Your Ultimate Guide to Vietnam Tourist Visa Requirements and Application Process

Planning a trip to Vietnam requires understanding the visa requirements and options available for travelers from all over the world. Whether you are an Indian, Australian, US citizen, or coming from the UK, it's essential to know how to apply for a Vietnam tourist visa and whether you qualify for visa-on-arrival or an e-visa. This comprehensive guide answers key questions about the Vietnam tourist visa process, from how to apply for the visa to extending it during your stay.

How to Get Vietnam Tourist Visa

The first question for any traveler planning a trip to Vietnam is: how to get Vietnam tourist visa? Depending on your nationality and travel plans, there are different ways to apply for a Vietnam tourist visa. For most travelers, the easiest options are:

  1. Vietnam e-Visa: You can apply for Vietnam tourist visa online through the official Vietnamese government website. This e-visa is available to citizens from over 80 countries, including the US, Australia, and UK, and it allows you to stay for up to 30 days.

  2. Visa on Arrival: If you're flying into Vietnam, you can opt for the visa on arrival process. First, you need to obtain an approval letter from a registered agency, and then you can pick up your visa at the airport in Vietnam.

  3. Vietnam Embassy Visa: If you are unable to get an e-visa or prefer not to go through the visa on arrival process, you can apply for a Vietnam tourist visa at a Vietnamese embassy in your home country. You will need to fill out an application, provide supporting documents, and pay the applicable fees.

Can I Get a Tourist Visa on Arrival in Vietnam?

Yes, travelers can get a tourist visa on arrival in Vietnam—but this option is only available if you arrive by air. To get a Vietnam tourist visa at the airport, you must first apply for an approval letter from a Vietnamese agency before you travel. After arriving at one of Vietnam's international airports, you will be able to pick up your visa by presenting the letter.

Why Do You Need a Visa for Vietnam?

You may be wondering, why do you need a visa for Vietnam? Like many countries, Vietnam requires foreign nationals to obtain a visa before entering, unless they come from a visa-exempt country or are visiting for a short stay. The visa is used to regulate and monitor entry, ensuring that travelers adhere to local laws, such as the duration of stay.

How to Extend Vietnam Tourist Visa

If you've applied for a Vietnam tourist visa but wish to stay longer than your visa allows, how to extend Vietnam tourist visa becomes an important question. Travelers can apply for a visa extension while in Vietnam through a travel agency. Extensions are typically granted for 30 days, but the process can vary depending on the visa type you initially applied for.

Can You Work in Vietnam on a Tourist Visa?

The short answer is no, you cannot work in Vietnam on a tourist visa. A tourist visa for Vietnam is specifically for leisure purposes, and working on a tourist visa is illegal. If you're planning to work or study in Vietnam, you'll need to apply for a work visa or a student visa.

How to Apply for Vietnam Visa

To apply for Vietnam visa, you need to decide which method works best for your circumstances. As mentioned earlier, you can apply for a visa online (e-visa), apply for visa on arrival by securing an approval letter, or visit the nearest Vietnam embassy to apply for a traditional visa. The application process typically involves filling out forms, submitting a passport-sized photo, and paying the visa fee.

Apply for Vietnam Tourist Visa Online

One of the simplest and most convenient ways to obtain a Vietnam tourist visa is to apply for Vietnam tourist visa online through the official e-visa website. This method is fast, and the visa is generally processed within 3 business days. After approval, the Vietnam e-visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 30 days, which is perfect for most tourists.

Can You Get Vietnam Visa at the Airport?

Yes, as previously mentioned, you can get Vietnam visa at airport by using the visa on arrival method. However, this option is available only for travelers flying into Vietnam. You’ll need to obtain an approval letter in advance through a travel agency, and once you arrive, you can present the letter at the airport immigration desk to get your visa.

Does Vietnam Have Visa on Arrival?

Yes, Vietnam does have a visa on arrival process. This is a popular choice for travelers arriving by air. After obtaining an approval letter before departure, you can collect your tourist visa Vietnam on arrival at one of the international airports in Vietnam. However, this option does not apply to land or sea arrivals, so be sure to plan accordingly if you're entering by those means.

Tourist Visa Vietnam for Indian, Australian, and US Citizens

Tourist visa Vietnam for Indian citizens, Australian citizens, and US citizens follow similar procedures. All of these nationalities must apply for a visa before entering Vietnam unless they are from a visa-exempt country or planning a short stay. Indian travelers can apply for an e-visa, as can Australians and US citizens. However, if you're traveling by air, the visa on arrival option is also available.

Tourist Visa Vietnam from the UK, Australia, and US

For those traveling from the UK, Australia, or the US, you’ll need to apply for a Vietnam tourist visa. The process is largely the same for citizens from each of these countries, but specific visa requirements may differ. If you’re traveling from the UK, you can apply online for the Vietnam e-visa or choose visa on arrival if arriving by air. The same applies to Australians and US citizens.

Where to Apply for Vietnam Visa

If you choose to apply for a traditional Vietnam tourist visa, you will need to go to a Vietnam embassy or consulate in your country. Alternatively, for a quicker process, you can apply for an e-visa online through the official website or opt for visa on arrival if flying into Vietnam.

How Long is a Tourist Visa in Vietnam?

The standard tourist visa for Vietnam is typically valid for 30 days. However, the Vietnam e-visa is also available for a 30-day stay. If you plan on staying longer, you can apply for a multiple-entry visa or extend your visa while in the country.

Tourist Visa Vietnam to Australia, US, UK

If you're traveling from Vietnam to Australia, the US, or the UK, you will likely need to apply for a tourist visa to these countries before departing Vietnam. Be sure to check the specific visa requirements for each country based on your nationality.

Vietnam E-Visa vs Visa on Arrival

When considering whether to apply for a Vietnam e-visa or use visa on arrival, there are a few key differences:

  1. Vietnam e-Visa: This online visa is easy to apply for and available to travelers from many countries. It allows for a 30-day stay and is valid for single-entry only.

  2. Visa on Arrival: This option requires an approval letter before traveling and is available only if you're flying into Vietnam. It’s a good option for travelers who may need multiple entries.

Can You Visit Vietnam Without a Visa?

Depending on your nationality and the length of your stay, some travelers can visit Vietnam without a visa. Citizens of countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore can stay in Vietnam for short periods (usually up to 15 days) without a visa. However, most other travelers, including those from the US, UK, Australia, and India, will need to apply for a tourist visa for Vietnam.

Conclusion

The process of obtaining a Vietnam tourist visa is relatively straightforward once you understand the available options, whether that’s through the e-visa, visa on arrival, or a traditional embassy application. Be sure to plan ahead, apply for your visa well in advance, and consider your travel method to ensure a smooth trip to Vietnam.

Easily apply for your eVisa online by visiting Tourist Requirements.

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