Vietnam Visa

Vietnam is a country made internationally known by war. Things are completely different now. Along with its fast rising economy, Vietnam’s tourism is also very healthy: one of the few good results of the war. Today, we know Vietnam not just as a historical battlefield but also a tropical paradise. More and more foreigners choose to visit Vietnam. What’s the key to this paradise? A Vietnamese visa.

Most foreigners still need to obtain a Vietnamese visa to cross its borders. Although that sounds a bit of a bad news to many, the good news is that a Vietnamese visa is relatively inexpensive. If the application is sent directly to the consulate or embassy, it only costs US$45 to US$85. If the visa has been pre-approved, you’ll only spend US$25 to US$55. Recently, the “visa on arrival” process has been introduced. It must be noted, however, that it requires a pre-arranged request to Hanoi Immigration Department. It is generally useful to citizens of countries with no Vietnamese embassies.

Who needs a visa?

Not anyone can enter the Vietnamese territory without an entry visa. Only nationals of certain countries can do so within a specified period of time. Most of them are other ASEAN countries, Japan, Korea and Scandinavian countries. All the others are required to obtain a visa from Vietnamese embassies or consulates before departure pr a pre-approved visa on arrival at any international airport in Vietnam.

Here is a list of countries whose citizens can visit Vietnam without a visa according to the allowed length of their stay.

Less than 15 days: Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Finland, Noway, Sweden

Less than 30 days: Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand

Aside from these, holders of certain passports and cards from certain countries and organizations also enjoy the privilege of a visa-free stay in Vietnam.

Less than 60 days: citizens holding valid official or diplomatic passports; and holders of APEC Business Travel Card from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation member economies

Less than 90 days: citizens of France holding valid official or diplomatic passports

Japanese citizens holding valid official or diplomatic passports do not need a visa, either.

There is also another exception. Vietnamese and foreign nationals carrying foreign passports who enter the country through an international border post or gate and then travel to and stay on Phu Qoc Island for less than 15 days are also exempted from visa application. Their passports, however, must be valid for more than 45 days. If visitors choose to travel to other villages or stay on the island for at least 15 days, the Immigration Department will be responsible for providing visas on the spot.

Types Available

If your country is not listed above and you really want to visit Vietnam, you have to apply for an entry visa. Vietnamese visas can be divided into three major groups.

Tourist Visa. In many countries, Vietnamese tourist visas are available in one month single entry and one month multiple entry. Obviously, whatever you choose, you can only stay in Vietnam for a maximum of one month. However, there is a way of extending it. You may apply for an extension once you are already in Vietnam. Here are the documents you need to produce when applying for a tourist visa.

• a valid passport
• two copies of a completed and signed visa application form (can be downloaded from the web or obtained from consulates or embassies)
• two passport-style identical photographs
• travel documentation such as your travel itinerary or a return ticket

Business Visa. If you will visit Vietnam for business trip or a business conference, what you should apply for is a business visa. Here are the documents that you need to prepare.

• a valid passport
• two copies of completed and signed visa application form (can be downloaded from the web or obtained from consulates or embassies)
• two passport-style identical photographs
• travel documentation such as your travel itinerary or a return ticket
• a business letter of responsibility addressed to the Vietnamese embassy, printed on company letterhead, and signed by a co-worker
• a letter of invitation from the prospective Vietnamese employer

Do not overlook the letter of invitation. You will need it as it is one of the most important items that the Vietnamese government is strict about. Ask your Vietnamese business partner to send the invitation letter directly to the embassy or consulate. When you appear at the embassy, just refer to that letter.

Official and Diplomatic Visas. Official and diplomatic visas are granted to people holding a high national government position and members of the diplomatic corps. No fees are commanded unless otherwise agreed upon by the government of Vietnam and your country’s government. Here are the requirements.

• a valid official or diplomatic passport
• two copies of completed and signed visa application form
• two passport-style identical photographs
• travel documentation such as your travel itinerary or a return ticket
• an official letter from the concerned foreign consulates or embassies, local government units, and international or regional organizations or institutions based in that your country

As with business visas, do not forget the official letter of invitation from the Vietnamese government, stating that you are on an official mission. Ask the concerned office to send it directly to the embassy or consulate and simply refer to that letter when you appear for the interview.

Additional Information

Visa regulations of Vietnam are often changing. To avoid any problems along the way, always check carefully before you travel. Apply for a visa two weeks in advance to avoid urgent fees.

You can also extend your stay. It is usually done with less than a week on your current visa. After three extensions, you have to obtain a new one. The fee ranges from US$18 to US$35. After obtaining your visa time to head to Vietnam and taste their Pho, Sticky rice and french bread which is no.1 at the list of the Top ten most delicious southeast asian breakfast meal.