Vietnam Visit Visa Application Process & Requirements

If the thought of relishing a bowl of authentic Pho, cruising along the Halong Bay, or experiencing the hustle and bustle of Hanoi excites you, it’s time to plan your visit to Vietnam.

But before you let your wanderlust take over, understanding the Vietnam visit visa application process and its requirements is paramount.

Let’s dive into this guide, designed to ease your visa application journey.

1. Understand Your Vietnam Visa Type

In Vietnam, there are different types of visas depending on your visit’s purpose. Tourists commonly opt for a Single Entry or Multiple Entry visa, both allowing a stay of up to 30 days.

If you’re going to Vietnam for business or long-term study, other specific visas will be more suitable. Ensure you’re clear on your travel purpose before you apply.

2. Know Your Eligibility

The visa requirements for Vietnam depend on your nationality. Citizens of several countries, including most ASEAN countries, are exempted from visas for stays of 14 to 30 days.

However, visitors from many other countries, like the U.S., Canada, and Australia, will need a visa. You can verify your specific requirements on the official Vietnamese Immigration Department website.

3. Gathering Your Documents

Collect the necessary documents for your visa application. A general checklist would include:

• Your passport, which should have at least six months validity beyond your intended stay in Vietnam, with at least two blank pages.
• A completed Vietnam Visa Application Form, which you can find on the Vietnamese Immigration Department website.
• Two recent passport-sized photos.
• Proof of onward and return travel, like your flight bookings.
• Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking or an invitation letter if you’re staying with a local host.
• A copy of your recent bank statement to show you have sufficient funds for your stay.

Keep in mind that any documents not in Vietnamese or English need to be translated and notarized.

4. Vietnam Visa Application Method

There are three main ways to apply for a Vietnamese visa:

1. Visa at the Embassy: Traditional route of applying at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country. You’ll submit your application and pick up your visa when it’s ready.
2. Visa on Arrival (VOA): Popular among travelers for its convenience, you apply online via a travel agency, who will send you an approval letter. Present this letter on arrival in Vietnam, pay the stamping fee, and receive your visa.
3. E-Visa: An increasingly common method where you apply and pay online, and receive your visa via email. Print it out and present it upon arrival in Vietnam.

Choose the method that suits your needs best.

5. Pay the Visa Fee

Once you’ve applied, you’ll need to pay a visa fee, the amount of which depends on your chosen application method and visa type.

If you’re applying at an embassy or for an E-visa, the fee is typically paid online via debit or credit card. For VOA, you’ll pay a service fee online to the agency, and then a stamping fee in cash on arrival in Vietnam.

6. Wait for Visa Processing

The processing time for your visa can vary based on your application method. It usually takes 5 to 7 business days for embassy processing, 2 to 3 working days for VOA, and 3 working days for an E-visa. Patience is key here!

7. Receive Your Vietnam Visa

Once your visa application is approved, you’ll receive your visa (or approval letter, in the case of VOA). Now, you’re ready to embark on your Vietnamese adventure.

FAQs

1. Can I extend my tourist visa once I’m in Vietnam?

Yes, it’s possible to extend your tourist visa for another 30 days while you’re in Vietnam. You’ll need to apply through a travel agency and pay a fee.

2. Can I work in Vietnam with a tourist visa?

No, you can’t legally work in Vietnam on a tourist visa. If you plan to work, you’ll need to apply for a specific work visa.

3. What happens if my visa application is rejected?

If your visa application is rejected, the embassy or agency will inform you of the reason for the denial. You can then correct any issues and reapply.

Planning a trip to Vietnam should be an exciting process, with the visa application just a minor step along the way.

With this comprehensive guide, you’ll breeze through the process and be free to dream about the wonders that await you in Vietnam.

Remember, though, visa regulations can change, so always double-check the official websites for the latest updates. Safe travels!

This article is up to date as of May 2023, but always refer to the official Vietnamese government website for the most accurate information.