In
the beginning, getting a visa to visit Vietnam can seem overly complicated and
confusing. But once you have the system
figured out it is really easy. Don’t let
the red tape stop you! Vietnam is an amazing place to travel and has so much to
offer any type of traveler. Whether you
want to visit the amazing countryside, cultural heritage sites, or the bustling
cities, there is something in Vietnam for you.
Which Visa do You Need?
Unless you qualify for the visa exemption, you will need to apply
for a visa. There are a few different types of visas depending on your
passport, how long you will stay in Vietnam, and where you are arriving.
- Visa Exemption
- 30 day, single entry, for all ports of entry
- 30/90 day, single/multiple entry, airport entry
- 1 year, multiple entry
- Embassy Visa
Vietnam Visa Exemption (aka Visa Free)
With the visa exemption, certain passport-holders can travel to
Vietnam visa-free depending on where you are from.
Who gets visa exempt travel to Vietnam?
European visa exempt entry to Vietnam
If you have a passport from one of the countries listed below, you can visit Vietnam for up to 15 days on the visa exemption:
- Belarus
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Norway
- Russia
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
Asian nation’s visa exempt travel to Vietnam
If you have a passport from Brunei, you can visit Vietnam visa-free for up to 14 days.
If you have a passport from Japan and South Korea,
you can visit Vietnam visa-free for up to 15 days.
If you have a passport from the Philippines, you can visit
visa-free for up to 21 days.
If you have a passport from list below, you can visit visa-free
for up to 30 days.
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Singapore
- Thailand
How to gain entry to Vietnam if you are visa exempt?
When you arrive at the airport in Vietnam, you can go straight to
immigration and show them your passport. They may ask to see proof of
departure, so have proof of an outgoing departure ready.
!!!Important note about visa exemption!!!
You can’t just hop across the border and come back to extending your visa. You are not allowed to return for 30 days of departure using visa-free entry. If you want to stay longer, you should apply for the visa on arrival.
Vietnam Online Visa (e-Visa)
The Vietnam e-Visa is the best option if you are only needing a 30-day
single-entry visa.
Who can get an e-Visa?
With the new e-Visa system 81 countries from around the world are eligible
for this program.
Countries eligible for an e-Visa. |
How Much Does the e-Visa cost?
25 USD.
How long does it take to get a Vietnam visa online?
Three working days to process, but, as usual, you should give
yourself a little more time in case something happens.
How to apply for a visa to Vietnam online?
You’ll need to fill out the application form on the official website.
- To fill out the application form, you will need:
- A digital passport-style photo. Although the size doesn’t matter, the dimensions should be 2:3. The photo should be a head and shoulders picture taken against a plain background. Don’t wear hats, sunglasses, scarves, etc.
- A photo of your passport page with your ID picture on it.
- Where you will enter and exit Vietnam.
- An address in Vietnam (your arrival hotel address).
- A passport with at least 6 months validity left and 2 blank pages.
!!!Important tips for applying for the e-visa!!!
You need to print your e-visa and bring it to Vietnam with you.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival
The Visa on Arrival is the most common way to get a visa for
Vietnam. You can use this method to get a visa for 30 or 90 days and either
single or multiple entry.
You will need to use this method if you are wanting a visa longer
than 30 days. It should be noted that this
method is also only for arrival by air.
Getting the Visa on Arrival is a two-step process. Before you get
to Vietnam, you will need to get an approval letter. Once you arrive at the
airport, you will apply and pay for your visa.
Step One: Approval Letter
1. Fill out the application form at an online broker.
You will need to supply:
- The length and type of visa you want.
- Your entry and exit dates.
- Your arrival airport.
- Your contact details (phone and email).
- Your passport number and expiration date.
Note: You also need to bring two passport-sized photos (4cm x 6cm)
to the airport.
2. Pay the approval letter fee.
The fee can be paid online using a credit card.
Approval Letter fees. |
3. Print your visa letter!
In a couple of days, the broker will send you an email with your
approval letter attached. Print it and bring it with you to the airport.
!!!Important tips for the Visa on Arrival!!!
- You need to print your approval letter and bring it to Vietnam with you.
- You will need to bring 2 passport photos to the airport with you, size 4cm wide by 6cm tall. If you forget, you can get photos taken at the airport (but avoid the hassle and do it ahead of time).
- Your passport must have at least 6 months validity left on it and 2 blank pages.
Step Two: Visa
1. Go to the visa counter when you arrive at the airport.
The visa counter is just before immigration and you will see many other
people standing around waiting to get their visas. When your name is called you will present
your passport, two photos, and Approval Letter.
2. Pay the visa fee.
25 USD - Single Entry
50 USD - Multiple Entry
You will need to pay the visa fee in USD (you may also be able to
pay in Euros). There is an ATM that
dispenses USD in the area if you forget.
One-Year Vietnam Visa on Arrival
US Citizens have the option of getting a visa on arrival to stay
in Vietnam for up to one year.
How to get the one-year visa?
Follow the instructions in the Visa on Arrival section above. The
only difference will be that you will need to choose the “one year for US
Citizens” option and provide an image of your US Passport.
How much does a one-year visa cost?
·
Approval letter: $35
·
Visa stamp: $135
!!!Important note about the one-year visa on arrival!!!
With the one-year visa you will need to leave Vietnam every 90
days so they can re-verify your passport. So, plan to go on a short vacation every three
months.
Vietnam Embassy Visa
Who should get a visa at a Vietnam embassy?
With all of the visa possibilities above it will be rare that you will
need to arrange a visa for Vietnam at an embassy. But if your trip is unusual
or your passport is from one of the many countries that require a visa in
advance, then you will need to visit or mail in a form to an embassy.
The Vietnam embassy visa is useful if:
- You want to work or volunteer in Vietnam.
- You need a multiple entry visa for land borders.
- You want to stay longer than 90 days (1 year for US citizens)
- You are from an African country, most of Central America, Caribbean, and Middle East, or one of the many other countries not listed above.
How long does it take to get an embassy visa?
The time to process your visa application really depends on the embassy
you are applying through and the reasoning behind your application. To be safe, it is advisable to apply at least
a month or more in advance of your depart.
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