Do you need a Vietnam visa to explore the bustling streets of Hanoi and the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay? Whether or not you require a visa depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay. Let SIXT.VN guide you through the Vietnam visa requirements, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free start to your adventure. Understand Vietnam travel requirements, Vietnam entry permit regulations, and Vietnamese e-visa options.
Contents
- 1. What is a Vietnam Visa and Why Do You Need One?
- 2. Types of Vietnam Visa and Their Validity
- 3. How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa Online, by Mail or in Person?
- 4. Vietnam Entry Requirements and Documents
- 5. Vietnam Visa Fees and Payment Methods
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions
- 6.1. Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
- 6.2. How long does it take to process a Vietnam visa?
- 6.3. Can I extend my Vietnam visa?
- 6.4. Do British citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam?
- 6.5. What is the address of the Vietnam consulate in the UK?
- 6.6. Do Australian citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam?
- 6.7. Do US citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam?
- 6.8. Are US citizens eligible for Vietnam visa exemption?
1. What is a Vietnam Visa and Why Do You Need One?
A Vietnam visa is an official document that allows you to enter and stay in Vietnam for a specific period and purpose. Most visitors need a visa unless they are from a visa-exempt country or eligible for an e-visa. The country has resumed its pre-pandemic entry policies.
You may need a visa depending on your nationality and the length/purpose of your trip. There are various types, such as:
- Tourist visa (DL)
- Business visa (DN)
- Investor visa (DT)
- Work visa (LD)
- Student visa (DH)
Each has different requirements, validity, and fees.
Visitors from the following countries may enter visa-free, and stay for the indicated number of days:
- ASIA: Brunei, Myanmar (14 days); Japan, South Korea (45 days); The Philippines (21 days); Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand (30 days).
- EUROPE: Belarus, Denmark, Italy, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, The United Kingdom (45 days).
To stay longer, apply for a visa extension upon arrival in Vietnam. Vietnam’s e-Visa is available to nationals of 80 countries and is valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entries. The e-Visa costs $25 USD for card payments and takes three full working days to process. You can apply for an e-visa online here.
If you’re not from a visa-exempt country or eligible for an e-visa, you’ll need to apply for a visa before departure or get a visa on arrival at the airport.
Here is the list of countries allowed to get E-visa:
| No. | ICAO | Nation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | AND | Andorra |
| 2 | ARG | Argentina |
| 3 | ARM | Armenia |
| 4 | AUS | Australia |
| 5 | AUT | Austria |
| 6 | AZE | Azerbaijan |
| 7 | BLR | Belarus |
| 8 | BEL | Belgium |
| 9 | BIH | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| 10 | BRA | Brazil |
| 11 | BRN | Bruney |
| 12 | BGR | Bulgaria |
| 13 | CAN | Canada |
| 14 | CHL | Chile |
| 15 | CHN | China |
| 16 | COL | Colombia |
| 17 | HRV | Croatia |
| 18 | CUB | Cuba |
| 19 | CYP | Cyprus |
| 20 | CZE | Czech Republic |
| 21 | DNK | Denmark |
| 22 | EST | Estonia |
| 23 | FJI | Fiji |
| 24 | FIN | Finland |
| 25 | FRA | France |
| 26 | GEO | Georgia |
| 27 | D | Germany |
| 28 | GRC | Greece |
| 29 | HUN | Hungary |
| 30 | ISL | Iceland |
| 31 | IND | India |
| 32 | IRL | Ireland |
| 33 | ITA | Italy |
| 34 | JPN | Japan |
| 35 | KAZ | Kazakhstan |
| 36 | KOR | Korea (South) |
| 37 | LVA | Latvia |
| 38 | LIE | Liechtenstein |
| 39 | LTU | Lithuania |
| 40 | LUX | Luxembourg |
| 41 | MKD | Macedonia The former Yugoslav |
| 42 | MLT | Malta |
| 43 | MHL | Marshall Islands |
| 44 | MEX | Mexico |
| 45 | FSM | Micronesia Federated States of |
| 46 | MDA | Moldova |
| 47 | MCO | Monaco |
| 48 | MNG | Mongolia |
| 49 | MNE | Montenegro |
| 50 | MMR | Myanmar |
| 51 | NRU | Nauru |
| 52 | NLD | Netherland |
| 53 | NZL | New Zealand |
| 54 | NOR | Norway |
| 55 | PLW | Palau |
| 56 | PAN | Panama |
| 57 | PNG | Papua New Guinea |
| 58 | PER | Peru |
| 59 | PHL | Philippines |
| 60 | POL | Poland |
| 61 | PRT | Portugal |
| 62 | QAT | Qatar |
| 63 | ROU | Romania |
| 64 | RUS | Russia |
| 65 | WSM | Samoa |
| 66 | SMR | San Marino |
| 67 | SRB | Serbia |
| 68 | SVK | Slovakia |
| 69 | SVN | Slovenia |
| 70 | SLB | Solomon Islands |
| 71 | ESP | Spain |
| 72 | SWE | Sweden |
