Transit visa Vietnam: Your key to explore the pearl of Southeast Asia

• October 02,2023
• 19 views

Vietnam, often referred to as the "Pearl of Southeast Asia," is a nation known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. This article is about transit visa Vietnam. This is your comprehensive guide to unlocking the doors to this enchanting country during your layovers and short stays. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through Vietnam, one transit visa at a time.

WHAT IS A TRANSIT VISA?

A transit visa is a connecting visa. A flight from one country to another with one or more stops is called a transit. During the flight, passengers can rest on the plane during transit or move to the transit area to wait for the next flight.

According to the 2014 Law on Exit, Entry, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam:

• Transit is when a foreigner passes through or stays in the transit area at Vietnam's international border gate to go to a third country.

• Foreigners are people who carry documents identifying foreign nationality and people without nationality who enter, exit, transit, or reside in Vietnam.

• The border gate is where foreigners are allowed to enter, exit, and transit.

• A visa is a document issued by a competent Vietnamese agency, allowing foreigners to enter Vietnam.

In short, a transit visa Vietnam allows you to stay in Vietnam for a short time to go to another country.

WHAT ARE CONDITIONS TO HAVE A TRANSIT VISA VIETNAM?

Foreigners can easily get a transit visa Vietnam when meeting the following conditions:

• Passport or documents valid for international travel.

• Vehicle tickets are suitable for the journey to a third country.

• Visa from a third country, except in cases of visa exemption.

Transit sign at Vietnam airport for foreigners

WHICH COUNTRIES ARE EXEMPT FROM VIETNAM VISA?

As of August 2022, Vietnam is exempting visas for citizens of 25 countries (ordinary passports), including:

• Vietnam waives bilateral visas for citizens of 12 countries.

• Vietnam unilaterally exempts visas for citizens of 13 countries, including 11 European countries (instead of the previous 5 countries).

The maximum allowed stay period and visa exemption conditions for each country are specified in the table below:

WHAT ARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS TO APPLY FOR A TRANSIT VISA VIETNAM?

To apply for a transit visa Vietnam, you need to prepare an application including the following essential documents:

• Application for a transit visa in Vietnam according to the prescribed form, providing complete information, and confirmed by the applicant's signature.

• Original passport, valid for 6 months or more.

• Photo 4.5 cm×4.5 cm, taken no more than 6 months ago, standard background.

• Flight ticket booking confirmation. Transits in Vietnam must have a clear trip itinerary.

• In addition, in some cases additional supplements are needed: proof of income and other documents.

Application Vietnam Visa Online

WHEN DO I NEED A TRANSIT VISA VIETNAM?

Applying for a transit visa depends on the regulations of each specific country, including Vietnam. Therefore, before making the journey, you need to contact the airline you booked to find out detailed information about the journey.

• If your flight before and after transit is with the same airline at the same airport, you will not need to pick up your luggage or apply for a transit visa. Usually at the first airport, the check-in counter will print tickets for the 2 flights you will be flying with that airline.

• If the flights are operated by different airlines, you will need to pick up your checked baggage yourself after arriving at the transit airport. Afterward, you will need to continue checking in your baggage for the next flight. If you need to apply for a transit visa, please reach out to the support department of the airline you booked with for further details.

TRANSIT CASES

Air Transit

Foreigners transiting by air are exempt from visas and must stay in the transit area at the international airport while waiting for their flight.

During transit, foreigners wishing to enter Vietnam to visit or travel according to programs organized by international travel businesses in Vietnam will be considered for visas appropriate to the transit time.

Sea transit

Foreigners transiting by sea are exempt from visas and must stay in the transit area at the seaport border gate while the ship or boat is anchored.

In case you want to go inland to visit or travel according to a program organized by an international travel company in Vietnam, you will be considered for a visa appropriate to the transit time. In case you need to exit through another border gate, you will be considered for a VR visa.

HOW TO GET A TRANSIT VISA VIETNAM?

As previously indicated, a transit visa for Vietnam is required in the following situations:

• You are not eligible for visa exemption.

• Your transit time in Vietnam exceeds 24 hours. Additionally, your luggage has not been checked through to your final destination, which necessitates you to leave the transit area to retrieve your baggage and check-in for your next flight.

