Vietnam Visa Guide for Travelers in 2024

Are you planning to visit Vietnam in 2024? If so, you may need a visa to enter this beautiful country in Southeast Asia. A visa is a legal document that allows you to stay in Vietnam for a certain period of time and for a specific purpose. Depending on your nationality, the length and purpose of your trip, you may need to apply for a visa before your departure or get one on arrival at the airport. In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about Vietnam visa, such as how to apply, what are the requirements, how much it costs and some useful tips to make your visa process easier and faster.

What is a Vietnam Visa and Why Do You Need One?

 A Vietnam visa is a legal document or stamp that allows you to enter and stay in Vietnam for a certain period of time and for a specific purpose. Most visitors to Vietnam need to obtain a visa from a Vietnamese diplomatic mission, unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries or countries eligible for electronic visas. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the issuance of visas was temporarily suspended, but Vietnam has since reopened its borders and resumed its pre-pandemic entry and exit policies.

You may need a visa to visit Vietnam depending on your nationality, the length and purpose of your trip. There are different types of Vietnam visa, such as tourist visa (DL), business visa (DN), investor visa (DT), work visa (LD), student visa (DH), etc. Each type of visa 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 beyond this number of days, you may apply for a visa extension upon your arrival in Vietnam.

Vietnam's e-Visa is also available to nationals of 80 countries of all countries and territorie. The e-Visa is valid for up to 90 days, and single or multiple entries. The e-Visa costs 25 USD for card payments. It requires three full working days to process. You can apply for an e-visa online here.

If you are not from one of the visa exempt countries or eligible for an e-visa, you will need to apply for a visa before your departure or get a visa on arrival at the airport in Vietnam.

LIST OF COUNTRIES THAT ALLOWED VIETNAM E-VISA ISSUING

Types of Vietnam Visa and Their Validity

There are different types of Vietnam visa and their validity depending on the purpose of your visit. According to the new immigration regulations that took effect in July 1, 2020, Vietnam visa is classified into about 21 main types by the purpose of visit, namely DL, DN1, DN2, NG, DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4, LS, DH, LV, LD1, LD2, HN, PV1, TT, SQ, etc. The following table summarizes the types of Vietnam visa and their corresponding validity:

The most common types of visas are:

• Single-entry visa: This type of visa allows you to enter Vietnam once and stay for a maximum of 30 days.
• Multiple-entry visa: This type of visa allows you to enter Vietnam multiple times and stay for a maximum of 90 days per entry.
• Business visa: This type of visa is for people who are traveling to Vietnam for business purposes. It allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days.
• Tourist visa: This type of visa is for people who are traveling to Vietnam for tourism purposes. It allows you to stay in the country for up to 30 days.
• E-visa: This type of visa is a visa that can be applied for and processed online. It is valid for a maximum of 30 days and is single-entry only.
• Visa on arrival: This type of visa can be obtained at the airport upon arrival in Vietnam. It is valid for a maximum of 30 days and is single-entry only.

The validity of a Vietnam visa depends on the type of visa you apply for. For example, a single-entry visa is valid for a maximum of 30 days, while a multiple-entry visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days.

The validity of a Vietnam visa also depends on your nationality. For example, citizens of some countries are eligible for visa-free entry to Vietnam, while citizens of other countries need to apply for a visa in advance.

If you are planning to travel to Vietnam, I recommend that you check the validity requirements for your nationality and the type of visa you need. You can find this information on the website of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Here is a table of the most common types of Vietnam visas and their validity:

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, or in person at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

Applying for a Vietnam visa online

• Benefits:
  • Convenient
  • Fast processing time
  • No need to visit a Vietnamese embassy or consulate
• Drawbacks:
  • You need a credit card or PayPal account to pay the application fee
  • You may not be able to apply if your passport is not yet valid

The online application process is the most convenient way to apply for a Vietnam visa. You can apply on the website of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

To apply online, you will need to provide the following information:

• Your full name
• Your passport number
• Your date of birth
• Your nationality
• Your purpose of travel
• Your arrival and departure dates
• Your contact information

You will also need to upload a scanned copy of your passport and a recent passport-style photo.

The processing time for an online visa is usually 24 hours. Once your visa is approved, you will receive an email with your visa approval letter.

Applying for a Vietnam visa by mail

• Benefits:
  • You can apply from anywhere in the world
  • You can pay the application fee by check or money order
• Drawbacks:
  • The processing time is longer than the online application process
  • You may not receive your visa in time for your trip

If you prefer to apply for a visa by mail, you can download the application form from the website of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

To apply by mail, you will need to mail the completed application form, along with a scanned copy of your passport and a recent passport-style photo, to the address of the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country.

The processing time for a visa by mail is usually 1-2 weeks.

Applying for a Vietnam visa in person

• Benefits:
  • You can get your visa immediately
  • You can ask questions about the application process
• Drawbacks:
  • You need to visit a Vietnamese embassy or consulate
  • The application fee is higher than the online or mail application fee

If you prefer to apply for a visa in person, you can visit the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

To apply in person, you will need to bring the following documents:

• Your completed visa application form
• A scanned copy of your passport
• A recent passport-style photo
• A visa application fee

The processing time for a visa in person is usually 1-2 days.

