Vietnam Visa Frequently Asked Questions & Answers 2024

Planning a trip to Vietnam? Navigating the visa requirements can often be one of the most confusing aspects of travel preparation. Whether you're a tourist, business traveler, or visiting for other purposes, understanding Vietnam's visa policies is crucial for a smooth entry into this beautiful Southeast Asian country. This comprehensive guide answers the most frequently asked questions about Vietnam visas, covering everything from visa types and eligibility to application processes and fees. 

1. Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam?

Yes, most foreign visitors need a visa for Vietnam. However, some countries qualify for visa exemption or visa on arrival, so please check if you are citizens of these countries or not.

See more: Vietnam visa exemption list

2. What types of Vietnam visas are available for Vietnam?

Regarding traveling purposes, Vietnam visa is classified into 03 types:

• Tourist visa: valid for up to 3 months (except tourist visa for USA citizens valid for up to 1 year)
• Business visa: valid for up to 1 year
• Visa for other purposes: valid for up to 3 months

3. Who needs a Vietnam visa?

Entering Vietnam will absolutely require a valid visa for most foreign nationals, except for people from some countries that have been approved to be on the visa exemption list. These exemptions vary in duration as follows:

• Citizens of Brunei, Myanmar for visits of 14 days at the maximum
• Citizens of the Philippines for visits of 21 days at the maximum
• Citizens of Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore for visits of 30 days at the maximum
• Citizens of Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the UK for visits of 45 days at maximum
• Citizens of Panama, Chile for visits of 90 days at the maximum
• APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Holders from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies for visits of 60 days at the maximum
• For those who travel to Phu Quoc Island – Vietnam: Foreigners and Vietnamese nationals bearing foreign passports who enter Vietnam through an international border gate and then travel to Phu Quoc Island and stay in Phu Quoc less than 30 days will also be granted Vietnam visa exemption. Passports must be valid for at least 06 months. After arriving in Phu Quoc Island, if visitors want to travel to other localities or stay on the island for more than 30 days, getting Vietnam visa is a must.

4. What documents do I need for a Vietnam visa on arrival application?

Please prepare the following documents for Vietnam visa application on arrival process:

• Passport: Your valid passport for the next 6 months from the date you arrive in Vietnam.
• Application form: Please print it out and fill in before your arrival. Here is the link: Application form.
• Photo: Two passport-sized photos (4x6cm)

5. Can I extend my visa while in Vietnam?

It is usually feasible to extend your travel visa for Vietnam, although it depends on your particular circumstances. To extend your visa, you'll need to apply through the Vietnam Immigration Department or an authorized agency. The duration of the extension and the requirements differ depending on the type of visa you hold and your specific situation. For the best experience, it is advisable to seek guidance from immigration officials or a trustworthy agency regarding the extension procedure.

6. How far in advance should I apply for a visa?

There is no specific time to apply for a visa ahead of time. However, we recommend submitting your application at least two weeks in advance to prevent any issues or complications.

7. What is a visa on arrival (VOA)?

Vietnam visa on arrival (VOA) refers to the process where you queue to receive your visa stamp in your passport upon arrival before proceeding to immigration at international airports in Vietnam. This visa option is available at specific entry points, including Ha Noi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. If you're arriving at a border where VOA is not offered, you will need to obtain a regular visa in advance.

Vietnam visa on arrival is the quickest and easiest way for regular passport holders to obtain their entry visa for tourism or business purposes. You only need a few minutes to complete the online application form, receive the visa approval letter, and then get it stamped at the airport upon your arrival.

8. How to apply for Vietnam visa on arrival?

Applying online with authorized agencies: By submitting your passport information along with your arrival and departure details, you will receive an approval letter within two working days. Then you will bring this approval letter to Vietnam airport, and bring it to the officer at Landing VISA (VOA) Counter at the Vietnam international airport to get your visa stamped. 

9. How much does a Vietnam visa on arrival cost?

The cost of a Vietnam visa on arrival includes both a service fee and a stamp fee:

• The Vietnam visa service fee is for obtaining the visa approval letter.
• The Vietnam visa stamp fee is paid at the airport: $25 USD for a single entry and $50 USD for a multiple entry visa.

10. What does “stamping fee” mean?

The Vietnam visa stamping fee is a cash payment made directly to the Vietnam Immigration Officer at the airport upon arrival in order to receive your visa stamp. It is important to have cash prepared in advance, as the visa officer only accepts this fee in US dollars. 

