Heading to Vietnam from New Zealand in 2025? If your journey takes you to Ho Chi Minh City via air, the Visa on Arrival (VOA) option could be your most practical and stress-free choice. In this guide, you’ll discover the full process Kiwi travellers need to follow to obtain a VOA at Tan Son Nhat International Airport—from what you must prepare before flying to how to get through the visa counter without hassle.
Yes, as of 2025, New Zealand passport holders are required to have a valid visa before entering Vietnam. If you’re flying into one of the country’s major international airports—like Ho Chi Minh City—you have the option of obtaining your visa directly at the airport via the Visa on Arrival scheme.
However, VOA doesn’t mean you can simply show up and apply on the spot. You’ll first need to secure a Visa Approval Letter in advance through an authorised online provider. This letter is a crucial document issued by Vietnam’s Immigration Department, and without it, airlines may not even allow you to board your flight from New Zealand.
Your passport must also be valid for at least six months beyond your planned arrival date and have at least one blank page available. Once these conditions are met, you can proceed with your application.
Before leaving New Zealand, your first step is to apply online for your Visa Approval Letter. You can do this through trusted services like Vietnam Immigration. It usually takes three to five working days to process, but if you’re in a rush, expedited options are available and can deliver the letter within just a few hours.
Once the approval letter arrives in your inbox, print it out and bring it with you to Vietnam. A black-and-white print is acceptable. Alongside this letter, you’ll need two recent passport-sized photos (4×6 cm) with a plain white background.
Next, complete the NA1 visa application form, which you can download ahead of time or fill out at the airport upon arrival. Lastly, make sure to carry US dollars in cash for the visa stamping fee: $25 USD for a single-entry visa or $50 USD for a multiple-entry visa.
When you land at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport, head towards the “Visa on Arrival” counter. This area is located before you reach immigration and passport control. Hand over all required documents—your passport, printed approval letter, filled-out form, photos, and visa fee—to the immigration officers.
They will check your paperwork and begin the visa process. Depending on how busy the airport is, you might have to wait between 15 and 30 minutes. Peak times, such as evenings or weekends, can lead to longer delays, so it’s best to be prepared.
After your visa is issued and attached to your passport, take a moment to verify that all the information is correct. Then, proceed to the immigration checkpoint to complete your entry into Vietnam.
Preparation is everything when it comes to avoiding delays. Double-check that your approval letter matches your passport details exactly, your photos meet the official size, and your visa application form is filled out clearly and correctly.
To avoid the busiest queues, try to arrive during quieter hours—early morning or mid-day flights often experience fewer crowds than those arriving late at night or during holidays.
If you want to streamline your arrival even further, consider booking a Vietnam Fast Track service. With this option, a local staff member will meet you at the gate, help you with your visa paperwork, and fast-track you through immigration. It’s especially handy if you’re travelling with children, elderly family members, or have a tight connection to catch. You can book this service easily through Vietnam Immigration.
For New Zealand citizens planning to fly into Ho Chi Minh City in 2025, the Visa on Arrival process offers an efficient and accessible entry point to Vietnam. With the proper documentation in hand and a bit of pre-trip planning, your arrival can be seamless. And if you’re after maximum convenience, a Fast Track service can take your travel experience to the next level. Prepare smartly, and you’ll be ready to hit the ground running once you land in Saigon.
