When it comes to travel documents, it is even more important to exercise caution. After all, not securing the right travel documents could end your trip before it even begins. If you have traveled internationally before, chances are you already have a valid passport, but if you are planning a trip to a more exotic destination, you might find that you need additional documentation, like a valid entry visa.

If you are planning to travel to Vietnam, you will need a valid entry visa in addition to a passport. Many new travelers are intimidated by this visa requirement, but it is really quite simple to obtain the documentation you need, even before you leave home.

There are a number of ways to get the entry visa you need to travel to Vietnam, but not all options are equally convenient. One choice is to travel to an embassy, where you can present your identification and get the entry visa you need.

The problem is that many people do not live anywhere near an embassy. If you live in a major city, you may be lucky enough to have an embassy within a reasonable driving distance. If not, you could be looking at a long drive, or a costly plane ticket, just to get to the embassy. Once there, you could face further obstacles in the form of limited hours and low staffing levels.

The good news is  that you do not need to travel to a far off embassy to get the travel documents you need to enter the country of Vietnam. The government of Vietnam has created a program known as the Vietnam visa on arrival. This program allows travelers to submit their identification documents to an authorized travel agency and receive an official letter. When the traveler arrives in Vietnam, he or she presents that official letter and receives an entry visa. The process is designed to be simple, easy to understand, and very streamlined.

Some first time travelers to Vietnam may wonder if the Vietnam visa on arrival program is trustworthy and legitimate. The truth is that this program has been designed by the Vietnamese government, and the officials at all airports in Vietnam are well aware of it and have a thorough understanding of how it works. That means you can rest assured that your arrival letter will be honored when you arrive at the airport in Vietnam. You can simply get your official approval letter, put it with your passport and board your flight. Then when you arrive, you can disembark, present your letter, go through customs and be on your way.