Are you planning to visit Vietnam by land or border crossing? If yes, then you need to obtain a Vietnam visa. The process of getting a visa for Vietnam can be daunting, especially if you are not familiar with the regulations and requirements. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about how to get a Vietnam visa for land/border crossing.
Understanding the Types of Vietnam Visas
Before we delve into the process of obtaining a visa for Vietnam, it is essential to understand the different types of visas available. Depending on your travel purpose, you can apply for one of the following visas:
- Tourist Visa: This type of visa is suitable for those visiting Vietnam for tourism purposes. It allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days.
- Business Visa: If you are traveling to Vietnam for business purposes, you need to apply for a business visa. This visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 1 year.
- Transit Visa: If you are only transiting through Vietnam and staying for less than 24 hours, you do not need a transit visa.
- Work Visa: If you plan to work in Vietnam, you need to obtain a work visa. This type of visa is valid for up to 2 years.
Vietnam’s international overland crossings
| Country | Borders | City | E-visa acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laos | Sop Hun – Tay Trang | Dien Bien province | Yes |
| Na Maew – Nam Xoi | Thanh Hoa province | Yes | |
| Nam Khan – Nam Can | Nghe An province | Yes | |
| Nam Phao – Cau Treo | Ha Tinh province | Yes | |
| Dansavanh – Lao Bao | Quang Tri province | Yes | |
| Bo Y – Ngoc Hoi | Kom Tum province | Yes | |
| Cambodia | Ba Vet – Moc Bai | Tay Ninh province | Yes |
| Kaam Samnor – Vinh Xuong | An Giang province | Pre-arranged visa | |
| Phnom Den – Tinh Bien | An Giang province | Yes | |
| Prek Chak – Ha Tien | Kien Giang province | Yes | |
| O Yadao – Le Thanh | Gia Lai province | Pre-arranged visa | |
| China | Dong Xing – Mong Cai | Quang Ninh province | Yes |
| Hekou – Lao Cai | Lao Cai province | Yes | |
| Ping Xian – Huu Nghi | Lang Son province | Yes |
Vietnam visa requirements for land/border crossings
Please be advised that while visa on arrival is available at Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh city, and Da Nang international airports, it is not applicable for land border crossings.
If you plan to enter Vietnam through land border crossings, you can apply for a Vietnam E-visa, which allows for a single entry of up to 30 days. However, E-visa is currently only available for citizens of 80 countries. Therefore, be sure that you check whether you are eligible before applying for one.
Requirements for Getting a Vietnam Visa for Land/Border Crossing
The requirements for obtaining a Vietnam visa for land/border crossing are similar to other types of visas. Here are the necessary documents you need to prepare:
- A valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of entry.
- Completed visa application form.
- Two passport-sized photos (4cm x 6cm).
- Visa fee payment.
It is important to note that the requirements may vary depending on your country of origin and the Vietnamese embassy’s regulations.
Applying for a Vietnam Visa for Land/Border Crossing
Once you have all the necessary documents, you can proceed to apply for a Vietnam visa. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Find your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate: The first step is to locate your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate. You can find this information on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Fill out the visa application form: After locating the embassy, the next step is to fill out the visa application form. The form must be completed in English and signed by the applicant.
- Submit the required documents: Once you have completed the application form, you need to submit it along with the required documents, including your passport, photos, and visa fee payment.
- Wait for the visa processing: After submitting your application, the embassy will process your visa within five working days. In some cases, it may take longer if further verification is required.
- Collect your visa: Once your visa is approved, you can collect it from the embassy. It is essential to ensure that all details on the visa are correct before leaving the embassy.
Getting a Visa On Arrival for Land/Border Crossing
If you are unable to obtain a visa from the Vietnamese embassy or consulate, you can opt for a visa on arrival (VOA). Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Apply for a VOA online: You can apply for a VOA through a reputable travel agent or an online service provider.
- Provide the necessary information: You need to provide your personal information, including your name, date of birth, and nationality.
- Pay the visa fee: You can pay the visa fee online using a credit card or PayPal.
- Receive the approval letter: After submitting your application and paying the fee, you will receive an approval letter via email within two working days.
- Get your visa stamped on arrival: Upon arrival in Vietnam, you need to present your approval letter and passport at the visa-on-arrival counter. You will be issued with a visa stamp for land/border crossing.
Tips for Immediate Vietnam Visa For Land/Border Crossing
- Apply for a visa on arrival (VOA) in advance. This is the fastest and most convenient way to get a visa for Vietnam at a land border crossing. You can apply for a VOA through a reputable travel agency or online. Once you have received your VOA approval letter, you will need to present it to the immigration officer at the border crossing, along with your passport and two passport-sized photos.
