Updated: How to get a visa for Vietnam
“Do I need a visa for Vietnam?”
The answer of Yes or No depends on your nationality, how long you will stay, what you come to Vietnam for and some requirements for exemption…
Vietnam visa categories are diverse. Base on the purpose of your trip, you can determine what type of visa might suitable for you.
As the most popular type of visa, the tourist visa is mostly applied. It’s fairly easy to get this visa for tourists. There are two types of tourist visa: 30-day single and multiple entry. The tourist visa can be extended once for 30 days. For convenience, you could have a travel agency do this extension for you.
If you decide to arrive in Vietnam first, then visit bordering countries, and then come back to Vietnam, you will need a re-entry visa. This type of visa should be obtained before you leave Vietnam. If not, you will have to apply for an entry visa from the beginning again.
For purposes of work, you can apply for a business visa. A Business visa can be valid for three to six months. Compared to the tourist visa, the business visa has its pros and cons. With a business visa, you can stay for more than 90 days. But of course, the fee is a bit higher.
For students from abroad who have received admission from schools in Vietnam, you can apply for student visa. This visa can be applied before your arrival or changed from the tourist visa once you have enrolled in your school.
This visa is only valid for five days maximum. The Department only issues the transit visa for groups of tourists with a guarantee from a legit travel agency.
These types of visa are only granted to those visiting Vietnam on government or diplomatic business. When applying for these visas, you must submit an official letter from the local government, the embassies or consulates credited to the applicant's country, international organizations or other endorsed organizations.
Overseas Vietnamese, their spouses and children are eligible for Vietnam 5 year visa exemption.
In order to be granted visa exemption certificates at Vietnamese representative offices abroad, overseas Vietnamese need conditions:
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Foreign-issued permanent residence certificate (PRC) with the validity of at least six months since the date of entrance.
-
Visa exemption paper (VEP) is granted by Vietnamese appropriate authorities.
By January 2022, citizens following country will have visa exemption when entering Vietnam (updated on the 15 August, 2023):
No. |
Country
|
Maximum visa-free duration
|
Applicable purpose of visit (if any)
|
|
1
|
Chile
|
90 days
|
Entries that do not include remunerated activities
|
|
2
|
Panama
|
90 days
|
Entries that do not include remunerated activities
|
|
3
|
Cambodia
|
30 days
|
Not mentioned
|
|
4
|
Indonesia
|
30 days
|
Not mentioned
|
|
5
|
Kyrgyzstan
|
30 days
|
Not mentioned
|
|
6
|
Laos
|
30 days
|
Not mentioned
|
|
7
|
Malaysia
|
30 days
|
Tourism, attending press, conference/coverage, official duty, visiting relatives, business negotiation, investment, sports, or attending seminars or conferences
|
|
8
|
Singapore
|
30 days
|
Entries that do not include remunerated activities
|
|
9
|
Thailand
|
30 days
|
Not mentioned
|
|
10
|
Philippines
|
21 days
|
Not mentioned
|
|
11
|
Brunei
|
14 days
|
Not mentioned
|
|
12
|
Myanmar
|
14 days
|
Visiting only
|
|
13
|
Belarus
|
45 days
|
Not mentioned
|
|
14
|
Denmark
|
45 days
|
Not mentioned
|
|
15
|
Finland
|
45 days
|
Not mentioned
|
|
13
|
France
|
45 days
|
Not mentioned
|
|
17
|
Germany
|
45 days
|
Not mentioned
|
|
18
|
Italy
|
45 days
|
Not mentioned
|
|
19
|
Japan
|
45 days
|
Not mentioned
|
|
20
|
Norway
|
45 days
|
Not mentioned
|
|
21
|
Russia
|
45 days
|
Not mentioned
|
|
22
|
South Korea
|
45 days
|
Not mentioned
|
|
23
|
Spain
|
45 days
|
Not mentioned
|
|
24
|
Sweden
|
45 days
|
Not mentioned
|
|
25
|
United Kingdom (Not applicable to BNO)
|
45 days
|
Not mentioned
|
Please be aware of the following important information about Vietnam's visa exemption policy:
-
The 30-day interval requirement between two stays under visa exemption has been abolished by a new law on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam, effective from July 1, 2020.
-
British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are not eligible for the 45-day visa exemption and need to obtain a visa before traveling to Vietnam.
-
The visa exemption covers entry, exit, and transit.
-
The duration of the visa-free stay is calculated from the date of entry.
Please note that the above details regarding Vietnam's visa exemption policy are current as of August 15, 2023, and are provided for informational purposes only. It is advisable to verify the latest requirements with the relevant authorities in your country before embarking on your trip.
There are some additional cases where Vietnam grants visa exemptions:
-
Those entering certain coastal economic zones designated by the Government are eligible for a 30-day visa exemption, provided the zones meet the following conditions: they have an international airport, defined geographical boundaries separate from the mainland, their own space, and are aligned with Vietnam's socio-economic development policies without posing a threat to national defense, security, social order, and safety. Phu Quoc island is one such zone. For more information on Phu Quoc visa exemption, please refer to the detailed guide.
-
APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders with valid passports are exempt from Vietnam's visa requirements for a stay of up to 60 days. If you wish to extend your stay without leaving Vietnam, please refer to the guide on Vietnam stay exemption with ABTC.
