Vietnam is a beautiful country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. It has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in recent years, attracting visitors from all over the world. However, before planning your trip to Vietnam, it is important to understand the entry requirements for the country. Vietnam has a complex visa policy, with different requirements for citizens of different countries. In this article, we will discuss the various types of visas available for Vietnam, the application process, required documents, fees, and other important information to help you plan your trip smoothly.
E-Visa Application Process
As of August 15, 2023, citizens of all countries and territories are eligible for an e-visa, which is a convenient and straightforward way to obtain a visa for Vietnam. The e-visa allows for a single entry and a maximum stay of 30 days in Vietnam. To apply for an e-visa, you will need to meet the following requirements:
E-Visa Requirements
- Have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining after your planned departure from Vietnam.
- Have at least one blank visa page in your passport (not including the endorsement page).
- Have a digital passport photo that meets the following specifications:
- Size: 4cm x 6cm (1.57 inches x 2.36 inches)
- Resolution: At least 300dpi
- Format: JPEG or PNG
- Background: White or light-colored
- Have a valid email address and a credit or debit card to pay the visa fee.
To apply for an e-visa, you can visit the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department and fill out the online application form. You will need to upload a scanned copy of your passport and passport photo, and pay the visa fee of $25 USD. The processing time for an e-visa is usually 3 working days, and you will receive your e-visa via email.
Visa on Arrival
Another option for obtaining a visa for Vietnam is through the visa on arrival process. This is available for citizens of countries that do not have a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. To apply for a visa on arrival, you will need to follow these steps:
- Fill out the online application form and pay the visa approval letter fee (ranging from $6-$50 USD depending on the type of visa).
- Receive the visa approval letter via email within 2-3 working days.
- Print the visa approval letter and bring it with you to Vietnam.
- Upon arrival at one of the international airports in Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Nha Trang), present your visa approval letter, passport, and two passport-sized photos.
- Pay the stamping fee (ranging from $25-$135 USD depending on the type of visa) and receive your visa on arrival.
It is important to note that the visa on arrival process can be time-consuming and may involve long wait times at the airport. Therefore, it is recommended to obtain an e-visa if possible.
Documents Needed for Entering Vietnam
Regardless of the type of visa you choose, there are certain documents that you will need to present upon arrival in Vietnam. These include:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining after your planned departure from Vietnam.
- A completed entry and exit form (available on the plane or at the airport).
- Two passport-sized photos (4cm x 6cm).
- Visa approval letter (for visa on arrival).
- E-visa (if applicable).
Vietnam Visa Exemption Countries
Citizens of certain countries are exempt from obtaining a visa for Vietnam for a certain period of time. These include:
- Citizens of ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 30 days.
- Citizens of Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 15 days.
- Citizens of Chile can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 90 days.
It is important to note that these exemptions may change, so it is best to check with the Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in your country before traveling.
Vietnam Visa Extension Procedures
If you wish to stay in Vietnam for longer than your visa allows, you will need to apply for a visa extension. The process for extending your visa depends on the type of visa you have.
Required Documents
To apply for a visa extension, you will need to submit the following documents to the Vietnam Immigration Department:
- A completed application form for visa extension.
- Your original passport.
- Two passport-sized photos.
- Proof of your reason for extending your stay (such as a work permit or business license).
- Visa extension fee (ranging from $10-$155 USD depending on the type of visa).
Visa Extension Fees
The fees for extending your visa in Vietnam vary depending on the type of visa and the length of the extension. Here is a breakdown of the fees for some common types of visas:
| Type of Visa | Extension Fee |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | $10-$45 USD |
| Business Visa | $155 USD |
| Student Visa | $35 USD |
It is important to note that the visa extension process can take up to 7 working days, so it is best to apply for an extension at least one week before your current visa expires.
How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa Extension
Planning to extend your stay in Vietnam? Extending your visa is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to follow the correct procedures and submit the necessary documentation to ensure a smooth and timely extension. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of applying for a Vietnam visa extension.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Vietnam visa extension, you must meet the following criteria:
- Valid Visa: Your current visa must still be valid at the time of application.
- Visa Type: You must have a visa type that allows for extension. Not all visa types are eligible for extension.
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the extended visa’s expiration date.
Application Process
There are two main ways to apply for a Vietnam visa extension:
- Direct Application: You can apply directly at the Vietnam Immigration Department in the city or province where you are residing.
