Vietnam e-visas have made the process super convenient! In this awesome guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Vietnam e-visas, like how to apply, processing time, cost, country list, extensions, multiple entries, checking your status, common delays, and FAQs.
Table of Contents
What’s a Vietnam E-Visa?
A Vietnam e-visa is like an electronic permission slip that lets foreigners enter Vietnam for up to 90 days. It’s perfect for tourism, business, or transit purposes. Just remember, it’s a single-entry visa, so no extensions or swapping for other types of visas.
How to Get a Vietnam E-Visa?
Obtaining a Vietnam E-Visa: A Comprehensive Guide
Vietnam, a Southeast Asian gem, beckons travelers with its captivating blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cuisine. While traditionally requiring a physical visa application, Vietnam has embraced technology, making it easier than ever to obtain an electronic visa (e-visa).
Who Can Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa?
The e-visa program is currently open to citizens of 80 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and many European nations. You can check the complete list of eligible countries on the official Vietnam Immigration website.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Vietnam e-visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a valid passport with a minimum of six months’ validity from the date of entry into Vietnam.
- Have a valid email address to receive your e-visa confirmation.
- Be able to pay the visa fee online using a credit card, debit card, PayPal, or other accepted payment methods.
- Ensure your passport contains at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
Step-by-step Application Process
Obtaining a Vietnam e-visa is a straightforward process that can be completed entirely online. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the Vietnam Immigration website
- Click on the “Apply for E-Visa” button.
- Choose the duration of your stay: Single entry for 30 days or multiple entry for 30, 90, or 180 days.
- Complete the online application form: Provide accurate personal information, passport details, travel itinerary, and payment information.
- Upload a recent passport-sized photo and a copy of your passport data page.
- Review the information carefully and submit the application.
- Pay the e-visa fee: The fee varies depending on the duration of stay.
- Receive your e-visa confirmation: The processing time typically takes 2-3 business days, but it may vary depending on the workload.
- Print your e-visa: Save and print the e-visa confirmation for presentation upon arrival in Vietnam.
Entering Vietnam with Your E-Visa
Upon arrival in Vietnam, present your printed e-visa confirmation and a valid passport to the immigration officer. The officer will stamp your passport with the official visa endorsement.
Additional Tips
- Plan your trip early: Apply for your e-visa at least two weeks before your travel date to ensure ample time for processing.
- Double-check your application details: Ensure all information is accurate and complete to avoid any delays or rejections.
- Print multiple copies of your e-visa confirmation: Carry multiple copies of the confirmation for your convenience.
- Keep your passport and e-visa confirmation safe: Store these documents securely throughout your trip.
- Arrive well in advance of your flight: Allow sufficient time to clear immigration and collect your luggage.
How Much Does a Vietnam E-Visa Cost?
The Vietnam e-Visa is a great way to enter the country without having to go through the hassle of applying for a traditional visa. It’s also much more affordable than a regular visa, with prices starting at just USD $25.
Here’s a breakdown of the cost of a Vietnam e-Visa:
- Single Entry: USD $25
- Multiple Entry: USD $50
- Rush Processing: USD $10 (for applications submitted within 2 business days)
- Super Rush Processing: USD $20 (for applications submitted within 1 business day)
Please note that prices are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the official website for the latest information.
Who’s on the Vietnam E-Visa Country List?
As of August 15, 2023, Vietnam has implemented a new electronic visa (e-visa) system for all nationalities. This means that citizens from all countries can now apply for an e-visa to Vietnam, regardless of their nationality.
To apply for an e-visa, you will need to create an account on the official Vietnam e-Visa website and provide the following information:
- Your full name
- Your date of birth
- Your nationality
- Your passport number
- Your passport’s expiry date
- Your travel dates (visa validity)
- Your entry port
- Your purpose of entry
- Your inviting/guaranteeing agency/organization and its address, phone number (if any)
- A digital photo of your passport
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a decision within three working days (Vietnam Time = GMT+7, excluding Saturday, Sunday and Public holidays in Vietnam). If your application is approved, you will be able to download your e-visa and print it out.
You can use your e-visa to enter Vietnam at any of the following ports:
- Hanoi International Airport (Noi Bai)
- Ho Chi Minh City International Airport (Tan Son Nhat)
- Da Nang International Airport
- Cam Ranh International Airport
- Phu Quoc International Airport
- Hai Phong International Airport
- Cat Bi International Airport
- Chu Lai International Airport
- Vinh International Airport
- Can Tho International Airport
- Phu Bai International Airport
- Van Don International Airport
Your e-visa will be valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entries.