Starting from August 15, 2023, Vietnam officially implements the Electronic Visa (E-Visa) program for citizens of all countries worldwide, opening up for various purposes, including tourism, visiting relatives, business, trade, and investment.
This represents a significant step in Vietnam's efforts to broaden its international engagement, without distinction of nationality or territory. E-Visa validity for foreign visitors will typically range from 1 to 3 months and can be extended when necessary. This initiative creates convenient conditions for travelers and individuals interested in Vietnam.
The e-Visa takes three working days to process, costs about 25 USD, and is valid for 90 days. You can enter Vietnam on an e-Visa at any of the country's 13 international airports, including Noi Bai (HAN), Tan Son Nhat (SGN), Cam Ranh (CXR), Da Nang (DAD), Cat Bi (HPH), Can Tho (VCA), Phu Quoc (PQC), Phu Bai (HUI), Van Don (VDO), Tho Xuan (THD), Dong Hoi (VDH), Phu Cat (UIH), and Lien Khuong (DLI), as well as 16 land crossings (Mong Cai (Quang Ninh), Huu Nghi (Lang Son),Tay Trang (Dien Bien), Lao Cai, Na Meo (Thanh Hoa), Cha Lo (Quang Binh), La Lay and Lao Bao (Quang Tri), Nam Can (Nghe An), Cau Treo (Ha Tinh), Bo Y (Kon Tum), Tinh Bien and Vinh Xuong (An Giang), Moc Bai and Xa Mat (Tay Ninh), and Ha Tien (Kien Giang)) and 13 seaports (Hai Phong, Hon Gai and Cam Pha (Quang Ninh), Chan May (Thua Thien Hue), Da Nang, Nghi Son (Thanh Hoa), Vung Ang (Ha Tinh), Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh), Vung Tau (Ba Ria - Vung Tau), Ho Chi Minh City, Dung Quat (Quang Ngai), and Duong Dong (Kien Giang)).
After being granted an e-visa, tourists are allowed unlimited entries and exits within a period of 90 days without the need to apply for a new visa.
Note:
Individuals who are not mentioned in the list must await additional updates regarding obtaining a tourist visa for Vietnam. If one intends to stay in Vietnam for a period surpassing 90 days, they will need to conduct a visa run since extending an e-visa or obtaining a visa on arrival is not presently feasible.
If there is no Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in your country, or if you just want to make Vietnam part of a multi-destination trip, then Visa on Arrival is the best option.
This is most likely the easiest way to obtain your visa without having to chase down embassies, consulates and the like prior to your trip. The entry visa will be stamped on your passport at the Visa On Arrival Desk at the International Airport in Vietnam. Then you can pass through the Immigration checking point. With this type of visa, you only can enter the country by air.
To obtain a visa on arrival travelers will need a letter of approval issued by immigration. Travel Authentic Asia offers this service to clients also. To expedite this service we will need your FLIGHT DETAILS AND COPY OF YOUR PASSPORT (please ensure your passport has at least two blank pages and six months before expiration), and your processing fee
In addition you will also need two passport photographs, your original passport (please ensure your passport has at least two blank pages and six months before expiration), and your processing fee.
Notes: Difficult visa has not the same the procedure, check case by case
Once we have the letter done, we will send you a scanned copy.(Copies of the same document will be forwarded on your behalf to Vietnam immigration checkpoints at International Airports also). You just need to print out the scanned copy to check in flight to Vietnam.
Upon arrival at Vietnam's airport, at Immigration you are expected to fill in a simple application form (we will send you this form in advance so that you can fill in to save time waiting at the airport). Then pay stamp fee to get visa stamp on passport (single-entry 25 USD/person, multiple-entry 50 USD/person). You will need a photo for the visa application form.
To obtain your entry visa you have to apply to any Vietnam Embassies and/or Consulates worldwide.
Tourist visas are valid for a single 30-day stay and allow visitors to enter and exit Vietnam at Hanoi, HCMC and Danang airports or at any of land borders, shared with Cambodia, China and Laos.
Processing a tourist-visa application typically takes four or five working days in countries in the West.
If you plan to spend more than a month in Vietnam, or if you plan to exit Vietnam and enter again from Cambodia or Laos, you just need to arrange a multiple-entry visa.
You must provide your actual signed passport, including one copy of the personal information page of your passport. Your passport must:
-
Be valid for the next six months
-
Have at least one blank visa page (amendments and endorsement pages cannot be used to fulfill this requirement)
-
Not be frayed, torn, separating, or altered in any other way
You must provide at least 2 color-passport-type photograph. The photograph must:
-
Be printed on photo paper
-
Be two inches by two inches
-
Have been taken within the last six months
You must provide one completed visa application form. The application form must:
-
Include answers for all fields
-
Display your full name as it appears in your passport
-
Be signed
The visa application form may vary from Embassy to Embassy, so you need to take the form from the specific Embassy where you will obtain your visa. Submit this filled form with your original passport, 2 or 3 photos, accompanied by the visa fees. It will take between 4 to 10 days depending on your country of origin
Visa fee ranges from US$45 to US$85 if application is sent directly to the Embassy or US$25-55 if your visa has been pre-approved. This fee depends on the embassy and type of visa required.
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