The fees are as follows:

• $25 USD for a single-entry visa valid for 1 to 3 months
• $50 USD for a multiple-entry visa valid for 1 to 3 months

11. Can I get a multiple-entry visa for Vietnam?

Yes, multiple-entry visas permit stays of up to 3 months for each entry within a specified validity period. These visas can be acquired by applying through designated online visa agencies for Vietnam.

It’s important to thoroughly check the visa requirements before traveling, and applying in advance will help ensure a hassle-free experience in Vietnam. Trustworthy online visa services offer the most efficient approval process.

12. When can I receive Vietnam visa approval letter?

Your Vietnam visa approval letter is processed within two business days (Monday to Friday, excluding national holidays). Besides, you can receive the letter in less than 8 hours or even within 2 hours if you utilize our expedited services, please reach out to us for urgent visa needs (this does not apply on weekends). Once you have the visa approval letter, you can obtain your visa on arrival at any time. Be sure to take the different time zones into account to avoid urgent situations.

13. How can I receive Vietnam visa approval letter?

A colored scanned copy of the approval letter will be sent to you by email, so please make sure that you have provided the correct email address.

14. How does the Vietnam visa approval letter look like?

You can take a look at this sample: Vietnam visa approval letter

15. Can I use my approval letter to enter all Vietnam borders?

No, you cannot. The visa approval letter permits entry into Vietnam by air at specific airports (Noi Bai International Airport, Cam Ranh International Airport, Danang International Airport, and Tan Son Nhat International Airport). For other land and sea borders, you will need to obtain an electronic visa or a stamped visa from the Vietnam embassy in your country before your arrival.

16. What should I do if my passport is lost or stolen while in Vietnam?

Here are some steps that you can consider if you are in this case:

#Step 1: Report the loss to the local Police

Notify the local police (commune/ward or district police) where your passport was lost or where you have registered for temporary residence in order to obtain a certification.

The report should include your name, nationality, passport number, date of issuance, place of issuance, and the authority that issued your visa.

Please be aware that you may require a qualified interpreter in accordance with Vietnamese law to help you during the process with the police office.

#Step 2: Contact your Embassy/Consulate in Vietnam

Contact your Embassy/Consulate in Vietnam to request for the issue of new passport, which may take several weeks. The lost passport will be voided and cannot be used for travel anymore. The Embassy or Consulate will issue you a letter to the Vietnam Immigration Department to request necessary assistance for an exit visa if you intend to leave Vietnam or for a new visa if you wish to extend your stay.

#Step 3: Application for new Visa

Once you have received your new passport, you must visit the Vietnam Immigration Department to apply for an exit visa if you plan to leave Vietnam, or a new visa if you wish to extend your stay.

Don't forget to bring the following items with you:

• Loss report certified by the police
• New passport
• Letter from the embassy/consulate

17. What is the fastest way to get a Vietnam visa?

The fastest way to acquire a visa for Vietnam is by using a visa service from an authorized travel company that specializes in visas. You just need to provide complete details about your flight, destinations, and the type of visa you wish to obtain. The fastest processing time for an urgent visa through an agent is between 1 to 3 hours. Since this is a limited visa, the cost is higher than that of a regular visa. Alternatively, you can opt for a quicker visa option that takes 2 to 3 days at a more affordable rate. Make sure to give the agent accurate information so they can expedite the process for you.

For urgent visa requests, feel free to reach out via WhatsApp at +84 (0) 9 12 12 10 91 for complimentary consultation.

18. Can I enter later than the granted arrival date on the Vietnam visa approval letter?

Yes, you can enter after the specified arrival date and before the designated departure date, provided that your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.

19. How can I apply for an electronic visa?

You can apply for an e-visa online through the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department: Vietnam Immigration Department Official website

20. How long does it take to process my e-visa and how much will I need to pay?

Your request will be processed within three business days (GMT +7), excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

The application fee for an e-visa is paid through an electronic payment gateway. The most commonly accepted payment methods include ATM cards or credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, JCB, or Amex.

The fees are as follows:

• $25 USD for a single-entry electronic visa
• $50 USD for a multiple-entry electronic visa

See more about e-visa: Vietnam E-visa Official Guide 2024-2025 - Cost, Time, Procedure

Above are some frequently asked questions about Vietnam visas. If you have any questions or visa problems, feel free to contact us via email: sm@izitour.com or WhatsApp: +84 382 536 266 for free consultations and instant assistance.

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Read more: 

• Vietnam International Airports List
• From Melbourne, Australia to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - A Travel Guide
• Is it Safe to Travel to Vietnam in 2025?
• Vietnam Trip Itinerary: What to Do? How many Days?