- Visa Extension Service: You can use a visa extensaion service to handle the application process on your behalf.
Required Documents
Regardless of the application method, you will need to gather the following documents:
- Completed NA5 Application Form: This form can be obtained from the Immigration Department or downloaded online.
- Valid Passport: Original passport with at least six months remaining validity.
- Current Visa: Original visa you wish to extend.
- Visa Extension Fee: Payment for the extension fee, which varies depending on the visa type and duration of extension.
- Supporting Documents: Additional documentation may be requested depending on the visa extension type.
Application Procedure
Direct Application:
- Gather Documents: Prepare all required documents mentioned above.
- Submit Application: Visit the Vietnam Immigration Department in your city or province.
- Payment: Make the required visa extension fee payment.
- Processing: The Immigration Department will review your application and provide a decision within a few working days.
Visa Extension Service:
- Choose a Service Provider: Select a reputable visa extension service provider.
- Provide Documentation: Submit copies of the required documents to the service provider.
- Payment: Pay the service provider’s fee, which typically includes the visa extension fee.
- Processing: The service provider will handle the application process and notify you once the extension is approved.
Additional Considerations
- Processing Time: The processing time for a visa extension typically ranges from 3 to 7 working days. However, urgent processing options may be available for an additional fee.
- Validity Period: The validity period of a visa extension depends on the visa type and the applicant’s request.
- Multiple Extensions: Multiple extensions may be possible, but each extension is subject to approval.
- Overstay Penalties: Overstaying your visa can result in penalties, so it’s crucial to apply for an extension before your visa expires.
Entry Requirements for Vietnam Business Visa
If you are planning to visit Vietnam for business purposes, you will need to obtain a business visa. The requirements for a business visa are similar to those of a tourist visa, with the addition of a few extra documents.
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining after your planned departure from Vietnam.
- A completed entry and exit form (available on the plane or at the airport).
- Two passport-sized photos (4cm x 6cm).
- Visa approval letter (for visa on arrival).
- E-visa (if applicable).
- An invitation letter from a Vietnamese company or organization.
- Proof of your reason for visiting Vietnam (such as a business license or contract).
How to Apply for a Vietnam Business Visa
To apply for a business visa, you can follow the same steps as mentioned above for the e-visa or visa on arrival process. However, you will also need to provide an invitation letter from a Vietnamese company or organization. This letter should include your name, passport details, purpose of visit, and duration of stay. It should also be stamped by the company or organization and approved by the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Processing Time and Fees
The processing time and fees for a business visa are the same as those for a tourist visa. However, the visa approval letter fee may be higher for a business visa, ranging from $25-$135 USD.
Tips for Applying for a Vietnam Business Visa
- Make sure to have all the required documents ready before applying.
- Apply for your visa well in advance to avoid any delays.
- If you are using a travel agency or visa service company, make sure they are reputable and reliable.
- Double-check all information on your application form to avoid any mistakes that could cause delays or rejection of your visa.
Vietnam Visa Application Form
The Vietnam visa application form can be found on the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department. It is important to fill out the form accurately and completely to avoid any delays or rejection of your visa.
Vietnam Visa Fees and Processing Time
The fees and processing time for different types of visas vary. Here is a breakdown of the fees and processing time for some common types of visas:
| Type of Visa | Visa Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| E-Visa | $25 USD | 3 working days |
| Visa on Arrival | $6-$50 USD | 2-3 working days |
| Tourist Visa Extension | $10-$45 USD | Up to 7 working days |
| Business Visa Extension | $155 USD | Up to 7 working days |
It is important to note that these fees and processing times may change, so it is best to check with the Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in your country before applying for a visa.
Vietnam E-Visa Application Process
To apply for an e-visa, you will need to follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.
- Fill out the online application form.
- Upload a scanned copy of your passport and passport photo.
- Pay the visa fee of $25 USD.
- Receive your e-visa via email within 3 working days.
It is important to note that the e-visa is only valid for a single entry and a maximum stay of 30 days in Vietnam. If you wish to stay longer, you will need to apply for a visa extension.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vietnam has a complex visa policy with different requirements for citizens of different countries. However, as of August 15, 2023, citizens of all countries and territories are eligible for an e-visa, which is a convenient and straightforward way to obtain a visa for Vietnam. It is important to carefully research and understand the entry requirements before planning your trip to Vietnam to avoid any delays or complications. We hope this article has provided you with all the necessary information to help you plan your trip smoothly. Happy travels!
