Are you thinking about traveling to Vietnam? If so, one of the first things you’ll need to do is organize a visa. While there are different ways to get a visa for Vietnam, using the online application form is often the most popular and convenient option. This article will guide you through the process of applying for a vietnam visa online, from understanding the requirements to checking your application status. So let’s dive in and learn more about this hassle-free way of getting a visa for Vietnam.
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Applying for a vietnam visa online: What You Need to Know
Of course, before we get into the specific steps of the online application, let’s first understand the importance of a Vietnam visa and why it’s necessary. A visa is an official document issued by a government that allows a foreigner to enter, stay, or leave a country for a specified period. In Vietnam, a visa is required for most nationalities, with the exception of citizens from ASEAN countries and some European nations.
Now, when it comes to applying for a Vietnam visa, there are two options – applying through the embassy/consulate or applying online. The traditional method of applying through the embassy can be time-consuming and involves a lot of paperwork. On the other hand, applying for a vietnam visa online is quick, easy, and can be done from the comfort of your own home. Here are some key things you need to know before starting your online application:
Types of Vietnam Visas Available Online
You can apply for three different visas online: a tourist visa (DL), a business visa (DN), and a transit visa (TT). The tourist visa allows a 30-day stay and can be extended once you’re in Vietnam. The business visa offers single or multiple entries, with the latter being valid for up to 1 year. The transit visa is valid for a maximum of 5 days and is only for transiting through Vietnam to another country.
Requirements for vietnam visa online Application
To apply for a vietnam visa online, you will need the following documents:
- A passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of entry into Vietnam
- A digital copy of your passport’s bio page
- A recent passport-sized photo (4x6cm)
- A valid email address to receive your visa approval letter
- A valid credit/debit card or PayPal account for payment
It is important to note that the information on your application form must match the information on your passport. Any discrepancies may result in your visa application being rejected.
Processing Time and Validity of Vietnam Visas
The processing time for a vietnam visa online application is typically 2-3 business days. However, there is also an option for urgent processing, which can be done within 1 business day for an additional fee. It is recommended to apply for your visa at least 1 week before your intended travel date to allow for any unforeseen delays.
The validity of your visa will depend on the type of visa you have applied for. As mentioned earlier, the tourist visa is valid for 30 days, while the business visa can be valid for up to 1 year. It is important to note that the validity period starts from the date of entry into Vietnam, not the date of issue.
The Official Website for vietnam visa online Applications
Now that you have a better understanding of the vietnam visa online application process, let’s take a look at the official website where you can submit your application. The official website for vietnam visa online applications is https://vietnamvisa.govt.vn/. This website is managed by the Vietnam Immigration Department and is the only authorized website for online visa applications.
The website is user-friendly and provides all the necessary information and instructions for applying for a vietnam visa online. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a vietnam visa online from Australia:
- Visit https://vietnamvisa.govt.vn/ and select your nationality and the type of visa you require.
- Fill in the application form with your personal details, including your name, date of birth, passport number, and travel dates.
- Upload a digital copy of your passport’s bio page and a recent passport-sized photo.
- Review your application and make any necessary corrections.
- Pay the visa processing fee using a credit/debit card or PayPal account.
- Once your payment is confirmed, you will receive an email with your visa approval letter within 2-3 business days.
- Print out the visa approval letter and bring it with you when you travel to Vietnam.
- Upon arrival at the airport in Vietnam, present your visa approval letter, passport, and a completed entry and exit form to the immigration officer to receive your visa stamp.
How to Apply for a vietnam visa online from Australia
As mentioned earlier, the process of applying for a vietnam visa online is the same regardless of your nationality. However, there are some specific requirements for Australian citizens that you should be aware of before submitting your application. Here are some tips and tricks for Australians applying for a vietnam visa online:
Visa Approval Letter vs. E-visa
Australian citizens have the option to apply for a Vietnam visa through the traditional method of obtaining a visa approval letter or through the new e-visa system. The e-visa is a single-entry visa that is valid for 30 days and can only be used for tourism purposes. While the e-visa may seem like a more convenient option, it is important to note that not all ports of entry in Vietnam accept e-visas. Therefore, it is recommended to apply for a visa approval letter to avoid any inconvenience.
Visa Approval Letter for Land and Sea Entry
If you are planning to enter Vietnam by land or sea, you will need to obtain a visa approval letter beforehand. This is because e-visas are only valid for entry through airports. So if you are planning to travel to Vietnam by bus or cruise, make sure to apply for a visa approval letter instead of an e-visa.
Visa Extension
If you wish to stay in Vietnam for longer than the validity period of your visa, you can apply for a visa extension at the Vietnam Immigration Department. However, this process can be time-consuming and may require you to leave the country and re-enter on a new visa. It is recommended to plan your trip accordingly and apply for a visa with a longer validity period if needed.
