Verified Facts
To enter Vietnam, citizens of most countries will need a visa, which can be obtained on arrival, through an e-visa system, or at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, depending on their nationality and purpose of visit.
Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate of Vietnam before traveling.
Visa Policy Overview
Vietnam has a moderate visa policy, offering visa-free access to citizens of 24 countries, including Japan, South Korea, and several countries in Southeast Asia, for stays of up to 30 days. Citizens of other countries can apply for a visa on arrival, an e-visa, or a traditional visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. The Vietnamese government has been working to simplify its visa process in recent years, introducing an e-visa system in 2017 and expanding the list of eligible countries.
The visa policy is designed to balance the need to control immigration with the desire to promote tourism and economic development. As a result, the requirements and regulations for obtaining a visa can vary depending on the purpose of the visit and the nationality of the applicant. It is essential to check the latest information before planning a trip to Vietnam.
Requirements By Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required? | Type | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Yes | Tourist/eVisa | 30 days | Can apply for e-visa or visa on arrival |
| UK Citizens | Yes | Tourist/eVisa | 30 days | Can apply for e-visa or visa on arrival |
| EU Citizens | Yes | Tourist/eVisa | 30 days | Can apply for e-visa or visa on arrival, some countries have visa-free access |
| Canadian Citizens | Yes | Tourist/eVisa | 30 days | Can apply for e-visa or visa on arrival |
| Australian Citizens | Yes | Tourist/eVisa | 30 days | Can apply for e-visa or visa on arrival |
| Indian Citizens | Yes | Tourist/eVisa | 30 days | Must apply for e-visa in advance |
| Chinese Citizens | Yes | Tourist/eVisa | 30 days | Must apply for e-visa in advance, may require additional documentation |
By Visitor Type
Tourists: Tourists can apply for a visa on arrival, an e-visa, or a traditional visa, depending on their nationality and the length of their stay. The typical stay for tourists is 30 days, but this can be extended for an additional 30 days. To extend their stay, tourists must apply at a local immigration office and provide proof of onward travel.
Business Travelers: Business travelers may need to provide additional documentation, such as an invitation letter from a Vietnamese company or a business license, to obtain a visa. They may also need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a business visa or a work visa, depending on the purpose of their visit.
Students: Students must provide proof of enrollment at a Vietnamese university or language school and may need to apply for a student visa. The duration of the visa will depend on the length of the course of study.
Workers: Workers must have a sponsorship from a Vietnamese company and may need to apply for a work visa. The process for obtaining a work visa can be complex and may require additional documentation, such as a labor contract and proof of qualifications.
Documents Checklist
- A valid passport with at least six months' validity
- A completed visa application form
- One recent passport-sized photo
- Proof of onward travel, such as a flight itinerary or a travel agency booking
- Proof of sufficient funds, such as cash or a credit card
- Health insurance that covers the duration of the stay
- A hotel reservation or proof of accommodation
- A letter of introduction or sponsorship, if required
- Proof of enrollment or a student card, if applicable
- A labor contract or proof of qualifications, if applying for a work visa
Entry Points & Procedures
The main airports in Vietnam are Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport, and Da Nang International Airport. Land borders are also open to foreigners, with popular crossing points at Lao Cai, Lang Son, and Moc Bai. When arriving in Vietnam, visitors will need to present their passport, visa, and completed arrival/departure card to immigration officials. They may also be asked to provide proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.
Immigration procedures can vary depending on the entry point and the type of visa. Visitors should ensure they have all the necessary documents and information before arriving in Vietnam. In some cases, visitors may be required to pay a fee for their visa or provide additional documentation.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Not checking the validity of the passport before applying for a visa
- Not providing complete or accurate information on the visa application form
- Not having sufficient funds or proof of onward travel
- Not applying for the correct type of visa
- Not registering with the local authorities within 24 hours of arrival
- Not carrying a valid visa or passport when traveling within Vietnam