Are you a Canadian planning to visit Vietnam Visa from Canada in 2023? You’ll need a visa to enter the country, and this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process of obtaining it.
Who needs a Vietnam visa?
All Canadian passport holders who plan to travel to Vietnam are required to obtain a visa, regardless of their purpose of visit. There are very few exceptions to this rule, such as diplomatic or official passport holders.
What is a Vietnam visa?
A Vietnam visa is an endorsement on a passport that allows a foreign national to enter, leave, or stay in Vietnam for a specified period. The length of stay depends on the type of visa issued.
When should I apply for a Vietnam visa?
It is recommended that you apply for a Vietnam visa at least one month before your intended departure date. This gives ample time for processing and avoids any last-minute complications.
How to apply for a Vietnam visa from Canada?
There are three ways to obtain a Vietnam visa from Canada:
- Apply online: You can apply for a Vietnam visa online through the Vietnam Immigration Department’s website. Fill out the application form, pay the fee, and receive a visa approval letter via email. Present the letter along with your passport to get the visa stamp upon arrival in Vietnam.
- Apply via mail: Download the visa application form from the website of the Vietnamese embassy in Canada, fill it out, and send it along with your passport, photos, and fee to the embassy. Wait for the visa to be processed and returned by mail.
- Apply in-person: Visit the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in person, bring all necessary documents, fill out the application form, pay the fee, and wait for the visa to be processed.
Pros and cons of each application method
Each application method has its own pros and cons. Here is a comparison:
Online application
Pros:
- Fast and convenient
- No need to send passport via mail or visit embassy
- No need to stand in line at the airport for visa stamp
Cons:
- May require internet access and a printer
- Additional fee for visa approval letter
- Only applicable for those arriving by air
Mail application
Pros:
- No need to visit the embassy in-person
- Can be done from anywhere in Canada
- No need to stand in line at the airport for visa stamp
Cons:
- Takes longer than online application
- Passport must be sent via mail
- Visa fee must be paid by bank draft or money order
In-person application
Pros:
- Allows direct communication with embassy staff
- Same-day processing available (with additional fee)
- No need to wait for visa to arrive in mail
Cons:
- Requires traveling to the embassy
- May experience long wait times
- incurs extra travel expenses if embassy is far from your location
Vietnam visa requirements for Canadians
When applying for a Vietnam visa, you will need to submit the following documents:
- Valid passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Vietnam.
- Completed visa application form: The form can be downloaded from the Vietnamese embassy’s website.
- Photos: Two passport-sized photos with a white background are required.
- Visa fee: The fee varies depending on the type of visa and the method of application.
Alternatives to obtaining a Vietnam visa
If you’re a Canadian citizen planning a short-term stay in Vietnam, there are a few alternatives to obtaining a visa:
- Visa exemption: Canadians holding a valid passport can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 15 days.
- E-Visa: Starting from 2021, Canadian citizens can apply for an e-visa to enter Vietnam for up to 30 days. The application process is done online, and the visa is sent via email.
Note that these options have their own restrictions and limitations. Please check the Vietnam embassy’s website for more details.
Step-by-step guide to applying for a Vietnam visa
Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for a Vietnam visa from Canada:
- Determine the type of visa you need based on your purpose of visit and length of stay.
- Choose the most appropriate application method: online, mail, or in-person.
- Fill out the application form accurately and completely.
- Submit all necessary documents and pay the fee.
- Wait for the visa to be processed (the processing time varies depending on the application method).
- Receive the visa approval letter (for online application) or visa stamp (for mail and in-person application).
- Travel to Vietnam and present the visa along with your passport at the airport.
Comparison of Vietnam visa types
There are several types of visas available for those traveling to Vietnam. Here’s a comparison:
Tourist visa
- For people visiting Vietnam for tourism purposes
- Available for single or multiple entries
- Valid for up to 90 days
Business visa
- For people traveling to Vietnam for business purposes
- Available for single or multiple entries
- Valid for up to one year
Student visa
- For foreign students studying in Vietnam
- Available for multiple entries
- Valid for the duration of the course
Work visa
- For foreigners working in Vietnam
- Available for single or multiple entries
- Valid for up to one year
Tips for obtaining a Vietnam visa from Canada
Here are some tips to make the process of obtaining a Vietnam visa smoother:
- Apply early: Start the application process at least one month before your intended departure date.
