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Ultimate Guide: How to Easily Obtain a Vietnam Visa for Your Vietnam Tour

A Vietnam visa is the official travel document granted by Vietnamese competent authorities.

And if you want to have a Vietnam tour in Vietnam, a Vietnam visa is must-needed to enter Vietnam for most countries.

vietnam-visa

Read the following contents to learn about Visa Vietnam, especially for beginners.

Who Doesn't Need a Vietnam Visa?

Vietnam has visa exemption policies for citizens of certain countries. Individuals from Vietnam Visa Exemption countries can enter Vietnam temporarily without obtaining a visa. Here’s the list:

Vietnam Visa Exemption Countries

The duration

Vietnam Visa Exemption Countries

90 days

Chile, Panama

30 days

Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Kyrgyzstan, Singapore, Laos, Thailand

21 days

Philippines

15 days

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

14 days

Brunei

Insider Tips:

  1. Checking if your country is exempted from the visa requirement before planning your Vietnam trip.
  2. Familiarize yourself with Vietnamese immigration rules to comply with the necessary conditions.
  3. Adhere to the permitted duration of stay under visa exemption to avoid penalties and future travel difficulties.
  4. If you wish to stay in Vietnam beyond the visa-exempt period, consider applying for an appropriate visa or visa extension.

Do Americans Need a Vietnam Visa?

“Do I need a visa for Vietnam?”

This is a frequent question that Americans ask.

The answer is yes. We can see that the United States is not on the list of Vietnam visa exemptions. So there is a need for a Vietnam visa for US citizens. Citizens are required to have a valid visa to enter Vietnam, regardless of the purpose or duration of their stay.

Here are the Vietnam visas fee for US citizens:

Vietnam E-Visa: Approximately $25.

Vietnam Visa on Arrival: Visa approval letter fee ($10 to $25) + Visa stamping fee ($25 for single entry, $50 for multiple entry).

Embassy or Consulate Application: Fees vary ($80 to $200+). Contact the embassy/consulate or check their website for exact pricing.

embassy-of-vt-in-us
The Embassy of Viet Nam in the United States

Three Types to Apply for a Vietnam Visa

Before obtaining a Vietnam visa, you should know about the types of Vietnam tourist visas.

First, you should know about Vietnam Tourist visas with three fundamental aspects.

  • Purpose: Tourism, visiting friends/family
  • Duration: Typically 30 days (can vary)
  • Application Requirements: Passport with at least 6 months validity, completed application form, passport-sized photos, visa fees, travel itinerary or proof of accommodation, and financial means.

There are primarily three types of Vietnam tourist visas (Vietnam Travel Visa):

E-Visa:

E-visa for tourists allows online entry and exit. It's valid for a single entry, allowing a 30-day stay. Here are the advantages of the Vietnam visa online:

Convenience and Accessibility: The e-visa offers a convenient online application process from anywhere with an internet connection. It saves time and provides clear instructions for submitting the required information.

Wide Eligibility: The e-visa is available for citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and most European nations, covering tourism, business, and non-immigrant purposes.

Simple Application Process: Fill out an online form, and upload a photo and scanned passport page. Payment is made online.

Fast Processing Time: E-visas are processed quickly, usually within a few business days, and an approval letter is emailed to you.

Multiple Entry and Longer Stay Options: E-visas allow for single/multiple entries with varying validity periods, enabling extended stays in Vietnam.

Accepted Ports of Entry: The e-visa is accepted at major international airports, land border crossings, and seaports in Vietnam for hassle-free entry.

Visa on Arrival

Visa on arrival is a Vietnam visa type requiring pre-approval. Get a visa stamp at designated international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang)—valid for 30 days single entry.

Here’s the reason to choose it.

Convenience: Visa on arrival allows for obtaining the visa for arrival at the airport, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate.

Time-saving: The online application process for visa on arrival is quick, usually taking a few days or hours, making it suitable for urgent travel plans.

Flexibility: Travelers can choose their preferred airport of arrival, such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang, offering flexibility in entry points.

Cost-effective: Visa on arrival is often more affordable than other methods, with lower fees than embassy or consulate applications.

Versatile for various purposes: Visa on arrival covers tourism, business, and visiting purposes, accommodating different travel needs.

Streamlined application: The visa-on-arrival process involves online form completion, payment, and receiving an approval letter via email, minimizing paperwork and simplifying the application experience.

Tourist Visa through Embassy or Consulate:

Apply for tourist visas at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Submit the required documents. Once approved, the visa will be affixed to your passport.

Why select this type?

Consular convenience: Apply for Vietnam visa at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country for a convenient process.

Direct assistance: Embassy or consulate applications offer direct communication with consular staff for personalized assistance.

In-person submission: Submit your application and documents for a thorough review.

Visa specialization: Embassy or consulate applications cater to specific visa types, such as work or student visas.

Additional services: Embassies or consulates may provide expedited processing or documentlegalization services.