Urgent vietnam visa online Applications: What You Should Know
Sometimes, we may find ourselves in situations where we need to travel to Vietnam urgently. In such cases, the normal processing time of 2-3 business days may not be feasible. Fortunately, the Vietnam Immigration Department offers an urgent processing option for those who need their visa quickly. Here’s what you need to know about urgent vietnam visa online applications:
- The urgent processing option is available for an additional fee of $10.
- Your visa approval letter will be processed within 1 business day.
- If you submit your application before 9 AM Vietnam time, you will receive your visa approval letter by 6 PM the same day.
- If you submit your application after 9 AM Vietnam time, you will receive your visa approval letter by 12 PM the next day.
It is important to note that the urgent processing option is only available for tourist visas and transit visas. Business visas cannot be processed urgently.
Checking Your vietnam visa online Status: A Step-by-Step Guide
After submitting your vietnam visa online application, you may be wondering how to check the status of your application. The good news is that the official website for vietnam visa online applications allows you to track your application status. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Visit https://vietnamvisa.govt.vn/ and click on “Track Your Application” at the top right corner of the page.
- Enter your application code and email address used during the application process.
- Click on “Check Status” to view the current status of your application.
If your application has been approved, you will be able to download your visa approval letter from the same page. If your application is still being processed, you can check back later or contact the Vietnam Immigration Department for more information.
Applying for a vietnam visa online from India: Tips and Tricks
For Indian citizens, the process of applying for a vietnam visa online is similar to that of Australians. However, there are some specific requirements and tips that you should keep in mind before submitting your application. Here’s what you need to know when applying for a vietnam visa online from India:
Visa Approval Letter vs. E-visa
Like Australians, Indian citizens can choose to apply for either a visa approval letter or an e-visa. However, unlike e-visas, Indian citizens cannot obtain visa approval letters upon arrival at the airport. It is advisable for Indian citizens to apply for a visa approval letter in advance to prevent any inconvenience.
Visa Extension
Indian citizens are eligible for visa extensions for both tourist and business visas. However, the process can be time-consuming and may require you to leave the country and re-enter on a new visa. It is recommended to plan your trip accordingly and apply for a visa with a longer validity period if needed.
Visa Exemption
Indian citizens holding a valid diplomatic or official passport are exempt from obtaining a visa for Vietnam. However, this exemption is only applicable for stays of up to 90 days. If you plan to stay in Vietnam for longer than 90 days, you will need to obtain a visa.
Understanding the Cost of vietnam visa online Applications
The cost of a vietnam visa online application will depend on the type of visa you are applying for and your nationality. Here’s a breakdown of the fees for different types of visas:
| Type of Visa | Processing Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | $18 |
| Business Visa (single entry) | $25 |
| Business Visa (multiple entry) | $50 |
| Transit Visa | $8 |
It is important to note that these fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the exchange rate. Additionally, if you opt for urgent processing, an additional fee of $10 will be charged.
Reddit Users Share Their Experience with vietnam visa online
To get a better understanding of the vietnam visa online application process, we turned to Reddit to see what users had to say about their experience. Here are some comments from users who have applied for a vietnam visa online:
- “I applied for my vietnam visa online and it was so easy and convenient. I received my approval letter within 2 days and had no issues at the airport.” – u/TravelLover123
- “I made the mistake of applying for an e-visa instead of a visa approval letter and had to go through the hassle of getting a new visa upon arrival. Make sure to read the instructions carefully!” – u/WanderlustQueen
- “I needed my visa urgently and opted for the urgent processing option. It was a bit more expensive, but worth it for the peace of mind.” – u/Globetrotter87
Overall, most users had positive experiences with the vietnam visa online application process, with some recommending to apply for a visa approval letter instead of an e-visa.
Multiple Entry visa Vietnam: How to Apply Online
If you plan on traveling to Vietnam multiple times within a year, it may be more convenient and cost-effective to apply for a multiple entry visa. Here’s how you can apply for a multiple entry vietnam visa online:
- Visit https://vietnamvisa.govt.vn/ and select “Business Visa (multiple entry)” as the type of visa.
- Fill in the application form with your personal details and upload the necessary documents.
- Pay the processing fee using a credit/debit card or PayPal account.
- Once your payment is confirmed, you will receive your visa approval letter within 2-3 business days.
- Upon arrival at the airport in Vietnam, present your visa approval letter, passport, and a completed entry and exit form to receive your visa stamp.
- Your multiple entry visa will be valid for up to 1 year from the date of entry into Vietnam.
It is important to note that multiple entry visas are only available for business visas, not tourist visas.
Conclusion
In summary, obtaining a Vietnam visa online is a convenient and stress-free method for acquiring a visa for your Vietnam trip. The official website for Vietnam visa online applications has made the process even more straightforward and accessible. By following the steps provided in this article, you can effortlessly apply for a Vietnam visa online and alleviate one concern before your journey. Therefore, begin planning your visit to Vietnam and prepare to discover this stunning country!