Vietnam, a charming country in Southeast Asia, is famous for its majestic natural landscape, meaningful scenic spots, and long history and culture. However, you must understand Vietnam visa requirements to ensure you have a smooth trip. A Vietnam Visa is required for all travelers to mainland Vietnam. If you do not have a visa prior to your departure, you will not be able to board your flight to Vietnam. So, let’s find detailed information about the visa requirements for Vietnam with Handspan Travel Indochina!

Through this post, you will learn the information below.

Visa exemption to Vietnam

Before you travel to Vietnam, you should check the visa requirements to see whether your country is on the visa exemption list or not. In the past, Vietnam offered from 15 to 30 days of visa exemption for citizens in certain countries. For example, citizens from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand can stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days without a visa while it is 15 days for Belarus, Denmark, Italy, Finland, etc. Currently, Vietnam has decided to extend the temporary residence period from 15 to 45 days for citizens of 13 countries. These countries include Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Belarus. Citizens from these countries will be allowed a 45-day temporary residence period from the date of entry into Vietnam, regardless of passport type and purpose of entry. To enter and stay in Vietnam, you have to be aware of these important facts below. 

Check the Validity of your Passport

Ensure your passport is current, has at least 2 blank pages left, and is not due to expire within 6 months of your departure date. If you have less than 6 months left on your passport prior to your departure, you will need to apply for a new passport. A Vietnam visa will not be granted to you if you have less than 6 months left on your passport!

What do you need for a Vietnam visa application?

Your passport (original, not a copy) must be current with at least 2 blank pages and have a validity of more than 6 months left prior to departure. Have a passport-sized photo with a light background. 

Vietnam electronic visa (E-visa)

Vietnam visa policy has been updated recently. Vietnam has issued e-visas to citizens of all countries and territories entering Vietnam starting from August 15, 2023. According to the resolution of the government, there are 13 airports allowing foreign nationals to enter and exit using e-visas. These airports include Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Cam Ranh, Da Nang, Cat Bi, Can Tho, Phu Quoc, Phu Bai, Van Don, Tho Xuan, Dong Hoi, Phu Cat, and Lien Khuong. In addition, 16 land border gates and 13 sea border gates also apply e-visas. This facilitates tourists in their entry and exit through various border gates across the country.

The E-visa fee is 25 USD, and normally you will receive your E-visa within three days. Please ensure you read the following instructions carefully and take note of the details below.

• Portrait Picture Requirements: Your photo must show a direct, straight look, without glasses, with a clear forehead and ears, and include 1/4 of your body (see sample picture). Please do not use a photo cropped from the passport data page as a portrait photo.

Portrait picture examples

• Passport Copy: The copy of your passport must be clear and legible, showing all information accurately.
• Full Name: Your full name (including surname, middle name, and first name, the same as shown on your passport) must be filled out as instructed, following the ICAO standard.

IMPORTANT: You must provide your full name. Failure to do so will result in your visa not being granted, and you will not be able to enter Vietnam.

See example below:

• Full name: DE BRUIJN
• Given name: WILLEKE LISELOTTE

Example of full name and given name to fill in the visa form

• Complete Information: All required fields must be filled out accurately.
• Intended Temporary Residential Address in Vietnam: Provide the address of your first accommodation after you arrive in Vietnam.

Please follow the steps below to apply for an E-visa before you travel to Vietnam.

• Access this link: https://evisa.gov.vn/. Read the full-text description, check the box “Confirm compliance with Vietnamese laws upon entry,” and the box “Confirmation of reading carefully instructions and having completed application” and choose Next
• Upload your portrait photo and passport data page image as instruction
• Fill in the required information on the form. Submit your form.
• Pay for e-visa pay and get your registration code
• Receive your E-visa information in your Email box within three days. If you do not receive the information, you can fill in your registration code, Email address, and Date of birth through this link to check your E-visa application processing: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/tra-cuu-thi-thuc.

Download and print your E-visa letter for safety, and show your letter/ visa code at the entry point to enter Vietnam. 

When should you start your visa application?

It is strongly advised that you apply for your Vietnam visa at least 3 weeks to 2 months before your departure date. The Vietnamese visa is generally valid for 15 days up to 3 months from the date of arrival to Vietnam. If you apply too late, it may not be processed in time before your travel date, and therefore you will need to apply for an urgent visa which would be costly. 

If you applied for an E-visa and you do not receive a granted visa within a week from the date you applied, please let us know so we can assist you. 

Visa on arrival (VOA) to Vietnam

 To get this type of visa, you may ask for a Visa approval letter from a Vietnamese embassy or consulate before you travel to Vietnam. Then, you will get your visa stamped when you land at one of the eight international airports in Vietnam. They include the airports below.

• Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
• Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
• Danang International Airport (Da Nang)
• Cam Ranh International Airport (Khanh Hoa)
• Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong)
• Lien Khuong International Airport (Lam Dong)
• Can Tho International Airport (Can Tho)
• Phu Quoc International Airport (Phu Quoc)

Don’t forget to prepare your 6-month valid passport, a 4x6 passport photo with a white background and without glasses, and the payment fee for the visa.

When applying for a Vietnam visa on arrival, you'll need to pay two fees:

• Service Fee: This fee covers the processing of your visa approval letter and varies based on visa type and processing time.
• Stamping Fee: A fee of USD 25 for a single-entry visa or USD 50 for a multiple-entry visa (valid for up to 3 months) is paid in cash upon arrival at the Vietnam International Airport.

For more detailed information about any kind of Vietnam visa, please contact us through the Email address: info@handspan.com.