For more details about the tourist visa in Vietnam, continue reading the following description…

E-Visa: Our Most Recommended Method for Obtaining a Vietnam Visa

The Vietnam e visa is an electronic system that allows travelers to apply for and obtain a Vietnam visa online, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate in person.

Official E-visa website at https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/web/guest/trang-chu-ttdt.

e-visa-application-page
e-visa Application page

E-visa application process:

- Apply online on the official Vietnamese government website or e-visa application portal

- Fill out the application form and upload documents

- Pay the e-visa application fee online

- Receive the e-visa approval letter via email

- Print the e-visa approval letter and carry it with you during your travel to Vietnam

Required Documents:

Passport Scan: Scan the biographical page of your passport, ensuring clarity and legibility.

Passport-Sized Photo: Provide a digital passport-sized photo meeting specific requirements (e.g., white background, no glasses or headwear).

Personal Information: Enter accurate details, including full name, gender, date of birth, nationality, and passport information.

Travel Itinerary: Submit a copy of your travel itinerary or flight details, including entry date and airport.

Accommodation Details: Provide information about your accommodation in Vietnam, including hotel name, address, and contact details.

Additional Documents (if applicable): Submit any necessary supporting documents based on the purpose of your visit, such as a business invitation letter.

Processing Time:

E-visa processing time in Vietnam is typically 3 to 5 working days. However, processing times may vary due to weekends, holidays, and peak travel seasons. To ensure timely approval, apply in advance, particularly during busy periods.

Standard Fee: $25 for a single-entry visa valid for up to 30 days

Length of stay and validity:

With a Tourist E-visa, you can stay in Vietnam for 30 days from the date of entry, as stated in your e-visa.

Length of Stay: Typically up to 30 days, but can vary.

Validity: The e-visa is usually valid for a single entry within a specific period, such as 30 or 90 days.

However, not everyone is eligible for a Vietnam e-visa. The availability of e-visa depends on the nationality of the traveler.

Citizens of 80 countries were eligible to apply for a Vietnam e-visa. Here is the list of the 80 countries.

Andorra

Argentina

Armenia

Australia

Austria

Azerbaijan

Belarus

Belgium

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Brazil

Bruney

Bulgaria

Canada

Chile

China

Colombia

Croatia

Cuba

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Fiji

Finland

France

Georgia

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

India

Ireland

Italy

Japan

Kazakhstan

Korea (South)

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Macedonia The former Yugoslav of

Malta

Marshall Islands

Mexico

Micronesia Federated States of

Moldova

Monaco

Mongolia

Montenegro

Myanmar

Nauru

Netherland

New Zealand

Norway

Palau

Panama

Papua New Guinea

Peru

Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Qatar

Romania

Russia

Samoa

San Marino

Serbia

Slovakia

Slovenia

Solomon Islands

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Timor Leste

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

United States of America

Uruguay

Vanuatu

Venezuela

Vietnam Visa on Arrival: An Alternative Option for Easy Entry

Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) is an option for obtaining a Vietnam visa upon arrival at designated airports in Vietnam.

It is an alternative method for obtaining a visa, particularly for those who do not have access to a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in their home country.

Application Process:

- Apply online through a visa agency or travel agency

- Receive an approval letter via email

- Present the approval letter and required documents at the visa-on-arrival counter in Vietnam

- Pay the visa stamping fee and get the visa

vvoa
Vietnam Visa on Arrival at the airport

Required Documents:

Approval Letter: Obtain an approval letter issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department through a visa or travel agency in Vietnam.

Passport: Ensure your original passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.

Entry and Exit Form: Complete the entry and exit form upon arrival, providing accurate information about your details, purpose of visit, and intended stay duration.

Passport-Sized Photo: Prepare two passport-sized photos (4cm x 6cm) taken within the last six months. The photos should have a white background, and your face should be clear and visible without obstructions, such as glasses or headwear.

Visa Stamping Fee: Pay the visa stamping fee in cash (USD) upon arrival at the Visa on Arrival counter. The fee varies based on nationality and visa type.
$25 for 1 month/3 month Single Entry visa
$50 for 1 month/3 month Multiple Entry visas
(Updated in 2019)

Flight Itinerary: Although not always required, having a copy of your flight itinerary can serve as additional proof of your travel plans. 

Processing Time:

The processing time typically takes 1 to 2 business days for the online application and approval letter. Once you arrive in Vietnam, the airport usually takes 15 to 30 minutes for a visa stamp. Applying in advance and considering potential delays during peak travel seasons or holidays.

Fee:

A Vietnam Visa on Arrival fee includes the visa approval letter and stamping fees.

      • Visa Approval letter fee: varies depending on the agency you use. It's best to check with your chosen agency for the exact fee amount.
      • Visa stamping fee: the visa stamping fee for a single-entry tourist visa was $25 for most nationalities.

Length of stay and validity:

With a Vietnam Visa on Arrival, you can remain in the country for up to 30 days from the entry date.

Length of Stay: Typically up to 30 days, but can vary.

Validity: The visa is typically valid for a single entry within a specific period, such as 3 or 6 months.

