1. Vietnam Visa On Arrival (VOA) should be applied in advance.
Unlike other countries in Asia such as Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and etc., where you can get the visa the directly at border gates upon landing without applying online, you are required to apply for Vietnam Visa Approval Letter in advance in order to get Vietnam Visa upon your arrival at Vietnam International Airports if you do not want to end up with delaying/canceling your flights or waiting at the airport until the visa is approved.
2. Vietnam Visa On Arrival is NOT VALID for OVERLAND ENTRY.
Vietnam Visa On Arrival is applicable to AIR TRAVEL only since the visa applicants must get visa stamped at the arrival international airport in Vietnam. So if you plan to come to Vietnam by land (crossing the border) or on a cruise, you are recommended to contact the most convenient local Vietnam Embassy/Consulate to obtain a full visa before your departure.
3. Spelling/Typo mistakes.
Filling in the application form with the INCORRECT details, such as incorrect spelling of full name on passport, passport number or date of birth may lead to refused by the airline at the departure airport since the information on the letter of approval does not match those in the passport. So, please kindly make sure that you enter everything correctly and carefully.
4. Arrival Date does NOT START from the date you enter Vietnam.
The Visa Validity will commence from the date you provide in advance, NOT from the date you will enter the country. So, please kindly make sure that you make a clear plan of when to enter before you appy for Vietnam Visa.
For example: The Visa Approval Letter is written that you are allowed to enter and remain in the country for 1 month from January 01st 2020, this means you must exit the country on or before February 01st 2020 no matter what day you enter the country.
5. Visa Extension
It is highly recommended to apply for a 3-month Visa in advance instead of a 1-month one to save valuable time, and money on Visa Extension, because extending a visa may be a costly and time-consuming process. Visa Extension should be applied at least 1 week for 3 months visa, preferably 2 weeks before your visa is expired, passport with 2 blank pages at minimum is must have.