Here is a list of the countries that are eligible for a Vietnam e-visa:
- All countries
Please note that this list is subject to change, so it is always best to check the official Vietnam e-Visa website for the latest information.
Can I Extend My Vietnam E-Visa?
As of today, October 4, 2023, you cannot extend your Vietnam e-visa. This policy change took effect on August 1, 2023. If you need to stay in Vietnam longer than your e-visa is valid for, you will need to leave Vietnam and apply for a new e-visa or obtain a visa on arrival.
Here are some additional details about Vietnam e-visa extensions:
- The maximum extension period was previously 6 months.
- Extensions were only available for certain types of e-visas, such as tourism visas and business visas.
- Extensions were subject to approval by the Vietnam Immigration Department.
If you are planning to travel to Vietnam, it is important to check the latest visa requirements before you book your trip. You can find the most up-to-date information on the Vietnam Immigration Department website.
Here are some alternatives to extending your Vietnam e-visa:
- Apply for a new e-visa. You can apply for a new e-visa online through the Vietnam Immigration Department website. The processing time for e-visa applications is typically 3-5 business days.
- Obtain a visa on arrival. You can obtain a visa on arrival at certain international airports in Vietnam, such as Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport and Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat International Airport. The cost of a visa on arrival is typically US$50.
- Leave Vietnam and re-enter with a new e-visa. This is known as a “visa run.” Visa runs are a common practice among travelers who need to stay in Vietnam for longer than their e-visa is valid for. However, visa runs can be time-consuming and expensive.
Can I Enter Vietnam Multiple Times with an E-Visa?
Well, let me break it down for ya. Vietnam e-visas are single-entry visas, which means you can only enter Vietnam once. If you wanna leave and come back multiple times, you gotta either get a multiple-entry visa or apply for a new e-visa each time you wanna enter.
How Can I Check My Vietnam E-Visa Status?
To check what’s up with your Vietnam e-visa, hit up the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department. Enter your application reference code and passport number, and voila! You can also reach out to their support team via email or phone if you need help with any visa-related stuff.
What Could Delay My Vietnam E-Visa Processing?
While Vietnam e-visas usually take around 3 working days, there are a few things that can slow down the process:
- Technical issues: If the online application system acts up, it might cause delays.
- Incomplete/incorrect info: Messing up your application form can result in a delay until everything’s sorted out.
- High volume: During busy travel times, there could be tons of e-visa applications, leading to processing delays.
FAQs
How can I apply for an E-Visa?
You can apply for an E-Visa online at the website of the Vietnam Immigration Department. The application process is simple and straightforward. You will need to provide the following information:
- Your full name
- Your date of birth
- Your nationality
- Your passport number
- Your passport expiry date
- Your intended date of arrival in Vietnam
- Your intended port of entry into Vietnam
- Your contact information (email address and phone number)
- Your passport photo (scanned copy)
You will also need to pay an E-Visa fee. The fee is currently USD 25 for a single-entry visa and USD 50 for a multiple-entry visa.
How long does it take to process an E-Visa application?
E-Visa applications are typically processed within 3 to 5 working days. However, during peak periods, processing times may be longer.
How long is an E-Visa valid for?
An E-Visa is valid for up to 90 days from the date of issue.
What is the difference between a single-entry and a multiple-entry E-Visa?
A single-entry E-Visa allows you to enter Vietnam once. A multiple-entry E-Visa allows you to enter Vietnam multiple times during the validity period of the visa.
Can I use an E-Visa to transit through Vietnam?
Yes, you can use an E-Visa to transit through Vietnam for up to 24 hours without having to apply for a separate visa.
What do I need to do when I arrive in Vietnam?
When you arrive in Vietnam, you will need to present your E-Visa to the immigration officer at the port of entry. You will also need to have your passport and a return ticket or onward travel ticket.
Can I extend my E-Visa?
No, you cannot extend your E-Visa. If you wish to stay in Vietnam for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
What should I do if I lose my E-Visa?
If you lose your E-Visa, you can print a new copy of it from the website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Where can I find more information about E-Visas?
You can find more information about E-Visas on the website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.
I hope this explanation is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.