How to Get a Vietnam Visa on Arrival at Da Nang Airport (2026)

If you are flying into Da Nang for a holiday, dental treatment, or both, you may be considering a visa on arrival (VOA) as your entry method. This guide explains exactly how the process works at Da Nang International Airport, what it costs, what documents you need, and whether VOA is actually the best option for your situation.

While Vietnam’s e-visa system has made entry simpler for most travellers, visa on arrival remains a valid pathway — particularly for last-minute trips or specific circumstances we will outline below.

What Is Vietnam Visa on Arrival?

Vietnam visa on arrival is a two-step process:

1. Before travel: You apply online through a visa agency for a “visa approval letter.” This is an official document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department authorising the airport to stamp your visa. It takes 1-2 business days to receive.

2. At the airport: You present your approval letter at the Landing Visa counter, pay the stamping fee in cash, and receive the actual visa stamp in your passport.

The key point many travellers miss: you cannot simply arrive at Da Nang airport and request a visa. The approval letter must be obtained before departure. Without it, you will be denied boarding by your airline or turned away at the airport.

Step-by-Step: Getting a Visa on Arrival at Da Nang Airport

Step 1 — Apply for a Visa Approval Letter Online

You need to apply through a visa agency for a pre-approval letter from Vietnam Immigration. This is not done through the Vietnamese embassy or consulate — it is handled entirely online.

How to apply:

• Choose a reputable visa agency (vietnamvisa.gov.vn or similar established services)
• Fill out the online application with your passport details, nationality, travel dates, and intended entry port (select Da Nang / DAD)
• Select single entry or multiple entry
• Select processing speed (standard 1-2 business days, rush same-day, or emergency 2-4 hours)
• Pay the agency fee online

Approval letter fees by processing speed:

These fees are paid to the visa agency and are separate from the stamping fee you pay at the airport.

Step 2 — Receive and Print Your Approval Letter

The agency will email you a PDF of the approval letter once it is approved by Vietnam Immigration. This letter will contain:

• Your name and passport number
• Date of birth and nationality
• Permitted entry date and duration of stay
• The type of visa (single or multiple entry)
• A list of other applicants on the same letter (group letters are standard)

Print at least two copies. Keep one in your carry-on bag and one in your checked luggage as backup. Some travellers also save a digital copy on their phone, but the airport counter requires a physical printed copy.

Step 3 — Prepare Your Documents

Before you leave for the airport, make sure you have everything ready:

• Printed approval letter (at least 2 copies)
• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date
• Two passport photos — 4x6cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months, no glasses
• Cash for the stamping fee — $25 USD for single entry or $50 USD for multiple entry. Bring exact change in clean, undamaged US dollar bills. Vietnamese Dong is also accepted but USD is preferred and ensures the correct amount.
• Completed NA1 form — the visa application form. You can download and fill this out before travel, or complete one at the airport (forms are available at the Landing Visa counter). Filling it out in advance saves time.

NA1 form information you will need:

• Full name as it appears on your passport
• Date of birth, nationality, and passport number
• Intended address in Vietnam (your hotel name and address)
• Purpose of visit (tourism)
• Intended length of stay

Step 4 — Arrive at Da Nang International Airport (DAD)

Da Nang International Airport is compact and easy to navigate. After your plane lands and you deplane, follow signs toward Immigration / Passport Control.

Before you reach the main immigration queue, look for the “Landing Visa” counter. This is located in the international arrivals area, typically to the left of the main immigration desks. Signage is in both Vietnamese and English.

If you cannot spot it immediately, ask any airport staff member — they will direct you. The counter is always staffed during international flight arrival times.

Step 5 — Submit Your Documents at the Landing Visa Counter

At the Landing Visa counter, you will:

1. Hand over your passport, printed approval letter, passport photos, and completed NA1 form
2. Pay the stamping fee in cash ($25 single entry / $50 multiple entry)
3. Receive a receipt for the payment

The immigration officer will verify your details against the approval letter and process your visa.

Step 6 — Wait for Your Visa Stamp

Processing typically takes 15-30 minutes. During busy periods when multiple international flights arrive simultaneously, it may take up to 45 minutes.

Your name will be called when your passport is ready. Listen carefully — names may be pronounced differently than you expect. Stay in the waiting area near the counter so you can hear when you are called.

Tips while waiting:

• Do not wander away from the area
• Have your boarding pass handy in case they need to verify your flight details
• The waiting area usually has seating — settle in and be patient

Step 7 — Collect Your Passport and Proceed Through Immigration

When your name is called, collect your passport and verify that:

• The visa stamp is in your passport with the correct dates
• Your name and passport number are correct on the stamp
• The entry and exit dates match what you applied for

Then proceed to the main immigration queue with your stamped passport. From here, the process is the same as any other arriving passenger — hand over your passport, get your entry stamp, collect your luggage, and exit through customs.

VOA vs E-Visa: Which Should You Choose?

When Visa on Arrival Makes Sense

• Last-minute travel: If you need to fly within 1-2 days and cannot wait 3 business days for an e-visa, the rush or emergency VOA processing can get you an approval letter in hours.
• E-visa application issues: If your e-visa was rejected or you had technical problems with the online portal, VOA is a reliable backup.
• Specific nationalities: A small number of countries are eligible for VOA but not e-visa. Check the latest eligibility lists for your nationality.
• You prefer agency assistance: Some travellers prefer having a visa agency handle the process rather than navigating the government portal themselves.

