Hello, fellow travelers! 🌏 Welcome to Vietnam Around (vnaround.com) – more than a blog, we’re your Viet guide to all things Vietnam. Planning a trip to this beautiful country? Understanding the visa requirements is crucial. Here’s an updated, detailed breakdown to help you navigate the process seamlessly.
1. Visa-Free Entry
Vietnam offers visa exemptions to citizens of certain countries, allowing stays ranging from 14 to 90 days.
Countries and Duration
- 90 Days:
- Chile
- Panama
- 45 Days:
- Belarus
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
- Norway
- Russia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Kingdom (excluding BNO passports)
- 30 Days:
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- Thailand
- 21 Days:
- Philippines
- 14 Days:
- Brunei
- Myanmar
Important Notes:
- Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay and has at least two blank pages.
- Non-Extendable: Visa-free stays cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer, you must apply for an appropriate visa.
2. E-Visa for All Nationalities
As of August 15, 2023, Vietnam grants e-Visas to citizens of all countries and territories.
Key Features:
- Validity: Up to 90 days
- Entries: Multiple entries allowed
- Application: Apply online through the official e-Visa portal.
- Processing Time: Approximately 3–5 working days
Application Requirements:
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay
- A digital passport-sized photo
- A scanned copy of your passport’s biographical page
- Payment of the visa fee (25 USD for single entry, 50 USD for multiple entries)
Entry Points:
E-Visas are accepted at various international airports, land border crossings, and seaports across Vietnam. Ensure your intended port of entry accepts e-Visas.
3. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Vietnam has traditionally offered Visa on Arrival for travelers arriving by air. However, with the expansion of the e-Visa program to all nationalities, the need for VOA has diminished.
Considerations:
- Pre-Approval: Previously required a pre-approval letter from a Vietnamese travel agency.
- Limitations: Only applicable for air travel; not valid for land or sea entries.
Given the convenience of the e-Visa system, travelers are encouraged to utilize the e-Visa option.
4. Special Cases
- Phu Quoc Island: Travelers visiting Phu Quoc Island directly from an international destination can stay visa-free for up to 30 days. This exemption applies only if you arrive directly or through a transit without leaving the international transit area.
- APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Holders: ABTC holders from member economies can enter Vietnam visa-free for business purposes for stays of up to 60 days.
5. General Recommendations
- Check Validity: Always ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure from Vietnam.
- Stay Informed: Visa policies can change. It’s advisable to check with the official Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country before traveling.
- Plan Ahead: Apply for visas well in advance of your travel dates to accommodate processing times.
At VNAround (vnaround.com), we strive to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your journey to Vietnam as smooth as possible. Safe travels, and we look forward to guiding you through the wonders of Vietnam! 🌏
Resources:
- Vietnam Visa Requirements – Vietnam Tourism – https://vietnam.travel/plan-your-trip/visa-requirements
- Vietnam Visa Exemption List – Vietnam Visa – https://www.vietnam-visa.com/vietnam-visa-exemption/
- Vietnam E-Visa Official Website – https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
- Visa Policy of Vietnam – Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Vietnam
