1. Entry conditions (2024)
2. 90 days e-Visa to Vietnam
3. Tourist Visa to Vietnam
4. How to get a Visa?
5. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
How to obtain a tourist visa for Vietnam (E-visa or VOA)?
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- Tourist visas are essential for tourists visiting Vietnam. The issuance of tourist visas for Vietnam was resumed on March 15, 2022, and it is now possible to process e-visas online through the internet. If you plan to visit Vietnam as a tourist, you need a Vietnamese visa, or else you will not be allowed entry into the country. The most affordable and quickest way to obtain visas for Vietnam is online, with two suitable options for tourists: Visa on Arrival („VOA“) and, starting from the summer of 2023, e-visas (single-entry visas with a stay of up to 90 days + multiple-entry visas for 90 days). E-visas used to be valid for a 30-day stay, but there has been a simplification and extension of the duration.
- After the COVID period, it is now possible to obtain a tourist single-entry + multiple-entry online visa for up to 90 days, or alternatively, visas can be obtained through the embassy. Visas for up to 3 months – a 90-day stay can also be applied for online from mid-August 2023. In Vietnam, there are practically no longer any COVID measures in place as before; everything has been lifted, and the country is back to its pre-COVID state. This article focuses solely on tourist visas, as business visas for Vietnam are also issued separately.
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E-visas valid for up to 90 days and multiple entries in 2024.
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- A new option has been introduced for obtaining an electronic visa (E-visa) through email after completing an online form. This process for obtaining E-visas applies to both single-entry and multiple-entry visas with a stay of up to 90 days and is now available for 80 selected countries. The procedure for acquiring these E-visas is fully operational again, it is very easy to fill this form, and you can apply for them online. Single entry visas are for one-time use, while multiple entry visas allow for multiple entries.
- You can apply for these single-entry and multiple-entry tourist electronic e-visas for up to 90 days of tourism here online ➜ https://immigration.gov.vn (the official website for processing E-visas, confirmed by the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism; the website may experience occasional outages, so try reconnecting at a different time or on a different day…). Once on the website, proceed to the first section – E-visa Electronic Visa. Below is an image from the homepage of this website:
Phu Quoc Island visa-free for tourist purposes for up to 30 days.
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- Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam ➜ You can enter Phu Quoc Island visa-free for tourist purposes for up to 30 days. Tourists must arrive through an international border crossing and depart in the same manner. It is not possible to enter Phu Quoc visa-free and then travel further into Vietnam (information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal).
- Visa-free entry to Vietnam ➜ Only residents of ASEAN member states and certain other countries can enter for a specified period without a visa. Vietnam plans to abolish visas for additional countries in the near future. We will see what the near future holds, as some further relaxations for entry into the country have been announced.
BOOK A TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vietnam ➜
Vietnam offers 2 types of the tourist e-visas in 2024:
| Types of Electronic e-Visas to Vietnam: |
|---|
1. VISA FOR UP TO 90 DAYS STAY (Single entry)
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2. VISA FOR UP TO 90 DAYS STAY (Multiple entry)– Multiple entry visa for 50 USD / 1 person (allows multiple entries and exits from Vietnam) |
Visa for Vietnam can be obtained in these 3 following ways:
1. E-VISA (Up to 90 Days Stay, Single + Multiple entry)
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- This visa is valid for one or multiple entries into Vietnam with a stay of up to 90 days, making it the most commonly used visa for tourists at the moment. With this exclusively tourist visa, you can enter Vietnam by land through one of the border crossings, by sea, or, of course, by arriving at international Vietnamese airports listed below. This application process and e-visa are applicable to 80 selected countries. Unlike previous visas on arrival, this process does not require or involve any approval letters. You can apply for this tourist visa by completing the online form here: https://immigration.gov.vn. During the application, you need to upload a passport photo (4×6 cm, white background, no sunglasses on the face, excluding prescription glasses) and a scanned copy of the page in your passport containing the photo and other information. Payment is made online, for example, with a Visa or MasterCard. In case of any issues or questions, assistance is available on this website.
How to submit and process an e-visa application for Vietnam:
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- Fill out the form and upload photos.
- Receive a document code for your visa and pay online (keep the code somewhere safe).