| 73 | CHE | Switzerland |
| 74 | TLS | Timor Leste |
| 75 | ARE | United Arab Emirates |
| 76 | GBR | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland |
| 77 | USA | United States of America |
| 78 | URY | Uruguay |
| 79 | VUT | Vanuatu |
| 80 | VEN | Venezuela |
2. Types of Vietnam Visa and Their Validity
The type and validity of your Vietnam visa depend on your visit’s purpose. As of July 1, 2020, visas are classified into 21 main types, such as DL, DN1, DN2, NG, DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4, LS, DH, LV, LD1, LD2, HN, PV1, TT, SQ, etc. The table below outlines these types and their corresponding validity:
| Type of Vietnam visa by symbol | Description | Corresponding validity |
|---|---|---|
| DL | Tourist visa | No more than 3 months |
| DN1 | Business visa for working with Vietnamese enterprises | No more than 12 months |
| DN2 | Business visa for working with other organizations or individuals in Vietnam | No more than 12 months |
| NG | Diplomatic visa for members of diplomatic missions or consular offices; representatives of international organizations affiliated to the UN; or spouses, children under 18 years of age or housemaids of these members during their term of office | No more than 12 months |
| DT1 | Investor visa for foreign investors in Vietnam or representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam with a capital contribution of VND 100 billion or more | No more than 5 years |
| DT2 | Investor visa for foreign investors in Vietnam or representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam with a capital contribution of VND 50 billion to less than VND 100 billion | No more than 5 years |
| DT3 | Investor visa for foreign investors in Vietnam or representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam with a capital contribution of VND 3 billion to less than VND 50 billion | No more than 3 years |
| DT4 | Investor visa for foreign investors in Vietnam or representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam with a capital contribution of less than VND 3 billion | No more than 12 months |
| LS | Lawyer visa for foreign lawyers practicing in Vietnam | No more than 5 years |
| DH | Student/internship visa for foreigners who come to study or serve internship in Vietnam | No more than 12 months |
| LV1 | Working visa for foreigners who come to work with agencies or organizations under the central authority of the Communist Party of Vietnam; the National Assembly; the Government; the Central Committee of Vietnamese Fatherland Front; the People’s Supreme Court; the People’s Supreme Procuracy; State Audit; Ministries; ministerial agencies; governmental agencies; the People’s Councils; the People’s Committees of provinces. | No more than 12 months |
| LV2 | Working visa for foreigners who come to work with socio-political organizations; social organizations; socio-professional organizations of Vietnam. | No more than 12 months |
| LD1 | Working visa for foreigners who come to work in Vietnam with work permit exemption certificate, unless otherwise provided for in international treaties to which Vietnam is a member. | No more than 2 years |
| LD2 | Working visa for foreigners who must have work permit to work in Vietnam. | No more than 2 years |
| HN | Conference/seminar visa for foreigners who come to attend conferences or seminars in Vietnam. | No more than 3 months |
| PV1 | Permanent residence visa for foreigners who are granted permanent residence cards. | Indefinite |
| TT | Temporary residence visa for foreigners who are parents, spouses or children under 18 years of age of foreigners issued with LV1, LV2, LS, DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4 visas; or foreigners who are parents, spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens. | No more than 12 months |
| SQ | Temporary residence visa for foreigners who come to visit their relatives or for other purposes. This type of visa is issued by Vietnamese diplomatic missions abroad based on requests from competent authorities in Vietnam. The duration is not longer than 30 days. This type of visa can be extended once only for no longer than 30 days. After that extension period expires and if wishing to stay longer in Vietnam, foreigners must apply for temporary residence cards according to regulations. This type of visa is not applicable to those who enter Vietnam under unilateral visa exemption policy. | No more than 30 days |
Common types of visas include:
- Single-entry visa: Allows one entry for up to 30 days.
- Multiple-entry visa: Allows multiple entries for up to 90 days per entry.
- Business visa: For business travel, allows stays up to 90 days.