When E-Visa Is Better (Most Cases)

• Cheaper: $25 total vs $31-75 for VOA
• Simpler: One online application, no cash at the airport, no airport queue
• Faster at the airport: Walk straight to immigration with your printed e-visa
• Multiple entry included: The standard e-visa is already multiple entry at no extra cost
• No photos needed at the airport: Upload your photo online during application

For the vast majority of travellers coming to Da Nang in 2026, the e-visa is the superior choice. Our main Da Nang Visa Guide covers the e-visa process in full detail.

Da Nang Airport (DAD) Specifics

Da Nang International Airport is Vietnam’s third-busiest airport and a major gateway for central Vietnam tourism.

International terminal layout:

• The international terminal handles flights from across Asia including direct routes to Seoul, Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and various Chinese cities
• After deplaning, you walk through a corridor toward Immigration
• The Landing Visa counter is in this pre-immigration area, clearly signed
• After immigration, baggage claim is one floor down via escalator
• The arrivals hall has ATMs, currency exchange, SIM card vendors, and taxi/Grab pickup points

Distance to the city:

• Da Nang city centre: 3-5 km (10-15 minutes by taxi)
• My Khe Beach hotels: 5-7 km (15 minutes)
• Dental clinics in central Da Nang: 3-7 km (10-20 minutes)
• Hoi An: 30 km (40-50 minutes)

Transport from the airport:

• Grab (ride-hailing app): The cheapest and most convenient option. Download the app before travel. Rides to central Da Nang cost $3-5 USD.
• Metered taxi: Available outside arrivals. Mai Linh and Vinasun are reputable companies. Expect $4-7 USD to city centre.
• Hotel transfer: Many hotels offer free or paid airport pickup. Arrange in advance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Arriving without an approval letter. This is the single biggest mistake. Without a pre-approved letter, you will not get a visa at the airport. Your airline may not even let you board.

2. Not bringing cash. The stamping fee must be paid in cash. ATMs are after immigration, so you cannot withdraw money before paying the fee. Bring USD from home.

3. Damaged or old US dollar bills. Vietnam is strict about the condition of US banknotes. Torn, marked, or heavily worn bills may be refused. Bring clean, relatively new bills.

4. Passport photos that do not meet requirements. Photos must be 4x6cm with a white background. Phone selfies or photos with coloured backgrounds will be rejected. Get proper passport photos before travel.

5. Mismatched details on the approval letter. Double-check that your name, passport number, and date of birth on the approval letter exactly match your passport. Even a single digit or letter difference can cause delays or rejection.

6. Not filling out the NA1 form in advance. While forms are available at the counter, filling one out on the spot with tired hands after a long flight wastes time. Download, print, and complete the form before departure.

7. Leaving the waiting area. When your passport is ready, your name will be called. If you are in the bathroom or wandering the terminal, you may miss your call and face additional delays.

8. Not checking the visa stamp. Before walking away from the counter, verify every detail on the stamp — dates, name, passport number. Errors discovered later are much harder to correct.

Visa on Arrival for Dental Tourists

If you are coming to Da Nang specifically for dental treatment, your visa choice can impact your experience.

Recommended approach for dental tourists:

For most dental patients, we recommend the 90-day multiple-entry e-visa over VOA. Here is why:

• Dental implant patients may need to stay 7-14 days for the initial procedure and possibly return months later. The multiple-entry feature lets you leave and re-enter without a new visa.
• The 90-day validity gives you maximum flexibility if treatment takes longer than expected or you want to extend your stay.
• You avoid the airport queue — after a long flight, the last thing you want before heading to your dental consultation is a 30-minute wait at the Landing Visa counter.

When VOA works for dental tourists:

• You booked a last-minute trip after finding a great deal on dental treatment
• You are combining Da Nang dental work with multi-country travel and need specific entry dates
• Your e-visa application had issues and you need a backup plan

Top Da Nang dental clinics that patients use VOA or e-visa to visit:

• Picasso Dental Clinic — 4.8-star rated, specialising in implants and cosmetic dentistry
• Peace Dentistry — 4.95-star rated, known for exceptional patient care
• Dr Bao Dental Clinic — 4.84-star rated, experienced with international patients

All three clinics have English-speaking staff who can provide treatment timelines to help you choose the right visa type and duration.

Extending Your Stay Beyond Your Visa

If your dental treatment takes longer than expected or you simply fall in love with Da Nang (it happens often), you have options:

Visa extension: You can apply for a visa extension at the Da Nang Immigration Office or through a local travel agency. Extensions typically cost $30-80 USD and add 30 days to your stay. Apply at least one week before your current visa expires.

Visa run: Leave Vietnam briefly (even for a day) and return on a fresh visa or visa-free entry. Read our complete guide to visa runs from Da Nang for the best destinations and strategies.

New e-visa: Apply for a new e-visa before your current one expires, to be used on re-entry after a brief trip abroad.

Whatever you choose, do not overstay your visa. Vietnam imposes penalties of approximately $25 USD per day for overstaying, and serious overstays can result in detention and deportation.

Final Checklist: Visa on Arrival at Da Nang

Before your flight, confirm you have:

• Visa approval letter printed (2 copies)
• Passport valid for 6+ months
• Two passport photos (4x6cm, white background)
• Completed NA1 form
• Cash in USD ($25 single entry or $50 multiple entry)
• Hotel name and address in Da Nang written down
• Grab app downloaded on your phone
• Dental clinic contact details for your first appointment

With these items ready, you will move through the Da Nang airport Landing Visa process smoothly and be on your way to the beach — or the dental chair — in no time.

For the full picture on all Vietnam visa options, see our comprehensive Da Nang Visa Guide. And for ideas on what to do once you arrive, check out our guide to what to do in Da Nang.