Do I need a visa to Vietnam?- Vietnam Visa on Arrival

Do you need a visa to visit Vietnam? In most cases, the answer is yes.

The specific visa requirements depend on your country of origin and the intended length of stay. If your passport is among those on Vietnam’s visa exemption list, you can enjoy a certain period in the country without a visa.

For those whose passports don’t qualify for exemption, obtaining a Vietnam visa on arrival is a straightforward process.

Evaluate the strength of your passport by referring to the Global Passport Rank and ensure a seamless start to your Vietnamese adventure.

1. Visa Exemptions:

• Travelers from various countries enjoy visa exemptions for a limited period. Examples include:
  • Belarus: < 15 days
  • Brunei Darussalam: < 14 days
  • Japan: < 15 days
  • United Kingdom (UK): < 15 days

    Country	Length of Stay
    Belarus (Republic)	< 15 days
    Brunei Darussalam	< 14 days
    Cambodia (Kingdom)	< 30 days
    Chile (Republic)	< 90 days
    Denmark (Kingdom)	< 15 days
    Finland (Republic)	< 15 days
    France (Republic)	< 15 days
    Germany (Federal Republic)	< 15 days
    Indonesia (Republic)	< 30 days
    Italy (Republic)	< 15 days
    Japan	< 15 days
    Korea (Republic)	< 15 days
    Kyrgyzstan (Republic)	< 30 days
    Laos (People’s Democratic Republic)	< 30 days
    Malaysia	< 30 days
    Myanmar (Union)	< 14 days
    Norway (Kingdom)	< 15 days
    Philippines (Republic)	< 21 days
    Russia (Federation)	< 15 days
    Singapore (Republic)	< 30 days
    Spain (Kingdom)	< 15 days
    Sweden (Kingdom)	< 15 days
    Thailand (Kingdom)	< 30 days
    United Kingdom (UK)	< 15 days
    Belarus (Republic)	< 15 days
    Brunei Darussalam	< 14 days
    Cambodia (Kingdom)	< 30 days
    Chile (Republic)	< 90 days
    Denmark (Kingdom)	< 15 days
    Finland (Republic)	< 15 days
    France (Republic)	< 15 days
    Germany (Federal Republic)	< 15 days
    Indonesia (Republic)	< 30 days
    Italy (Republic)	< 15 days
    Japan	< 15 days
    Korea (Republic)	< 15 days
    Kyrgyzstan (Republic)	< 30 days
    Laos (People’s Democratic Republic)	< 30 days
    Malaysia	< 30 days
    Myanmar (Union)	< 14 days
    Norway (Kingdom)	< 15 days
    Philippines (Republic)	< 21 days
    Russia (Federation)	< 15 days
    Singapore (Republic)	< 30 days
    Spain (Kingdom)	< 15 days
    Sweden (Kingdom)	< 15 days
    Thailand (Kingdom)	< 30 days
    United Kingdom (UK)	< 15 days

2. Vietnam Visa On Arrival:

If you don’t belong to the exempted countries, there are several ways to obtain a Vietnam visa. You can either apply through a Vietnam Embassy or consulate in your home country or opt for an authorized travel agency.

Since February 1, 2017, foreign tourists have been able to apply for a Vietnam visa online. It’s worth noting that only 40 countries are eligible for the e-visa program. However, the most efficient method is to apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival.

This type of visa involves the Vietnam Immigration Office approving your visa in advance, and you will receive the stamp upon arrival. Keep in mind that visa on arrival is applicable only if you arrive via international airports in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Additionally, your passport must be valid for at least six months and have sufficient empty pages.

3. Visa on Arrival Processing:

• For stays < 30 days, processing takes 2-3 working days. Expedited options are available at an additional cost.
• Longer stays (> 30 days) require 7-10 working days. 

4. Visa On Arrival Costs:

• Prices vary by country. For instance, U.S. citizens typically pay USD 45. The service fee depends on the type and duration of the visa.
  

  • Service Free

    Cost/Person (USD)		1-2 Pax	3-5 Pax	6-8 Pax	>10 Pax
    Single Entry	1 Month Valid	20	18	16	14
    	3 Month Valid	30	26	23	21
    Multiple Entries	1 Month Valid	23	21	19	16
    	3 Month Valid	45	40	35	30

    Urgent Process: plus $10

    Service fee can be paid by credit card.

5. Stamp Fee:

• Pay the stamp fee upon arrival (USD or VND). It’s USD 25 for single entry and USD 50 for multiple entries.

  Cost/person (USD)	Stamp fee
  Single entry	25
  Multiple entries	50

6. Vietnam E-Visa:

• Introduced in 2017, e-visas are available for citizens from 40 countries. This online process streamlines visa applications.

7. Application Process:

• Fill out the application form on the Vietnamese Immigration website.
• Submit the form online and receive confirmation via email.
• Note: This service applies to arrivals at specific international airports.

  
  

8. Visa Application for Halong Bay:

• If Halong Bay is on your itinerary, consider booking the visa service provided by your cruise operator. This ensures legal entry into Halong Bay promptly.

Whether you’re eligible for visa exemptions or need to apply, this guide simplifies the visa process for your Vietnam adventure. Ensure your passport is valid, follow the application steps, and get ready to explore this enchanting destination.