How do I get a visa for Vietnam? The process of getting a Vietnam Visa is quick and easy if you figure out which of the three ways to get a visa fits your plans.
Vietnam is fast becoming a popular tourist destination, ranking third in the top 10 countries with a substantial increase in tourists. Why not? Its varied landscapes, many world-famous UNESCO heritage sites to explore, and affordability make it a sought-after destination.
Here, we are talking about the Vietnam Tourist/Visitor Visa (DL). For all other types of Vietnamese visas, check the official website of the Vietnam Embassy.
Related Read: Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Vietnam
Heads up: some links here are affiliate links. That means if you click and buy something, I may earn a teeny-weeny commission (think chai money, not a private jet) at no extra cost to you. It’s a small way to keep this blog running, the words flowing, and the pages free for you to enjoy. I only recommend things I truly love, use, or secretly wish I invented, because trust matters, and so do good recs. Thanks for supporting the little cozy corner of the internet I call my virtual home.
Vietnam Tourist Visa
A Vietnam Tourist Visa is valid for up to 90 days (3 months), single or multiple entries.
Exception: A one-year multiple entry visa for Vietnam is available for US passport holders only.
Read More: Vietnam Itinerary for 10 Days
Vietnam Visa Exemption
Do you need a visa for Vietnam?
Passport holders of the following 24 countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for a limited duration.
| Country | Number of Days | Remarks |
| Chile | less than 90 days | |
| Cambodia | less than 30 days | |
| Indonesia | less than 30 days | |
| Kyrgyzstan | less than 30 days | |
| Laos | less than 30 days | |
| Malaysia | less than 30 days | |
| Singapore | less than 30 days | |
| Thailand | less than 30 days | |
| Philippines | less than 21 days | |
| Brunei | less than 14 days | |
| Myanmar | less than 14 days | |
| Belarus | less than 15 days | |
| Denmark | less than 15 days | |
| Finland | less than 15 days | |
| France | less than 15 days | |
| Germany | less than 15 days | |
| Italy | less than 15 days | |
| Japan | less than 15 days | |
| Norway | less than 15 days | |
| Russia | less than 15 days | |
| South Korea | less than 15 days | |
| Spain | less than 15 days | |
| Sweden | less than 15 days | |
| United Kingdom | less than 15 days |
If your country isn’t listed in the above table, you should read further. Those lucky nationals who have been listed on the table should stop here and pack their bags.
Note: The 15-day visa exemption for British, French, German, Spanish, and Italian citizens has been temporarily suspended.
Refer here for more on the list of countries and the maximum duration of free stay allowed.
There are some exceptions to the visa exemption rules which might be beneficial to have a look at before –
- Nationals of the 24 countries listed above are exempted from visas but for a limited duration.
- Visiting Phu Quoc island only for a maximum duration of 30 days. This is applicable if directly entering Phu Quoc or even if transiting from other Vietnam International airports. The exemption is valid even if you enter by water. The only requirement is that you should have a valid return ticket. Vietnam is promoting Phu Quoc, a white sand paradise as a major tourist destination. The amount of construction on the island affirms the same.
- APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) business travel card holders of 18 countries are allowed to travel visa-free for a maximum of 60 days for business purposes only.
Note: The 30-day gap rule has been canceled as of July 2021. You can avail of the visa exemption rule multiple times for free entry; the only condition is that there should be a 30-day gap between the last exit and re-entry into the country. If staying beyond the exemption time, a visa is required.
Once you have checked eligibility, you will be ready to apply for the visa.
Related Read: Singapore Visa for Indians
Vietnam Visa Fees
The Vietnam visa fees depend upon the duration of the visa and how it is applied for. When applying for a visa through an embassy, there are different charges depending on the country. South Asian countries have lower fees than others.
It ranges from $25 to $100. If you apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival, you need to pay service fees online and Stamping fees at the Vietnam airport.
Read More: A Guide to Vegetarian Food in Vietnam
How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa
There are 3 different ways to apply for the Vietnamese visa
- Directly at the Vietnam embassy
- Vietnam VOA (Visa on arrival) – applied through an agent.