Fortunately, there are up to three methods available to obtain a transit visa Vietnam:

Getting a transit visa Vietnam at the Embassy

You will receive a visa issued by the Vietnam embassy before your departure to Vietnam.

To pursue this visa option, you should reach out to the Vietnam embassy located in your country and adhere to the specific procedures they have in place.

You can access contact information for Vietnam embassies/ consulates worldwide, along with their visa application guidelines.

Getting a Vietnam transit E-visa

Obtaining an E-visa for transit in Vietnam is a convenient and uncomplicated process. To apply for this type of visa, you simply need to follow a few straightforward steps.

Firstly, you will need to access the official website designated for E-visa applications in Vietnam. On this website, you'll find an online form that you need to fill out with your personal information, travel details, and other required details.

Additionally, you will need to upload a photo of yourself and a clear image of the passport page containing your personal information.

Once you have completed the online application form and uploaded the necessary documents, you will be prompted to make the visa fee payment online. After completing this step, all that's left to do is patiently await a response.

Typically, it takes around three business days for the authorities to review your E-visa application and inform you of its approval status. This streamlined process makes obtaining an E-visa for transit in Vietnam a hassle-free option for travelers.

Getting a transit visa on arrival to Vietnam

This way of getting a transit visa Vietnam is also easy and suitable for all travelers transiting in this country by air.

With a visa on arrival, the travelers also only need to complete an online form. Then get a visa approval letter via email within a certain period of time.

After that, you will get a visa stamped upon arrival at Vietnam airport for transit.

You can choose to get a transit visa Vietnam at the counter at the airport

HOW MUCH FOR A TRANSIT VISA VIETNAM?

The cost of a Vietnam transit visa can fluctuate based on the method you choose to obtain it. Specifically:

• An E-visa for transit purposes typically carries a fee of 25 USD.

• For a visa on arrival, you will need to pay 25 USD in addition to the visa approval letter fee. The latter fee can vary.

• Embassy visa fees can be flexible and may depend on the specific embassy or consulate of Vietnam that you engage with.

For precise and up-to-date information on visa fees for transit in Vietnam, you can visit the official Vietnam visa on arrival fees page. This resource allows you to calculate the exact amount you need to pay if you opt to secure your Vietnam transit visa upon arrival at the airport.

EXPERIENCES IN TRANSITING IN VIETNAM

Here are some valuable insights and recommendations based on our experiences when transiting at the airport or after receiving a transit visa Vietnam:

• Adjust your clock: It's essential to sync your watch or devices to the local time zone. This helps you stay updated with flight schedules, reducing the risk of missing your connection and ensuring you reach your destination on time.

• Gate awareness: Pay close attention to the airport's gate layout. Airports often have separate terminals for arriving passengers, with distinct entrances for Transit and Immigration. When transiting, follow signs for the Transit gate, which leads you to the security check area. Here, you will undergo luggage screening before heading to your boarding gate.

• Flight details: Memorize the flight number, departure time, and destination of your next flight. This information is crucial for cross-referencing with electronic boards throughout the airport. Staying informed in this way helps you avoid missing your flight or mistakenly boarding the wrong one.

• Pack smart: Minimize the number of carry-on items you bring with you. While in transit or connecting flights, there's a higher likelihood of checked luggage getting misplaced compared to direct flights. When booking a flight with connections, be mindful of this and ensure your luggage is well-secured.

• Snack essentials: Prepare some light snacks such as cookies, bread, and water to keep you fueled during long waiting periods. Buying food at the airport can be expensive, so having your own snacks is not only convenient but also cost-effective.

• Comfortable rest: When resting during your airport transit, pick a safe and quiet area. Avoid deserted spots and noisy areas. The waiting area for arriving passengers is usually more comfortable, as travelers waiting to board tend to stay there longer.

Finally, obtaining a transit visa Vietnam is an important step for travelers who are making connections through this vibrant country. Whether you choose to secure an E-visa, opt for a visa on arrival, or go through your country's embassy, it's essential to plan ahead and meet the specific requirements for your transit visa.

By adhering to the necessary procedures and staying informed about the rules and regulations surrounding transit visas in Vietnam, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey through Vietnamese airports. Additionally, following the practical tips for airport transit experiences can make your layover more comfortable and convenient.

If you have questions or need assistance with your Vietnam visa application, please contact our team at +1 315 715 8498 or email us at support@e-visa-gov.com. We're here to help!