Visa to Vietnam Requirements, Types, Application, Fees, and More

Vietnam, a captivating Southeast Asian nation, beckons travelers with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely beach retreat, an adventurous exploration of the countryside, or a cultural immersion in bustling urban centers, Vietnam offers an unforgettable experience. However, before embarking on your Vietnamese adventure, understanding the visa requirements is essential. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of visa to Vietnam, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Visa Requirements for Vietnam

Citizens of most countries require a visa to enter Vietnam. The specific requirements vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Generally, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport with at least six months remaining validity
• A completed visa application form
• Two recent passport-sized photographs
• A visa approval letter (for e-visas or visas on arrival)
• Proof of onward travel (for tourist visas)
• Proof of sufficient funds (for longer stays)

Additional documentation may be required depending on the type of visa you are applying for. It is important to note that all documents must be in English or Vietnamese, and any non-English documents must be translated and notarized.

Passport Requirements for Vietnam Visas

Your passport must have at least six months remaining validity from the date of entry into Vietnam. Additionally, it must have at least one blank page for the visa stamp. If your passport does not meet these requirements, you will need to renew it before applying for a visa.

Photograph Requirements for Vietnam Visas

The two recent passport-sized photographs must meet the following criteria:

• Taken within the last six months
• In color, with a white background
• Printed on high-quality photo paper
• 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size
• Full face, front view with a neutral facial expression
• No glasses or headwear (except for religious purposes)

Types of Visas for Vietnam

Vietnam offers a variety of visa types to cater to the diverse needs of travelers. The most common types of visas are:

• Tourist visa: For those visiting Vietnam for tourism purposes.
• Business visa: For those traveling to Vietnam for business-related activities.
• Student visa: For those studying in Vietnam.
• Work visa: For those working in Vietnam.
• Transit visa: For those transiting through Vietnam to another destination.

Each type of visa has its own specific requirements and validity periods. It is important to carefully consider your purpose of travel and choose the appropriate visa type.

Tourist Visa

The tourist visa is the most popular type of visa for Vietnam. It allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days. This visa is suitable for those who are traveling for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family.

To apply for a tourist visa, you will need to provide proof of onward travel, such as a return flight ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Vietnam. The visa processing time for a tourist visa is usually 3-5 business days.

Business Visa

The business visa is suitable for those traveling to Vietnam for business-related activities, such as attending conferences, meetings, or conducting market research. It allows for a longer stay of up to 90 days and can also be extended for an additional 90 days.

To apply for a business visa, you will need to provide a letter from your employer or business partner in Vietnam, stating the purpose of your visit and the duration of your stay. The visa processing time for a business visa is usually 5-7 business days.

Student Visa

The student visa is required for those studying in Vietnam for more than 30 days. It allows for a stay of up to one year and can be extended for the duration of your studies.

To apply for a student visa, you will need to provide an acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution in Vietnam and proof of sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses. The visa processing time for a student visa is usually 5-7 business days.

Work Visa

The work visa is required for those who are employed by a company in Vietnam or are planning to work as a freelancer. It allows for a stay of up to two years and can be extended for the duration of your employment.

To apply for a work visa, you will need to provide a work permit issued by the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs in Vietnam, along with other supporting documents. The visa processing time for a work visa is usually 5-7 business days.

Transit Visa

The transit visa is suitable for those transiting through Vietnam to another destination. It allows for a stay of up to five days and is only valid for a single entry.

To apply for a transit visa, you will need to provide proof of onward travel and a valid visa for your final destination. The visa processing time for a transit visa is usually 3-5 business days.

Applying for a Visa to Vietnam

There are three ways to apply for a Visa to Vietnam: visa on arrival, e-visa, and embassy/consulate application. Each method has its own pros and cons, and it is important to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Visa on Arrival for Vietnam

The visa on arrival option is available for citizens of most countries, except for those who are eligible for an e-visa. This method allows you to obtain a visa upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports.

To apply for a visa on arrival, you will need to obtain a visa approval letter from a travel agency or a visa service provider. The process is simple and can be completed online. Once you receive the approval letter, you will need to present it along with your passport, photographs, and visa stamping fee at the immigration counter upon arrival in Vietnam.