- Vietnam E visa – Vietnam visa online.
You can choose depending on the purpose of travel, mode of travel, duration, and convenience.
You Might Find it Useful: Best Things to Do in Hanoi
Apply at the Vietnamese Embassy
If you are traveling to Vietnam by air, sea, or land, you can apply for a visa at the Vietnam embassy. You can search for the nearest Vietnamese embassy in your country here.
Select the country/city of the Vietnamese embassy where you will apply for the visa. Complete the visa application form online, then print and sign the declaration/application form.
For tourism purposes, choose the Entry purpose as ‘Travel’. You will have to submit separate applications for each family member.
Walk into the embassy in your country with the following documents to obtain a visa –
- Visa application form print.
- Passport with at least a validity of 6 months and two blank pages
- 2 passport-size photos 4*6 cm in size (with no glasses and no dark/decorated background)
- visa stamping fees
Visa fees: Please contact the respective embassy for the fees,, as Vietnam embassies in different countries charge differently. Visas are a lot cheaper in South Asian countries than in other parts of the world. If you are traveling to other SE countries before Vietnam, you can apply there to save some bucks.
Processing time: After visiting the embassy, you will receive the stamped passport within 7 working days.
Some Vietnam embassies accept the application through mail/post. It’s better to contact the embassy directly and clarify the requirements.
Read More: A Guide to the Ancient City of Hoi An in Vietnam
Vietnam Embassy in the USA: US visa for Vietnam
The Vietnam embassy in America is located in Washington, D.C., and has consulates in New York, Houston (Texas), and San Fransico (California).
Address: 1233 20th St NW, Ste 400, Washington, DC 20036 Tel: 202-861-0737
Timings: Mon – Fri, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
The visa can be applied for in person at the embassy or through the mail. US passport holders can even apply for a visa online at the embassy.
Refer to the website of the Vietnam embassy in the US for more details and apply for the visa.
Learn More: What to do in Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam Embassy in the UK: UK visa for Vietnam
The embassy in London handles the region of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. While British citizens can travel visa-free to Vietnam for 15 days, citizens from Ireland do require a visa.
Address: 12-14 Victoria Road, London W8 5RD. Tel 020 7937 1912
Timings: 09:30 am to 12:30 pm (Mon – Fri)
Email: consular@vietnamembassy.org.uk
For non-Vietnamese citizens living in the UK, the visa can be applied in person, by post, or by email to the embassy.
People in Ireland can apply for a loose-leaf visa at the embassy by attaching the documents through email. The visa is sent by post and doesn’t require the passport to be sent.
For all queries and forms, refer to the website.
Vietnam Embassy in India
The Vietnam embassy in India is located in New Delhi, and they have a consulate general in Mumbai where you can apply for a visa.
Address: 17 Kautilya Marg Chanakya Puri, Malcha, New Delhi, Delhi 110021
Timings: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm (Mon-Fri)
Applicants in Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Gurgaon can also apply for the Vietnam Visa at the Global VFS centers in their respective cities. The VFS will apply for the visa to the embassy on your behalf.
Visa fees in India: INR 4400 + VFS service fees (as of Dec 2021) for a one-month single-entry visa, and INR 5100 for a three-month single-entry visa.
Processing time: 5 working days for a normal tourist visa while 4 days for express service.
Related Read: US Tourist Visa from India
Visa on Arrival in Vietnam (VOA)
This facility is applicable only to visitors traveling by air to one of the five international airports in the cities of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Hai Phong.
How do you get a Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
VOA is the process of obtaining a visa approval letter through travel agencies by paying a service fee. Many websites/agencies that apply for VOA on your behalf charge a service fee ranging from $8 to $25 per visa.
- Fill out an application online with the expected date and airport of arrival.
- You will receive an email with the approval letter issued from the Vietnam Immigration Department within 2-5 working days. If you need it faster, you can pay additional service fees for the expedited timeline.
- On reaching the Vietnam airport, enter the line for VOA along with the visa approval letter, two passport photos 4*6 cm in size, and the passport. Pay $25 cash or in Vietnamese Dong for the visa fees and get the passport stamped. You might have to wait, depending on the number of tourists in the VOA line.
