Updates to the guidelines for obtaining a visa to Vietnam

Vietnam, an alluring country in Southeast Asia, invites visitors with its diverse customs, breathtaking scenery, and lively metropolises. Whether you desire a relaxing beach getaway, an intrepid journey through the countryside, or an immersive encounter with bustling city life, Vietnam guarantees an unforgettable trip. Nevertheless, prior to embarking on your Vietnamese escapade, it is crucial to comprehend the visa regulations. This comprehensive manual delves into the complexities of obtaining a visa to Vietnam, guaranteeing a seamless and trouble-free voyage.

Vietnam’s Visa Regulations

Most nations’ inhabitants are required to obtain a visa in order to travel to Vietnam. The specific criteria for obtaining a visa differ based on your citizenship and the reason for your trip. In general, you will be expected to submit the following paperwork:

• A valid passport with at least six months remaining validity
• A completed visa application form
• Two recent passport-sized photographs
• A visa approval letter (for e-visas or visas on arrival)
• Proof of onward travel (for tourist visas)
• Proof of sufficient funds (for longer stays)

Extra paperwork may be necessary depending on the specific visa you are seeking. It is crucial to keep in mind that all documents must be in either English or Vietnamese, and any non-English documents must be translated and certified by a notary.

Passport Requirements for Vietnam Visas

Your passport should have a minimum of six months validity from the date of your arrival in Vietnam. Moreover, it must contain at least one empty page for the visa stamp. In case your passport does not meet these criteria, you will be required to renew it before submitting your visa application.

Photograph Requirements for Vietnam Visas

The two recent passport-sized photographs must meet the following criteria:

• Taken within the last six months
• In color, with a white background
• Printed on high-quality photo paper
• 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size
• Full face, front view with a neutral facial expression
• No glasses or headwear (except for religious purposes)

Types of Visa to Vietnam

Vietnam offers a variety of visa types to cater to the diverse needs of travelers. The most common types of visas are:

• Tourist visa: For those visiting Vietnam for tourism purposes.
• Business visa: For those traveling to Vietnam for business-related activities.
• Student visa: For those studying in Vietnam.
• Work visa: For those working in Vietnam.
• Transit visa: For those transiting through Vietnam to another destination.

Each type of visa has its own specific requirements and validity periods. It is important to carefully consider your purpose of travel and choose the appropriate visa type.

Visa for Tourists

The most commonly requested visa for Vietnam is the tourist visa. It permits individuals to remain in the country for a maximum of 30 days and can be prolonged for an extra 30 days. This type of visa is ideal for those embarking on a vacation, exploring tourist attractions, or visiting loved ones.

To apply for a tourist visa, you will need to provide proof of onward travel, such as a return flight ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Vietnam. The visa processing time for a tourist visa is usually 3-5 business days.

Corporate Visa

The business visa is appropriate for individuals who are visiting Vietnam for business purposes, such as participating in conferences, meetings, or carrying out market research. It permits a longer duration of stay of 90 days and can also be prolonged for an extra 90 days.

In order to obtain a business visa, you must submit a letter from your employer or business associate in Vietnam that outlines the reason for your trip and the length of your stay. The typical processing time for a business visa is 5-7 working days.

Visa for Students

The student visa is required for those studying in Vietnam for more than 30 days. It allows for a stay of up to one year and can be extended for the duration of your studies.

To apply for a student visa, you will need to provide an acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution in Vietnam and proof of sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses. The visa processing time for a student visa is usually 5-7 business days.

Work Visa

The work visa is required for those who are employed by a company in Vietnam or are planning to work as a freelancer. It allows for a stay of up to two years and can be extended for the duration of your employment.

To apply for a work visa, you will need to provide a work permit issued by the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs in Vietnam, along with other supporting documents. The visa processing time for a work visa is usually 5-7 business days.

Visa for transit purposes

The transit visa is appropriate for individuals who are passing through Vietnam en route to a different location. It permits a maximum stay of five days and can only be used once.

In order to request a transit visa, you must present evidence of your onward journey and a valid visa for your ultimate destination. Typically, the processing time for a transit visa is between 3 to 5 working days.

Requesting a Visa for Vietnam

There are three options for obtaining a Visa to Vietnam: visa on arrival, e-visa, and embassy/consulate application. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is crucial to select the one that is most suitable for your requirements.

Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival Option

The visa on arrival option is available for citizens of most countries, except for those who are eligible for an e-visa. This method allows you to obtain a visa upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports.

To apply for a visa on arrival, you will need to obtain a visa approval letter from a travel agency or a visa service provider. The process is simple and can be completed online. Once you receive the approval letter, you will need to present it along with your passport, photographs, and visa stamping fee at the immigration counter upon arrival in Vietnam.

The visa on arrival choice is advantageous for individuals with limited time or lack of access to an embassy or consulate. Nevertheless, it should be noted that this approach is solely applicable for air travel and may lead to extended waiting periods at the airport.

E-visa for Vietnam

The e-visa option is available for citizens of 80 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and most European countries. This method allows you to apply for a visa online and receive an electronic visa (e-visa) via email.

To apply for an e-visa, you will need to complete an online application form and pay the visa fee. The processing time for an e-visa is usually 3-5 business days. Once approved, you will receive an e-visa which you can print and present upon arrival in Vietnam.

