Vietnam Visa Guide - UPDATED MAY 2024

Public date:May 07, 2024Last updated:May 07, 2024

Are you embarking on a journey through Vietnam's captivating landscapes in 2024? The first step is demystifying the process of obtaining a visa. In this guide, we'll unravel the intricacies, requirements, and essential tips, ensuring your quest for a Vietnam e-visa is as smooth as the forthcoming adventure. Join us as we navigate the path together, answering the question on every traveler's mind: "How do I get a Vietnam e-visa and Vietnam Visa On Arrival in 2024?" Get ready to unlock the doors to the wonders that await you in this country.

Table of Contents

1. List of Vietnam Visa exemption countries for 2024

Vietnam extends visa exemptions to citizens of 26 countries holding valid ordinary passports, providing a hassle-free entry experience. The duration of these exemptions varies, ranging from 14 to 90 days, with specific conditions for each category. Here's a breakdown:

Maximum stay of 14 days: Brunei, Myanmar
Maximum stay of 21 days: Philippines
Maximum stay of 30 days: Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand
Maximum stay of 45 days: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the U.K., Northern Ireland, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belarus
Maximum stay of 90 days: Chile, Panama

1.1 Key Points Regarding Visa-Exempt Countries:

To qualify for visa exemption, your passports must have a validity of at least 6 months from the arrival date.
Travelers from different countries can enjoy their stay in Vietnam within the specified durations, provided they present round-trip tickets or tickets for a third country upon arrival at customs.
For passport holders from Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Belarus, the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy who enter Vietnam with unilateral visa exemption, the entry date must be separated by at least 30 days from the previous exit under unilateral visa exemption.
Failure to comply with this 30-day gap requirement necessitates obtaining an appropriate visa to enter Vietnam. In other words, a minimum of 30 days must pass between two visa-exempt travels.

1.2 Do I need a visa when traveling to Phu Quoc island?

Phu Quoc is the only place in Vietnam where you can visit for up to 30 days without a visa, but only if you stay on the island the whole time. Foreign passport holders enjoy visa exemption for both entry into and exit from Phu Quoc Island.

If you're planning to visit the mainland or other parts of Vietnam, a visa becomes a requisite, especially if you're coming from countries like Cambodia, Thailand, or Laos. This usually happens if you're traveling by land instead of flying in. Without a visa, border guards won't let you enter the country.

1.3 Vietnam Visa Update for U.S. Citizens

The exclusive visa option available for US passport holders visiting Vietnam is the one-year multiple-entry visa. This implies that individuals from the United States can no longer obtain visas with durations of one month, three months, or six months. The prescribed visa requires US citizens to exit Vietnam every three months throughout the one-year validity period.

It's worth noting that for US citizens, the associated costs are relatively high, encompassing a stamping fee of $135 and a service fee for the agent to secure an approval letter, typically starting from $35 or higher.

2. Vietnam E-visa

Sample of Vietnam E-visa

Starting August 15, 2023, citizens from all countries and territories can now enjoy the convenience of Vietnam e-visa, offering a 90-day stay and permitting multiple entries.

2.1. Processing time for Vietnam e-visa application

The official processing time for Vietnam e-visa applications is approximately 3 working days. However, this timeframe can fluctuate depending on factors like current application volume and upcoming holidays. To avoid any delays and guarantee receipt before your arrival in Vietnam, we recommend submitting your application 1-2 weeks in advance.

2.2. The application fee for a Vietnam e-visa

The fee for applying for an e-visa to enter Vietnam is 25 USD/single entry visa. This fee is non-refundable if your application is refused or your visa contains incorrect information that you provided in the application form.

2.3. How to apply for Vietnam e-visa online

Step 1: Prepare Your Application Materials

Before applying for your e-visa, gather the following:

Valid passport: Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your planned departure date from Vietnam.
Passport photo: One recent 4x6 passport photo in .jpg format, with a white background and no glasses.
Passport data page scan: A scan of your passport data page in .jpg format.
Vietnam travel details: Provide your temporary residence address in Vietnam, preferred port of entry, and planned port of exit.
Payment method: A debit or credit card for online payment.

Step 2: Submit the Online Application

Visit the official Vietnam e-visa website: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/en_US/web/guest/khai-thi-thuc-dien-tu/cap-thi-thuc-dien-tu
Fill out the secure online form with your prepared information.

Step 3: Pay the Vietnam e-visa fee upon confirmation and Download your visa

Once you've completed the e-visa application form, payment is required. The fees are $25 for a single entry and $50 for multiple entries. Remember, this is separate from the stamping fee, which must be paid in cash (Vietnamese dong or US dollars) upon arrival at your designated entry port. To avoid delays, ensure you have the exact amount ready before your departure.

Don't forget to copy the registration code provided. This code will allow you to print your official Vietnam e-visa document.

Step 4: Present your E-visa or verification code at the border

Upon arriving at the Vietnamese border, be prepared to present either your printed e-visa or the verification code you received previously.