You can apply online through many agents like Vietnam-evisa.org or through the hotel concierge where you’ll be staying.
At most of these online sites, you need to fill out just one application for all the people traveling together. You would be required to enter
- arrival and exit date
- port of entry
- type of visa
- applicants’ names as in their passport and their passport number
Processing time: You will receive the visa approval letter within 2-5 business days. If you need it early, you can go for expedited processing, but the service fees would increase. Some agents can even get you an approval letter within a couple of hours or on weekends if required. In fact, my dad forgot to get his visa approval letter, and he had his flight on a Sunday. However, the hotel concierge in Vietnam was able to arrange the letter within a few hours, for which he had to pay a hefty $100. So, apply for the letter well in advance to save money and hassle.
Visa fees: $25 visa fee (payable at Vietnam airport) + $8-$50 service fee (payable to the agent)
Note: If entering by land or water, you need to contact the local embassy for a visa or apply for an e-visa if traveling for less than 30 days.
Beware: There are many fake websites and agents who claim to be official websites that apply for visas for you. Most of them are agents, and some are even fake.
Pro Tips
- Do check the spelling and dates on the approval letter and visa after receiving it. We had to face trouble and spend extra bucks to get things corrected.
- Carry USD cash or Vietnamese Dong for the visa fees. No other currency is accepted.
Read More: Schengen Visa for Indian Passport Holders
E Visa for Vietnam
eVisa is the hassle-free option available for travel for a maximum of 30 days and a single-entry visa by air, land, or water. So, if you meet these criteria, then this is the easier, quicker, and cheaper version. Since, this is a pilot program launched not long ago, a lot of people are oblivious to its benefits.
The 30-day visa is granted from the expected date of arrival, so choose your dates carefully. Although you can always enter the country after the expected date, you will have fewer than 30 days then.
This is a pilot program launched by the Immigration Department applicable for the nationals of 46 countries – Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bruney, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China (Not apply to Chinese e-passport holders), Colombia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Mongolia, Myanmar, Netherland, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Timor Leste, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela.
The list of the ports that accept e-visa at entry and exit are:
International airports – Cat Bi Int Airport (Hai Phong), Cam Ranh Int Airport (Khanh Hoa), Can Tho International Airport, Da Nang International Airport, Noi Bai Int Airport (Ha Noi), Phu Bai Int Airport, Phu Quoc International Airport, Tan Son Nhat Int Airport (Ho Chi Minh City).
Land ports – Bo Y, Cha Lo, Cau Treo, Huu Nghi, Ha Tien, Lao Bao, Lao Cai, Moc Bai, Mong Cai, Nam Can, Song Tien, Tinh Bien, Xa Mat
Seaports – Da Nang, Hon Gai, Hai Phong, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau.
You need only fill in the online application form for each individual traveling and pay the $25 fee electronically.
After you submit the application, remember to note down the registration ID number. This number, along with your date of birth, will be used to track the status of the application. You can track your visa application here.
You will receive a confirmation email with the registration id when the visa is approved.
The e-visa looks like this:
Take the printout of the visa, and you are all set to explore Vietnam. We got our visas within 3 working days, which was the most convenient way to avoid agents and lines at the airport. We highly recommend using an e-visa if you are planning to stay less than 30 days and have a single entry to Vietnam.
Note: You don’t need to stand in the VOA line at the airport. Head straight to immigration. The officer will stamp the arrival date on the passport. There will be no visa stamp on your passport. Keep your e-visa printout with you all the time. You might need to show up at the hotel during check-in.
Visa fees: The Vietnam visa fee is $25 for a single entry and $50 for multiple entries.
For more queries, check e-visa faq.
Read More: Best Things to Do on Phu Quoc Island
Vietnam Visa Renewal and Extension
Visa renewal is applicable for
- visas getting expired
- nationals with visa exemption and wishing to stay longer.
- both single/multiple entry visas up to a maximum of 3 months.
After applying for renewal, a new visa sticker is issued on the passport.
