Vietnam Visa Requirements

[UPDATE NOVEMBER 2024]

From November 11, 2024, the Vietnam Immigration Department will be launching a new website for E-visa applications, accessible at the following address: https://thithucdientu.gov.vn/ 

This new platform, with a more intuitive interface, aims to simplify and optimize the e-visa application procedure.  While the new site is currently in the test phase and not yet operational for applications, the old portal (https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/) will remain in service to ensure continuity of service. 

[UPDATE AUGUST 2023]

New policies from 15th August 2023

The government of Vietnam provides electronic visas (e-visas) to individuals from all nations and territories, allowing them to stay for a period of 90 days and permitting repeated entries.

Individuals from a total of 13 nations are granted the privilege of unilateral visa exemption, entitling them to remain within the borders of Vietnam for a maximum duration of forty-five days.

VIETNAM VISA EXEMPTION

The visa policy of Vietnam, which will come into effect on the 15th of August, 2023, entails an extension of the duration of stay for citizens from 13 countries that currently benefit from unilateral visa exemption. This extension will increase the allowed stay from 15 days to 45 days, irrespective of the type of passport held or the purpose of admission. The 13 countries encompassed in this list are Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Belarus.

VIETNAM ELECTRONIC VISA (E-VISA) 

Starting on August 15th, 2023, the government of Vietnam has implemented a policy whereby electronic visas (e-visas) are now available to individuals from all countries and territories. These e-visas allow for a maximum stay of 90 days and permit multiple entries into Vietnam.

List of Border Gates That Accepted Electronic Visas: 

Presented below is a comprehensive compilation of the border gates via which foreign nationals are permitted to enter and exit Vietnam utilizing the electronic visa (E-visa) system.There are a total of 13 international airports in Vietnam, including Noi Bai in Ha Noi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, Cam Ranh in Khanh Hoa, Da Nang, Cat Bi in Hai Phong, Can Tho, Phu Quoc in Kien Giang, Phu Bai in Thua Thien Hue, Van Don in Quang Ninh, Tho Xuan in Thanh Hoa, Dong Hoi in Quang Binh, Phu Cat in Binh Dinh, and Lien Khuong in Lam Dong.

There are a total of 16 land border gates in Vietnam, namely Tay Trang (Dien Bien), Mong Cai (Quang Ninh), Huu Nghi (Lang Son), Lao Cai, Na Meo (Thanh Hoa), Nam Can (Nghe An), Cau Treo (Ha Tinh), Cha Lo (Quang Binh), La Lay and Lao Bao (Quang Tri), Bo Y (Kon Tum), Moc Bai and Xa Mat (Tay Ninh), Tinh Bien and Vinh Xuong (An Giang), and Ha Tien (Kien Giang).

There are a total of 13 marine border gates in Vietnam, namely Hon Gai and Cam Pha in Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Nghi Son in Thanh Hoa, Vung Ang in Ha Tinh, Chan May in Thua Thien Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa, Quy Nhon in Binh Dinh, Dung Quat in Quang Ngai, Vung Tau in Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City, and Duong Dong in Kien Giang.

Apply for your tourist E-visa online here. You will receive a code via email to print your visa or access it through the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Tips for a Smooth Visa Application Process

The cost of an e-visa for Vietnam.

The electronic visa application incurs a fee of 25 USD, which is remitted using an electronic payment gateway. The often employed payment options encompass the utilization of ATM cards, as well as the acceptance of major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, JBC, and Amex.

Please be advised that the payment made for e-Visa applications is non-refundable, regardless of whether the visa applications are rejected or remain unused. This policy is in accordance with the regulations set forth by the Immigration Department.

The processing time for Vietnam e-visas.

The requested task will be completed within a timeframe of three business days, based on Greenwich Mean Time plus seven hours. This implies that Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays are excluded.

The conditions for obtaining an e-visa for Vietnam.

In order to qualify for an e-visa, it is necessary to satisfy the following set of criteria:

- It is necessary to possess a passport that remains valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the intended date of departure.