- Tourist visa: For tourism, allows stays up to 30 days.
- E-visa: Applied for online, valid for a single entry of up to 30 days.
- Visa on arrival: Obtained at the airport, valid for a single entry of up to 30 days.
The validity of a Vietnam visa also depends on your nationality. Some citizens are eligible for visa-free entry. Check the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for specific requirements.
Here’s a table summarizing common Vietnam visas and their validity:
| Visa Type | Validity | Number of Entries |
|---|---|---|
| Single-entry visa | 30 days | Single |
| Multiple-entry visa | 90 days | Multiple |
| Business visa | 90 days | Single or multiple |
| Tourist visa | 30 days | Single |
| E-visa | 30 days | Single |
| Visa on arrival | 30 days | Single |
3. How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa Online, by Mail or in Person?
There are four ways to apply for a Vietnam visa: online, by mail, in person at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or via a local tour operator.
Applying for a Vietnam visa online
-
Benefits:
- Convenient
- Fast processing time
- No need to visit an embassy or consulate
-
Drawbacks:
- Requires a credit card or PayPal
- May not be applicable if your passport isn’t valid
To apply online, visit the website of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and provide the following:
- Full name
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Purpose of travel
- Arrival and departure dates
- Contact information
You’ll also need to upload a scanned copy of your passport and a passport-style photo. Processing usually takes 24 hours, and you’ll receive an approval letter via email.
Applying for a Vietnam visa by mail
-
Benefits:
- Apply from anywhere
- Pay by check or money order
-
Drawbacks:
- Longer processing time
- Risk of not receiving your visa on time
Download the application form from the website of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mail the completed form, a copy of your passport, and a passport photo to the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country. Processing takes 1-2 weeks.
Applying for a Vietnam visa in person
-
Benefits:
- Get your visa immediately
- Ask questions
-
Drawbacks:
- Requires a visit to an embassy or consulate
- Higher application fee
Bring the following documents to the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate:
- Completed visa application form
- Copy of your passport
- Passport-style photo
- Visa application fee
Processing usually takes 1-2 days.
Applying for a Vietnamese visa via a Vietnam Tour Operator
Applying through a local tour operator is convenient and often guaranteed. A service fee (typically $25 to $200) applies. Some operators only handle visa applications for clients using their tour packages, while others assist independent travelers.
The process is simple: provide your passport information, travel dates, and contact information. The tour operator submits the application, and you receive an approval letter upon approval.
- Advantage: Convenience
- Disadvantage: Can be expensive
Keep in mind:
- Choose a reputable tour operator.
- Ask about processing times and fees.
- Inquire about additional fees, such as stamping fees.
At SIXT.VN, we focus on making your travel experience seamless. Contact us to explore our tour packages.
The best application method depends on your preferences and circumstances. Choose online for speed, in person for immediate assistance, and mail for convenience.
4. Vietnam Entry Requirements and Documents
To enter Vietnam, you need the following:
- A valid entry paper (Vietnam visa / temporary residence card / permanent residence card / 5-year visa exemption certificate / entry permit).
- A passport or substitute ID valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
- A 4×6 passport photo with a white background and no glasses.
- A filled-out visa application form.
- A temporary address in Vietnam and points of entry and exit.
- A debit or credit card for payment of visa fees.
Other documents may be required based on your visa type. Check with the Embassy of Vietnam in your country or contact us for more details.
Here are the entry requirements and documents you need to travel to Vietnam:
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay.
- Visa: Required unless you’re a citizen of a visa-free entry country.
- E-visa: Available for eligible countries, valid for 30 days, single-entry only.
- Visa on arrival: Obtainable at designated entry points, valid for 30 days, single-entry only.
- Health insurance: Recommended to cover medical expenses in Vietnam.
- Yellow fever vaccination: Required if traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever.
- Proof of onward travel: Such as a plane ticket or bus ticket.
Additional documents may include:
- Hotel booking confirmation: If staying in a hotel.
- Invitation letter: If visiting for business or study.
5. Vietnam Visa Fees and Payment Methods
Visa fees vary depending on nationality and visa type. The table below outlines common Vietnam visa types and their fees:
| Type of visa | Visa Processing fee | Stamping fee | Payment method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry) | $15 – $125 (depending on processing time) | $25 | Online for processing fee; cash for stamping fee |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry) | $20 – $175 (depending on processing time and validity) | $50 – $135 (depending on validity) | Online for processing fee; cash for stamping fee |
| E-visa | $25 | No stamping fee required | Online |
| Embassy visa | Varies depending on embassy and type of visa | No stamping fee required | Varies depending on embassy |
Fees can be paid in cash, by credit card, or by bank transfer. If applying through a third-party service, you may pay on their website.