A Visa Extension for extending your current stay is applicable for
- A single entry visa (a 1-month visa extended for another 1 month, and a 3-month visa can be extended for 1 or 3 months)
- Depending on the current visa duration
- extension stamp is posted on the passport
Fees: The duration and fees of an extension/renewal depend on the visa already obtained, nationality, and port of entry. They are generally more expensive than getting a new visa.
Pro Tip: Apply for extension/renewal at least 7-10 days before the current visa expires. You will need to provide a passport to complete the process.
Immigration Department offices—You can apply for an extension/renewal at Immigration offices in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, and Da Nang or through an agent.
- In Hanoi: No 44 – 46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Ha Noi. Email: vnimm@hn.vnn.vn. Phone: (+84) 4 38257941.
- In Ho Chi Minh: 333-335-337 Nguyen Trai Street, P. Nguyen Cu Trinh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Phone: 0839202300
- In Danang: 7 Tran Quy Cap, Da Nang City, Quảng Nam province, Vietnam. Phone: (84) 2363822381
Learn More: Where to Stay on Phu Quoc Island
Tips for Vietnam Visa Application
- The passport-size photographs should have been taken within the last 1 year of applying. The photo should have no glasses, hats, or dark/decorated background.
- The stamping fee is paid in cash in USD or Vietnamese Dong at the airport for VOA.
- Do check the details on the visa/approval letter for dates and spellings, as incorrect details can cause trouble.
- If your itinerary includes Phu Quoc and other parts of Vietnam, you need a valid Vietnam visa. The exemption is valid only for traveling to Phu Quoc.
- Don’t forget to take insurance for a carefree and fun trip. We use and recommend Heymondo for all your travel insurance needs. Purchase a Heymondo policy with a 5% discount.
Have questions regarding the Vietnam Tourist visa? Ask us your query in the comments section.
Also Read: Vinpearl Wonder on Phu Quoc Island
Save How to Get a Visa for Vietnam Guide to Pinterest
It’s sad that my first thought upon reading that the UK was included was if that would change when the UK leave the EU? Can you tell I’m from the UK (though I live in Ireland ) and am wondering how it will affect my future plans!
Thanks for stopping by Emma. As per my understanding, UK moving out of EU should have no impact on their Vietnam visa process because the visa process is different for UK and other European countries. If you stay in Ireland, you are eligible for applying for a loose leaf visa through an email to consular@vietnamembassy.org.uk. You can read about the process in detail at https://vietnamembassy.org.uk/
Well written post. I like the way you’ve included every minor detail required in Visa process.
Great informative post, luckily I’m able to get a visa on arrival as I’m from the UK.
Thanks for appreciating. If you are from UK, you will get 15 days of visa-free travel. But if you plan to visit for a longer duration apply for evisa as its easy and cheap. Don’t get confused by the visa on arrival term, as for that also you need to apply for a Visa approval letter beforehand.
So, Americans get 1 YEAR multiple entry visa, seems rather ironic given the history.
A very detailed post, and I mean VERY. I remember that I had to get the visa approval letter (which listed names of random other people on it as well) online and paid $20, and then, on arrival, I paid another $25 to get the sticker visa. It was super confusing at the airport and had no idea what was going on. I can’t remember using an agency and I think there was an official website for it in 2017.
Ha ha..now you can judge the power of American passport. 🙂
THANKS a lot for appreciating the post. Yes very few people know about the evisa process, also because it’s not very old. Infact my father also applied for VOA and was a daunting and expensive process. But evisa is seamless and no standing in airport lines to get your visa stamped.
And as far as I know there is no official website for applying for VOA, although the name of the website may sound so, as you scroll to the bottom you can read the Disclaimer. 🙂
I love posts that walk me through a difficult process step-by-step! They are so helpful! This is a great guide- I hope you do the same for other countries!!
Thanks for liking. It feels great to know that we can be of help and our efforts are not futile.
And to let you know we have a few other detailed visa guides(USA, Schengen, Singapore) on our website that you can refer.
What a clear concise well-written post. I always usee the e-vasa option. That has worked well for me in the past. The Vietnam visa process can be confusing.
Thanks a lot for those kind words. Feel humbled. Yes Vietnam visa process is daunting, but once you are clear about the various options then it’s simply following the procedure. Truly, evisa was so seamless and easy process. Would highly recommend it.
