Vietnam Visa 2024: Updated Requirements and Information
If you’re planning to travel to Vietnam, you might be wondering whether you need a visa. The answer depends on your nationality and the length of your stay. Citizens of visa-exempt countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for a maximum period ranging from 45 to 90 days, depending on their nationality.
However, if you plan to stay longer, you will need to obtain an appropriate visa. In this article, we provide all the necessary information about obtaining a Vietnam visa.
Do You Need a Visa for Vietnam?
If you’re planning to stay in Vietnam for less than 45 days and you’re a citizen of one of the following countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Japan, or South Korea, you can benefit from a visa exemption upon arrival.
However, if you plan to stay longer than 45 days, citizens of these countries will need a visa. The tourist visa for Vietnam is typically valid for 90 days, depending on the type of visa requested. You have three options to obtain a visa for Vietnam:
- Traditional Visa: Obtained from the Vietnamese embassy (or consulate) in your home country.
- E-visa: An electronic visa available online through the Vietnamese immigration website.
- Visa on Arrival.
How to Obtain a Visa for Vietnam
Here are detailed explanations for each type of visa. Note that regardless of the duration and type of visa, your passport must be valid for at least six months after the expiration date of your visa (six months after your return date).
2.1 Traditional Visa from the Embassy Before Departure
This is the classic option that travelers often chose in the past. If you opt for this visa, contact the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. The required documents are:
- The NA1 visa application form (downloadable from the Embassy’s website), duly completed.
- Two passport photos, one of which must be attached to the form.
- A passport with at least two blank pages, valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Vietnam.
- Visa fee payment (cash, credit card, or check). Payment will be made in your local currency (euro, dollar, etc.). Processing time varies from 1 to 2 weeks depending on the time of year and the visa will be issued for a specific date (the date you indicate on the form).
You cannot enter Vietnam before this date, but you can arrive after it. This type of traditional visa is quite complex due to the lengthy and costly process.
2.2 E-Visa for Vietnam
Since 2017, the electronic visa has been available to citizens of 80 countries worldwide (from August 15, 2023, citizens of all countries will be eligible to apply for the e-visa). This option allows you to obtain a visa for Vietnam online, without having to visit the embassy or consulate.
Official Websites for the E-Visa:
- For agencies and organizations: Vietnam Immigration Service for Agencies
- For foreign individuals: Vietnam Immigration Service for Individuals
Required Documents:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
- A passport photo in .jpg format.
- A 4×6 identity photo in .jpg format (white background, no glasses).
- A valid international credit or debit card.
- An email address for assistance.
- A temporary address in Vietnam.
- Expected dates of entry and exit, and points or airports of entry and exit.
Steps to Apply for the E-Visa Online:
- Access the relevant website: Change the language at the top of the page to “English”. Upload a 4×6 portrait photo (.jpg format) and a photo of your passport data page.
- Email Verification: Enter your email address, click “Get OTP” (Obtain Verification Code). Wait a few seconds to receive the code sent to your email (the verification code has 6 characters).
- Authenticate Your Email: Enter the verification code, then click “Email Authentication”. Once your verification is successful, continue filling out the remaining information. After this step, a registration code will be sent to you.
- Note: Visa processing time is 3-5 working days, but if you modify your application (due to an error in your name, passport number, etc.), processing may take 1-2 weeks.
- Payment: Use a debit/credit card to pay. After payment, you will receive a confirmation email indicating your visa application is in process. Your application will be processed within 3 working days.
- Check Visa Status: Use the registration code, registration email, and date of birth to check the result in the E-visa search menu. If approved, print the e-visa and present it upon arrival in Vietnam.
To search for and print electronic visas, visit one of the following websites:
- Vietnam E-visa Search
- Vietnam Immigration Public Service (select English at the top of the page)
The validity period of your e-visa starts from the date specified in your approved e-visa document. You are allowed to enter Vietnam on any date within this validity period. Note that you cannot enter Vietnam before or after the specified period in your e-visa.
2.3 Visa on Arrival
A visa on arrival means your visa will be ready when you arrive at the airport, eliminating the need to visit the Vietnamese embassy before your departure.
To obtain this type of visa, you need an invitation letter (or pre-approval letter) from a travel agency, such as Vietnam Discovery. We handle all the administrative procedures to obtain your visa. Simply send a scanned copy of your passport to our agency.
We then request pre-approval (the invitation letter) from the Vietnamese Immigration Service so you can receive your visa upon arrival at the airport. Print this invitation letter to board your international flight to Vietnam. Upon arrival, present the letter to the immigration officer, who will issue your visa.
Note:
- Visa on arrival only applies to air travel. If entering Vietnam by land or cruise, you must obtain a full visa before arrival.
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned stay in Vietnam.
- If traveling with children with their own passport, the same fees apply as for adults.
- Stamping fees at the Vietnamese airport must be paid in cash. Credit cards are not accepted.
- There is no official website for the visa on arrival service. All websites offering pre-approved visa letters are private agencies.
Vietnam Visa Fees: What is the Cost of a Vietnam Visa?
The cost of a Vietnam visa depends on several factors, including the duration of your stay, the type of visa requested, and where you apply. Here is an overview of the average prices for the most common visas:
- E-visa Fee: A single-entry electronic visa costs $25. Payment must be made online.
- Visa on Arrival Fee: Visa fees are paid directly at customs. You can pay in USD or EUR: $25 (or €25) for a single-entry visa for a stay of up to 30 days. It’s advisable to pay in USD to avoid unfavorable exchange rates. We also offer assistance services for obtaining your visa on arrival.
What Are the Risks of Overstaying a Visa in Vietnam?
The fine depends on the number of days overstayed. See below for details:
- $25 for up to 3 days late.
- $55 for 4 to 10 days late.
- $175 for 11 days to 1 month late.
- $440 for 1 to 3 months late.
- $700 for more than 1 year late.
In severe cases (significant overstay, lack of cooperation with local authorities), you may be blacklisted by Vietnamese immigration, making future entries into Vietnam more difficult. Local intermediary services can help manage your situation positively, but we do not detail or directly offer these services.
