How to apply for a Vietnam visa

Applying for a Vietnam visa is a straightforward process that ensures your entry into this beautiful Southeast Asian country. Whether you’re planning a vacation, a business trip, or a longer stay for work or study, understanding how to apply for a Vietnam visa is essential. This guide will walk you through the different types of visas available, the necessary documentation, and the step-by-step application procedures, whether you choose to apply online for an e-visa, arrange a visa on arrival (VOA), or go through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

How to apply for a Vietnam visa – E-Visa

A single-entry e-Visa is available for 80 nationalities for stays of up to 30 days; this includes passport holders from France, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Spain, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the USA.

The e-Visa costs approximately USD $25. You can apply online for a visa approval letter, which you’ll then need to print and take with you (alongside your passport) to be stamped on arrival in Vietnam.

Visit the Vietnam immigration website for more information on e-Visas.

Apply via an embassy or consulate.

For stays longer than 30 days, you’ll need to complete and print an application form and apply at your nearest Vietnam embassy or consulate. It can take up to three weeks to process and the price varies depending on the specific embassy or consulate. Please check with your embassy or consulate for more information about application requirements.

How to apply for a Vietnam visa – Visa on arrival

The government of Vietnam has authorised some businesses and travel agencies to arrange pre-approval for a visa on arrival. Please note there have been reports that some websites offering this service are scams. In order to avoid such scams, it’s a good idea to obtain your visa directly online or from an embassy or consulate prior to your arrival.

Most nationalities do not require a letter of invitation to obtain a visa, but if you do need one and you’re traveling with us, please contact your Intrepid adventure consultant for more information.

If you’re traveling with us and your visa application asks for a point of contact, please write:

Go Today Travel & Event

Stellar Garden Building

35 Le Van Thiem, Thanh Xuan Trung, Thanh Xuan

Hanoi, Vietnam

Ph +84 912 932 969.

Vietnam visa exemptions

Some nationalities are exempt from obtaining a visa to visit Vietnam for stays of up to 15 days. Travellers from France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain and Italy are exempt. This exemption period is based on meeting all conditions prescribed by Vietnamese laws.

If you’re planning on staying in Vietnam longer than 15 days, you’ll need to obtain a visa in advance. Please consult your nearest embassy or consulate for more information and to also inquire about requirements if you plan to re-enter Vietnam.

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain the relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared for a smooth and hassle-free visa application process.

1. Determine the Type of Visa You Need

• Tourist Visa: For short-term travel, such as vacations or visiting friends and family.
• Business Visa: For business purposes, such as attending meetings or conferences.
• Work Visa: For long-term employment in Vietnam.
• Student Visa: For studying at a Vietnamese educational institution.

2. Choose Your Application Method

• Visa on Arrival (VOA): Available for air travel to Vietnam.
• E-Visa: Available for citizens of certain countries and allows entry through designated checkpoints.
• Visa through Embassy/Consulate: Apply at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country.

3. Gather Required Documents

• Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay and with blank pages for visa stamps.
• Application Form: Completed visa application form.
• Photos: Passport-sized photos according to specifications.
• Approval Letter: For VOA, an approval letter from the Vietnamese Immigration Department.
• Additional Documents: For specific visa types, such as an invitation letter for business visas or an admission letter for student visas.

4. Visa on Arrival (VOA) Process

1. Apply Online for an Approval Letter: Use an online visa service to obtain an approval letter.
   • Fill out the online application form.
   • Pay the service fee.
   • Receive the approval letter via email.
2. Prepare Documents for Arrival: Print the approval letter, prepare passport photos, and carry your passport.
3. Arrival at Vietnamese Airport: Present the approval letter, passport, photos, and pay the stamping fee to get the visa stamp.

5. E-Visa Process

1. Visit the Official E-Visa Website: Vietnam E-Visa Portal
2. Fill Out the Online Application Form: Provide necessary details and upload a photo and passport page.
3. Pay the E-Visa Fee: Non-refundable processing fee.
4. Receive the E-Visa: Download and print the E-Visa once approved.

6. Embassy/Consulate Visa Process

1. Visit the Nearest Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate: Check the specific requirements and procedures on their website.
2. Submit the Application: Provide the required documents and pay the visa fee.
3. Collect the Visa: Once processed, collect your passport with the visa stamp.

7. Important Tips

• Check Latest Requirements: Visa policies can change, so verify the latest requirements from official sources or the Vietnamese embassy.
• Processing Time: Allow sufficient time for processing, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Health and Safety: Ensure you meet any health requirements, such as vaccinations or health declarations, especially in the context of COVID-19.

Would you like more detailed information on any of these steps or have any other specific questions, do feel free to contact us at contact.gotoday@gmail.com or Ph +84 912 932 969.