Vietnam is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. Known for its unparalleled natural beauty, rich culture and history, friendly locals and fast-growing economy. Before even thinking about flying to this country, make sure to have a read on the latest travel restrictions in Vietnam.
Prior to the COVID-19 situation, vacationers and expats fly to the country for various reasons – leisure, business and work. The borders are still close for vacationers as of this writing however, it is slowly opening its airports for valid travellers.
It may not be soon that Vietnam will fully open its gates to anticipating travelers, but it sure is great to know about the visa requirements in this country.
Vietnam has several types of visa to offer, in this article you’ll learn about visas on arrival and e-Visas.
The country also offers visa exemptions ranging from 14 to 90 days specific to citizens from 24 countries, here’s a complete list of exempted countries with corresponding valid number of travel days.
Travel Tip: If you are headed to Phu Quoc Island, you are allowed entry with no visa and explore the island for 30 days. Upon arrival to Vietnam, just present your outbound ticket and you’re good to go.
Visas on arrival
For multiple entry travels or trips that exceeds 30 days, it is advised to secure a visa on arrival. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Passport photo in 4×6 with standard white background and bare face with no accessories
- Completed visa application form
- A valid passport or ID for 6 months upon arrival to Vietnam
- Visa fee approximately at 25 USD to 50 USD
- Letter of Approval from a consulate or Vietnamese embassy.
Here’s an official website to help you with the steps. There are several online services that can also assist you with securing a Letter of approval or seek a travel agent’s guidance. However, if you are near a local Vietnamese embassy or consulate, you can directly drop by and submit the above requirements.
Travel Tip: Note that upon arrival at the airport, you will need to pay the visa stamp fee in US Dollars or Vietnamese Dong (VND).
Vietnam e-Visa
Securing an e-Visa allows you to directly head over to the immigration counters upon arrival and skip the queue at the Visa on Arrival counters. However, before applying, make sure your country falls under the following countries:
- Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Chile, China (including Hong Kong and Macau passports), Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Philippines, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Salomon Islands, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Timor Leste, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, and Western Samoa.
Easy Steps to Apply for an e-Visa:
Secure the required materials:
- A 4×6 passport photo in .jpg format with a white background and bare face with no accessories
- A photo in .jpg format showing your passport details
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Your temporary address in Vietnam (accommodation address) and points of entry and exit
- Debit or credit card for payment
1. Head to this link or access www.immigration.gov.vn and hop on to ‘E-visa Issuance’ section, from there, click on the link for ‘Outside Vietnam foreigners’.
2. Upload the .jpg formatted images that show your passport details and passport photo and fill out the required fields on the form completely. Submit your form.
3. Proceed to paying the e-Visa fee of 25 USD. Copy and save the document code provided upon payment.
4. Expect an email with your e-Visa application within three business days. Should you not receive any emails, look up for you e-Visa at this link.
5. Use your saved document code to locate your e-Visa online. Make sure to download and print the e-Visa – keeping a spare copy just in case you lose the other.
