Vietnam, an Asian country celebrated for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine, attracts tourists from all over the world. Whether you’re planning a backpacking adventure, a peaceful beach retreat, or an immersive cultural experience, understanding Vietnam’s visa regulations is crucial. The great news is that starting from August 15, 2023, Vietnam has streamlined its visa procedures by introducing e-Visas for citizens of every nation and territory. These e-Visas permit multiple entries and enable stays of up to 90 days. In this article we will provide all information about Vietnam Visa Requirements.
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Types of Vietnam Visa
Various kinds of visas are accessible for visiting Vietnam, each with its own set of requirements.
E-Visa
This is the most convenient and accessible option for most travelers. It allows for multiple entries and stays up to 90 days. The application process is entirely online, and the visa is sent to the applicant via email. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an e-Visa:
- Visit the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.
- Fill out the application form with your personal information, including your name, date of birth, passport details, and travel dates.
- Upload a digital copy of your passport and a recent passport-sized photo.
- Pay the processing fee, which varies depending on your nationality.
- Wait for the confirmation email, which usually takes 3-5 business days.
- Print out the e-Visa and present it upon arrival in Vietnam.
Visa on Arrival
This option allows you to obtain your visa upon arrival at a Vietnamese airport. However, you need to pre-arrange a pre-approval letter from a travel agency or visa service provider. Here’s how to get a visa on arrival:
- Contact a reputable travel agency or visa service provider and provide them with your personal information, including your name, date of birth, passport details, and travel dates.
- Pay the processing fee, which varies depending on your nationality.
- Wait for the pre-approval letter, which usually takes 2-3 business days.
- Print out the pre-approval letter and bring it with you to Vietnam.
- Upon arrival at the airport, present the pre-approval letter, along with your passport and a recent passport-sized photo.
- Pay the stamping fee, which is around $25 USD for a single-entry visa and $50 USD for a multiple-entry visa.
- Receive your visa and proceed through immigration.
Visa Exemption
Citizens of certain countries, including ASEAN members and Western European nations, are exempt from visa requirements for stays up to 30 days. However, this exemption is only valid for tourism purposes and requires a minimum of 30 days between two consecutive visits. Here’s a list of countries eligible for visa exemption:
[List of Vietnam visa exemption countries]
Business Visa
Individuals traveling to Vietnam for business purposes need this visa. The application process is akin to an e-Visa, but it requires extra documents like an invitation letter from a Vietnamese company or organization. This business visa allows multiple entries and remains valid for up to one year.
Visa Vietnam Requirements for Different Nationalities
Now that we’ve discussed the various visa options for Vietnam, let’s examine in more detail the particular prerequisites for citizens from various countries.
United Kingdom (UK)
Citizens of the UK are eligible for visa exemption for stays up to 15 days. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to apply for an e-Visa or a visa on arrival. The following documents are required for a visa on arrival:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- A recent passport-sized photo
- A completed application form (available at the airport)
- The pre-approval letter from a travel agency or visa service provider
- The stamping fee in cash (USD or VND)
Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan citizens are not eligible for visa exemption and must apply for an e-Visa or a visa on arrival. The following documents are required for a visa on arrival:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- A recent passport-sized photo
- A completed application form (available at the airport)
- The pre-approval letter from a travel agency or visa service provider
- The stamping fee in cash (USD or VND)
India
Indian citizens are eligible for visa exemption for stays up to 15 days. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to apply for an e-Visa or a visa on arrival. The following documents are required for a visa on arrival:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- A recent passport-sized photo
- A completed application form (available at the airport)
- The pre-approval letter from a travel agency or visa service provider
- The stamping fee in cash (USD or VND)
United States (US)
US citizens are eligible for visa exemption for stays up to 30 days. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to apply for an e-Visa or a visa on arrival. The following documents are required for a visa on arrival:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- A recent passport-sized photo
- A completed application form (available at the airport)
- The pre-approval letter from a travel agency or visa service provider
- The stamping fee in cash (USD or VND)
Australia
Australian citizens are eligible for visa exemption for stays up to 30 days. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to apply for an e-Visa or a visa on arrival. The following documents are required for a visa on arrival:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- A recent passport-sized photo
- A completed application form (available at the airport)
- The pre-approval letter from a travel agency or visa service provider
- The stamping fee in cash (USD or VND)
Nigeria
Nigerian citizens are not eligible for visa exemption and must apply for an e-Visa or a visa on arrival. The following documents are required for a visa on arrival:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- A recent passport-sized photo
- A completed application form (available at the airport)
- The pre-approval letter from a travel agency or visa service provider
- The stamping fee in cash (USD or VND)
Bangladesh
Bangladeshi citizens are not eligible for visa exemption and must apply for an e-Visa or a visa on arrival. The following documents are required for a visa on arrival:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- A recent passport-sized photo
- A completed application form (available at the airport)
- The pre-approval letter from a travel agency or visa service provider
- The stamping fee in cash (USD or VND)
Pakistan
Pakistani citizens are not eligible for visa exemption and must apply for an e-Visa or a visa on arrival. The following documents are required for a visa on arrival:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- A recent passport-sized photo
- A completed application form (available at the airport)
- The pre-approval letter from a travel agency or visa service provider
- The stamping fee in cash (USD or VND)
South Africa
South African citizens are eligible for visa exemption for stays up to 30 days. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to apply for an e-Visa or a visa on arrival. The following documents are required for a visa on arrival:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- A recent passport-sized photo
- A completed application form (available at the airport)
- The pre-approval letter from a travel agency or visa service provider
- The stamping fee in cash (USD or VND)
China
Chinese citizens are eligible for visa exemption for stays up to 15 days. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to apply for an e-Visa or a visa on arrival. The following documents are required for a visa on arrival:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- A recent passport-sized photo
- A completed application form (available at the airport)
- The pre-approval letter from a travel agency or visa service provider
- The stamping fee in cash (USD or VND)
Canada
Canadian citizens are eligible for visa exemption for stays up to 30 days. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to apply for an e-Visa or a visa on arrival. The following documents are required for a visa on arrival:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- A recent passport-sized photo
- A completed application form (available at the airport)
- The pre-approval letter from a travel agency or visa service provider
- The stamping fee in cash (USD or VND)
Kenya
Kenyan citizens are not eligible for visa exemption and must apply for an e-Visa or a visa on arrival. The following documents are required for a visa on arrival:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- A recent passport-sized photo
- A completed application form (available at the airport)
- The pre-approval letter from a travel agency or visa service provider
- The stamping fee in cash (USD or VND)
New Zealand
New Zealand citizens are eligible for visa exemption for stays up to 30 days. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to apply for an e-Visa or a visa on arrival. The following documents are required for a visa on arrival:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- A recent passport-sized photo
- A completed application form (available at the airport)
- The pre-approval letter from a travel agency or visa service
provider- The stamping fee in cash (USD or VND)
Conclusion
To sum up, Vietnam has simplified the visa process and introduced e-Visas, making it more convenient for travelers of all nationalities to explore this stunning country. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to review the specific prerequisites based on your nationality before arranging your visit. Ensure you possess all the required paperwork and meticulously adhere to the application procedure to prevent any setbacks or issues. With the appropriate visa, you can fully relish everything Vietnam has to present without any concerns. Have a fantastic trip!