Please note that Vietnam visa fees depend on your nationality, processing time, and the tour operator you choose. Some nationalities may have to pay higher fees than others. If you need an urgent visa in 4 or 8 hours, you may have to pay extra charges depending on the tour operator. Therefore, we recommend you to compare different options and check the updated information before applying for your Vietnam visa.
Check with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date visa fees, or visit the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Payment methods include:
- Cash: At a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
- Credit card: On the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
- Bank transfer: To the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Third-party service: Via a service like Vietnam Visa.
Payment methods vary by tour operator, embassy, or consulate.
Tips for applying for a Vietnam visa:
- Start early.
- Check requirements for your nationality.
- Ensure you have all required documents.
- Pay the application fee.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
6.1. Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Whether you need a visa to visit Vietnam depends on your nationality, the length and purpose of your trip. Vietnam has visa exemption agreements with some countries, allowing their citizens to enter and stay for a certain period without a visa.
6.2. How long does it take to process a Vietnam visa?
Processing time varies:
- E-visa: Usually 3 working days.
- Visa on arrival: Usually 1-2 hours.
- Visa application at an embassy or consulate: Usually 1-2 weeks.
Expedited visas are available for an additional fee, with processing times as short as 24 hours.
6.3. Can I extend my Vietnam visa?
Yes, you can extend your Vietnam visa if you meet the requirements:
- Must be in Vietnam.
- Current visa must be valid.
- Must have a valid passport.
- Must pay the extension fee.
Apply for a visa extension at the Immigration Department in Vietnam, providing your passport, current visa, and a completed application form. Processing takes 5-7 working days.
Tips for extending your Vietnam visa:
- Start early.
- Check requirements for your nationality.
- Ensure you have all required documents.
- Pay the extension fee.
6.4. Do British citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam?
British citizens are eligible for visa-free entry to Vietnam for up to 45 days. If staying longer, you need a visa, which can be obtained at a Vietnamese embassy/consulate or via an e-visa.
Requirements include:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay.
- Passport-style photo.
- Completed visa application form.
- Visa application fee.
The visa application fee for a Vietnam visa for British citizens is USD $30 for a single-entry visa, and USD $50 for a multiple-entry visa. This cost does not include processing fee (can be expensive or cheap or free depending on the local tour operator in Vietnam)
6.5. What is the address of the Vietnam consulate in the UK?
The address of the Vietnam consulate in the UK is 30A Cumberland Mansions, London W1H 7ED.
6.6. Do Australian citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Yes, but there are exceptions:
- Visa-free entry: For stays up to 15 days.
- E-visa: Valid for 90 days, multiple entry.
For longer stays or multiple entries, apply at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
6.7. Do US citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Yes, US citizens need a visa unless they are eligible for visa exemption. Options include:
- Applying in advance from a Vietnamese consulate or embassy.
- Applying online for a visa on arrival (for eligible countries).
- Applying online for an e-visa (for eligible countries).
The visa on arrival is a convenient option for US citizens traveling by air. The e-visa is valid for 90 days, multiple entry. Fees and processing times vary depending on the visa type and application method.
6.8. Are US citizens eligible for Vietnam visa exemption?
US citizens are eligible for visa exemption if they meet the following conditions:
- They have a guarantor (Vietnamese citizen) who is a spouse, or child of the American applicant, and the relationship must be proven by relevant documents specified in Article 2, Section 1 of Decree No. 82/2015/ND-CP, such as marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.
- They have a passport or international travel document valid for at least 1 year.
- They apply for a visa exemption certificate at the Vietnamese consulate or embassy in the US or other countries.
The visa exemption certificate allows US citizens to enter and stay in Vietnam for up to 6 months per visit without a visa.
Navigating Vietnam’s visa requirements doesn’t have to be complicated. SIXT.VN is here to provide expert guidance and convenient services to ensure your trip to Hanoi and beyond is smooth and memorable. Whether you need airport transfers, hotel bookings, or tours, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to explore Vietnam? Let SIXT.VN handle the details!
- Address: 260 Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Hotline/Whatsapp: +84 986 244 358
- Website: SIXT.VN
Contact us today to start planning your dream trip to Vietnam!
Updated on 2023-08-15 04:15:11.