Vietnam is high on our places to see and I’ll keep your handy guide to getting a visa when our plans are finalized!
That’s awesome. Vietnam is a beautiful country and becoming a popular destination. SUre, do let me know in case you need any help when you plan to travel.
This is a really goof guide for those who are required to apply for Vietnam visa to visit the country. I’m just lucky I don’t have to do this. At least I will be able to go see Vietnam anytime 🙂
Yes, you sure are lucky as you are saved from the visa hassle. It’s always great when you can spend all your energy planning your vacation rather visa process. So when are you traveling then??
Thanks for this. I’ll be traveling to Vietnam from China. So good to know I can get a visa online.
Vietnam is becoming so popular travel destination. Good luck for your travel and I am glad could be of your help. Do message me in case you need any pointers.
This is honestly such great info. Vietnam is very high on my list. I managed to stay at many European places with no need of a visa (20+ Days). Pinning this for future.
Thanks you so much Diana for stopping by and appreciating. Yes it’s a beautiful country to visit. Wow!! you are lucky that you have a powerful passport. It’s always great to be able to travel without thinking about visa. Sometimes you get a good deal, but then we have to worry about visa first, so can’t make some last minute travel plans.
Vietnam was the place we had the biggest hassle getting our visa last year. I wish I had read this beforehand! Would have made the process much easier and less daunting. A great guide.
Oh that’s sad to hear. Yes I was also very worried before applying for Vietnam visa as had heard about so many fake websites. But then i got to know about evisa and to be honest it was seamless.
Thanks for reading and appreciating. Hope it helps others who plan to travel.
Pretty neat post on how to obtain a Vietnamese visa. I am a big fan of e-visas and take advantage of that whenever possible. I agree on your point that you should be very careful when you put in your date of entry because that can make a lot of difference. We were flying in to Ho Chi Minh city from Siem Reap and the couple next to us had gotten their dates wrong. The airline gave them a real tough time.
Thanks a lot for the kind words. Yup, me also try and see if evisa is an option. And when I was planning on Vietnam, most people had no clue about the evisa thing.
Oops, that sounds scary as your entire vacation goes haywire. Were they able to fly in then?? I know many people think that evisa is for a month, so some months have 31 days, but its clear that its 30 days.
Thanks for such a simplified guide. This doesn’t sound that complex as I am planning to visit Vietnam soon. Looking forward to read your travel tips for the country.
Thanks for reading it and appreciating it. Yes, it’s not that complex but some things are tricky about the visa. One needs to be clear of their criteria and see which option will be valid. Do drop me a mail in case you need help when you visit Vietnam.
Such a thorough guide! I’m lucky I’m Asean so we don’t really need a visa to go to Vietnam but my bf will need this on our next trip so thank you!
Thanks. Glad that it can be of help. And you are lucky that you don’t have to go through visa process. Good luck to your boyfriend. And do check if he’s eligible for visa free days. Drop me a message in case you need help.
Thanks a lot, Rajat for reading and appreciating the work. It’s always good to be able to help to provide all the details, as visa process is a bit scary. 🙂
As someone that visited Vietnam many times in the past, I have to say you did a great job of preparing your readers with everything they need to know before getting a visa for Vietnam.
Thanks Daniel. It’s exhilarating to hear such kind and inspiring words. We are glad that we can be of help to our readers and achieve our motive.
Vietnam with its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas, bustling cities with French colonial landmarks, Vietnamese War history museums and the Củ Chi tunnels is such an exotic place to visit. This is a very well written and detailed post for anyone who wants to apply for Visa to this Exotic Destination!!
Yes exactly..it’s a place for all types of travelers with so much to offer. Thanks Richa. It’s always good to know that you are able to help travelers.
I’m getting ready to travel to Vietnam and this is SO helpful! THANK YOU! Love that you put the embassy information in the post. I’ll bookmark it so I have it for later!
That’s great Cate. I am happy that this could be of help to you. Yes, I have tried to put all the details that I try and look for when I am traveling. Have a fun trip to Vietnam and do message me in case you need any help.