Apply for Vietnam Visa on Arrival in Sri Lanka: The 2026 Official Guide
Whether you are departing from the bustling streets of Colombo, the serene tea gardens of Kandy, or the coastal beauty of Galle, traveling from Sri Lanka to Vietnam is a journey between two of Asia’s most culturally rich destinations.
For Sri Lankan citizens and expats residing on the island, securing a Vietnam visa is a mandatory step. While the Embassy of Vietnam is located in Colombo, many travelers in 2026 prefer the Visa on Arrival (VOA) or E-visa systems for their speed, convenience, and fully digital application process.
Table of Contents
1. Do Sri Lankan Citizens Need a Visa?
Yes. All Sri Lankan passport holders require a valid visa to enter Vietnam.
Your 2026 Visa Options:
90-Day E-visa: A fully online visa suitable for standard tourism and business, allowing single or multiple entries for up to 90 days.
Apply for Vietnam Visa on Arrival in Sri Lanka: The 2026 Official Guide
Visa on Arrival (VOA): The best option if you have an urgent flight (needs approval in 1-4 hours), require a specialized corporate sponsorship, or prefer to pick up the physical visa sticker at the airport instead of visiting the Embassy in Colombo.
2. The VOA Process: Step-by-Step from Sri Lanka
To use the Visa on Arrival system, you cannot simply fly to Vietnam and ask for a visa at the immigration counter. You must obtain a pre-approved letter before heading to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Step 1: Request the “Visa Approval Letter”
Apply through a recognized agency like Visaonlinevietnam.com.
Upload a scan of your passport’s data page (must be valid for at least 6 months).
Fill in your arrival date and the specific Vietnam international airport you will land at (e.g., Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City).
Pay the service fee online via a secure payment gateway.
Step 2: Receive and Print the Letter
Standard processing takes 2-3 business days. Once approved, the Vietnam Immigration Department will issue your Approval Letter via email.
Crucial Rule: You must print this letter. Airline staff in Colombo will ask to see the physical paper before issuing your boarding pass.
Step 3: Board Your Flight
Take your printed letter, passport, and two passport-sized photos (4x6cm, white background) in your carry-on bag.
Step 4: Visa Stamping in Vietnam
Upon landing, proceed to the “Landing Visa” counter before passport control. Hand over your documents and pay the stamping fee to get your visa sticker.
3. Mandatory Requirements & 2026 Fees
| Requirement | Detail |
| Passport | Must have at least 6 months of validity and 2 blank pages. |
| Photos | Two 4x6cm photos, no glasses allowed. |
| Service Fee | Paid online to the agency for processing the letter. |
| Stamping Fee | $25 USD (Single entry) | $50 USD (Multiple entry). |
Currency Note for Sri Lankans: The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is not accepted by Vietnamese immigration. You must bring US Dollars (USD) in cash. Ensure the bills are clean, new, and untorn, as damaged notes are often rejected.
4. Flight Routes from Colombo (CMB) to Vietnam
There are currently no direct flights connecting Sri Lanka to Vietnam. Most travelers utilize the following Southeast Asian transit hubs:
Via Kuala Lumpur (KUL): Flying with AirAsia or Malaysia Airlines is one of the most popular and budget-friendly routes from Colombo to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.
Via Bangkok (BKK/DMK): Thai Airways or Thai AirAsia provide excellent connections.
Via Singapore (SIN): Singapore Airlines offers a premium route.
Transit Tip: Because you are utilizing the VOA method, ensure you stay within the international transit zones of these airports. Airline staff at CMB will verify your Vietnam Approval Letter before your first leg.
5. Embassy vs. Visa on Arrival: Which is Better?
If you live outside of Colombo, traveling to the Embassy of Vietnam at Ward Place, Colombo 7 to drop off your passport, and returning days later to collect it, can be time-consuming.
The Visa on Arrival eliminates the commute. You apply from your phone or laptop at home, print the PDF, and only interact with immigration officials once you land in Vietnam.
If you are facing an emergency, our 24/7 support team can process an urgent Approval Letter in just 1 to 4 hours, taking advantage of the minor 1.5-hour time difference between Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I apply for the Visa on Arrival if I am traveling by ship?
A: No. The Visa on Arrival is strictly for air travel arriving at Vietnam’s international airports. If you are arriving by sea, you must use an E-visa or get a sticker from the Embassy in Colombo.
Q: Is the 90-day multiple-entry visa available for Sri Lankan citizens?
A: Yes. As of 2026, Sri Lankan passport holders are fully eligible for the 90-day multiple-entry visa through both the E-visa and VOA platforms.
Q: What happens if there is a mistake on my Visa Approval Letter?
A: Even a minor spelling error can result in boarding denial at Colombo airport. Always double-check your passport details against the Approval Letter as soon as you receive it. If there is an error, contact your agency immediately for a correction.