How to get a Vietnamese visa: Guide to the 3 official application methods

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Currently, Vietnam visa application policy for foreigners no longer has many difficult procedures. However, not everyone knows the regulations on how to get a Vietnamese visa. Here is a comprehensive guide on applying for a visa in Vietnam, including requirements, procedures, fees and processing time, to help make your Vietnam travel plan efficient, time-saving, and effortless.

1. How to get a Vietnam e-visa?

When planning a trip to Vietnam, it is important that you know the different types of visas available to you. A popular option is an e-visa, which is suitable for those planning to stay in the country for a short period of time. With an e-visa, you can enter Vietnam once and stay for a maximum of 30 days. 

The convenience of the e-visa lies in its acceptance at 28 international checkpoints within Vietnam, including 8 international airports. Moreover, the e-visa is available to citizens of 80 different countries, eliminating the need for them to go through the cumbersome process of applying for a traditional visa. Instead, they can simply submit an online application for the e-visa.

1.1. Requirements for Vietnam e-visa application

Valid passport with six months’ validity (Source: Collected)

How to get a Vietnamese visa? To get a Vietnam e-visa, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Ensure your nationality is on the approved list for Vietnam’s e-visa. Refer to the list below: 

Andorra,  Armenia, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Belarus, Brazil, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China (including Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR passport holders, not applicable to Chinese e-passport holders), Colombia, Cyprus, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, France, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary,  Ireland, Iceland, India,  Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Micronesia, Macedonia, Malta, Mexico, Marshall Islands, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Monaco, Myanmar, Nauru, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norway, Palau, Portugal, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russia, Romania, Solomons Islands, Serbia, Slovenia, San Marino, Slovakia,  Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, Timor Leste, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela, Western Samoa, and Vanuatu.

• Valid passport with six months’ validity
• Your passport data page photo must be in .jpg format
• A passport photo in .jpg format, featuring a white background and without glasses
• Valid international credit or debit card
• Email address for support
• Temporary address in Vietnam
• Entry and exit dates, along with entry and exit points/airports

1.2. How to apply for a Vietnam e-visa?

Electronic visa (e-visa) issuance for foreign nationals visiting Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Let’s learn about how to get a Vietnamese visa through the detailed instructions below:

• Step 1: Prepare the necessary documents, including:
  • One 4×6 passport photo without glasses, white background, in .jpg format
  • Your passport data page photo must be in .jpg format
  • Information about your current address in Vietnam and your points of arrival and departure
  • A credit or debit card for payment

• Step 2: 

• • Visit this link: https://immigration.gov.vn/
  • Select “E-visa Issuance”
  • Click “Outside Vietnam foreigners”

• Step 3: Upload your photos and fill in the information in all required fields of the application carefully. Submit.
• Step 4: Pay the $25 e-visa fee and make a note of the provided code.
• Step 5: You will receive an email notification about the status of your e-Visa application within three working days.
• Step 6: Use the provided code to track your e-visa online. It is recommended to download and print two copies of the e-visa for your convenience.

1.3. Fees and Processing time for Vietnam e-visa application

For an online Vietnam visa application, the fee is $25 USD. Processing time usually takes about three working days, but during holidays or high applicant volumes, it may take longer. So, to avoid delays, you should register 1-2 weeks before departure. 

The visa fee for Vietnam is 25 USD (Source: Collected)

2. How to get a Vietnamese visa at the Vietnam Embassy?

In addition to applying for an e-visa, you can choose to obtain a visa at the Vietnam embassy. Although it may seem more complex than applying online, getting a Vietnamese visa at the embassy can be a good option if you prefer to submit your application in person or if you encounter any issues with the online application process. The following is a detailed guide on how to get a Vietnamese visa at the embassy that you can refer to.

