Visas and Entry Requirements for Travelers to Vietnam

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Visas and Entry Requirements

With Vietnam’s rise as a must-visit travel destination, it’s crucial for travelers to be well-informed about visa requirements and entry protocols. Understanding the visa process ensures a smooth journey, allowing visitors to focus on exploring the country’s rich culture, history, and natural wonders. Here’s a guide on what travelers need to know before entering Vietnam.

1. Visa Exemptions

Vietnam offers visa exemptions for citizens of certain countries, allowing them to visit for a specific duration without a visa. Eligible travelers include:

Brunei, Myanmar, Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, The UK, The Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Chile, Panama.

• ASEAN Nations (Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, etc.): Up to 45 days
• Europe and Asia (including Japan, South Korea, Russia, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy): Up to 45 days
• Chile and Panama: Up to 90 days

Travelers must hold passports valid for at least six months upon entry. For those planning a longer stay, a diffent visa will be required.

2. Other Types of Visas Available

Vietnam provides multiple visa types depending on the purpose and duration of the visit:

• Tourist Visa (DL): Ideal for leisure travelers planning short-term visits.
  • Qualified applicants: Individuals traveling for tourism, leisure, or recreational activities.
  • Duration: Generally issued for up to 90 days, with single or multiple entry options.
• Business Visa (DN): Tailored for business travelers who need to conduct short-term business activities within Vietnam.
  • Qualified applicants: Professionals attending meetings, business seminars, or other business-related activities. Applicants must have a qualified company sponsor in Vietnam in order to apply for this visa type. Without an actual qualified company sponsorship, it may relate to an illegal visa.
  • Duration: Typically issued for 30-90 days; single or multiple entries may be permitted for business needs.
  • Visa can be collected at a Vietnamese consulate overseas or at any of the Vietnam international land borders or international airport on arrival.
  • Visa application time: 5 to 7 working days for a normal processing time. At Chapi Tours, we can do it in less than 2 working days if required.
• E-visa: This convenient electronic visa allows travelers from eligible countries to apply online and receive their visa digitally.
  • Qualified applicants: From 15th August 2023, Vietnam grants e-visas for citizens of all countries and territories. Having said that there are still some nationalities in “limitations”
  • Duration: 30 days – 90 days Single entry or multiple entry.
  • How to apply: Applications can be submitted through the official Vietnamese Immigration Department website, where applicants upload a passport photo, scan of the passport data page, and pay a non-refundable fee. The e-visa is typically processed within 3-5 business days and sent via email. Here is the official website from the government: https://www.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/khai-thi-thuc-dien-tu/cap-thi-thuc-dien-tu?type=edit&maSoHoSo=
  • Be aware of: fake websites that promote and tent to the government website. If you use a wrong website to process your visa, you maybe able to lose your visa.
    
• Visa on Arrival (VOA): Available for those arriving by air who need a visa for immediate travel.
  • Qualified applicants: Travelers who may not have time for pre-application processes or are visiting for tourist or business purposes.
  • Duration: 30 days for tourist purposes; 90 days for business purposes.
  • How it works: Travelers must apply in advance through an authorized agency/visa agent for an approval letter, which they present when they board the flight and along with their passport upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports (in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang) to collect their visa and pay the visa stamping fee.

3. Emergency Visa Services

For travelers with urgent plans, Chapi Tours offers an emergency visa service to expedite processing times. Our team works directly with Vietnamese immigration authorities to handle emergency requests within the following timeframes:

• Same-day processing (half a day)
• 1 working day
• 2 working days

Whether you face unexpected itinerary changes or a tight travel window, Chapi Tours’ emergency visa service ensures timely, reliable assistance.

4. How to Apply for a Vietnamese E-visa

For travelers from eligible countries, the e-visa is one of the most efficient ways to enter Vietnam. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare your documents: Ensure you have a recent passport photo in .jpg format and a clear scan of the passport data page.
2. Submit an online application: Visit the official Vietnamese Immigration Department website and follow the prompts.
3. Payment: Pay the non-refundable e-visa processing fee online.
4. Processing time: The e-visa is generally approved within 3-5 business days and sent to your email.

The e-visa allows a single or multiple entry and is valid for stays of up to 90 days.

5. Visa on Arrival (VOA)

For air travelers, the VOA offers a flexible option to secure a visa upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s major airports. Here’s how it works:

1. Approval letter: Apply in advance through a visa agency to receive an approval letter from the Vietnamese Immigration Department.
2. Documentation: At the airport, present the approval letter, passport, and stamping fee to receive the VOA.
3. Additional documents: Bring two passport-sized photos and complete a short application form upon arrival.

The VOA is available for both tourism and business purposes, with duration options that vary based on the visa type.

6. Additional Tips for Entry

• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
• Proof of Exit: Travelers may be asked to show proof of onward travel.
• Travel Insurance: While not mandatory, travel insurance that covers medical expenses and other travel-related incidents is recommended for peace of mind.

7. Visa Extensions

Travelers wishing to stay longer than their visa permits can apply for an extension. Extensions are granted by the Vietnamese Immigration Department based on the visa type and current length of stay. For assistance, Chapi Tours can facilitate the extension process, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

8. Entry Points

Here is the list of border gates that allowed foreigners enter and exit Vietnam by E-visa.

13 international airports: Noi Bai (Ha Noi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa), Da Nang, Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Can Tho, Phu Quoc (Kien Giang), Phu Bai (Thua Thien Hue), Van Don (Quang Ninh), Tho Xuan (Thanh Hoa), Dong Hoi (Quang Binh), Phu Cat (Binh Dinh), Lien Khuong (Lam Dong).

16 land border gates: Tay Trang (Dien Bien), Mong Cai (Quang Ninh), Huu Nghi (Lang Son), Lao Cai, Na Meo (Thanh Hoa), Nam Can (Nghe An), Cau Treo (Ha Tinh), Cha Lo (Quang Binh), La Lay and Lao Bao (Quang Tri), Bo Y (Kon Tum), Moc Bai and Xa Mat (Tay Ninh), Tinh Bien and Vinh Xuong (An Giang), Ha Tien (Kien Giang).

13 sea border gates: Hon Gai and Cam Pha (Quang Ninh), Hai Phong, Nghi Son (Thanh Hoa), Vung Ang (Ha Tinh), Chan May (Thua Thien Hue), Da Nang, Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh), Dung Quat (Quang Ngai), Vung Tau (Ba Ria – Vung Tau), Ho Chi Minh City, Duong Dong (Kien Giang).

Vietnam’s main international airports are Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), and Da Nang International Airport (Da Nang). These are the primary points of entry for tourists with a visa on arrival.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s varied visa options accommodate travelers from different backgrounds and travel needs. Confirm your requirements in advance based on nationality and stay duration, prepare the necessary documents, and reach out to a reliable service provider like Chapi Tours if you require expedited or emergency visa arrangements. With these steps in place, you can enjoy a worry-free experience exploring the incredible beauty of Vietnam.