The electronic visa alternative is suitable for individuals who favor having their visa in their possession prior to their trip and wish to avoid the inconvenience of obtaining a visa upon arrival. Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge that this approach is only applicable for one-time entry and has a shorter duration of validity compared to other types of visas.

Embassy/Consulate Application

The embassy/consulate application is ideal for individuals who prefer to obtain their visa prior to traveling and are comfortable with physically visiting an embassy or consulate. This approach enables you to personally submit your application to the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

In order to request a visa from an embassy or consulate, it is necessary to obtain and fill out the appropriate visa application form, collect all necessary paperwork, and deliver them in person or via mail. The duration of this process may differ depending on the specific embassy or consulate, thus it is crucial to inquire beforehand.

Visa Extension for Vietnam

If you wish to extend your stay in Vietnam beyond the validity period of your visa, you can apply for a visa extension at the Immigration Department in Vietnam. The process is simple and can be completed within 3-5 business days.

To apply for a visa extension, you will need to provide your passport, current visa, and proof of sufficient funds to cover your extended stay. It is important to note that not all visa types are eligible for an extension, so it is best to check with the Immigration Department beforehand.

Visa Fees for Vietnam

The visa fees for Vietnam vary depending on your nationality, type of visa, and method of application. Generally, the fees range from $25 to $135. It is important to note that there may be additional fees for visa services or expedited processing.

Here is a breakdown of the visa fees for different visa types:

Visa Type	Visa Fee (USD)
Tourist Visa	$25 – $50
Business Visa	$80 – $135
Student Visa	$25 – $135
Work Visa	$80 – $135
Transit Visa	$25

Visa Processing Times for Vietnam

The duration for processing visas in Vietnam is subject to change depending on the type of visa and method of application. Typically, it takes 3-7 business days to process a visa. However, it should be noted that unexpected situations or a large number of applications may lead to longer processing times.

Here is an estimated timeline for each method of application:

Method of Application	Processing Time
Visa on Arrival	3-5 business days
E-visa	3-5 business days
Embassy/Consulate Application	Varies

Visa Exemptions for Vietnam

There are some exemptions to the visa requirements for Vietnam. Citizens of certain countries do not require a visa for short stays, usually up to 15 days. These countries include:

• Brunei
• Cambodia
• Indonesia
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos
• Malaysia
• Myanmar
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Thailand

Citizens of South Korea, Japan, Russia, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Belarus can also visit Vietnam without a visa for up to 15 days.

Additionally, citizens of Chile can visit Vietnam without a visa for up to 90 days, while citizens of Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand can visit without a visa for up to 30 days.

It is important to note that these exemptions may change at any time, so it is best to check with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Visas for Vietnam

1. How much does a visa for Vietnam cost?

The cost of a visa for Vietnam varies depending on the type of visa and the length of stay. Visa on arrival costs US$25, while an e-visa costs US$40. Visas obtained at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate typically cost US$50 or more.

2. How long does it take to get a visa for Vietnam?

Visa on arrival can be obtained within a few minutes at the airport. E-visas are typically processed within 24 hours. Visas obtained at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate may take several weeks to process.

3. What documents do I need to apply for a visa for Vietnam?

The documents required for a visa application vary depending on the type of visa. However, you will typically need to provide a passport, a recent photograph, and proof of onward travel.

4. Where can I apply for a visa for Vietnam?

You can apply for a visa on arrival online or at the airport upon arrival in Vietnam. You can also apply for an e-visa online. Visas can also be obtained at Vietnamese embassies and consulates around the world.

Visa on Arrival (VOA) Specific Questions

1. Which airports in Vietnam can I use to get a visa on arrival?

You can get a visa on arrival at the following international airports in Vietnam:

• Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
• Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
• Danang Airport (Da Nang)
• Cam Ranh Airport (Nha Trang)

2. What are the requirements for getting a visa on arrival?

To get a visa on arrival, you must:

• Be a citizen of a country that is eligible for visa on arrival
• Have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
• Have one recent passport-sized photograph
• Have proof of onward travel
• Pay the visa fee

3. How long is a visa on arrival valid for?

A visa on arrival is valid for a stay of up to 30 days.

4. Can I extend my visa on arrival?

Yes, you can extend your visa on arrival at a Vietnamese Immigration Department office.

E-visa Specific Questions

1. Which countries are eligible for an e-visa?

Citizens of the following countries are eligible for an e-visa:

• A full list of eligible countries is available on the website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.

2. How long is an e-visa valid for?

An e-visa is valid for a stay of up to 30 days.

3. Can I extend my e-visa?

No, you cannot extend an e-visa.

Visa at a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate Specific Questions

1. Where can I find a Vietnamese embassy or consulate?

A list of Vietnamese embassies and consulates around the world is available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam.

2. What are the requirements for getting a visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate?

The requirements for getting a visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate vary depending on the type of visa. However, you will typically need to provide a passport, a recent photograph, proof of onward travel, and a letter of invitation from a Vietnamese company or organization.

3. How long does it take to get a visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate?

The processing time for visas at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate typically takes several weeks.

Conclusion

N Traveling to Vietnam can be overwhelming when it comes to obtaining a visa, but with this all-inclusive manual, you have everything necessary to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience. It is important to carefully assess the reason for your trip and select the appropriate visa category, as well as stay updated on any changes or exemptions before embarking on your journey. Armed with the correct visa, you can fully embrace the enchanting sights and traditions of Vietnam without any concerns.