How to Apply for an E-Visa to Vietnam – A Complete Guide
Traveling to Vietnam requires understanding the right visa options based on your nationality and travel plans. Below is a comprehensive guide to the various visa types, their requirements, how to apply for them, and the associated costs.
1. Visa Exemptions for Vietnam
Certain nationals can enter Vietnam without a visa for short stays. For instance, citizens of many Western countries enjoy a 15-day visa exemption. However, this exemption is subject to change based on your nationality, so it is essential to check the latest visa policies before your trip.
2. How to Apply for an E-Visa to Vietnam
Since August 15, 2023, Vietnam has implemented an e-visa system for citizens of all countries and territories. The e-visa is valid for 30 days and can be used for entry at all border gates, including land, air, and sea.
Steps to Apply for an E-Visa:
- Visit the official Vietnam Immigration Website.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload the required documents (passport photo, passport information page).
- Pay the visa fee online.
- Wait for processing (usually 3-5 business days).
- Once approved, download and print your e-visa to present upon arrival in Vietnam.
E-Visa Fee:
The fee for an e-visa is typically 25 USD (subject to change, please check the official portal for updates).
3. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
For certain nationalities, Vietnam offers a visa on arrival (VOA). This requires you to obtain an approval letter from a Vietnamese travel agency or visa service before you travel.
Steps for VOA:
- Apply for the approval letter online through a travel agency or visa service.
- Once approved, you will receive a visa approval letter.
- Present the approval letter at the designated VOA counter at major international airports in Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang).
- Pay the visa stamping fee at the airport to receive your visa.
VOA Fees:
- Visa approval letter fee is generally between 10-20 USD depending on the agency.
- Stamping fee at the airport typically ranges from 25 USD to 50 USD, depending on the type of visa (1-month or 3-month, single or multiple entry).
4. Traditional Tourist Visa for Vietnam
If you’re not eligible for an e-visa or VOA, you can apply for a traditional tourist visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country.
Application Process:
- Visit the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate.
- Submit the required documents, such as the visa application form, passport-sized photos, and a passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Some embassies may request a visa approval letter for certain types of visas (e.g., tourist or business visas).
- Visa processing times and fees may vary depending on the embassy or consulate.
Tourist Visa Fees:
- The fee for a single-entry tourist visa typically ranges from 25 USD to 50 USD, depending on the embassy and the visa duration.
- Multiple-entry tourist visas can cost between 50 USD to 100 USD for 3-month validity.
5. Visa Application Through a Travel Agency
You can also choose to apply for your Vietnamese visa through a travel agency or visa service. The agency will submit the visa application on your behalf to the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate.
Service Fee:
Travel agencies may charge an additional service fee of approximately 20-40 USD, depending on the complexity of the visa and their processing times.
6. Visa Costs for Business, Family Visits, or Other Purposes
- Business Visa: If you are traveling for business, you will need to apply for a business visa through the Vietnamese embassy or consulate. The processing fee typically ranges from 50 USD to 100 USD depending on the duration (1 month, 3 months, or 6 months) and the type of entry (single or multiple).
- Family Visit Visa (Visiting Relatives): If you’re visiting family or relatives in Vietnam, you can apply for a family visit visa. The processing fee is usually between 25 USD and 50 USD, depending on the embassy or consulate.
- Other Types of Visas (Work, Study, etc.): The visa fees for other purposes such as work or study typically range from 50 USD to 100 USD depending on the visa duration and the embassy where the application is submitted.
7. Visa Fees for Foreign Nationals and Overseas Vietnamese
Here is a breakdown of the fees for various visa types:
- Single-Entry Visa: 25 USD
- Multiple-Entry Visa:
- Valid for up to 3 months: 50 USD
- Valid for over 3 months to 6 months: 95 USD
- Valid for over 6 months to 1 year: 135 USD
- Visa Transfer Fee (Old passport to new passport): 5 USD
- Temporary Residence Card:
- Valid for 1 year to 2 years: 145 USD
- Valid for 2 years to 5 years: 155 USD
- Temporary Stay Extension (Visa Extension): 10 USD
- Exit and Entry Permit for Foreign Nationals Without a Passport: 200,000 VND (Approx. 8.5 USD)
These fees apply to various types of visas and permits, including temporary and permanent residency, visa extensions, and transit visas.
8. Conclusion – Which Visa Option is Right for You?
In summary, there are several ways to apply for a visa to Vietnam depending on your nationality and preferences:
- Visa Exemption: For short stays from certain countries.
- E-Visa: Available for all nationalities through an easy online process for 25 USD.
- Visa on Arrival: Available for certain countries with pre-approved letters, costing around 25-50 USD for the stamping fee.
- Traditional Tourist Visa: Apply through Vietnamese Embassies or Consulates, with fees typically ranging from 25-100 USD.
- Business/Family/Other Visas: Fees for business, family visits, and other purposes typically range from 50-100 US
