistance—they’re used to guiding arriving tourists.
At the counter, you’ll need to hand over:
After submitting your documents and fee, you’ll be asked to wait nearby. Processing typically takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how many flights have arrived. Once your name is called, you’ll get your passport back with the visa sticker inside. Double-check the visa details for accuracy, then proceed to immigration.
Even the most seasoned travellers can trip up when it comes to visa procedures. To save yourself unnecessary stress, avoid these common errors:
Getting these simple things right will save you time and keep your arrival in Vietnam stress-free.
If you’d rather not deal with the paperwork or you’re short on time, consider using a professional visa service like Vietnam Immigration. They’ve been helping Kiwis and other international travellers for over 15 years.
Here’s what they offer:
Using a service like this can take the pressure off and ensure everything is correct before you even reach the airport.
You’ve locked in your flights, packed your bags, and booked your accommodation. Now there’s only one thing left—your visa. With your approval letter printed, your documents in order, and your fee in cash, you’ll be ready to walk through Hanoi Airport with confidence.
Need help getting it all sorted? Let Vietnam Immigration handle it so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
Safe travels and kia ora from Vietnam!
Thinking of escaping to the vibrant streets of Hanoi, unwinding on the stunning beaches of Da Nang, or immersing yourself in the culture and cuisine of Ho Chi Minh City? …
