First, it is important to understand visa requirements, as they determine your eligibility to enter and stay in Vietnam legally. Different visa types apply depending on nationality, purpose of visit, and duration of stay, so checking the latest regulations is essential.
Visa Requirements for Vietnam
Vietnam has different visa policies depending on the traveler’s nationality, purpose of visit, and duration of stay. Here’s what you need to know:
Visa Exemption Entry
Visa exemption, also known as visa-free entry, allows
countries eligible for visa exemption to enter Vietnam without applying for a visa in advance. This policy applies to specific countries under bilateral or unilateral agreements.
As of the latest update, Vietnam grants visa exemptions to passport holders from 26 countries. The length of stay varies from 14 to 90 days, depending on the traveler’s nationality. Below is a detailed list of countries and their respective duration of stay:
Country |
Duration of Stay |
Purpose of Entry |
Chile |
90 days |
Non-income generating activities |
Panama |
90 days |
Non-income generating activities |
Cambodia |
30 days |
Not specified |
Indonesia |
30 days |
Not specified |
Kyrgyzstan |
30 days |
Not specified |
Laos |
30 days |
Not specified |
Malaysia |
30 days |
Tourism, business, family visits, and more |
Singapore |
30 days |
Non-income generating activities |
Thailand |
30 days |
Not specified |
Philippines |
21 days |
Not specified |
Brunei |
14 days |
Not specified |
Myanmar |
14 days |
Visits |
Belarus |
45 days |
Not specified |
South Korea |
45 days |
Not specified |
Japan |
45 days |
Not specified |
Germany |
45 days |
Not specified |
Denmark |
45 days |
Not specified |
Norway |
45 days |
Not specified |
Russia |
45 days |
Not specified |
France |
45 days |
Not specified |
Finland |
45 days |
Not specified |
Spain |
45 days |
Not specified |
Sweden |
45 days |
Not specified |
Italy |
45 days |
Not specified |
United Kingdom |
45 days |
Not applicable to BNO passport holders |
Kazakhstan |
30 days |
Up to 90 days within a 180-day period |
To enter Vietnam under the visa exemption policy, travelers must meet the following requirements:
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Hold a passport issued by one of the visa-exempt countries.
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Ensure the passport has at least six months of validity from the date of entry.
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Have at least two blank pages in the passport.
Additionally, travelers must not appear on the blacklist maintained by the Vietnamese Immigration Department. Upon arrival, eligible individuals can proceed directly to immigration clearance without the need for a visa-on-arrival application.
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Visa on arrival is a visa obtained upon arrival at designated international entry ports in Vietnam.
To get a visa on arrival, travelers must first secure an
Approval Letter through an authorized agency before their trip. Upon landing, they present the approval letter, passport, and required fees at the visa counter to receive the visa stamp.
To apply for an approval letter, you have to provide some documents and information below:
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Passport photo
-
Intended travel date
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Entry port
-
Type of visa
The letter will be processed within 5-7 working days (normal process) or as fast as 1-2 hours (urgent process).
You can refer to the website
Vietnam Online Visa to get an urgent approval letter at the cheapest cost.
E-Visa
An
eVisa, or
electronic visa, is issued online by the Vietnamese government. Applicants submit their information, passport details, and pay the fee via the official e-visa portal. Once approved, the e-visa is emailed and allows direct entry into Vietnam. This is a convenient option for travelers from all countries, applicable for tourism, business, or short-term visits.
The e-visa is very easy to obtain, you just need to follow these steps:
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Visit the Official E-Visa Website: Navigate to Vietnam’s e-visa portal; https://evisa.gov.vn/
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Complete the Application Form: Enter your details, upload a scanned passport copy, and a passport-sized photo.
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Pay the Application Fee: Pay the fee ($25 for single entry and 50$ for multiple entry) using a credit or debit card.
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Receive Approval: Your e-visa will be emailed to you within 3-5 working days.
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Print Out Your E-visa result.
