Vietnam offers visa-free access for Australian passport holders for stays up to 15 days. For longer stays, Australians need to apply for a visa. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get a Vietnam visa for Australian citizen.
Table of Contents
Types of Visas Available for Australians
Tourist Visa
The most common visa for Australian leisure travelers is the tourist visa. This single-entry visa allows a stay of up to 30 days in Vietnam. To apply, you need:
Documents Required
- Passport valid for 6 months beyond arrival date
- Completed visa application form
- 1 passport photo
- Visa fee
How to Apply
You can apply for the visa by:
- Applying online through travel agents
- Visiting the Vietnam Diplomatic Mission in Australia
- Applying on arrival at international airports in Vietnam
Online application through travel agents is the most convenient option. The process takes 1-3 days and costs around $45 AUD.
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa
This visa allows multiple entries into Vietnam over a period of 1 month, 3 months, 6 months or 1 year. It’s suitable for frequent travelers. You’ll need:
Documents Required
- Passport valid for 6 months
- Completed application form
- 2 passport photos
- Proof of financial means
- Visa fee
How to Apply
- Apply at the Vietnam Diplomatic Mission
- Apply through a travel agent
Processing time is 5-7 working days. Fees range from $95 AUD (1 month) to $290 AUD (1 year).
Business Visa
To conduct business activities like meetings, trade shows etc. in Vietnam, Australians need a business visa. You’ll need:
Documents Required
- Passport
- Completed application form
- Business invitation letter from Vietnam
- 2 passport photos
- Visa fee
How to Apply
- Apply at the Vietnam Diplomatic Mission
- Apply through a travel agent
Processing time is 5 working days. Fee is around $95 AUD. Validity is 1-3 months.
Work Visa
For employment in Vietnam, Australians need a work permit and work visa. The process involves:
Work Permit
- Obtain job offer from Vietnam employer
- Employer applies for work permit
- Work permit issued within 15 days
Work Visa
- Apply at Vietnam Diplomatic Mission with work permit, documents
- Single entry visa issued within 5 days
- Convert to multiple entry visa in Vietnam
Work visa costs around $95 AUD and is valid for 2 years.
Visa on Arrival
Vietnam also offers visa on arrival at international airports for Australian passport holders. You’ll need:
Documents Required
- Passport
- Completed arrival visa form
- 2 passport photos
- Visa fee
Procedure
- Fill arrival visa form on plane
- Submit documents on arrival
- Get visa stamped into passport
Visa on arrival costs around $80 AUD and allows a stay of up to 15 days.
Visa Extensions
If your stay exceeds the visa validity, you can extend your visa by:
- Visiting local Immigration Department
- Paying extension fee of $45 AUD
- Getting new exit date stamped on passport
Tourist visas can be extended once for up to 30 days. Other visa extensions depend on the immigration officer.
FAQs
How long is a Vietnam visa valid for?
- Tourist visa – 30 days
- Multiple entry tourist visa – 1 month to 1 year
- Business visa – 1-3 months
- Work visa – 2 years
- Visa on arrival – 15 days
How early can I apply for a Vietnam visa?
You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to Vietnam.
Can I get a visa upon arrival without prior approval?
No, you need approval before arrival to get visa on arrival. Only pre-approved visas are issued at airports in Vietnam.
How much does a Vietnam visa cost?
Visa fees are:
- Tourist visa – $45 AUD
- Multiple entry – $95 to $290 AUD
- Business – $95 AUD
- Work – $95 AUD
- Visa on arrival – $80 AUD
- Extension – $45 AUD
What is the validity of a multiple entry visa?
Multiple entry visas for Australians are valid for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months or 1 year from date of issue. You can stay up to 30 days on each entry within the validity period.
Conclusion
Australia and Vietnam enjoy friendly bilateral ties. Australians can easily travel to Vietnam by following the appropriate visa application process. Tourist visas are the most common but business, work and other visas are also easily available from the Vietnamese diplomatic mission and travel agents.