Vietnam's visa requirements vary by nationality and purpose of visit, with options including visa exemptions for certain countries, e-Visas for up to 80 countries, Visa on Arrival for air travelers, and traditional visas obtained from Vietnamese embassies or consulates.
The visa requirements for Vietnam can vary depending on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay. Here is some general guidance:
Visa Exemption:
Vietnam has visa exemption agreements with certain countries. This allows citizens of those countries to visit Vietnam for a set period (ranging from 14 to 90 days, depending on the country) without a visa for tourism purposes. Check if your country has such an agreement with Vietnam.
Citizens of the following countries can visit Vietnam without a visa for tourism purposes: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, East Timor, Chile, Panama, Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, and Sweden. These countries are granted a visa exemption for a period of 14 to 90 days, depending on the country.
e-Visa:
Citizens of 80 countries can apply for a Vietnam e-Visa. This is a single-entry visa that allows a stay of up to 30 days. You can apply online, and the process typically involves filling out an application form, uploading required documents, paying a fee, and receiving your e-Visa by email within three working days. The e-Visa needs to be printed and presented upon arrival.
Visa On Arrival (VOA):
This service is available to travelers who arrive in Vietnam by air. With this, you first need to apply online for a Visa Approval Letter, which you then present upon arrival in Vietnam (at one of the international airports) to receive your visa. This process requires a fee for the approval letter and another fee paid directly at the airport when the visa is stamped into your passport.
Please note that while the Visa On Arrival process has been used by many travelers, it is not officially endorsed by Vietnamese embassies abroad.
Embassy or Consulate Visa:
You can apply for a visa through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country. This can be a good option if you're not eligible for an e-Visa or a visa exemption, or if you want to secure your visa before you travel.
