Everything you need to know about tourist visa in Vietnam

• September 21,2023
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A tourist visa is a crucial part of embarking on a journey to Vietnam. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of obtaining a tourist visa in Vietnam – a vital aspect for anyone eager to discover the captivating allure and rich cultural tapestry of this country. What are you waiting for? Check it out now!

WHAT IS TOURIST VISA IN VIETNAM?

A tourist visa in Vietnam is denoted as DL. This is one of the most commonly sought-after types of Vietnam visas. This type of visa is issued to foreigners entering Vietnam for tourism purposes and does not apply to foreigners who intend to work during their stay in Vietnam.

According to the current provisions of Law 51/2019/QH14, tourist visas currently have a maximum temporary stay period of 30 days. In case a tourist visa is valid for more than 30 days, the visa holder will be granted temporary residence for 30 days and will be considered for an extension if they want to continue staying in Vietnam. 

However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, tourist visa in Vietnam has not been considered for extension.

TYPES OF TOURIST VISA IN VIETNAM

There are 4 types of Vietnam tourist visas:

1-month single-entry tourist visa 

This type of tourist visa is valid for one month and allows one entry. If a foreigner leaves Vietnam within that 1 month period, the visa will no longer be valid.

1-month multiple-entry tourist visas

This type of visa is valid for one month and allows multiple entries. During that 1 month period, foreign tourists can leave the country many times without losing the visa value and the Visa is still valid for normal use.

3-month single-entry tourist visa

valid for three months and allowed to enter the country once. Just like a 1-month tourist visa, if a foreigner leaves Vietnam within those 3 months, the visa will no longer be valid.

3-month multiple-entry tourist visa

This means that this type of visa is valid for three months and allows multiple entries. During that 3-month period, foreign tourists can leave the country many times and the visa is still valid for normal use. In other words, the validity of a 3-month multiple-entry visa does not depend on the number of exits and entries during the 3-month visa period.

There are 4 types of Vietnam tourist visas

REQUIREMENTS FOR TOURIST VISA IN VIETNAM

When applying for a tourist visa in Vietnam, there are certain requirements and procedures that travelers should be aware of. Here are the key requirements:

• Valid passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of entry into Vietnam. Original passport with at least 2 blank pages for visa and immigration stamps.

• Visa application form: You will need to complete a visa application form. This form can often be downloaded from the website of the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country.

• Visa approval letter: For most travelers, obtaining a visa approval letter is the first step. This letter is typically arranged through a visa-on-arrival service or obtained directly from the Vietnamese embassy or consulate. The approval letter is required for a visa on arrival and should be presented upon arrival in Vietnam.

• Visa fee: You must pay an amount of money for the visa fee. The amount varies depending on your nationality, the type of visa, and the processing method. Check with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate for the current fee schedule.

• Passport photos: Prepare 2 passport-sized photos as per the specifications outlined by the Vietnamese authorities.

• Travel itinerary: You might be requested to furnish a copy of your travel itinerary. This includes details of your flights, accommodations, and intended duration of stay in Vietnam.

• Proof of sufficient funds: In some cases, you may need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Vietnam.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

A tourist visa in Vietnam is for citizens of all countries and territories in the world regardless of nationality or country.

In addition, foreigners are exempted from visas by Vietnam unilaterally or bilaterally for a limited time depending on the country and territory. Travelers under this visa-free visa category do not have to pay visa fees or go through normal visa application procedures.

List of countries eligible for visa exemption from Vietnam according to the visa exemption policy.

Application Vietnam Visa Online

PROCESS TO HAVE A TOURIST VISA VIETNAM

There are usually several ways for foreigners to apply for a tourist visa in Vietnam.

Apply for an electronic visa (E-visa)

• Step 1: Citizens of countries issued electronic visas access the link "https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/en_US/trang-chu-ttdt"

• Step 2: Select "For foreigners".

• Step 3: Read the instructions and check the box "Confirmation of reading carefully instructions and having completed application", then select "Next" to continue.

• Step 4: Upload photos and declare complete information in the declaration form.

• Step 5: Verify the accuracy of the information and receive the verification code.

• Step 6: Pay the Evisa service fee.

• Step 7: After 3 working days, visit the website to receive results. You download and print the electronic visa to bring to Vietnam. When completing entry procedures at the Vietnam border gate, present your electronic visa or verification code to the officials here.

Apply for a visa at the Vietnamese Consulate in the host country

When arriving at the Embassy/Consulate, foreigners need to prepare the following documents:

• The visa application form is issued by the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate in the host country.

• Passport valid for 6 months from the date of visa application.

• 2 recent 4×6 photos taken within 6 months (face must be clear).

• Documents proving the itinerary of the Vietnam tour that the foreigner participates in (in case of a tour).

• Confirm round-trip air tickets to Vietnam and hotel rooms in Vietnam.

The time for reviewing and issuing entry documents is about 5 – 7 working days from the date the Vietnam Immigration Department receives all valid documents.

You can choose to apply for a Vietnam tourist visa at the embassy in your country

Apply for a visa to enter Vietnam with a guarantor

For procedures for applying for a Vietnam tourist visa, the sponsor must prepare the necessary documents to apply for a Vietnam entry dispatch for foreigners.

For guarantee businesses

• Application for Vietnam visa for foreigners NA2.

• Legal documents of the guarantee unit: business registration license, company signature sample certificate, tax payment certificate,…

• Copy of the foreigner's passport notarized.

• Notice of expected entry date of foreigners.

• Employee introduction letter to submit documents to the Immigration Department.

Sponsored by friends or relatives

• Documents proving personal relationship.

• Temporary residence confirmation from the local police where the foreigner temporarily resides in Vietnam.

• Identity card of the relative sponsoring the foreigner.

After submitting the application and obtaining an entry document, the sponsor must send these documents to the foreigner so they can apply for a Vietnam tourist visa.

TOURIST VISA VIETNAM FEE

Visa fees are regulated in Circular 219/2016 of the Ministry of Finance. For tourist visas, there will be 2 fees:

NOTES WHEN APPLYING FOR A TOURIST VISA IN VIETNAM

To apply for a tourist visa in Vietnam for foreigners, you need to pay attention to a few points:

• The tourist visa is valid for a maximum duration of three months.

• Visas for foreigners are not allowed to change purpose after arriving in Vietnam.

• Foreigners do not need to enter and exit the country on the exact date stated in the Vietnam tourist visa application form but can freely choose departure and arrival dates within the visa period.

• If applying for a Vietnam tourist visa for foreigners in the form of an electronic visa (E-visa), foreigners need to meet certain conditions according to the regulations of the Vietnam Immigration Department:

  • Foreigners who come from countries that do not have a Vietnamese Consulate.

  • Foreigners travel through many countries before coming to Vietnam.

  • Foreigners are investors or workers with work permits in Vietnam.

  • Foreigners whose identities are living temporarily in Vietnam.

In conclusion, obtaining a tourist visa in Vietnam is a fundamental step for travelers looking to experience the enchanting landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture that this Southeast Asian gem has to offer. Whether you are eligible for a visa on arrival, plan to apply at the embassy, or opt for the convenient e-visa option, thorough preparation and adherence to the visa requirements are key to a smooth and memorable journey.

Here are the comprehensive guidelines for obtaining a tourist visa in Vietnam. In case you still have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at +1 315 715 8498 or email support@e-visa-gov.com.