- Arrive at the border crossing early in the day. This will help to avoid the crowds and get your visa processed more quickly.
- Bring all of the required documentation. This includes your passport, VOA approval letter (if applicable), two passport-sized photos, and the visa fee (in cash).
- Be prepared to pay a higher visa fee for an immediate visa. Immediate visas are typically more expensive than regular visas.
- Be patient and polite. The immigration officers at the border crossing are busy, so it is important to be patient and polite when interacting with them.
Here are some additional tips to help you get your Vietnam visa quickly and easily at a land border crossing:
- Use a reputable travel agency. There are many travel agencies that offer VOA services, but it is important to choose a reputable one. Read reviews of different travel agencies before making a decision.
- Apply for your VOA early. The earlier you apply for your VOA, the more likely you are to receive it on time.
- Make sure you have all of the required documentation. Be sure to check the requirements for your VOA carefully and make sure you have all of the necessary documents before you go to the border crossing.
- Be prepared to pay the visa fee. The visa fee for a VOA is typically higher than the fee for a regular visa. Be sure to bring enough cash to pay the fee.
- Be patient and polite. The immigration officers at the border crossing may be busy, so it is important to be patient and polite when interacting with them.
If you are in a hurry, you can also apply for an urgent VOA. Urgent VOAs are typically processed within 24 hours, but they are more expensive than regular VOAs.
Here are some of the land border crossings where you can get a VOA for Vietnam:
- Cambodia: Moc Bai – Bavet, Chau Doc – Vinh Xuong, Xa Mat – O’Chheuteal
- Laos: Lao Bao – Densavan, Nam Can – Nam Phao, Nam Xoi – Nam Phao
- China: Hekou – Lao Cai, Mong Cai – Dongxing, Huu Nghi – Pingxiang
Please note that not all land border crossings in Vietnam offer VOAs. Be sure to check the requirements before you go.
FAQs Vietnam Visa For Land/Border Crossing
1.Who can apply for a Vietnam visa for land/border crossing?
Anyone who plans to enter Vietnam byland or crossing the border needs to obtain a Vietnam visa.
2. Can I extend my Vietnam visa for land/border crossing?
Yes, you can extend your visa by visiting the Vietnamese Immigration Department.
3. Is it possible to get a visa for Vietnam on arrival at the land/border crossing?
No, you cannot obtain a visa on arrival at a land/border crossing. You need to apply for a visa in advance at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate or opt for a visa on arrival.
4. How long does it take to process a Vietnam visa application for land/border crossing?
It takes approximately five working days to process a visa application for land/border crossing. However, in some cases, it may take longer if additional verification is required.
5. What should I do if I lose my passport with my Vietnam visa?
If you lose your passport that contains your Vietnam visa, you need to report the loss to the local police and contact your embassy in Vietnam immediately. They will provide you with a new passport and help you obtain a replacement visa.
6. How do I apply for an e-visa?
To apply for an e-visa, you will need to create an account on the Vietnamese government website and complete an online application form. You will also need to upload a digital scan of your passport and pay the visa fee.
7. How long does it take to process an e-visa?
E-visas are typically processed within 3 business days. Once your e-visa is approved, you will receive a notification email. You will need to print out the e-visa and present it at the land border crossing when you enter Vietnam.
8. What other documents do I need to enter Vietnam by land border crossing?
In addition to your e-visa, you will also need a valid passport and proof of onward travel. Proof of onward travel can be a flight ticket or a bus ticket to leave Vietnam within the validity of your visa.
9. What are the land border crossings between Vietnam and its neighboring countries?
Vietnam has land border crossings with China, Laos, and Cambodia. The most popular land border crossings are:
- China: Hekou-Pingxiang, Dongxing-Mong Cai, and Youyi Guan-Lao Cai
- Laos: Nam Xoi-Na Meo, Lao Bao-Den Cha, and Bo Y-La Lay
- Cambodia: Bavet-Moc Bai and Phnom Den-Tinh Bien
10. Are there any fees to pay at the land border crossing?
Yes, there is a stamping fee that you will need to pay when you enter Vietnam at a land border crossing. The stamping fee is currently USD 25 for a single-entry visa and USD 50 for a multiple-entry visa.
Tips for entering Vietnam by land border crossing
- Arrive at the border crossing early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
- Have all of your documents ready before you reach the immigration counter.
- Be prepared to pay the stamping fee in cash.
- Be polite and respectful to the immigration officers.
