Vietnam Visa

Big changes have been implemented for Vietnam visas in 2024, making it easier than ever for people from all over the world to visit the country. Here’s a breakdown of the current situation:

Vietnam Visa Exemptions:

The good news for travelers is that Vietnam has expanded its visa exemption program in 2023! As of August 15th, 2023, citizens of 25 countries can now enjoy visa-free travel to Vietnam for a duration of 14 to 45 days, depending on their nationality.

Here’s a breakdown of the current visa exemption policy in Vietnam:

Countries with **15-day visa exemptions:

  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • Norway
  • Sweden
  • United Kingdom
  • France
  • Germany
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Belarus

Countries with **30-day visa exemptions:

  • Indonesia
  • Laos
  • Malaysia
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Cambodia

Countries with **45-day visa exemptions:

  • Brunei
  • Myanmar
  • Philippines

Additional exemptions:

  • APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders: ABTC holders with valid passports can enjoy visa-free entry for up to 60 days.
  • 5-year visa exemption for Vietnamese diaspora: This exemption applies to Vietnamese overseas, spouses of Vietnamese overseas, and children of Vietnamese overseas. It allows them to stay in Vietnam for up to 180 days per visit.

Important notes:

  • All visa exemptions are subject to change without notice.
  • Be sure to check the latest information before your trip.
  • You must have a valid passport with at least six months remaining validity.
  • You must have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
  • You must have proof of onward travel.

You can find the complete list of visa-exempt countries and their corresponding durations on the Vietnam Immigration website or official visa agencies.

Electronic Visas (eVisas):

  • Starting August 15, 2023, an eVisa system is available for citizens of ALL countries. This convenient option allows you to apply online and receive your visa electronically.
  • eVisas are valid for 90 days and can be issued for single or multiple entries.
  • The application process is simple and can be completed in minutes. Payment can be made electronically through a secure platform.
  • Requirements for eVisas include a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity remaining), a digital passport photo, and your travel itinerary.

Additional Information:

  • Visa fees vary depending on your nationality and visa type.
  • Processing times for eVisas can range from 3 to 5 business days.
  • It’s highly recommended to apply for your visa well in advance of your trip, especially during peak travel seasons.
  • Several official websites and reliable visa agencies can assist you with the application process.

With the new eVisa system and expanded visa-free entry, Vietnam is welcoming visitors from all over the world!

How to apply for a Vietnam visa

There are two main ways to apply for a visa to Vietnam:

  1. Apply for an e-visa: E-visas are electronic visas that can be applied for online through the Vietnam Immigration Department website. E-visas are available to citizens of most countries and are typically processed within 3-5 business days.
  2. Apply for a visa on arrival: Visas on arrival can be obtained at most international airports in Vietnam. However, there are some restrictions on who is eligible for a visa on arrival, and it is important to check the Vietnam Immigration Department website for the latest requirements.

How to apply for a Vietnam visa

Requirements for a Vietnam visa

The requirements for a Vietnam visa can vary depending on your nationality and the length of your stay. However, there are some general requirements that apply to everyone.

General Requirements:

  • Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Vietnam.
  • Blank Passport Pages: Your passport must have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
  • Visa: You will need a visa to enter Vietnam, unless you are a citizen of one of the visa-exempt countries.
  • Proof of Onward Travel: You must have proof of onward travel, such as a flight ticket out of Vietnam.
  • Yellow Fever Vaccination: If you are traveling from a yellow fever-infected country, you will need a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Visa Options:

There are three main ways to obtain a visa for Vietnam:

  • Visa on Arrival: This is the easiest option for citizens of most countries. You can apply for a visa on arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports. However, it is important to note that you must have a pre-approval letter before you arrive. You can obtain a pre-approval letter from a visa agency or online.
  • E-visa: This is an electronic visa that can be obtained online. It is valid for single entry and a stay of up to 30 days.
  • Embassy Visa: This is a visa that can be obtained from a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. It is valid for single or multiple entries and a stay of up to 3 months.

Types of Vietnam Visas

Vietnam is a popular tourist destination, and there are several types of visas available for travelers to enter the country. The type of visa that a traveler needs depends on the purpose of their visit and the length of their stay. In this article, we will discuss the different types of visas available for Vietnam.

Vietnam Tourist Visa:

  • The tourist visa is the most common type of visa for travelers visiting Vietnam for tourism purposes. It is valid for a single entry or multiple entries, with a maximum stay of 30 days per entry. The visa can be extended for an additional 30 days by visiting a local immigration office.

Vietnam Business Visa:

  • The business visa is for travelers visiting Vietnam for business purposes, such as attending conferences or meetings. It is valid for a single entry or multiple entries, with a maximum stay of 90 days per entry. The visa can be extended for an additional 90 days by visiting a local immigration office.

