Vietnam is a lovely nation with a fascinating culture and history that draws visitors from all over the world. Most international visitors, however, must get a visa in advance in order to enter Vietnam. This may be a difficult and time-consuming process, but understanding the requirements and processes for acquiring a Vietnam visa is critical for a successful stay.
We will provide you with all of the information you need to know about Vietnam visa requirements for foreigners in this detailed guide. This guide will help you understand the numerous types of visas available, from tourist visas to special visa, the application procedure, and any exclusions or waivers that may apply to your case, whether you are a first-time visitor to Vietnam or a frequent traveler.
Now, let’s dive into the details of Vietnam visa requirements and how to obtain a visa to enter the country.
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Contents
Do I Need A Tourist Visa For Vietnam?
Most international travelers to Vietnam must get a visa in advance in order to enter the country. There are, however, certain exceptions to this rule. Several nations’ citizens are permitted to enter Vietnam without a visa for a certain time. The duration of the visa-free period varies according to nationality and purpose of visit.
Types Of Vietnam Visas
Foreign travelers to Vietnam can get a variety type of visa based on their expected length of stay, purpose of trip, and other variables. The following are the most prevalent forms of visas:
- Single-entry visa: permit a foreign individual to enter Vietnam just once throughout the visa’s validity period. Depending on the kind of visa and the applicant’s nationality, the maximum duration of stay is usually 30 or 90 days.
- Multiple-entry visa: as the name implies, permits a foreign person to enter and depart Vietnam many times throughout the visa’s validity period. This sort of visa is excellent for those who want to visit Vietnam many times in a short period of time, such as for business or tourism.
- E-visa (electronic visa): This visa allows travelers to apply online for and even pay for their visa online, rather than visiting a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. It is appropriate for tourists and business travelers who want to remain in Vietnam for up to 30 days and fulfill the qualifying requirements. See the Government’s Resolution on list of countries whose citizens are eligible to apply for Vietnam e-visa!
- Visa on arrival: This visa allows travellers to receive their visa at Vietnam’s airports after submitting their application and supporting papers online ahead of time. It is appropriate for tourists who need to enter Vietnam quickly and do not have time to apply for a visa the regular way.
- Diplomatic and official visas are given to foreign ambassadors, government officials, and representatives of international organizations that come to Vietnam on official business.
- Special visas: These visas are provided to those who are visiting Vietnam for a specific reason, such as journalists, volunteers, or religious workers.
It’s essential to keep in mind that the validity and term of each form of visa may differ, and that some visas may have extra criteria or limits based on the traveler’s nationality or purpose of trip. As a result, it is strongly advised to thoroughly understand the qualifying requirements and application process for each visa class before applying.
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Requirements For Obtaining A Vietnam Visa
Foreign travelers must satisfy various conditions and provide the relevant documentation to receive a Vietnam visa, depending on the type of visa they are requesting for. Below are some of the most important requirements for each visa type.
Single-entry Visa
- Passport with at least 6 months validity and blank pages.
- Completed visa application form.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Visa fee payment.
- Other documents as requested by the embassy or consulate, such as flight itinerary, hotel reservation, or invitation letter.
Multiple-entry Visa
It’s the same as single-entry visa, plus additional documents proving the need for multiple entries, such as business contracts, travel itineraries, or family relations.
E-visa
- Passport with at least 6 months validity and scanned copy.
- Digital passport-sized photo.
- Payment of the e-visa fee.
- Other documents as requested, such as travel itinerary, accommodation reservation, or invitation letter.
Visa On Arrival
- Pre-approval letter obtained from an authorized visa agency or sponsor.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Completed entry and exit form.
- Visa fee payment in cash (USD or VND).
- Other documents as requested by the immigration officer, such as return flight ticket or hotel booking.
Diplomatic And Official Visas
- Official letter from the relevant authority or organization.
- Valid passport and photo.
- Visa fee exemption or payment as per bilateral agreements.
Special Visas
You will need additional documents proving the purpose and duration of stay, such as journalist credentials, volunteer certificates, or religious affiliation.
