Vietnam tourist visa: Everything you need to know

Well known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, vibrant cities and warm-hearted locals, Vietnam is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a Vietnam visa before your trip or may be exempt for a short stay. For most travelers, entering Vietnam requires a tourist visa, which allows foreigners to stay in the country for a certain period for tourism or leisure purposes.

This article will provide you with all details of Vietnam tourist visa from tourist visa types, requirements of getting Vietnam tourists visa, processing time, and fees.

What is a Vietnam tourist visa?

A Vietnam tourist visa is an official document issued by the Vietnamese government that permits foreign citizens to enter the country for travel or sightseeing. It is typically valid for 30 up to 90 days, depending on the type visa and the traveler’s needs. Foreign tourists can apply for Vietnam tourist visa online (Vietnam eVisa or Vietnam visa on arrival), or through Vietnam embassy or consulate.

👉 Please be noted that Vietnam tourist visa is strictly for leisure purposes only. It does not permit travelers to engage in work, business, or paid activities during your stay in Vietnam. Overstaying or misusing a Vietnam tourist visa may result in fines or future entry restrictions.

Who does not need a Vietnam tourist visa?

Up to now, Vietnam has granted visa exemptions to citizens of several countries, allowing them to visit the country without a visa for a limited time. As of recent updates, travelers from countries such as Southeast Asia can stay visa-free for up to 30 days, while citizens from Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, and the Nordic countries are typically allowed to stay visa-free for up to 45 days.

For details, please check the table as below.

(*) under condition, please contact us directly for assistance.

Moreover, travelers on the direct flight to Phu Quoc, visiting the Islands for less than 30 days are also exempt from visa requirements, provided they meet certain entry conditions. Check information of Phu Quoc visa exemption here.

👉 Notes: It is always advisable to check the latest official list of Vietnam visa free before departure, as Vietnam visa policy can be updated.

Ways to get a Vietnam tourist visa 

At the moment, there are 03 common ways to get a Vietnam tourist visa, including: 

• Vietnam eVisa: Available to citizens of over 80 countries. Vietnam eVisa can be applied online through the Vietnamese government portal with the validity of 30 to 90 days, single and multiple entries, and it allows the holders to enter Vietnam via designated airports, land borders, or seaports.
• Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA): Travelers can apply for a pre-approval letter through a travel agency or visa service before departure. Then upon arrival at international airports such as Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), or Da Nang, VOA holders present the letter to get the Vietnam tourist visa stamped on original passport. This Vietnam tourist visa is ideal for AIR travelers only and can be issued for single or multiple entries with varying durations (usually up to 90 days).

👉 Notes: 1-year multiple VOA for USA citizens are canceled until there is any further updates from the Government.

• Vietnam Embassy or Consulate Visa: This option requires travelers to apply directly through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in their home country, especially suitable for those needing longer, who have enough time waiting for the procedures, or who prefer to have a Vietnam visa ready stamped on passport before traveling.

Sample of Vietnam tourist eVisa

Vietnam tourist visa requirements

No matter what type of Vietnam tourist visa you are going to apply, please make sure that you prepare well these following documents:

• A valid passport with at least 06 months of validity remaining from the date of entry, and have at least 02 blank pages;
• A completed Vietnam visa application form (it can be online or paper form, depending on the method you choose);
• A recent passport-sized photo (white background, no wearing glass);
• Vietnam visa fee (varies depending on visa type and processing time);

👉 Notes:

• For Vietnam Visa on Arrival, a visa approval letter issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department is required before boarding your flight. You can only get this letter via a travel agency only;
• If you want to apply via Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate, please be noted that some Embassies may also ask for a return ticket, proof of accommodation, or travel itinerary. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you confirm the exact requirements with the before applying;
• Check details of Vietnam visa photo requirements if you are not sure about it;

How to get a Vietnam tourist visa, processing time, and fees

The application procedures, processing time and fees of Vietnam tourist visas will be presented as follow.

• Applying for a Vietnam eVisa: Visit the official Vietnamese government eVisa portal, fill out the online form, upload your passport image and photo, and pay the visa fee (usually US$25 for single entry, and US$50 for multiple entries). Processing takes about 03 to 05 working days, after which you can download the eVisa, print it out, and show upon entry. If you apply via an agency, service fee will be charged.

👉 Notes: If you are in hurry to get a Vietnam e-Visa, asking a travel agency to help. They can support you to get the urgent Vietnam tourist eVisa in 01 working day or even working hours.

• Getting a Vietnam Visa on Arrival: Before flying, is it requested that you obtain a Vietnam visa approval letter through a travel agency, therefore the service fee for this will depend on the agency and the processing time you want. When landed in Vietnam airport, go to the VOA counter, show your approval letter, passport, photos, and pay the stamping fee in cash for the Officer to get Vietnam visa (typically US$25 for single entry and US$50 for multiple entries). Processing at the airport usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes.
• Applying via an Embassy or Consulate: Submit your documents, passport, photos, and fee directly to the Embassy or Consulate address. Fees and processing times vary by country, while processing time usually ranges from 03 to 07 working days.

How to extend a Vietnam tourist visa

At the moment, a Vietnam tourist visa cannot be extended in Vietnam. In case you want to stay longer in the country after visa expires, you can consider to do a visa run instead.

Final tips for travelers

Getting a Vietnam tourist visa is a straightforward process, especially with the convenience of Vietnam eVisa and Visa on Arrival systems now. For a smoother applications and entry into Vietnam, here are some tips for you when applying a Vietnam tourist visa.

• Always apply for your visa well in advance, especially during Vietnamese public holidays like Lunar New Year or Independence Day, when Immigration offices close for several days;
• Check that your passport is valid for at least 06 months beyond your intended stay in Vietnam;
• Print or save a digital copy of your Vietnam eVisa or approval letter (in case you apply for VOA) before traveling;
• Use only official websites and reliable agencies to avoid scams or invalid visas;

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Disclaimer: While we put an effort to ensure that the provided information is correct and up-to-date, there are probably changes which we are unaware of.