- Your application should be processed within 3-5 days; check the status as per point 4 below.
- Use the received code, email, and your birth date on the website (E-visa search) to print your visa.
With an electronic visa you can enter Vietnam through these locations:
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- 13 international airports: Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa), Da Nang, Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Can Tho, Phu Quoc (Kien Giang), Phu Bai (Thua Thien Hue), Van Don (Quang Ninh), Tho Xuan (Thanh Hoa), Dong Hoi (Quang Binh), Phu Cat (Binh Dinh), Lien Khuong (Lam Dong).
- 16 border crossings: Tay Trang (Dien Bien), Mong Cai (Quang Ninh), Huu Nghi (Lang Son), Lao Cai, Na Meo (Thanh Hoa), Nam Can (Nghe An), Cau Treo (Ha Tinh), Cha Lo (Quang Binh), La Lay and Lao Bao (Quang Tri), Bo Y (Kon Tum), Moc Bai and Xa Mat (Tay Ninh), Tinh Bien and Vinh Xuong (An Giang), Ha Tien (Kien Giang).
- 13 seaports: Hon Gai and Cam Pha (Quang Ninh), Hai Phong, Nghi Son (Thanh Hoa), Vung Ang (Ha Tinh), Chan May (Thua Thien Hue), Da Nang, Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh), Dung Quat (Quang Ngai), Vung Tau (Ba Ria – Vung Tau), Ho Chi Minh City, Duong Dong (Kien Giang).
2. VISA ON ARRIVAL (VOA)
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- Use the services of the certified dealers, you can try Vietnamvisa.com. To receive Vietnam visa upon arrival you need to buy an „Approval letter“. This approval letter can be purchased from any of these companies and then you need to take this filled letter to Vietnam. You obtain the official visa at the airport in Vietnam. This procedure applies if you fly to Vietnam by plane (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang). If you come from a neighboring country, for example by bus or motorbike, this visa does not apply.
3. IN YOUR EMBASSY
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- You can also obtain visa to Vietnam via your embassy in your country.
What to do when applying for a „Visa on arrival (VOA)„:
1. For online retailers fill out a form on their website with information about yourself, entry, residence time, etc…. Only a few details, nothing complicated, it is very easy. DL – tourist visa / DN – business visa.
2. Pay a fee with a credit card or Paypal for an „approval letter“, according to what type of Vietnamese visa you have chosen. Check the website of the agencies for the price list.
3. Then you should get an „Approval letter“ via email (it takes about 2 days) – print 2 copies of this letter and together with two passport photos, submit them upon arrival at the immigration office in the airport in Vietnam.
4. As well as the approval letter, you also need to fill out a simple entry and exit form for arrival visa and attach a passport photo. You can get this form on the plane before landing in Vietnam, or at the airport in Vietnam. If you want to save a few minutes, you can download it here and fill it in beforehand. Download the form from here:
> DOWNLOAD ENTRY AND EXIT FORM FOR ARRIVAL VISA <
5. Print your approval letter (2x) and a visa arrival form, and take 2 passport photos.
After arriving in Vietnam (in the case of Visa on arrival):
When you arrive at the airport in Vietnam go to the immigration office (immigration office in Hanoi and immigration office in Ho Chi Minh city), submit the approval letter and the visa arrival form with 2 passport photos. They will propably send you to the next window to pay for the type of visa you have chosen (it is a good idea to already have Vietnamese currency preferably the correct amount, or you can pay with US dollars). Wait a while and then you will receive a Vietnamese visa with your passport. The waiting period depends a bit on the number of tourists… the workload on the officials… Personally, when I was queing up in Hanoi I was about 10th in line with 30 other travelers and I waited about an hour.
The price of a Visa for Vietnam (in the case of Visa on arrival):
So for example using the company Vietnamvisa.com, for a one month stay with single entry, the price for a Vietnamese visa will be approximately – $ 12 (for execution of the letter) + $ 25 for the type of visa ($ 25 you pay at the Airport) – a total of $ 37. For a larger number of applications the cost of one application decreases slightly. See the price lists on the websites of agencies.
Vietnamvisa.com – the best price for an approval letter and for providing a visa ($ 12 / 1 month / 1 person, single entry) and gives fast processing, proven services and online payment with credit card or Paypal.
