Landing Visa

Landing Visa is also known as ‘Visa on Arrival’. It is a new visa system that is more flexible than traditional tourist visa, allowing travelers faster service and more independence. With Landing Visa, a traveler is granted the permission to enter a country only after his/her arrival at that country’s airport.

Countries that offer Landing Visa will have a special Landing Visa counter at all international airports to help you with the application procedure. Normally this involve filling out a basic form indicating your personal details and information regarding the purpose and length of your stay in the country. A small visa fee is also charged. Then, a Visa Officer or an Immigration Officer at the location will make the final decision of whether or not to admit you into the country.

However, Landing Visa is normally only valid for a short period of time. Generally, this period could vary between one to four weeks. This makes Landing Visa an ideal choice for a short vacation, an enjoyable transit while you are on your way to another travel destination or a short business trip.

Details about Landing Visa policies of different countries is given below.

China

Holders of a US passport are eligible to obtain Landing Visa and enter China at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and the Kaohsiung International Airport.

All travelers are required to hold a confirmed air or sea ticket and a visa for the next destination. For the application procedure, travelers must submit a completed application form along with a photograph. US citizens are required to pay a visa fee of NT$1600 and handling fee of NT$800. This visa is valid for 30 days.

More details can be obtained from the Republic of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Thailand

Travel visa is not required for US citizens who are planning to stay Thailand for less than 30 days. If they hold a valid US passport and possess a confirmed return ticket, they are eligible to enter Thailand with Landing Visa. A Passenger Service Charge in Thai baht must be paid at departure.

However, travelers entering Thailand by air are allowed to stay for a maximum of 30 days with their Landing Visa, whereas travelers entering by land are only allowed to stay for a maximum of 15 days. Any foreigners who stay beyond their deadline will be fined and can even be jailed, deported and barred from reentering Thailand.

More information regarding Landing Visa in Thailand for US citizens can be obtained from the US Department of State- Bureau of Consular Affairs and the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington DC.

Vietnam

US citizens entering Vietnam by air, NOT by land, are eligible for Landing Visa at Vietnam’s international airports. However, Landing Visa application requires the traveler to hold a pre-approved letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department. Travelers must also hand in the completed application form for Entry & Exit, a stamp fee along with 2 passport sized photos.

The pre-approved letter as well as more information regarding Landing Visa to Vietnam can be obtained from the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the US.