- Please ensure that your nationality is included in the list of countries eligible for the Vietnam e-visa.

Once the condition has been confirmed, one can proceed with the preparations for:

- The requested photographic image is a portrait depicting the subject facing the camera directly, with their gaze directed towards the lens. Notably, the subject is not wearing any eyeglasses in the photograph. The dimensions of the image are specified to be 4x6 centimeters.

- The submission of a photograph depicting the initial page of a passport, encompassing comprehensive personal details and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) lines, is requested.

- The bank account balance is USD 25.

The photographs will be submitted onto an online application form.

Kindly take note:

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requires that the passport name be captured with sufficient clarity, while also avoiding any glare.

The identification photograph must be captured within a period of six months and should not be identical to the passport photograph.

Renewing and Extending Your Visa

In Vietnam, visa extensions can be requested in one of two methods. The first option is to apply for a visa extension, which will give you more time in Vietnam and a new stamp with a new departure date.

The second alternative is to renew your visa, which offers a new visa page and stamp for your passport. A visa extension would typically cost additional money due to the need for fresh visa stickers and stamps.

However, the Vietnam Immigration Office decides whether or not a visa should be renewed or extended based on the visa holder's circumstances.

What are the consequences of exceeding the authorized duration of stay in Vietnam?

In Vietnam, the penalties for overstaying a visa vary depending on the circumstances. Penalties for overstaying a visa for 12 months can exceed 16,000,000 VND, or a maximum of 500,000 VND.

Less than 15-day overstay: 1,250,000 VND (equivalent to 55 USD).

From 15 to 30 days of overstay, the penalty is 4,000,000 VND (175 USD).

Overstay fees ranging from 30 to 90 days are 10,000,000 VND (approximately 440 USD).

Penalties exceeding 16,000,000 VND (approximately USD) will result in mandatory departure, entrance and exit limitations, and prohibition for the duration of the specified period for overstays of 3-12 months.

Upon departure from Vietnam, if you overstay your visa by one to two days, you may present payment to the Immigration Officer at the airport or land border. The approximate value of the punishment is 500,000 VND (25 USD). This approach, nevertheless, lacks official authorization and could result in immigration comments being made in your passport. It is recommended that if you overstay your visa in Vietnam for more than three days, you visit the immigration office immediately and have the required financial payment prepared to depart the country.

In the event of a brief overstay with several days remaining until your intended departure from Vietnam, proceed to the nearest Immigration office, provide an explanation of the circumstances, and remit the requisite penalties. An application for a visa extension to extend your stay for the remaining days may be permitted. You may attempt to convince the Immigration Department not to require you to submit your application via your sponsoring organization in Vietnam; however, this is not mandatory. If not, Go Authentik Travel will be able to provide assistance.

Visa holders must diligently monitor the duration of their visas in order to prevent any complications that may arise from overstaying. The length of your overstay in Vietnam increases in difficulty in procuring a visa to depart the country. It is vital to comply with the regulations that pertain to the particular visa type and validity period.
 

FAQs

Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam?
Yes if your nation is not on the list of those exempt from a Vietnam visa.

How long does it take to obtain a Vietnam travel visa?
The requested task will be completed within a timeframe of three business days

Can I extend my tourist visa while in Vietnam?
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension or renew your visa.

What are the legal implications of overstaying a Vietnam travel visa?
Overstaying one's visa in Vietnam carries with it a variety of possible fines and consequences. The penalty for staying in Vietnam for longer than 12 months might be as high as 16 million VND. Find more here 

Related articles: 

>> Vietnam tour 2023-2024: Where to go? Which itinerary? What to do? How many days?

>> Tour in the North-East of Vietnam : Where to go? Which itinerary? What to do? How many days?

>> Tour in the Northwest of Vietnam : Where to go? Which itinerary? What to do? How many days?

>> Hanoi Vietnam: Top 12+ best things to do in Hanoi

>> Top 12+ best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

>> Vietnam Cambodia tour: What to do and what to visit?