How to get a visa to Vietnam

While most nationalities require a visa to visit Vietnam, obtaining a tourist visa is relatively easy for many. The e-Visa option is available to citizens of 80 countries, including those from most EU nations, the UK, the US, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as various countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. To obtain an e-Visa, one can apply through a user-friendly online form before traveling.

What documents do I need for a Vietnam visa application?

Please make sure you prepare the following documents for your visa application process:

Apply for your visa through the local embassy

The process of getting a business visa or a tourist visa is generally the same. Most tourists get their visa through a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate office in their country of residence or in their travel country before entering Vietnam.

For a tourist visa, you will need to submit:

• Application form:You can complete the form online
  ( https://visa.mofa.gov.vn) or download the PDF file and fill it out.
• Original passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the intended date of entry: If you request a loose-leaf visa, a copy of your passport is sufficient.
• 01 passport-sized photo with no glass wears. 01 additional photo is needed in case you apply for a loose-leaf visa.
• Visa fees: Must be money order, or cashier’s check, or company check. Cash is accepted if you send in your application in person. The fee will depend on the type of visa you are applying for.
• Mail Service: Prepaid self-addressed return envelope is required if you want to have the passport returned by post (FedEx and USPS is recommended).

The form and the fee can vary by country, so please check directly the Vietnamese embassy or consulate to which you are applying.

A business visa usually also requires a letter of support from your sponsor agency or company in Vietnam. In person, the process usually takes 7-10 working days, and by mail, the process usually takes 2-3 weeks, depending on the service you use, although times can vary considerably by embassy or consulate. If you are mailing, please note that you need to make arrangements to have your passport with visa returned to you.

Apply for your a visa on arrival

Another option to obtain a visa is to apply for an approval letter online to pick up the visa upon landing at international airports in Vietnam. Here are the steps involved in this process:

1. Submit an online form for the pre-approved visa letter.
2. Receive the visa letter in 3-5 working days (in Emergency Cases, it can be processed in just 2-3 HOURS)
3. Prepare all documents, required stamping fee, board the plane to Vietnam and get the visa stamped on passport upon arrival at Vietnam airport.

Notes: visa on arrival is applicable to air travel only.

Apply online for an e-visa

E-visa is by far the most simple way to get a visa for Vietnam, the process involves the following steps:

1. Use the secure online form to submit your application.
2. Upload passport bio page and a passport sized photo.
3. Pay for the e-visa fee.
4. Wait 5-7 working days for the e-visa to be delivered to your email or you can also download the e-visa here. Expedited service is also available upon request.
5. Print out the e-visa document and present at the Immigration counter at Vietnam airport.

Notes: E-visa is currently available to 80 countries for entering through 33 checkpoints.