2.1. Requirements for a visa application at the Vietnam Embassy

When submitting a visa application at the Vietnamese embassy, you need the following documents:

• One completed application form (in the provided format) with an attached photo.
• Original passport or passport substitute.
• Visa approval documents issued by the Immigration Department, or the Consular Department, etc.
• Prepaid return envelope: If you prefer to receive your visa by mail, enclose a prepaid and self-addressed envelope along with your passport, application form, visa fees, and any other required fees.

Contact the embassy/consulate if you have any visa-related issues (Source: Collected)

2.2. How to apply for a Vietnamese visa at the embassy?

To apply for a visa at a Vietnamese embassy, you need:

• Make an appointment with a Vietnamese embassy and prepare the necessary documents.
• Submit the documents and pay the visa fee.
• Wait for the processing of your visa application.
• Get your passport and receive the visa application result.
• If approved, your Vietnam visa will be stamped on your passport, and you can use it to enter Vietnam.

2.3. Fee and Processing time

The Vietnam visa application fee and processing time will depend on the Vietnam embassy in your country. This processing time and visa fee will vary based on passport type, duration of stay, number of entries, visa type, and may change over time. And the visa fee, once paid, will not be refunded. Therefore, you should contact the visa department of the embassy to find out more information before applying for a visa.

Contact the visa section of the embassy/consulate to inquire for more information before applying for a visa (Source: Collected)

3. How to get a Vietnamese visa on arrival?

Visa on arrival is a legally recognized visa that allows foreigners to obtain an approval letter from a travel agency in Vietnam in order to get a visa stamp at the international airport in Vietnam upon arrival.

3.1. Requirements for applying for a Vietnam visa on arrival

Citizens worldwide can apply for a visa at the border gate if they arrive in Vietnam by air, enter or exit at one of the eight designated airports, and meet the following conditions:

• Foreigners from a country that does not have a Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate.
• Foreigners residing in other countries and not currently present in the territory of Vietnam.
• Foreigners whose passport is valid for at least 6 months before their intended date of stay in Vietnam.
• A person is not prohibited from entering Vietnam as prescribed in Article 21 of the Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.

And to apply for a visa on arrival, you need to prepare the following documents:

• A 4×6 passport photo without glasses on a white background
• A visa application has been filled out
• The passport or replacement ID is valid for six months from the date you intend to enter Vietnam
• Payment (25 USD to 50 USD) for the visa
• Letter of approval from a Vietnamese embassy or consulate (if you pick up your visa at the airport)

Apply for a visa at the port of entry if arriving in Vietnam by air (Source: Collected)

3.2. How to obtain a Vietnamese visa on arrival?

To be able to get a Vietnamese visa on arrival, you need to follow these three steps:

• Step 1: Apply for a visa approval letter through a visa issuing agency. 
• Step 2: You will receive your visa approval letter and the visa application form (NA1) via email. Print both documents out. Complete all the necessary information on the visa application form and prepare two passport-sized photos, an original and valid passport, as well as the required stamping fee in cash.
• Step 3: At the entry visa counter at the port of arrival, present all documents and things from Step 2 to get your visa stamp.

3.3. Fee and Processing time for Vietnam visa on arrival application

For Vietnam visa on arrival, the visa fees are as follows (excluding the additional service fee for the Approval Letter):

• Single entry, 1 month/3 months/1 year: $25 USD
• Multiple entry, under 3 months: $50 USD
• Multiple entry, 3 months to 6 months: $90 USD
• Multiple entry, 6 months to 1 year: $135 USD

When planning your Vietnam travel, you need to estimate the time to apply for a visa acceptance letter in time for the trip. This can take 2-5 business days, or only 2-4 working hours if you choose urgent services. And once you have all the necessary documents, the visa stamping process at the arrival port usually takes around 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the waiting line.

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If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, obtaining a visa is essential. This article provides detailed instructions on how to get a Vietnamese visa. Hopefully, this useful information will help your visa application go smoothly. Once you have a Vietnam visa, you can explore countless beautiful landscapes, experience unique cultures, and enjoy delicious Vietnamese food.

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