- Double-check all documents: Make sure all documents required are included and filled out accurately.
- Follow the instructions: Read the instructions carefully before applying, and follow them closely.
- Contact embassy for assistance: If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Vietnamese embassy or consulate for assistance.
- Keep alternative options in mind: Consider all available options, such as visa exemption or e-visa, before applying.
Tips for Immediate Vietnam Visa from Canada
Planning a last-minute trip to Vietnam from Canada? Don’t worry, you can still obtain a visa quickly and easily. Here are some tips for getting an immediate Vietnam visa from Canada:
1. Apply for an e-visa:
The quickest way to get a Vietnam visa for Canadians is to apply for an e-visa. An e-visa is an electronic visa that is issued online and allows you to enter Vietnam through certain designated international airports and seaports. To apply for an e-visa, you will need to have a valid Canadian passport, a passport-sized photo, and an active email address. The processing time for e-visas is typically 2-3 business days.
2. Contact a visa agency:
If you need your visa even faster, you can contact a visa agency. Visa agencies can typically process visas within 24-48 hours. However, their services will come at an additional cost.
3. Apply at the Vietnam Embassy in Canada:
You can also apply for a visa at the Vietnam Embassy in Canada. However, this option will take the longest, as it typically takes 5-7 business days to process a visa application at the embassy.
4. Get a visa on arrival:
In some cases, you may be able to get a visa on arrival at a Vietnamese airport. However, this option is not always available, and there is a fee for obtaining a visa on arrival.
Here are some additional tips for getting an immediate Vietnam visa from Canada:
- Start the application process as early as possible.
- Make sure you have all of the required documents.
- Fill out the application form accurately and completely.
- Submit the application online or in person.
- Pay the visa fee.
- Track the status of your application.
- Be prepared to provide additional information if required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Vietnam Visa from Canada
Q: Do Canadian citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam?
A: Yes, Canadian citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam. They can apply for an e-visa online or obtain a visa on arrival at certain international airports in Vietnam.
Q: What is an e-visa?
A: An e-visa is an electronic visa that is issued online by the Vietnamese Immigration Department. It is a convenient option for Canadian citizens who are planning to visit Vietnam for tourism or business purposes.
Q: How do I apply for an e-visa?
A: To apply for an e-visa, Canadian citizens can visit the website of the Vietnam Immigration Department and complete an online application form. They will need to provide their passport information, travel details, and other supporting documents.
Q: What are the processing times for e-visa applications?
A: The processing time for e-visa applications is typically 3-5 business days. However, it may take longer during peak seasons.
Q: How much does an e-visa cost?
A: The cost of an e-visa varies depending on the type of visa and the length of stay. For example, a single-entry visa for a stay of up to 30 days costs US$25.
Q: Can I get a visa on arrival in Vietnam?
A: Yes, Canadian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at certain international airports in Vietnam, including Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport, Da Nang International Airport, Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, and Cam Ranh International Airport in Nha Trang.
Q: What are the requirements for obtaining a visa on arrival?
A: To obtain a visa on arrival, Canadian citizens must have a valid passport with at least six months remaining validity and two blank pages, a completed visa application form, and a visa fee. They may also be required to show proof of onward travel and accommodation.
Q: How long is a visa on arrival valid for?
A: A visa on arrival is typically valid for a stay of up to 30 days. However, it is possible to apply for an extension once in Vietnam.
Q: Can I extend my visa while in Vietnam?
A: Yes, it is possible to extend your visa while in Vietnam. You can do so at the Department of Immigration in any major city.
Q: What are the penalties for overstaying your visa?
A: The penalties for overstaying your visa in Vietnam can be severe, including fines, deportation, and imprisonment. It is important to make sure that you do not overstay your visa.
Additional Tips:
- Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your date of arrival in Vietnam.
- Have at least two blank pages in your passport for a visa stamp.
- Bring a copy of your visa application form and visa approval letter (if applicable) with you to Vietnam.
- Allow enough time to process your visa application.
- Be aware of the visa requirements before you travel to Vietnam.