Vietnam Work Visa:

  • The work visa is for travelers who have been hired by a Vietnamese company to work in the country. It is valid for a single entry or multiple entries, with a maximum stay of 90 days per entry. The visa can be extended for an additional 90 days by visiting a local immigration office.

Vietnam Student Visa:

  • The student visa is for travelers who plan to study in Vietnam. It is valid for a single entry or multiple entries, with a maximum stay of 90 days per entry. The visa can be extended for an additional 90 days by visiting a local immigration office.

Vietnam Transit Visa:

  • The transit visa is for travelers who are passing through Vietnam on their way to another destination. It is valid for a single entry, with a maximum stay of 5 days.

Diplomatic and Official Visa:

  • The diplomatic and official visa is for government officials and diplomats who are visiting Vietnam for official purposes. It is issued free of charge and is valid for a single entry or multiple entries, with a maximum stay of 90 days per entry.

Electronic Visa (Vietnam Evisa):

  • The electronic visa is an online visa that allows travelers to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, or transit purposes. It is valid for a single entry, with a maximum stay of 30 days.

How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa Online

The process of applying for a visa to Vietnam online is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Visit the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department or a reliable third-party visa service provider.
  2. Fill out the online visa application form with your details, including passport information, proposed entry/exit dates, and the purpose of the visit.
  3. Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport photo.
  4. Pay the visa processing fee online using a credit/debit card or PayPal.
  5. Wait for the visa approval letter to be processed and sent to your email within 2-3 business days.
  6. Print out the visa approval letter and bring it with you to present at the airport upon arrival, along with your passport and two recent passport photos.

If you are not on the List of Visa Exemption to Vietnam (Download here:​ EXEMPTION OF ENTRY VISA TO VIETNAM.docx), please follow the following steps to apply for Vietnam’s entry visas.

  • 1. Documents to be submitted:
  • The passport that remains valid for at least 1 month since the expiry date of the visa (For example, if you would like to apply for a 3-month visa, your passport should remain valid for at least 4 months since the date of immigration);
  • Visa application form (Download here: VN VISA APPLICATION FORM.doc)
  • 1 newly taken photo 4x6cm;- Visa fee shall be collected in advance in Thai Baht. Please contact the Consular Section for information on current visa application fees.

You can submit your application by yourself or request someone else submit applications on your behalf. Address of the Embassy: 83/1 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330).

2. Processing time– Four business days are required to process visa applications with approval. Expedited processing requires one day to two business days after the Consular Section has received the application. Vietnam immigration authorities may decide to review an application in Vietnam. It may take longer than the above standard processing time for such applications to be processed.- In case you would like to have an Express tourist Visa (on the same day or the following day), you would need to send your filled application form and copy of passport in advance (at least 24 hours in advance before you come to the Embassy) by email: vnemb.th@mofa.gov.vn or fax +66 2650 7525. 

An additional fee is required for each application. Please contact the Consular Section for further guidance. – In case you would like to check your application status, please kindly send a request to the Embassy’s email (vnemb.th@mofa.gov.vn)and provide your full name, date of birth, receipt number or date of submission. The Embassy would not check the application status via telephone.

3. Visa for minor applicants (under the age of 14)– The applicant must travel with at least one parent or legal guardian.- In addition to the above requirement, the following certification is needed:

Authorization to travel for Minors (The form is not compulsory, but will speed up your passage through border controls) signed by both parents or legal guardians.

Birth certificate in original and copy, or only a notarized copy(All foreign documents, if not in English, should be translated into one of those languages).

Copies of photo ID/passport of both parents and legal guardians, in the event that the mother’s last name differs from what appears on the applicant’s birth certificate, please provide a copy of parent’s marriage certificate.

4. Business visa (to work with Vietnamese businesses):

Documents to be submitted:

The passport that is valid for at least 6 months since the date of entry to Viet Nam;

A visa approval issued by the Immigration department of Vietnam;

1 photo 4×6 cm. Normal processing time for a business visa is about 4-5 working days.

5. Visas for diplomatic and service/or official passport holders: Please directly contact the Consular Section of the Embassy before coming to the Embassy.

6. Visas for investors, journalists/reporters and those who wish to enter Viet Nam to:

  • i) work with Vietnamese agencies/institutions,
  • ii) study,
  • iii) participate in meetings/conferences,
  • iv) work,
  • V) visit relatives:

Documents to be submitted include:

The passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry to Viet Nam;

A visa approval issued by the Immigration Department of Vietnam (please request your host company/agency to contact the Immigration Department of Viet Nam);

1 photo 4×6 cm. Normal processing time for Business/Working/Study/Volunteering/Press visa requests is about 4-5 working days.