Applying for a Vietnamese visa via a Vietnam Tour Operator

Applying for a Vietnam visa through a local tour operator is the most convenient and guaranteed way to get your visa. You will need to pay a service fee, which typically ranges from $25 to $200, depending on the tour operator. Some tour operators only do visa applications for tourists who are using their tour packages. However, there are also tour operators that will apply for visas for tourists who are not using their tour packages.

The process of applying for a Vietnam visa through a tour operator is simple. You will need to provide the tour operator with your passport information, travel dates, and contact information. The tour operator will then submit your visa application to the Vietnamese government. Once your visa is approved, the tour operator will send you your visa approval letter.

The main advantage of applying for a Vietnam visa through a tour operator is that it is very convenient. You do not have to worry about filling out visa application forms or visiting a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. The tour operator will take care of everything for you.

The main disadvantage of applying for a Vietnam visa through a tour operator is that it can be expensive. The service fee can be quite high, especially if you are from a country that is difficult to get a visa for.

If you are looking for the most convenient and guaranteed way to get a Vietnam visa, then applying through a tour operator is a good option. However, you should be aware of the cost before you make a decision.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when applying for a Vietnam visa through a tour operator:

• Make sure that the tour operator is reputable and has a good track record of getting visas approved.
• Ask the tour operator about the processing time for visas.
• Find out what the service fee includes.
• Be sure to ask about any additional fees that may be required, such as visa stamp fees or service fees to be paid to the authorities in Vietnam.

At Vietnam Tour, we offer visa services for Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos only for customers who book our tour packages. We want to make your travel experience as smooth and hassle-free as possible. In some cases, such as customers who stay for more than 10 days or large groups and not from countries that have difficulties in obtaining a visa, we can even provide visa services for free. You will only have to pay the stamp fees or necessary service fees to the authorities in Vietnam. Please contact us for more details and eligibility criteria.

The best way to apply for a Vietnam visa depends on your personal preferences and circumstances. If you are short on time, the online application process is the best option. If you prefer to apply in person, you can visit the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

Vietnam Entry Requirements and Documents

To enter Vietnam, you need to meet the following requirements and documents:

• A valid entry paper (Vietnam visa / temporary residence card / permanent residence card / 5-year visa exemption certificate / entry permit) unless you are exempted from Vietnam visa. You can apply for a visa online, in person, by mail or via a local tour operator in Vietnam. You can also apply for an e-visa if you are from one of the 80 eligible countries.
• A passport or substitute ID valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
• A 4x6 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.
• A valid medical/travel insurance covering Covid-19 treatment. No need now

You may also need to submit other documents depending on the type of visa you apply for. Please check the website of the Embassy of Viet Nam in your country or contact us for more details.

Here are the entry requirements and documents you need to travel to Vietnam:

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Vietnam.
• Visa: You will need a visa to enter Vietnam, unless you are a citizen of one of the countries that are eligible for visa-free entry.
• E-visa: If you are a citizen of one of the countries that are eligible for an e-visa, you can apply for an e-visa online. The e-visa is valid for 30 days and is single-entry only.
• Visa on arrival: If you are not eligible for an e-visa, you can apply for a visa on arrival at one of the designated entry points in Vietnam. The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days and is single-entry only.
• Health insurance: You are required to have health insurance that covers medical expenses in Vietnam.
• Yellow fever vaccination: If you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever, you will need to have a yellow fever vaccination.
• Proof of onward travel: You need to have proof of onward travel, such as a plane ticket or bus ticket.

Here are some additional documents that may be required:

• Hotel booking confirmation: If you are staying in a hotel, you will need to provide a hotel booking confirmation.
• Invitation letter: If you are visiting Vietnam for a specific purpose, such as business or study, you may need to provide an invitation letter from your host organization.

Vietnam Visa Fees and Payment Methods

The visa fees for Vietnam vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you apply for. Here is a table of the most common types of Vietnam visas and their fees: 

The visa fees can be paid in cash, by credit card, or by bank transfer. If you are applying for a visa through a third-party service, you may also be able to pay the fee through the service's website.

Please note that the price here is just a reference price. Vietnam visa fees also 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.

It is important to check with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date visa fees. You can also check the website of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information.

Here are some of the payment methods that you can use to pay for a Vietnam visa:

• Cash: You can pay the visa fee in cash at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
• Credit card: You can pay the visa fee by credit card on the website of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Bank transfer: You can pay the visa fee by bank transfer to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Third-party service: You can pay the visa fee through the website of a third-party service, such as Vietnam Visa.

It is important to note that the payment methods that are available may vary depending on the tour operator, embassy or consulate where you are applying for your visa.

Here are some tips for applying for a Vietnam visa:

• Start the application process early. The visa application process can take several weeks, so it is important to start the process early.
• Check the requirements for your nationality. The requirements for a Vietnam visa vary depending on your nationality.
• Make sure you have all of the required documents. The visa application process will be delayed if you do not have all of the required documents.
• Pay the application fee. The application fee for a Vietnam visa varies depending on your nationality.