Vietnam Tourist Visa: Requirements & How to Apply
Requirements for Vietnam Tourist Visa Application
• Your passport
- shows your nationality, full name (order not important), Date of Birth in this format: DD/MM/YYYY
- valid for 6 months before your date of arrival to Vietnam
- has no less than two blank pages for the visa stamp.
• Your date of arrival should be clearly stated, and you must not arrive before the said date
• Your photograph is required upon arrival at the Vietnam airport
- Photo size 4 x 6 cm or 2 x 2 inches
- Solid, plain white background with no shadows
- Remove headdress that covers your face
- Face the camera, keep a neutral expression, eyes open, and do not smile
Note:
• Children have to be photographed in the same way
• Infants can be made to lie down for a visa photo
• The application can be submitted online stating the duration of the visa.
How to Apply for a Vietnam Tourist Visa?
There are three criteria.
• A visa on arrival (applicable to 150 countries)
• Submit your visa application at a Vietnamese embassy abroad
• Online e-visa application (single entry visa for a period of one month, applicable to nationals of 80 countries)
See more about Vietnam Visa Application
Visa on Arrival
It is a process of procuring a preapproved visa through a visa approval letter. The travel agency in Vietnam will check at the departure airport and pick up the stamped visa at the international airport upon your arrival. Visa-on Arrival is only applicable for air travel. For entering Vietnam through land or cruise travel you need to have a full visa before you enter. For pre-approved visa, you need to contact private agencies, as no official sites offer the visa on arrival service.
Countries Eligible for Vietnam Visa on Arrival:
| Country | Days |
|---|---|
| Japan | 15 days |
| Malaysia | 30 days |
| South Korea | 15 days |
| Thailand | 30 days |
| Indonesia | 30 days |
| United Kingdom | 15 days |
| Spain | 15 days |
| Sweden | 15 days |
| Singapore | 30 days |
| Russia | 15 days |
| Philippines | 21 days |
| Norway | 15 days |
| Italy | 15 days |
| Germany | 15 days |
| Finland | 15 days |
| France | 15 days |
| Denmark | 15 days |
| Belarus | 15 days |
Visa Type
| Visa Type | Description | Category |
|---|---|---|
| DL | Tourist | 1-month single entry visa; 1-month multiple entry visa; 3 months single entry visa; 3months multiple entry visa |
| DN1, DN2 | Business | 1-month single entry visa; 1-month multiple entry visa; 3 months single entry visa; 3 months multiple entry visa |
| DH | Student/Internship | You need to come with a tourist visa them apply for a student visa after you enroll in a course. There are agencies that help |
| DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4 | Investor | 5 years, 5 years, 3years, and 12 months respectively |
| LD1 - LD2 | Working/Employment | This is valid for 2 years and can be extended following proper procedures |
| NG | Diplomatic | 12 months |
| LV1, LV2 | Working with Vietnam authorities/parties | Maximum of 12 months |
| LS | Lawyer | Maximum of 5 months |
| NN1 | Delegates invited by the government of Vietnam the Secretary-General, President, the President of the National Assembly or the Prime Minister | Maximum of 12 months |
| NN2 | Delegate invited by a prominent member of the standing party | Maximum of 12 months |
| NN3 | For members on diplomatic mission international representatives of organizations. UN representatives, office of intergovernmental organizations and their spouse and children below 18 years. House helps area also included | Maximum of 12 months |
| NN4 | People on diplomatic mission, consular, international organizations affiliated to the UN. Families | Maximum of 12 months |
| HN | Meeting and conference | Maximum of 12 months |
| PV1 | Journalists residing permanently in Vietnam | Maximum of 12 months |
| PV2 | Journalist of short-term residence | Maximum of 12 months |
| TT | Dependents of LV1, LV2, LS, DT1, DT2, DT3, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LD1-LD2 visa holders. Non-Vietnamese spouse or children. | Maximum of 12 months |
| VR | Family visit or other purpose | Maximum of 6 months |
| EV | Electronic Visa | Maximum of 30 days |
Visa Fee
| Type of Visa | Service | Stamping Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Single entry - 1 month | 18 USD | 25 USD |
| Multiple entry - 1 month | 23 USD | 50 USD |
| Single entry - 3 month | 28 USD | 25 USD |
| Multiple entry - 3 month | 43 USD | 50 USD |
| Multiple entry - 12 month (US passports) | 60 USD | 135 USD |
See more about Vietnam Visa Cost
Visa Processing Time
The visa processing time is subject to public holidays. However, the normal time is about 5 working days for the visa’s applied through the embassy. The visa on arrival letter takes 3-5 working days. In emergency cases, an approval letter can be obtained in a couple of hours also.
It is easy to procure a Vietnam tourist visa. Keep enough time in hand and plan your trip. Just keep the procedures in mind. You are travelling from one country to the other. Keep your papers and documents in hand so that you can show them to concerned authorities without delay. Be sure to replace them in your bag and keep them safe. Travel safely and enjoy the natural beauty and culture of the place.