It’s essential to keep in mind that the visa application procedure might take several days or weeks, and that the requirements and processing periods vary based on the embassy or consulate, the kind of visa, and the traveler’s nationality. As a result, it is strongly advised to check the most recent information and recommendations from the appropriate authorities or visa bureaus such as Vietnam Immigration Department and many official Vietnamese authorities before applying.
How To Apply For A Vietnam Tourist Visa?
The application process for a Vietnam visa differs depending on the kind of visa and the place where you submit your application. Here’s a general guide to applying for a visa to Vietnam!
Single-entry And Multiple-entry Visas
- Download and fill out the visa application form from the website of the Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
- Send the form to the embassy or consulate via mail or in person, together with your passport, pictures, and supporting papers.
- Pay the Vietnam visa fees, which varies depending on the embassy or consulate and the kind of visa.
- Wait for the visa processing period, which might range between 2 and 5 working days depending on the embassy or consular affairs.
E-visa
- Go to the Vietnamese e-visa website and fill out the online application form: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt
- Submit a photo of your passport as well as a scanned copy of your passport.
- Pay the current e-visa charge of $25 USD for a 30-day single-entry visa.
- Wait for the e-visa processing period to expire, which is normally 3 business days or fewer.
- Print the e-visa acceptance letter and bring it with you to the Vietnamese airport, together with your passport and other necessary documents.
Visa Exemptions And Waivers – Understanding When You Don’t Need A Tourist Visa
There are some circumstances under which foreign visitors may be exempt from obtaining a visa or eligible for a visa waiver to enter Vietnam. Here are some of the most common cases:
Visa Exemptions
- Citizens of certain countries are exempt from visa requirements for stays up to a certain period of time, usually ranging from 14 to 90 days. The list of exempted countries and the duration of stay may vary depending on the bilateral agreements between Vietnam and those countries.
- Vietnamese citizens holding foreign passports may be exempt from visas for stays up to 90 days.
- Travelers in transit to a third country may be exempt from visas if they stay in Vietnam for less than 24 hours and do not leave the transit area of the airport.
Visa Waivers
- Diplomatic and official passport holders of certain countries may be eligible for visa waivers, based on reciprocal agreements between Vietnam and those countries.
- APEC Business Travel Card holders may be eligible for visa waivers for stays up to 60 days.
- Travelers to Phu Quoc Island for less than 30 days may be eligible for visa waivers if they arrive by air or sea and have return tickets.
Countries That Could Be Granted Vietnam Visa Exemption
Currently, the following countries are exempt from visa requirements for short-term visits to Vietnam:
- Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Russia, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom (Not applicable to BNO) can be granted visa-free travel for up to 15 days. See the Government’s Resolution for this exemption!
- Brunei and Myanmar can be granted visa-free travel for up to 14 days.
- Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand have visa-free travel period for up to 30 days.
- Chile and Panama have the longest visa-free travel period for up to 90 days!
- Philippines has visa-free travel period for up to 21 days.
Important Notes Regarding Vietnam Visa Exemption Certificate:
- The 30-day interval between 02 stays with visa exemption has been removed in accordance with the new Vietnamese law on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam which takes effect on July 1, 2020.
- British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are not eligible for the 15-day Vietnam visa exemption. So, they need to apply for a visa to visit Vietnam.
- Visa exemption includes visa exemption for entry, exit and transit.
- The visa-free stay period is counted from the date of entry.
- The above information about the Vietnam visa exemption (updated on March 15, 2021) is provided for informational purposes only, please double-check with the official Vietnamese immigration authorities in your current country before departure.
Requirements For Obtaining Vietnam Visa Exemption Certificate
To visit Vietnam with a Vietnam visa exemption, qualified tourists must ensure the following:
- Their passport must be valid for at least 6 months after their date of arrival in Vietnam.
- It also must have at least two blank pages.
It’s important to note that these visa exemptions are subject to change and can vary depending on the purpose of the visit. For longer stays or other purposes, a visa will be required. Additionally, citizens of some countries may be eligible for visa waivers or visa exemptions under certain circumstances, such as for official or diplomatic visits.