2.4. List countries that can use the Vietnam e-visa

The E-Visa program in Vietnam is open to citizens hailing from the countries provided below:

Andorra
Argentina
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bulgaria
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Chile
China (Only for passports with the letter G at the beginning; Not for Macau, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or China mainland with an E letter in the passport number)
Colombia
Croatia
Cuba
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Germany
Denmark
Finland
France
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Kazakhstan
Korea (South)
Luxembourg
Myanmar
Mongolia
Norway
Panama
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Romania
Russia
Slovakia
Spain
Sweden
Timor Leste
Uruguay
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
United States of America
Venezuela
Australia
UAE
Canada
India
The Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Samoa
San Marino
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Timor - Leste
UAE
United Kingdom
United States of America
Uruguay
Vanuatu
Venezuela

List of Border Gates Authorized for Foreign Entry using E-visas in Vietnam

List of Border Gates Authorized for Foreign Entry and Exit using E-visas in Vietnam

International Airports:

Can Tho International Airport (VCA) - Can Tho City
Dong Hoi International Airport (VDH) - Quang Binh Province
Lien Khuong International Airport (DLI ) - Lam Dong Province
Da Nang International Airport (DAD) - Da Nang City
Cat Bi International Airport (HPH ) - Hai Phong Province
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) - Hanoi City
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN ) - Ho Chi Minh City
Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) - Hue City
Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) - Khanh Hoa Province
Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) - Kien Giang Province
Phu Cat International Airport (UIH) - Binh Dinh Province
Tho Xuan International Airport (THD) - Thanh Hoa Province

Landports:

Bo Y Landport
Cha Lo Landport
Cau Treo Landport
Huu Nghi Landport
Ha Tien Landport
Lao Bao Landport
Lao Cai Landport
La Lay Landport
Moc Bai Landport
Mong Cai Landport
Nam Can Landport
Na Meo Landport
Song Tien Landport
Tinh Bien Landport
Tay Trang Landport
Xa Mat Landport

Seaports:

Chan May Seaport (Thua Thien - Hue Province)
Da Nang Seaport (Da Nang City)
Quy Nhon Seaport (Binh Dinh Province)
Ho Chi Minh Seaport (Ho Chi Minh City)
Vung Tau Seaport (Ba Ria Province)
Cam Pha Seaport (Quang Ninh Province)
Hon Gai Seaport (Quang Ninh Province)
Nghi Son Seaport (Thanh Hoa Province)
Hai Phong Seaport (Hai Phong City)
Dung Quat Seaport (Quang Ngai Province)
Duong Dong Seaport (Phu Quoc - Kien Giang Province)
Vung Ang Seaport (Ha Tinh Province)
Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa Province)

3. Vietnam Visa on Arrival - VOA

Visa on Arrival in Vietnam registration counter

Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Vietnam registration counter

Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) can be obtained upon arrival at the country's international airports. An agent can assist you in securing the visa approval letter beforehand. Tailored for air travel, this visa option is only applicable for those entering Vietnam by plane.

3.1. Obtaining a Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Vietnam

Upon arrival at one of Vietnam's international airports (Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City), you can obtain your visa stamp directly at the Immigration counter. To do so, present the following documents:

Visa approval letter (printed)
Valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity
Two recent passport-sized photos (taken within the last 6 months)

Once your documents are verified and the fees are paid (cash only), you'll receive your passport with the stamped visa, allowing you to enter Vietnam.

3.2. Advantages of Visa on Arrival

No need for postal services: Eliminates the risk and waiting time associated with sending your passport to the Vietnamese embassy for visa processing. This is particularly beneficial for stays exceeding 30 days or multiple entries.

3.3. Disadvantages of Visa on Arrival

Limited entry points: Applicable only for entry through the designated airports; entry via land borders or seaports requires a pre-arranged visa.
Airport restriction: Visa stamping can only be done at one of the three specified airports.
Waiting times: Expect wait times at the Immigration counter ranging from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours, depending on passenger volume.

4. Notes about getting Vietnam visa

4.1. Vietnam E-visa

Double-check your personal information! Errors in your E-visa application will lead to lost fees with no refund.
Enter the address of your first Vietnamese accommodation in the "Residential Address in Vietnam" field.
Note: The port of entry listed on your E-visa cannot be changed. If you need to alter this information, you must apply for a new E-visa.
Processing times vary; expect your E-visa within 3 working days on average. However, delays are possible during peak periods or holidays. To ensure timely arrival, submit your application at least 2 weeks before your trip.
Group applications are not allowed. Each E-visa application must be for one individual only.

Vietnam Visa On Arrival - VOA

Important: VOA is not a visa itself, but rather a pre-arranged approval letter exchanged for a visa stamp upon arrival.
When choosing between visa options, consider your travel plans and select the best fit.
Make sure your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond your planned departure from Vietnam.

To help you have a more fulfilling and safe trip to Vietnam, here are some tips that you might find useful!

And...

If you want to immerse yourself in the cultural identity and make friends with locals when you come to Vietnam, consider taking a guided tour and street food experience with a local guide.

You can take the Saigon By Night and Street Food Tour of Kiss Tour. These tours allow you to explore the vibrant and lively city of Ho Chi Minh City on motorbikes after the sun sets. Alternatively, the Saigon City Tour is also a great option if you want to explore the city during the day.

With your friendly and knowledgeable guides, they will take you to the most iconic places and provide insights into Vietnamese food and culture. This feels like you're hanging out with friends and you just need to enjoy the trip!

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