The embassy usually takes at least five working days to process all documents. Once the documents are processed, you will be issued a fully stamped Visa. This procedure allows you to get hold of a fully stamped Visa before leaving for Vietnam. However, it is expensive and time consuming. 

Visa on Arrival is a more convenient process. It is because of this demand for the Visa on Arrival facility that a number of travel agents have come up, who claim to offer you Visa on Arrival facilities. It is important that you choose your agent carefully as he has to play an important role in facilitating your Visa on Arrival. 

In order to apply for Visa on Arrival, you will have to contact a reliable and trustworthy travel agent based in Vietnam. You will be asked to fill up an online application form on the agent’s website. You will have to key in details such as your name, occupation, duration of stay, purpose of visit etc. When filling up the purpose of visit section, you will have to choose from options such as business, tourist and transit. A business Visa can get you validity of one month, three months and six months. A tourist Visa can get you a validity of one month and transit Visa can get you a validity of less than five days. 

Usually, online application forms are processed in two or three days, after which you will be issued a letter of approval. This letter of approval can be collected by your travel agent and forwarded to you. On reaching Vietnam, you will have to submit this letter of approval at the Visa on Arrival counter of the airport you arrive in. You will also have to pay the Visa stamping fees to get your document 

It is to be noted that the Visa on Arrival facility is extended only to those travelers who arrive in Vietnam by air.