But, you should notice that not everyone is eligible for a visa on arrival in Vietnam.

Citizens of the following countries were not eligible for a Vietnam Visa on arrival:

Afghanistan

Algeria

Bangladesh

Cameroon

Ghana

Guinea-Bissau

Iran

Iraq

Jordan

Mozambique

Nigeria

Pakistan

Saudi Arabia

Sri Lanka

Sudan

 Citizens of certain countries may not be eligible for a Vietnam visa on arrival and must apply through the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in their home country.

Embassy or Consulate Application: Convenient but Requires Planning

If you prefer to obtain your Vietnam visa before your trip, you can apply for Vietnam visa at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your home country or where you currently reside.

Application Process:

- Visit the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate

- Obtain the visa application form and fill it out

- Submit the application form along with the required documents and the visa fee

- Wait for the processing of your visa application

- Collect your passport with the visa when it's ready

application-form
Visa application form

Required Documents:

Passport: Your original passport with a validity of at least six months beyond your intended stay in Vietnam is required. It should also have blank pages for the visa sticker.

Visa Application Form: Download the form from the embassy/consulate website. Fill it accurately with personal, travel, and purpose details.
Passport-Sized Photos: Submit two recent photos meeting embassy/consulate requirements: white background, no glasses or headwear, clear view of your face.

Visa Fee: Pay the required fee according to embassy/consulate guidelines. Check their website or contact them for the amount and accepted payment methods.

Supporting Documents: Depending on the purpose of your visit, you may be required to submit additional supporting documents.
For tourist visas: No additional documents. But have a travel itinerary or flight bookings handy.

Prepaid Return Envelope: Some consulates/embassies may request a prepaid envelope with your address for passport and visa return.

Processing Time:

Standard processing time is typically around 5 to 7 business days. Expedited processing options may be available for an additional fee, with processing times ranging from 1 to 3 business days. However, processing times can vary depending on the embassy, consulate, and other factors. Applying well before your travel dates is advisable to allow for any potential delays.

Fee:

The fees for a Vietnam visa application through an embassy or consulate can vary depending on nationality, visa type, and embassy/consulate location. Please visit the official website of the embassy or consulate or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date fee information.

For the United States, the visa application fee for a single-entry tourist visa for US citizens was generally around $80 to $135.

Length of stay and validity:

Due to the embassy or consulate application, you are allowed for single or multiple entries, valid for up to 30 days.

Length of Stay: Typically up to 30 days, but can vary.

Validity: Usually valid for single or multiple entries within a specific period, such as 3 or 6 months.

Note that

the requirements and procedures for embassy or consulate applications can vary depending on your country of residence and the Vietnamese diplomatic mission you are applying to.

Tips about Applying for a Vietnam Visa

Before applying for a Vietnam Visa, read the following Vietnam Travel tips about Vietnam visa to Vietnam:

A: Don’t wait until the last minute to apply

You should know that a Vietnam visa application takes a certain amount of time.

During the application or waiting period, a series of unknown situations may prevent you from getting the visa as expected.

Therefore, start the application process early to allow sufficient time for processing and approval.

Applying early help avoid expedited processing, which can incur additional charges (rush fees).

Applying in advance gives you a buffer period to address any unexpected complications that may arise during the application process.

Applying early ensures your visa is ready before departure, reducing stress and allowing for better trip planning.

B: Print out the visa before entering Vietnam

It's essential to have a physical copy of your visa approval letter or e-visa when entering Vietnam.

Printing facilities may not be available at the airport or in remote areas, so printing your visa in advance is best.

By printing your visa beforehand, you can avoid potential charges for printing services at the airport or other locations.

A printed copy guarantees all the necessary documents for a smooth entry into Vietnam.

C: Pay attention to the duration of your visa, don’t overstay the visa

One crucial tip when obtaining a Vietnam visa is to pay attention to the duration of your visa and avoid overstaying.

Make sure to abide by the authorized duration of your visa, as overstaying is against immigration regulations.

It can result in fines, legal consequences, and difficulties during immigration clearance.

Overstaying also incurs daily fees, so respect your visa's duration to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Overstaying can impact future visa applications and travel plans. Stay in compliance with immigration laws for hassle-free travel.

D: Knowing the visa extension and renewal procedures if you need

Familiarize the visa extension and renewal procedures if you need to stay in Vietnam longer.

Understand that the extension and renewal processes allow you to adjust your travel plans if you need to stay longer in Vietnam.

Extending or renewing your visa ensures you abide by the regulations and avoid penalties or legal issues for overstaying.

Know the requirements to help you gather the documents in advance for a smooth application process.

If you have questions, contact the appropriate consular or immigration authorities.

Conclusion

Throughout this guide, Indochina Tour hopes it has provided valuable information and insights on obtaining a Vietnam visa. Following the steps outlined and being well-prepared can ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience during your Vietnam tour. Remember to consult the official sources and stay updated on any changes in visa regulations.

Wishing you a fantastic Vietnam Attraction enjoyment exploring the beauty and culture of Vietnam!

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