Important notice: After obtaining a visa, please check the details in your visa to make sure they are in conformity with the details in your passport and your application form: Your name in full; Validity of your visa (Date of entry/exit, single/multiple entries); Signature of visa issuer; Stamp of the Embassy. If any of the above information is incorrect or absent, please notify us immediately within three working days for free-of-charge correction. We reserve our right to add service charges if no notification about incorrect information was made within three working days since the date of visa issuance or if the error has resulted from your application.

Vietnam Visa Cost

The cost of obtaining a visa for Vietnam can vary depending on several factors, including:

Visa type:

  • E-visa: This is the most convenient and affordable option for many travelers. The government fee for an e-visa is USD 25 for a single entry visa and USD 50 for a multiple entry visa. However, you may also need to pay a service fee to a third-party agency to help you with the application process.
  • Visa on Arrival: This option allows you to apply for a visa upon arrival in Vietnam. The government fee is USD 25 for a single entry visa and USD 50 for a multiple entry visa. However, you will also need to pay a stamping fee of USD 25, as well as any service fees charged by the agency handling your application.
  • Embassy visa: This option is the least convenient and most expensive. The cost will vary depending on the embassy and the type of visa you are applying for.

Nationality:

  • Citizens of certain countries are eligible for a visa exemption for stays of up to 15 days.
  • Citizens of other countries may be eligible for a visa exemption if they are sponsored by a Vietnamese travel agency or organization.

Processing time:

  • E-visas are typically processed within 3-7 business days.
  • Visas on Arrival are typically processed within 1-2 business days.
  • Embassy visas can take up to several weeks to process.

Additional fees:

  • You may also need to pay additional fees, such as stamping fees, courier fees, and service fees.

Here is a table summarizing the basic Vietnam visa costs:

Visa Type Government Fee Stamping Fee Service Fee Total Cost
E-visa (Single Entry) USD 25 N/A USD 10-20 USD 35-45
E-visa (Multiple Entry) USD 50 N/A USD 10-20 USD 60-70
Visa on Arrival (Single Entry) USD 25 USD 25 USD 10-20 USD 60-65
Visa on Arrival (Multiple Entry) USD 50 USD 25 USD 10-20 USD 85-95
Vietnam Visa Online Cost
Supper Urgent Processing is a convenient service that enables individuals to acquire a visa for Vietnam in a timely manner, typically within 4-8 hours.

Vietnam Visa Online Urgent Processing

Vietnam Visa Online Urgent Processing is a service that allows you to obtain a visa for Vietnam quickly, usually within 4-8 hours. This service is ideal for travelers who have booked a last-minute trip to Vietnam or who have had an unexpected change in their travel plans.

To apply for an urgent Vietnam visa online, you will need to submit the following information:

  • Your passport information
  • Your travel dates
  • Your nationality
  • Your email address
  • A recent passport photo

You will also need to pay an expedited processing fee, which is typically around $20-$30 USD.

Once you have submitted your application and paid the fee, you will receive an email confirmation with your visa approval letter. You can then print out the approval letter and present it to immigration officials at your port of entry to Vietnam.

It is important to note that urgent Vietnam visas are not always guaranteed. If there is a high volume of applications or if there are any problems with your application, it may take longer than 4-8 hours to process your visa.

Here are some tips for applying for an urgent Vietnam visa online:

  • Make sure to submit all of the required information correctly.
  • Pay the expedited processing fee immediately after submitting your application.
  • Check your email regularly for updates on your application.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, contact the visa agency that you are using.

Here are some examples of situations where you might need to apply for an urgent Vietnam visa online:

  • You have booked a last-minute trip to Vietnam.
  • You have had an unexpected change in your travel plans, such as a missed flight or a family emergency.
  • You are a business traveler who needs to attend a meeting or conference in Vietnam on short notice.
  • You are a journalist who needs to travel to Vietnam to cover a news story.

If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for an urgent Vietnam visa, you can contact the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country.

Vietnam Visa Online Status Check

After submitting your visa application online, you can check your visa status by following these steps:

  1. Visit the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.
  2. Click on the “Check Status” tab and enter your application reference number or passport number and date of birth.
  3. Click on the “Search” button, and your visa status will be displayed.
Vietnam Visa Online Application Form
Form for Applying for a Visa to Vietnam

Vietnam Visa Online Application Form

The Vietnam Visa Online Application Form is a secure online form that allows travelers to apply for an eVisa to Vietnam. An eVisa is an electronic visa that can be used to enter Vietnam at one of 28 designated international ports of entry. eVisas are valid for a maximum of 30 days, single or multiple entry, and can be obtained by citizens of most countries.