For most foreign visitors, obtaining a visa in advance is necessary to enter Vietnam. In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of visas available and the requirements for obtaining a visa.
Can I Get Vietnam Visa Exemption Extension?
The Vietnam visa exemption can be renewed in Vietnam before to Covid. That cannot, however, be done today.
Individuals who choose to stay in Vietnam after the exemption period expires must exit Vietnam and depart for a nearby country (such as Thailand, Cambodia, or Laos) and return with a new visa exemption. This method of stay extension is known as a Visa Run.
It’s important to note that visa exemptions and waivers may have specific requirements and limitations, and that they may not apply to all types of visas or travel purposes.
Common Issues/Challenges To Get Vietnam Visa Approval
For a variety of reasons, the Vietnam visa application procedure for foreigners can be complex and difficult. One of the most common problems is a lack of understanding and knowledge regarding the visa application procedure. Many foreigners are oblivious to the rules and processes for acquiring a visa to Vietnam, which causes confusion and delays in the application process. When applying for a Vietnam visa, it is important to research and understand the various types of visas available, the required paperwork, and the fees involved.
The processing delay is another issue that visitors confront when applying for a Vietnam visa. The visa application procedure might take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the kind of visa and the processing method chosen. Long processing delays might be inconvenient for people who need to go to Vietnam immediately for work or personal reasons.
While applying for a visa to Vietnam, visitors may face language problems. The Vietnamese language is complicated, and the application procedure might be difficult for non-native speakers to grasp. This might lead to application confusion and inaccuracies, which can result in application rejection or processing delays.
For many visitors, the expense of acquiring a Vietnam visa is also a significant barrier. A Vietnam visa can be fairly expensive, depending on the kind of visa and the processing method chosen. This might be especially difficult for people on a low budget or who need to secure a visa for their entire family.
Lastly, visitors may find it difficult to secure a Vietnam visa due to the stringent standards. The Vietnamese government has strong procedures and restrictions in place to guarantee that visas are only provided to persons who represent no threat to the country. This involves extensive background investigations, health examinations, and other stringent criteria. When applying for a Vietnam visa, applicants must verify that they satisfy all of the requirements.
Let’s see how Field of Visions was denied entry to Vietnam and learn from their advice:
The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken note of problems and difficulties faced by foreigners when applying for visas to enter Vietnam, said deputy spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang during the ministry’s regular press conference in Hanoi on December 15.
Hang said on March 15, the Vietnamese Government resumed its pre-pandemic entry-exit policy, including visa issuance procedures and processes in accordance with the 2014 Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners, and its 2019 amendments and supplements and guideline documents, thus creating favourable conditions for foreign tourists, experts and investors to enter Vietnam, contributing to the economic recovery and development post pandemic.
Tips For Successful Vietnam Visa Applications
Here are some pointers to bear in mind to make the visa application process as simple and painless as possible!
1. Find Out The Most Recent Visa Requirements And Guidelines
Visa regulations and processes might change at any time, so it’s critical to have the most up-to-date information from official sources or reputable visa firms before beginning the application process.
2. Make A Plan For Obtaining A Vietnam Visa
Leave plenty of time for visa processing, especially if you apply at an embassy or consulate. It is best to apply for an appropriate visa at least 1-2 months before your scheduled departure date.
3. Prepare The Necessary Paperwork
Ensure that you have all of the necessary documents, such as passport pictures, passport copies, and other supporting documents, and that they fit the standards. Other documentation, such as airline itineraries, hotel reservations, or invitation letters, may be required by some embassies or consulates.
4. Carefully Follow The Application Instructions
Read the visa application form and instructions carefully before filling out the form. Send the form and accompanying papers to the embassy or consulate in the format and manner requested.
5. How Much Are Vietnam Visa Fees?
Check that you have the right visa fee amount in the necessary currency (maybe foreign currency or not) and that you use the payment method stated by the embassy or consulate. Certain embassies may only accept cash or require pre-payment.
Can I Extend My Visa In Vietnam?
If you are currently in Vietnam and need to renew or change your visa, the procedure may be different than if you applied for a visa before entering the country. It should be noted that not all visa types may be renewed or extended, and you may need to apply for a new visa entirely.
To renew your visa, you must normally submit your passport, current visa, and the necessary documentation for your new visa type to the Vietnamese Immigration Department or a visa agency. Processing time and expenses may differ based on the kind of visa and the urgency of your request.
It is suggested that if you overstay your visa or need to alter your visa type while in Vietnam, you consult with a visa service or the Immigration Bureau to identify the appropriate course of action. Overstaying your visa can lead to fines, detention, or deportation, so plan ahead and make sure you have the right papers and valid visa for your stay in Vietnam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re planning to Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, major cities or wherever in this country, obtaining Vietnam visa is kinda tricky at first. Let’s dive into some frequently asked questions that our members often ask us!
How Long Does It Take To Get A Vietnam Visa?
The length of time it takes to process a Vietnam visa depends on the kind of visa, the embassy or consulate where you apply, and the volume of applications received. A tourist visa typically takes 2-5 working days while a business visa takes 5-10 working days. At an extra price, expedited processing options may be available.
How Long Is A Vietnam Visa Valid?
The most common form of visa for Vietnam is the Tourist Visa, which is good for 15-30 days. After you arrive in Vietnam, you can extend your tourist visa. In some cases, you can apply for a three-month tourist visa; the procedure is the same as for a one-month visa.
Can I Apply For A Tourist Visa To Vietnam Online?
Yes, you may apply for a Vietnam visa online through the official website of Vietnam Immigration Department or through authorized visa firms. The e-visa application procedure normally takes three business days, and the visa is emailed to you.
When Applying for a Vietnam Visa, Do I Need to Present Proof of Onward Travel?
It is determined by the embassy or consulate to which you apply. Some countries may require confirmation of onward travel, such as a return airline ticket or itinerary, before issuing a visa. Others may not require it, but having a flexible travel plan in case you need to produce proof of onward travel at the immigration checkpoint is suggested.
Can I Extend My Vietnam Visa?
Absolutely, if you need to remain longer than the visa validity term, you can renew your Vietnam visa. Vietnam Immigration Department or approved visa providers can help with the visa extension procedure. The price and conditions for an extension may differ based on the kind of visa and the duration of the extension.
Can I Enter Vietnam Without A Visa?
It is determined by your nationality, as well as the purpose and duration of your visit. Certain nations’ citizens may be free from visa requirements for a certain time, while others may be required to get a visa in advance or apply for a visa on arrival. Before flying to Vietnam, it is best to verify the most recent visa requirements and rules.
What If My Visa Application Is Turned Down?
If your visa application is denied, you may reapply with new or amended documentation, or you may appeal the decision through the embassy or consulate. A visa agency may issue a refund or reapply for a visa on your behalf in specific instances. There is no certainty, however, that your visa application will be accepted.
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Where Can I Find Latest Information Regarding To Vietnam visa?
Here are some websites where you can find the latest information about Vietnam visa:
- Vietnam Immigration Department: https://immigration.gov.vn/
- Vietnam Embassy: https://vnembassy.net
- Vietnam Visa: https://vietnamvisa.govt.vn
- Vietnam Visa Pro: http://vietnamvisapro.com/
- Vietnam-eVisa: https://vietnam-evisa.org
Please note that visa requirements and regulations can change frequently, so it’s always best to double-check with the official sources to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
Conclusion
To summarize, acquiring a visa for Vietnam is a critical step for international visitors wishing to visit the country. The criteria and application procedure may differ based on your country, visa category, and purpose and duration of stay. To guarantee a smooth and successful visa application procedure, it is critical to conduct advanced preparation.
By following the criteria and advice in this article, you may improve your chances of acquiring a Vietnam visa while avoiding typical errors and delays. Remember to plan ahead of time, acquire the required papers, and submit your application on time.
We hope that this information has provided you with a clear knowledge of the Vietnam visa requirements and application procedure. If you need help planning your next Vietnam trip, don’t hesitate to use our Itinerary Planner!
Have a wonderful time in Vietnam!