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Note:
Please make sure that you fill out the information accurately when applying. Once the visa is issued, the visa fee will not be refunded for any information errors, and you must use visa correction service or apply for a new one.
To ensure accuracy, you should consider using our Vietnam visa service. We will apply and take care of your application thoroughly, as well as process it urgently (within 1-2 hours) if you are in need.
Comprehensive Guide to Entry Procedures in Vietnam
Detailed Entry Procedures with Visa on Arrival
Step 1: Present Your Documents
Upon landing in Vietnam, proceed directly to the Visa on Arrival counter at the airport. This is typically located before you enter the immigration area.
At the VOA counter, submit the following:
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Your Approval Letter issued by the authorized travel agent.
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A completed Entry/Exit Form (NA1), which you can fill out online or receive at the VOA counter.
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Your passport with at least six months of validity.
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Passport-sized photos (usually 2).
Step 2: Pay the Visa Stamping Fee
The visa stamping fee must be paid at the VOA counter.
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Typically, the fee is $25 for a single-entry visa and $50 for a multiple-entry visa.
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It’s important to pay in USD or VND (Vietnamese Dong), so make sure you have cash in hand.
Step 3: Receive Your Sticker Visa
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Once your documents and payment are processed, you will receive your
sticker visa, which will be affixed to your passport.
Step 4: Proceed to the Immigration Counter
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After receiving your visa, move to the immigration counter to complete your entry.
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The immigration officer will verify your visa and passport, then proceed with the final step of granting you entry into Vietnam.
Step 5: Collect Your Luggage and Exit the Airport
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After clearing immigration, proceed to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage.
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Finally, exit the airport and begin your stay in Vietnam!
Detailed Entry Procedures with E-Visa
Step 1: Present Your Documents
-
Upon arrival in Vietnam, go to the immigration counter and present the printed e-visa along with your passport.
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The e-visa serves as your official entry authorization.
Step 2: Proceed to the Entry Checkpoint
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At the immigration checkpoint, the officer will verify your e-visa and passport.
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There may be a few security checks or questions related to your stay in Vietnam.
Step 3: Complete the Immigration Process
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Once your e-visa and passport are verified, the immigration officer will process your entry into Vietnam.
-
After verification, you will be granted entry to Vietnam.
Step 4: Collect Your Luggage and Exit the Airport
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After clearing immigration, go to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage.
-
After clearing customs, exit the airport and begin your stay in Vietnam.
Speed Up Your Entry Procedure with our Fast Track Service
What is Fast Track Service?
The Fast Track service is an expedited process that allows travelers to bypass long immigration lines and enjoy quicker entry procedures upon arrival in Vietnam. With this service, you'll receive personalized assistance through the entire immigration and customs process.
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Airport Fast Track |
VIP Airport Fast Track |
Be picked up by our staff |
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Be supported with getting visa stamped |
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Be assisted with checking required documents |
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Be escorted going through security scans |
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Be assisted with getting your luggage back |
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Entry Procedures with Our Fast Track Service
After getting off the airplane, please follow the flow of other passengers to reach the main airport hall.
Once you arrive at the airport hall, look for the Fast Track staff holding a whiteboard with your name on it.
Please approach that person; they will assist you in obtaining your visa sticker and guide you to the Fast Track line, allowing you to go through immigration faster.
You need to pay an extra $25 to customs (in cash) for a single-entry visa and $50 for a multiple-entry visa.
After exiting the airport, please go out through the main gate and head to Column 11 (in Hanoi) or Column 10GF (in Ho Chi Minh City). The location may vary depending on your time of arrival.
Our driver will be holding a whiteboard with your name on it, and he will take you to your hotel.
In conclusion, understanding Vietnam’s entry procedures ensures a stress-free arrival. Whether you’re visiting for leisure, work, or long-term stay, staying updated on visa regulations, entry requirements, and customs rules will help you navigate the process smoothly.
With our Fast Track Service, you have ensured a VIP experience at the airport, with fast, seamless, and hassle-free processing. You’ll save time, avoid stress, and start your trip to Vietnam with ease.