To apply for a Vietnam Visa Online Application Form, you will need to provide the following information:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Nationality
  • Passport number
  • Passport issue date
  • Passport expiry date
  • Place of birth
  • Gender
  • Occupation
  • Address in the home country
  • Address in Vietnam (if applicable)
  • Date of arrival in Vietnam
  • Port of entry
  • Port of exit
  • Purpose of visit

You will also need to upload a digital scan of your passport’s biographical page and a recent passport-style photo.

Once you have completed the application form and uploaded the required documents, you will need to pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card. The visa fee varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for.

Once your application has been submitted and approved, you will receive an eVisa approval letter via email. You will need to print out this letter and present it to immigration officials upon arrival in Vietnam.

Here are some tips for completing the Vietnam Visa Online Application Form:

  • Make sure to enter all of the required information accurately. Any errors in your application could delay or even prevent you from obtaining an eVisa.
  • Upload a clear and recent passport-style photo. The photo should be in color and have a white background.
  • Pay the visa fee using a valid credit or debit card.
  • Print out your eVisa approval letter and present it to immigration officials upon arrival in Vietnam.

If you have any questions about the Vietnam Visa Online Application Form or the eVisa process, you can contact the Vietnamese Immigration Department for assistance.

Vietnam Visa Online Immigration Department
The Immigration Department for Vietnam Visa Online

Vietnam Visa Online Immigration Department

The Vietnam Immigration Department is responsible for processing and approving Vietnam visa applications. They also oversee border control and ensure that foreign visitors comply with visa regulations. If you have any inquiries regarding your visa application or status, you can contact the Vietnam Immigration Department through their official website or via email.

Summery tips for Emergency Vietnam Visa in 2023

  • Apply as early as possible. Even though emergency visas are designed for last-minute travelers, it is still important to apply as early as possible. This will give you the best chance of getting your visa approved in time for your trip.
  • Choose the right visa type. There are two types of emergency Vietnam visas: emergency e-visas and emergency visas on arrival. Emergency e-visas are typically processed faster than emergency visas on arrival. However, emergency visas on arrival can be a good option if you are not eligible for an e-visa.
  • Use a reputable visa service. There are many visa services that can help you obtain an emergency Vietnam visa. However, it is important to use a reputable service. A reputable service will be able to provide you with accurate information and help you avoid delays.
  • Have all of the required documentation ready. The required documentation for an emergency Vietnam visa may vary depending on the visa type you are applying for. However, common requirements include a passport, a passport-sized photo, and a flight itinerary.
  • Be prepared to pay a higher fee. Emergency visas typically cost more than standard visas. This is because they are processed on an expedited basis.
  • Be aware of the processing times. The processing times for emergency Vietnam visas can vary depending on the visa type you are applying for and the visa service you are using. However, you can expect to receive your visa within 1-3 working days.
  • Keep in touch with the visa service. Once you have submitted your application, it is important to keep in touch with the visa service. This will help you stay up-to-date on the status of your application and avoid any delays.

Additional tips:

  • If you are applying for an emergency e-visa, make sure that you have a clear and recent passport-sized photo. The photo must meet the Vietnam e-visa photo requirements.
  • If you are applying for an emergency visa on arrival, make sure that you have a letter of invitation from a Vietnamese company or organization. The letter of invitation must be notarized and legalized.
  • If you are traveling to Vietnam from a country that is not eligible for an e-visa, you may be able to obtain a visa on arrival at certain airports. However, it is important to check with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country to confirm the requirements for obtaining a visa on arrival.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of obtaining an emergency Vietnam visa in time for your trip.

Vietnam Visa FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about Vietnam Visas

Vietnam Visa FAQs

1. Is it safe to apply for a Vietnam visa online?

Yes, it’s safe to apply for a Vietnam visa online as long as you choose a reliable service provider and follow the correct procedures.

2. How long does it take to obtain a Vietnam visa online?

It takes 2-3 business days to obtain a standard Vietnam visa online. However, if you need an urgent visa, you can opt for expedited processing and receive your visa within a few hours.

3. Can I extend my Vietnam visa while in Vietnam?

Yes, you can extend your Vietnam visa while in Vietnam by visiting the Vietnam Immigration Department or through a reliable visa service provider.

4. What happens if my Vietnam visa application is rejected?

If your Vietnam visa application is rejected, you may need to reapply or seek assistance from a visa service provider. It’s essential to ensure that you meet all the visa requirements and provide accurate information to avoid rejection.

5. Do I need a Vietnam visa if I’m just transiting through Vietnam?

If you’re transiting through Vietnam, you may not need a visa as long as you don’t leave the transit area of the airport. However, if you plan to leave the airport or stay in Vietnam for more than 24 hours, you’ll need to obtain a transit visa or a regular visa, depending on your purpose of visit.

To obtain further information regarding the Vietnam visa, kindly reach out to us via the following means: