Vietnam Transit Visa How to Apply, Fees, and Requirements

For travelers transiting through Vietnam to an onward destination with a connecting flight that is more than 24 hours away, a Vietnam transit visa is required. This article will provide information on how to apply for a Vietnam transit visa, the fees associated with each method of application, and the requirements for obtaining a Vietnam transit visa.

Applying for a Vietnam Transit Visa

Vietnam Transit Visa How to Apply, Fees, and Requirements

There are three ways to apply for a Vietnam transit visa: applying at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, applying online for an e-visa, or applying for a transit visa on arrival.

Applying at a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate

Applying for a Vietnam transit visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate is the most common way of obtaining a transit visa. To apply, you will need to submit a completed visa application form, a passport that is valid for at least six months, a visa fee, a round-trip or one-way ticket to your onward destination, and proof of onward travel.

Applying Online for an E-Visa

If you are a citizen of one of the 81 countries eligible for the Vietnam e-visa, you can apply for a transit visa online. To apply, you will need to visit the Vietnam Immigration website and submit a completed visa application form, a passport that is valid for at least six months, a visa fee, a round-trip or one-way ticket to your onward destination, and a digital passport photo.

Applying for a Vietnam Transit Visa on Arrival

The easiest way to obtain a Vietnam transit visa is to apply for one on arrival. However, this option is only available for air travelers. To apply, you must have a ticket for a connecting flight within the next 24 hours, not leave the airport international transit area, and pay a visa fee.

Vietnam Transit Visa Fees

The fees for a Vietnam transit visa vary depending on the method of application. Applying at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate costs US$50, while applying online for an e-visa and applying for a transit visa on arrival both cost US$25.

Requirements for a Vietnam Transit Visa

To obtain a Vietnam transit visa, you must be transiting through Vietnam to an onward destination with a connecting flight that is more than 24 hours away, and you plan to leave the airport transit area. If you are unsure whether you need a transit visa, you can contact the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

How to Use a Vietnam Transit Visa

When you arrive in Vietnam, you will need to follow the instructions given to you by the immigration officer. You will also need to show proof of your onward travel and provide documentation related to your stay in Vietnam if requested.

Advice for Obtaining a Vietnam Transit Visa

It is recommended that you apply for a Vietnam transit visa well in advance of your trip to avoid any potential issues or delays. Additionally, it is important to ensure that all necessary documents are provided when applying for a transit visa to avoid any complications during the application process.

5 FAQs About Vietnam Transit Visas

1. Can I apply for a Vietnam transit visa if I am not flying?

No, a Vietnam transit visa is only required for air travelers transiting through Vietnam.

2. How long does it take to get a Vietnam transit visa?

The processing time for a Vietnam transit visa varies depending on the method of application. Applying at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate can take up to seven business days, while applying online for an e-visa takes around three business days.

3. Do I need to have a hotel reservation to apply for a Vietnam transit visa?

No, a hotel reservation is not required to apply for a Vietnam transit visa. However, you will need to provide proof of onward travel.

4. Can I leave the airport international transit area with a Vietnam transit visa?

Yes, you can leave the airport transit area with a Vietnam transit visa.

5. What happens if I miss my connecting flight while transiting through Vietnam?

If you miss your connecting flight while transiting through Vietnam, you will need to contact your airline to make alternate travel arrangements. Additionally, you may need to apply for a new transit visa depending on the length of your stay in Vietnam.

Tips for Emergency Vietnam Transit Visa

When do I need to apply for an emergency Vietnam transit visa?

You should apply for an emergency Vietnam transit visa if you need to travel to Vietnam urgently and you do not have a regular transit visa. This could be due to a number of reasons, such as a missed flight, a flight cancellation, or a medical emergency.

How do I apply for an emergency Vietnam transit visa?

There are two ways to apply for an emergency Vietnam transit visa:

Visa on arrival: You can apply for a visa on arrival at any of the eight international airports in Vietnam. To do this, you will need to complete a visa application form and pay the visa fee. You will also need to have a valid passport and a pre-approved visa letter.
E-visa: You can also apply for an e-visa online. To do this, you will need to create an account on the Vietnam Immigration Department website and complete an online visa application form. You will also need to upload copies of your passport and a photo of yourself.