The prices shown are only for providing the approval letter. To get the Vietnam visa you pay for this at the airport in Vietnam! When entering Vietnam you must have a valid passport for at least 6 months! You have already visa to Vietnam, but you are looking for flight ticket and accommodation for first days in Vietnam?
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about visa to Vietnam:
1. It is legal to obtain a Visa on arrival?
Yes, obtaining a Visa on arrival is legal and authenticated procedure that is used by many travelers who are going to Vietnam. Immigration office at Vietnamese airports receive these visas, and they accept them. In 2014 there was a problem with Air France, they did not accept visa for some time. The problem was already removed, and the company already accept these online visas. To be 100% sure that the airline accept the invitation letter (online visa)? Contact the air company!
2. When can I come to Vietnam and leave him?
Upon you get an approval letter you can enter Vietnam a couple of days later. It is not possible to enter Vietnam before you get an approval letter. Visa will be valid for the type of visa you requested (1 or 3 months). You can leave Vietnam in any time during this period.
For example:
– I have a visa for one month, but after 10 days I can leave Vietnam.
– I have a visa for three months, but after 45 days I decide to leave Vietnam.
3. I´am traveling to Vietnam with the children, need the approval letter?
If you are traveling to Vietnam with the children, you need to apply for approval letter. If you flying on one passportm, you will not pay at the airport in Vietnam fee for granting visas.
4. I´am only going through the Vietnam airport, I need a visa?
If you stay only a few hours at the airport in Vietnam, and continue to another country, you don´t need a Vietnam visa. But you need to stay in transit zone. If you must leave this zone to pick up the luggage, contact the appropriate personnel at the airport. If you already leave the airport for a few hours, it is necessary to have a Vietnam visa.
5. Can I use a visa on arrival, if you arrive by land from the neighboring countries?
No, visa on arrival can be used only if you arrive by plane to Vietnam. If you travel eg. on a motorbike or by bus from Laos, Cambodia, China, you need to visit relevant Embassy in these countries.
6. How long time take the execution of the approval letter to Vietnam?
Process takes usually 2-3 days, sometimes it can be done already 2nd day, read the information on the websites of companies. If you pay more, the companies deal this letter urgently, in a matter of hours. Prices are listed on websites. e.g. Cheapvietnamvisa.net – handling an approval letter of the single-visa for one month during half a day costs $ 23.
7. There are different prices of the approval letter on many websites, why?
The approval letter for visa on arrivals – many online travel agencies from Vietnam sell the approval letter. The price for this approval letter is nowhere legally fixed, therefore, the price can be different. Price may be $8 but also $30.
8. How long does it take to get an online e-visa to Vietnam?
Mostly it is handled within 3-5 days, but there may be exceptions. Sometimes it is settled by the 2nd day, sometimes even the 3rd day may not be handled. Again, it is recommended to obtain your e-visa about 3 weeks before departure. If the e-visa is not delivered, try contacting online support (but no one can guarantee that you will be contacted).
9. Did you fill your wrong personal information in the online form for 1-month visa?
It can happen to anyone, you will find that you have wrote your personal information incorrectly when filling out an online form. What to do in this case? Again, as above – contact Visa online support.
10. Do I need to have a tourist electronic online visa to Vietnam printed?
Yes, you must have this e-visa printed on the road. You will be proving this by entering Vietnam. I recommend you to make a photocopy, but also a backup somewhere in your online storage/cloud.
11. How can I check my e-Visa result?
To check an e-Visa (90 days of stay) result, follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the page: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/tra-cuu-ho-so
Step 2: Provide the required information, including registration code, email and date of birth, to check and print your e-Visa result.
– Registration code must be saved in order to check and print e-Visa.
– No email will be sent regarding e-Visa results.
12. What photos are required for the application of tourist e-visa?
Two photos of the applicant must be uploaded:
– Portrait photo (4x6cm): Looking straight and without glasses.
– Passport data page: Full page including photo, personal information and ICAO lines.
13. How can I apply to stay in Vietnam for longer than my e-Visa permits?
After entering Vietnam by e-Visa, you can request an agency/organization/individual in Vietnam to guarantee your stay and apply on your behalf for a new visa at the Vietnam Immigration Department in accordance with Section 1, Article 16 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam.