The visa on arrival option is convenient for those who are short on time or do not have access to an embassy or consulate. However, it is important to note that this method is only valid for air travel and may result in longer wait times at the airport.

E-visa for Vietnam

The e-visa option is available for citizens of 80 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and most European countries. This method allows you to apply for a visa online and receive an electronic visa (e-visa) via email.

To apply for an e-visa, you will need to complete an online application form and pay the visa fee. The processing time for an e-visa is usually 3-5 business days. Once approved, you will receive an e-visa which you can print and present upon arrival in Vietnam.

The e-visa option is convenient for those who prefer to have their visa in hand before traveling and do not want to deal with the hassle of obtaining a visa on arrival. However, it is important to note that this method is only valid for single entry and has a shorter validity period compared to other visa types.

Embassy/Consulate Application

The embassy/consulate application is suitable for those who prefer to have their visa in hand before traveling and do not mind visiting an embassy or consulate in person. This method allows you to submit your application directly to the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

To apply for a visa through an embassy or consulate, you will need to download and complete the visa application form, gather all required documents, and submit them in person or by mail. The processing time for this method varies depending on the embassy/consulate, so it is important to check with them beforehand.

Visa Extension for Vietnam

If you wish to extend your stay in Vietnam beyond the validity period of your visa, you can apply for a visa extension at the Immigration Department in Vietnam. The process is simple and can be completed within 3-5 business days.

To apply for a visa extension, you will need to provide your passport, current visa, and proof of sufficient funds to cover your extended stay. It is important to note that not all visa types are eligible for an extension, so it is best to check with the Immigration Department beforehand.

Visa Fees for Vietnam

The visa fees for Vietnam vary depending on your nationality, type of visa, and method of application. Generally, the fees range from $25 to $135. It is important to note that there may be additional fees for visa services or expedited processing.

Here is a breakdown of the visa fees for different visa types:

Visa Type	Visa Fee (USD)
Tourist Visa	$25 – $50
Business Visa	$80 – $135
Student Visa	$25 – $135
Work Visa	$80 – $135
Transit Visa	$25

Visa Processing Times for Vietnam

The visa processing times for Vietnam vary depending on the type of visa and method of application. Generally, the processing times range from 3-7 business days. However, it is important to note that unforeseen circumstances or high volume of applications may result in longer processing times.

Here is an estimated timeline for each method of application:

Method of Application	Processing Time
Visa on Arrival	3-5 business days
E-visa	3-5 business days
Embassy/Consulate Application	Varies

Visa Exemptions for Vietnam

There are some exemptions to the visa requirements for Vietnam. Citizens of certain countries do not require a visa for short stays, usually up to 15 days. These countries include:

• Brunei
• Cambodia
• Indonesia
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos
• Malaysia
• Myanmar
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Thailand

Citizens of South Korea, Japan, Russia, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Belarus can also visit Vietnam without a visa for up to 15 days.

Additionally, citizens of Chile can visit Vietnam without a visa for up to 90 days, while citizens of Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand can visit without a visa for up to 30 days.

It is important to note that these exemptions may change at any time, so it is best to check with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Visas for Vietnam

Q: Can I extend my visa on arrival or e-visa?

A: No, visa on arrival and e-visa cannot be extended. You will need to apply for a new visa if you wish to stay longer in Vietnam.

Q: Can I enter Vietnam before the validity period of my visa starts?

A: No, you can only enter Vietnam on or after the date of entry stated on your visa.

Q: Can I apply for a visa extension multiple times?

A: Yes, you can apply for a visa extension multiple times as long as your visa type is eligible for an extension.

Q: Can I work in Vietnam on a tourist visa?

A: No, you will need to obtain a work visa to legally work in Vietnam.

Q: Can I apply for a visa on arrival if I am entering Vietnam by land or sea?

A: No, visa on arrival is only valid for air travel. If you are entering Vietnam by land or sea, you will need to apply for a visa through an embassy or consulate.

Conclusion

Navigating the visa landscape for Vietnam may seem daunting at first, but with this comprehensive guide, you now have all the information you need to make the process smooth and hassle-free. Remember to carefully consider your purpose of travel and choose the appropriate visa type, and always check the latest requirements and exemptions before traveling. With the right visa in hand, you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Vietnam without any worries.