Tips for applying for an emergency Vietnam transit visa:

Apply as early as possible: The processing time for an emergency Vietnam transit visa is typically 1-2 business days. However, it is important to apply as early as possible to avoid any potential delays.
Have all of your required documents ready: When applying for an emergency Vietnam transit visa, you will need to have all of your required documents ready. This includes a valid passport, a pre-approved visa letter (if applying for a visa on arrival), and a photo of yourself.
Be prepared to pay the visa fee: The visa fee for an emergency Vietnam transit visa is typically higher than the visa fee for a regular transit visa. Be sure to have the visa fee ready when you apply.

Additional tips:

Contact a visa agency: If you are having trouble applying for an emergency Vietnam transit visa on your own, you can contact a visa agency to help you. Visa agencies can typically expedite the visa application process and can help you to obtain a visa even if you have a short deadline.
Be aware of the visa requirements: The visa requirements for Vietnam can change frequently. Be sure to check the latest visa requirements before you travel.

Conclusion

If you’re transiting through Vietnam en route to another destination, you might be wondering: Do I need a Vietnam transit visa? This complete guide covers everything you need to know, including when you need a transit visa, how to apply, processing times, visa fees, and entry exemptions.

✈️ What Is a Vietnam Transit Visa?

A Vietnam Transit Visa allows travelers to pass through Vietnam for a short period while en route to another country. Whether you need one depends on your nationality, your length of stay, and whether you exit the airport transit zone.

🛃 Do You Need a Transit Visa for Vietnam?

Scenario	Transit Visa Required?
Staying in international transit area (not passing immigration)	❌ No visa needed
Exiting airport during layover	✅ Transit visa required
Overnight layover requiring hotel stay	✅ Transit visa required
Changing terminals with immigration check	✅ Transit visa required
Flight delay forcing exit from airport	✅ Transit visa required

Exceptions: Nationals from countries that are visa-exempt (e.g., Japan, South Korea, France, UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, and others) may not need a visa for short transits (15–45 days depending on agreement). Always check your specific exemption period.

📝 Vietnam Transit Visa Requirements

To apply for a Vietnam transit visa, you’ll typically need the following:

Required Documents:

Valid passport (at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages)
Completed visa application form
Two passport-sized photos (4×6 cm)
Flight ticket showing onward travel
Hotel booking (if staying overnight)
Visa for third country (if required)

🛂 How to Apply for a Vietnam Transit Visa

Option 1: E-Visa for Transit (30 or 90 Days)

Apply online through Vietnam e-Visa Portal
Valid for single or multiple entries, 30 or 90 days
Processing time: 3–5 working days
Fees: 47 USD – 77 USD (depending on service speed)

💡 Best for: Those with planned overnight stays, or who want to explore a bit of Vietnam during transit.

Option 2: Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Apply through an authorized agency like VisaOnlineVietnam.com
Receive a visa approval letter via email
Present it upon arrival at major airports (Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang, etc.)
Pay stamping fee at immigration counter

⚠️ Note: VOA only works if entering by air.

Option 3: Through Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate

Visit or mail your application to the Vietnam Embassy/Consulate in your country
Submit documents in person or by post
Wait for visa to be stamped in passport

🌐 Example for the U.S.: Apply via Vietnam Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Example for the U.K.: Apply via Vietnam Embassy in London

💵 Vietnam Transit Visa Fees (2025)

Type of Transit Visa	Application Method	Fee (USD)	Processing Time
E-Visa (30-day)	Online	$47–$57	3–5 working days
VOA (1-month)	Online + Airport	$25–$50 stamping fee + service fee	2–3 working days
Embassy Application	Embassy/Consulate	Varies	5–7 working days

🔐 Can I Stay in Vietnam During Transit?

Yes — with a valid transit visa or e-visa, you can leave the airport, stay at a hotel, and explore nearby attractions. Popular short-stay options include:

Ho Chi Minh City: 6–12 hour layovers with city tours
Hanoi: Cultural half-day tours
Da Nang: Beach and Marble Mountain visits