Vietnam Visa Requirements A Comprehensive Guide

Vietnam, a captivating country in Southeast Asia, offers a diverse range of landscapes, cultures, and historical attractions. Whether you’re seeking adventure in the lush mountains, exploring the bustling cities, or simply relaxing on its pristine beaches, Vietnam has something for every traveler. However, to fully experience the beauty and wonders of Vietnam, it’s essential to have a valid visa that meets your specific purpose of travel. Here’s a comprehensive guide to Vietnam visa requirements, including the different types of visas available, eligibility criteria, application process, and essential tips to ensure a smooth visa application.

Types of Vietnam Visa Requirements

Vietnam offers various types of visas tailored to different travel purposes. Depending on your purpose of visit, you can choose from the following types of visas:

Tourist Visa (Single or Multiple Entry)

The tourist visa is the most common type of visa for short-term tourism purposes. It allows stays of up to 30 days (single entry) or 90 days (multiple entry). This type of visa is suitable for tourists who plan to stay in Vietnam for a short period and do not engage in any business activities.

Business Visa (Single or Multiple Entry)

For individuals traveling to Vietnam for business activities, conferences, or commercial purposes, the business visa is required. Like the tourist visa, it also offers single or multiple entries with a maximum stay of 30 or 90 days, respectively.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Citizens of eligible countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at major international airports in Vietnam. To apply for a VOA, travelers must have an approval letter from the Vietnamese Immigration Department, which can be obtained through a travel agency or online visa service. The VOA is suitable for those who need a last-minute visa or do not have access to a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in their home country.

Work Permit Visa

Foreigners who plan to work in Vietnam must obtain a work permit visa. This type of visa is sponsored by a Vietnamese company and is valid for 1-2 years, depending on the job contract. To apply for a work permit visa, the employer must first obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs.

Study Visa

International students enrolled in educational institutions in Vietnam must have a study visa. The study visa allows stays of up to 12 months and can be extended if necessary. Students must present a letter of acceptance from their school or university to apply for this type of visa.

Dependent Visa

Spouses, children, or parents of visa holders can apply for a dependent visa to join their family member in Vietnam. This type of visa requires a sponsorship from the visa holder and allows stays of up to 90 days. Dependent visa holders also have the option to extend their visa if needed.

Vietnam Visa Application Process

The application process for a Vietnam visa varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa you need. Generally, there are two ways to obtain a visa for Vietnam: through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country, or via a VOA for eligible countries. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Vietnam visa:

1. Check the eligibility criteria for your desired visa type.
2. Gather all required documents (more details in the next section).
3. Apply for a visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country or online if you’re eligible for a VOA.
4. Pay the visa fee, which varies depending on your nationality and type of visa.
5. If applying for a VOA, obtain an approval letter from the Vietnamese Immigration Department before departure.
6. Upon arrival at an international airport in Vietnam, present your approval letter (if applicable), passport, and entry/exit form to the immigration officer, pay the stamping fee, and receive your visa.

Required Documents for a Vietnam Visa Application

The specific documents required for a Vietnam visa application may vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you need. However, here are the general documents that most applicants will need to provide:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity and two blank pages for the visa.
• A completed visa application form (available online or at the embassy/consulate).
• A recent passport-sized photo.
• Proof of accommodation in Vietnam (hotel reservations, rental contract, etc.).
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Vietnam.
• Proof of onward travel (return ticket or itinerary).
• For business visas, an invitation letter from a Vietnamese company is required.
• For study visas, a letter of acceptance from the educational institution is needed.
• For dependent visas, proof of relationship and sponsorship from the visa holder is necessary.

Vietnam Visa Fees

The visa fee for Vietnam varies depending on your nationality, the type of visa, and the country where you apply. Here’s a breakdown of the average visa fees for different types of visas:

Note: The fees listed above are estimates and subject to change. Please check with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country for the exact fee amount.

In addition to the visa fee, applicants are also required to pay a stamping fee upon arrival at Vietnamese airports. The stamping fee is $25 for single-entry visas and $50 for multiple-entry visas.

Vietnam Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Vietnam visa depends on the type of visa and the method of application. Here’s a general timeline for different types of visas:

• For visas obtained through an embassy or consulate: 5-7 business days.
• For VOA: 2-3 business days (for approval letter) + 15-20 minutes (at the airport).
• For work permit visas: 5-7 business days (after the employer obtains the work permit).
• For study visas: 5-7 business days.

It’s important to apply for your visa well in advance to avoid any delays or issues with your travel plans.

Vietnam Visa Extension

If you wish to extend your stay in Vietnam, you can apply for a visa extension at the Vietnamese Immigration Department. The extension is usually granted for up to 30 days, but it varies depending on the type of visa. To apply for a visa extension, you will need to provide your passport, current visa, and necessary documents (proof of residence, financial stability, etc.). It’s recommended to apply for a visa extension at least 1 week before your current visa expires.

Visa Exemption for Vietnam

Citizens of several countries are exempt from obtaining a visa for Vietnam for certain periods. The duration of the visa exemption varies from 14 to 90 days, depending on your nationality. Some of the countries eligible for visa exemption include:

• Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar: 30-day visa exemption.
• Philippines: 21-day visa exemption.
• South Korea, Japan, Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Belarus: 15-day visa exemption.
• United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Chile: 15-day visa exemption (until June 2021).
• Brunei and Myanmar: 14-day visa exemption.

Note: The visa exemption program may change at any time. Please check with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country for the latest updates.

Conclusion

Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip to Vietnam. With various types of visas available, it’s crucial to understand your purpose of travel and choose the right visa accordingly. Make sure to check the eligibility criteria, gather all required documents, and apply for your visa well in advance to avoid any delays or issues. With this comprehensive guide to Vietnam visa requirements, you can now confidently plan your trip to this beautiful and diverse country.

Contact us:

Email: sales@visaonlinevietnam.org

WhatsApp: (+84)968 18 77 18

USA: +1(972)-666-0676

www.travelisraelonline.com