14. What is the minimum passport expiry date required to apply for an e-Visa?
According to Vietnam Law, the visa expiry date must be at least 30 days before the passport expiry date. Therefore, an e-Visa expiry date must also be at least 30 days before the passport expiry date.
15. If I use my e-Visa to enter/exit Vietnam, what do I have to do at the checkpoint?
E-Visa holders must present the printed e-Visa and valid passport at the checkpoint.
16. We also travel to Laos and Cambodia, how do we get e-visa for these countries?
E-visa to Laos and Cambodia can also be obtained online. The official e-visa site for Laos > https://laoevisa.gov.la and the official e-visa site for Cambodia > https://www.evisa.gov.kh. There is a lot of additional informations on e-visa for these countries, I recommend to read these informations.
FOREIGN EMBASSIES IN VIETNAM:
| Embassy / Consulate | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh | Address: U.S. Consulate General, 4 Le Duan Blvd., District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Phone: (+84) (8) 822-9434 Website |
| British Embassy in Hanoi | Address: 4th floor, 31 Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi Phone: (+84) (4) 39360500 Website |
| Australian Embassy in Ho Chi Minh City | Address: 5th Floor, The Landmark Building, 5B Ton Duc Thang, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Phone: +84-8 3829 6035 Website |
| Canadian Embassy in Hanoi | Address: 31 Hung Vuong Street, Hanoi Phone: (+84) (4) 734 5000 Website |
Foreign Embassies and Consulates in Vietnam
What to do in case of lost or stolen passport?
If your travel documents are stolen or you lose it, you need to contact police and then go to your embassy in Hanoi. It is recommended for the first time to call your embassy.
YOU MUST BRING:
– 2 color photographs with dimensions of 3.5 x 4.5 cm
– police report on the event issued by Vietnam police
– a copy of a lost / stolen passport (if you have one)
– money for payment the fee according to the current exchange rate
Vietnam Customs, Currency & Airport Tax regulations details:
You want enter into Vietnam? What can you bring or what can be exported?
You must comply with Vietnamese Customs, Currency & Airport Tax regulations.
| Items | Import Regulations |
|---|---|
| Personal Belongings | No restrictions |
| Alcohol | Adults can bring in up to 1.5 liters of alcoholic beverages duty-free. Quantities exceeding this limit must be declared and may be subject to customs duties. |
| Tobacco Products | Adults can bring in up to 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco duty-free. Amounts exceeding these limits must be declared and may be subject to customs duties. |
| Firearms and Ammunition | Prohibited. Importing firearms and ammunition requires special permission from the Ministry of Public Security. |
| Drugs and Narcotics | Prohibited. Importing drugs and narcotics is strictly forbidden and punishable by law. |
| Endangered Species and Wildlife Products | Prohibited. Importing endangered species and products derived from protected wildlife is illegal. |
| Counterfeit Goods | Prohibited. Importing counterfeit goods, including fake brand-name products, is illegal. |
| Pornographic Material | Prohibited. Importing pornographic material is strictly forbidden. |
| Plants and Animals | Special permits may be required to import certain plants, animals, and their products. It is advised to check with the relevant authorities before bringing them into Vietnam. |
Bying all the items that could be considered antiques – keep your receipts for any customs control. Antiquities can be exported only with a permit from the Ministry of Culture of Vietnam, the currency of Vietnam, protected animals, reptiles and birds.The requirement to prove sufficient funds to stay in Vietnam is not fixed.
Currency Import regulations:
Local currency (Vietnamese Dong): No restrictions.
Amounts exceeding 15 000 000 VND – must be declared on arrival.
Foreign currencies: No restrictions.
Amounts exceeding $ 5 000 (or equivalent) – must be declared on arrival.
Amounts under $ 5 000 (or equivalent) to be deposited in credit institutions and branches of foreign banks must also be declared on arrival.
Currency Export regulations:
Local currency (Vietnamese Dong): No restrictions.
Amounts exceeding 15 000 000 VND – must be declared on departure.
Foreign currencies: No restrictions.
Amounts exceeding $ 5 000 (or equivalent) – must be declared upon. Proof of expenses is required.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Visa to Vietnam:
1. Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam as a tourist?
