ALL ABOUT GETTING A VIETNAM TOURIST VISA
Vietnam offers visa exemptions to travelers from 24 countries, and e-Visas to travelers from 80 countries. Visitors can also apply for a visa on arrival online or in-person at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. This blog will give you all the information needed for obtaining a Vietnam tourist visa. If you have any questions, always feel free to contact us at info@itsvietnam.com or sm@itsvietnam.com .
Outline:
I. Visa Exempted Countries
Vietnam offers visa exemptions ranging from 14 to 90 days to citizens of 24 countries holding valid ordinary passports.
The full list of countries with visa exemptions is below. To view visa exemptions for diplomatic and other passports, please visit this link.
List of countries eligible for Vietnam visa exemption:
Notes on visa exemptions:
- The exemptions listed above for Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Belarus, Finland, Japan, South Korea, and Russia are valid until 31, 2022.
- The exemptions listed above for the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy are valid until June 30, 2021.
- All nationalities traveling directly and only to Phu Quoc Island can visit the island for 30 days visa-free. To do this you will need to show an outbound ticket on arrival in Vietnam. If you are also going to other cities in Vietnam beside Phu Quoc, the regular policies are applied.
- Spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens are allowed to stay in the country without a visa for six months and must show papers proving their eligibility. For full requirements, please visit this link.
II. E-Visa
- General:
Vietnamese visa is a kind of travel documents granted by Vietnamese competent authorities, providing permission to travel to and enter Vietnam.
An electronic visa (E-visa) is one of visa types issued to foreigners by Vietnamese Immigration Department via electronic system. Vietnam E-visa is valid for maximum of 30 days, single entry.
Outside Vietnam foreigners who want to enter Vietnam can personally apply for E-visa or through the inviting/guaranteeing agencies and organizations.
E-visa fee is paid via electronic payment gateway as prescribed by the Immigration Department. The fee will not be refunded if the application is refused.
List of Countries that allowed E-visa issuing.
List of Ports that allowed foreigners enter and exit Vietnam by E-visa.
Conditions for being granted e-visa:
- Outside Vietnam foreigners;
- Holding valid passport;
- Not falling into the cases of suspension from entry prescribed in Article 21of Law on foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through, residence in Vietnam.
- Selections:
- For outside Vietnam foreigners, click here,
- For inviting, guaranteeing authority/organization, click here,
- For airlines, click here.
- Notes:
E-visa holders in Vietnam may be considered to get new visa if being invited/guaranteed by authority/organization/individual in Vietnam in accordance with Law on foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through, residence in Vietnam.
Foreigners who entry Vietnam must comply with Vietnamese law.
Inviting/guaranteeing foreigners in accordance with section 1, Article 16, Law on foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through, residence in Vietnam; can be applied through electronic system (click here).
Notice: Foreigners falling into the cases prescribed in Clauses 1, 2, 3 and 4, Article 8 of the Law on foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam, shall not apply for e-visa on this Website. They should send visa applications via the inviting or guaranteeing agencies and organizations to the competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Click for detail)
III. Visa Upon Arrival
If you are planning a multiple-entry visit or a stay of more than 30 days, you will want to apply for a visa on arrival. To do this you’ll need:
- A 4×6 passport photo with a white background and no glasses
- A filled-out visa application form
- A passport or substitute ID valid for six months from the date you plan to enter Vietnam
- Payment (25 USD to 50 USD) for visa fees, and
- A Letter of Approval from a Vietnamese embassy or consulate (if you are picking up your visa at the airport)
If you are near a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, you can submit your photo, application form, passport, and visa fee in person. This website will guide you through the process.
If you are unable to reach a Vietnamese embassy, or are short on time, there are trusted services online who can provide you a valid Letter of Approval for a fee. Bring this letter and together with a visa application form and your other documents to the Visa on Arrival counter at the airport when you land.
Notes: You will need to pay your visa stamp fee in USD or Vietnamese Dong on arrival at the airport.
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