If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, one of the most important things you’ll need to do is get a tourist visa. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, this visa is required for most tourists entering the country. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting a Vietnam tourist visa, including who needs one, the types of visas available, the requirements for obtaining a visa, and how to extend your stay.
What is a Vietnam Tourist Visa?
A Vietnam tourist visa is a document that allows foreigners to enter Vietnam for tourism purposes. This includes sightseeing, visiting friends and family, attending cultural events, or engaging in other recreational activities. The visa is valid for a maximum of 30 days and can be used for single or multiple entries within that time frame.
Who Does Not Need a Tourist Visa for Vietnam?
There are some exceptions to the tourist visa requirement for entering Vietnam. Citizens of certain countries are eligible for visa-free entry for a limited period. Here’s a list of countries whose citizens don’t need a visa to visit Vietnam:
- Brunei – 14 days
- Cambodia – 30 days
- Indonesia – 30 days
- Kyrgyzstan – 30 days
- Laos – 30 days
- Malaysia – 30 days
- Myanmar – 14 days
- Philippines – 21 days
- Singapore – 30 days
- Thailand – 30 days
- Belarus – 15 days
- Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom – 15 days
If you’re a citizen of one of these countries and plan to stay longer than the designated visa-free period, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa.
Vietnam Tourist Visa Types
There are two types of tourist visas available for Vietnam: the e-visa and the embassy visa. The e-visa is an electronic visa that can be applied for online, while the embassy visa is obtained by submitting an application in person at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
E-Visa
The e-visa is a convenient option for tourists who want to apply for a visa from the comfort of their own home. It’s available to citizens of 80 countries and takes up to three business days to process. The fee for an e-visa is $25 USD and it’s valid for a maximum of 30 days for a single entry.
To apply for an e-visa, you’ll need to provide the following information:
- Passport with a validity of at least six months
- A digital passport photo
- A credit or debit card for payment
Embassy Visa
The embassy visa is the traditional way of obtaining a tourist visa for Vietnam. This method requires applicants to submit their application in person at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. The processing time for an embassy visa is usually between three and five business days, but it can be expedited for an additional fee.
To apply for an embassy visa, you’ll need to provide the following information:
- Passport with a validity of at least six months
- A completed visa application form
- Two recent passport-size photos
- Visa processing fee
Vietnam Tourist Visa Requirements
To obtain a tourist visa for Vietnam, you must meet the following requirements:
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Vietnam.
- Your passport must have at least two blank pages for stamping.
- You must have a return ticket or onward travel plans out of Vietnam.
- You must have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Vietnam.
- You must not have any criminal convictions or previous immigration violations.
How to Get a Vietnam Tourist Visa
There are two ways to get a Vietnam tourist visa: online or at an embassy or consulate.
Apply for a Vietnam Tourist Visa Online
To apply for a Vietnam visa online, follow these steps:
- Visit the Vietnam Immigration website and complete the application form.
- Upload your passport photo and pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card.
- Wait for the confirmation email with your e-visa attached.
Apply for a Vietnam Embassy Tourist Visa
To apply for an embassy tourist visa, you’ll need to visit a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in person. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Download and complete the visa application form from the embassy’s website.
- Gather the required documents, including your passport, photos, and visa fee.
- Submit your application in person and wait for processing.
How to Extend a Vietnam Tourist Visa
If you want to stay in Vietnam longer than 30 days, you can apply to extend your visa. To do this, you’ll need to visit the Vietnam Immigration Department in person and submit an application for an extension. The cost of an introductory paragraph and a conclusion paragraph, both with the target keyword “Vietnam Tourist Visa.”
Conclusion
If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, getting a tourist visa is an essential step in your travel preparations. Whether you choose to apply for an e-visa online or at a Vietnamese embassy, it’s important to make sure you meet all the requirements and have all the necessary documents before submitting your application. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience obtaining your Vietnam tourist visa.