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- Yes, most visitors to Vietnam are required to obtain a visa before entering the country. However, there are some exceptions for citizens of certain countries who are eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival. It’s best to check the visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling.
2. How can I obtain a visa to Vietnam?
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- There are several ways to obtain a visa to Vietnam. You can apply for a visa at the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country. If you are going to Vietnam for 1-3 months, you can obtain this visa in the offical webpage. Another option is to apply for a visa on arrival (VOA) through an approved travel agency. This requires obtaining an approval letter in advance and then getting the visa stamped upon arrival at the airport.
3. What documents do I need to apply for a visa to Vietnam?
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- The required documents for a Vietnam visa application usually include a valid passport with at least six months of validity, completed visa application forms, passport-sized photos, and the appropriate visa fee. Additional documents may be required depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
4. How long is a tourist visa to Vietnam valid for?
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- The validity of a tourist visa to Vietnam varies depending on the type of visa and the length of stay requested. Typically, tourist visas can be valid for single entry or multiple entries and have a duration of up to 90 days. Some visas may also allow for extensions within Vietnam.
5. Can I extend my tourist visa while in Vietnam?
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- Yes, it is possible to extend your tourist visa while in Vietnam. You can contact the Immigration Department or a travel agency in Vietnam to assist you with the visa extension process.
6. Can I apply for a visa on arrival at any airport in Vietnam?
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- No, visa on arrival is only available at certain international airports in Vietnam, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Nha Trang. If you plan to enter Vietnam through a different port of entry, you must apply for a visa in advance at the nearest embassy or consulate.
7. Are there any restrictions or special requirements for obtaining a visa to Vietnam?
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- Some nationalities may have additional restrictions or requirements when applying for a visa to Vietnam. It’s important to check the specific guidelines and regulations for your country of citizenship. Certain nationalities may be required to provide additional documentation or undergo a different visa application process.
8. Can I apply for a visa extension multiple times in Vietnam?
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- Generally, multiple visa extensions are possible in Vietnam, but the total length of stay cannot exceed the maximum allowed duration for your visa type. Each visa extension usually grants an additional for 90 days, depending on the visa category.
9. Is it possible to obtain a visa to Vietnam upon arrival without prior arrangements?
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- No, a visa on arrival requires prior arrangements. You must obtain an approval letter through an authorized travel agency before arriving in Vietnam. The approval letter allows you to get the visa stamped upon arrival at the designated airports.
10. Can I travel to other parts of Vietnam with a visa issued for a specific city?
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- Yes, once you have obtained a valid visa for Vietnam, you can travel to different cities and regions within the country without any restrictions. Your visa is valid for the entire country, allowing you to explore various destinations.
Vietnam Visa Application Steps:
| Vietnam Visa Application Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Determine the type of visa you need based on your purpose of travel (tourism, business, etc.). |
| Step 2 | Check if you are eligible for a visa exemption. Some countries have agreements with Vietnam that allow their citizens to enter without a visa for a certain period. |
| Step 3 | Decide on the duration and entry type for your visa (single entry or multiple entries). |
| Step 4 | Choose the appropriate visa application method: online or in-person. |
| Step 5 | Complete the visa application form accurately with all the required information. |
| Step 6 | Prepare the necessary documents, including your passport (with at least six months validity), passport-sized photos, and supporting documents (such as flight itinerary and hotel bookings). |
| Step 7 | Pay the visa application fee. The fee varies depending on the type of visa and processing time. |
| Step 8 | Submit your application online or visit the nearest Vietnamese embassy/consulate in your country. |
| Step 9 | Wait for the processing time, which typically ranges from a few business days to a couple of weeks, depending on the processing method you choose. |
| Step 10 | Collect your visa once it is approved. For online applications, you may receive an electronic visa approval letter that you need to present upon arrival in Vietnam. For in-person applications, you will have the visa stamped directly in your passport. |
| Step 11 | Upon arrival in Vietnam, present your passport, visa approval letter (if applicable), and other supporting documents to the immigration officer for verification. |
| Step 12 | Pay the stamping fee at the airport (if required) and get your passport stamped with the visa. |
| Step 13 | Enjoy your stay in Vietnam within the allowed duration specified by your visa. |
BOOK A TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vietnam ➜