How to Get a Vietnam Travel Visa: Types, Eligibility, and Application Steps

Posted on: Oct 9, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

How to Get a Vietnam Travel Visa: Types, Eligibility, and Application Steps

Because of the short distance factor, Vietnam is a hot tourist destination, especially for Indian citizens. It is dotted with multiple tourist attractions, including Bang National Park, Phan Thiet, Halong Bay, etc., and is suitable for every type of traveller visiting the country. Before you plan your next trip to Vietnam, you need to know and understand the prevalent legal obligations involved in the procedure. In this article, we will highlight all the significant aspects of how to get a Vietnam travel visa, how to get a Vietnam tourist visa, the online visa application procedure, etc.

Understanding the Vietnamese visa types

The most popular forms of Vietnamese visa types include the following:

1. Tourist visa

As the name suggests, this is exclusively crafted for tourists willing to spend a stipulated tenure of 30 days exploring the country. A tourist or a visit visa is ideal for tourism purposes.

2. Business visa

In case, you are visiting the country for certain business objectives like contract signing, attending any business meeting, etc., then you have to apply for this visa. It is valid for single and multiple entries and offers a year-long validity.

3. Student visa

If you are visiting the country for further studies, you can apply for this visa, provided you have secured a valid admission to any registered Vietnamese educational institution.

4. Work visa

If you are visiting Vietnam for work issues, then you need this visa. You have to obtain a valid work permit issued by your employer, approved by the Vietnam Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs before applying.

5. Transit visa

This visa is exclusively offered to tourists who are travelling to another country through Vietnam. With this visa, you are not permitted to enter the country but remain there for a stipulated tenure.

6. Investor visa

This sort of visa is granted to all sorts of foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of other foreign organisations in valid business sectors, maintaining a basic capital investment amount. The validity of this visa is 5 years.

7. Diplomatic visa

This visa is issued to delegation members fulfilling the Vietnamese ministry invitation; any consulate personnel visiting the country or individuals working with the consulate.

Eligibility criteria

To acquire any sort of Vietnamese visa, you need to meet certain specific eligibility criteria. These conditions include:

1. A valid national passport with at least a validity of 6 months and having blank pages necessary for stamping

2. Recent colour photographs measuring 4cm x 6 cm

3. Return tickets

4. Fund proof

5. Accommodation proof

Steps to apply for a Vietnamese visa

You need to fulfil these steps to smoothly apply for a Vietnamese visa:

1. Visit the official Vietnam visa application website and fill out the online application form.

2. Provide your arrival date and the name of the airport you'll be arriving at.

3. Pay the visa service fee of $17 online.

4. Within two working days, you will receive an official Vietnam visa approval letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department via your registered email.

5. Print out the approval letter.

6. When preparing for your trip, ensure you have the following documents: the approval letter, a passport-size photo, your passport, proof of funds (bank documents), travel tickets (both to and from Vietnam), accommodation details, and travel insurance for Vietnam.

7. Upon arrival at the airport in Vietnam, present the approval letter, passport, and photos to the local immigration authorities.

Online after submission: what to expect

It usually takes 2 business days to get the approval after submission, provided all the facts and figures entered are correct. After that, you will receive the approval letter from the authorities sent to your registered email address.

Common mistakes to avoid

Some of the common mistakes that you need to avoid while Vietnamese visa application include:

• The photographs must not be older than 6 months

• It has to be front-facing, prominent, and close-up on a white or off-white background

• The centred face must occupy at least 60% of the photograph area

• The photo must be devoid of any sort of filters, alterations or shadows

• No glasses or headwear are allowed except for unavoidable medical or religious reasons, backed by evidence

• The photo must be in JPEG format, not exceeding 1 MB

• The bio page of the passport must be clear with distinctive ICAO lines

• No false or incorrect personal information is entertained

• You have to initiate the application process beforehand and not too close to your travel date

• Do not use any unauthorised third-party

• The usual validity limit of a standard e-visa is 30 days up to 90 days

• Do not apply for an eVisa while you are present in Vietnam

• Apply for a separate visa for every individual accompanying the child

• Always cross-check all the details before submission

• Keep checking the visa application status online

After submission: what to expect

Once you have applied for a Vietnamese visa, you can keep checking the current status online. It requires around 2 working days to complete the process. However, during urgent needs, it is done within 1 business day. In the case of super-urgent scenarios, the process is completed within 4 hours.

Conclusion

Vietnam is a country of enriched heritage, culture, vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, azure waterbodies, and many more. However, navigating the country might prove to be a tough challenge, especially for beginners. But, if you follow all the protocols, rules, and regulations well, making memories for a lifetime will happen in a jiffy. Vietnam has a lot to offer, be it nature, shopping, adventures, or whatever usually tourists desire, Vietnam has it all.

But while visiting this foreign locale, you must carry international travel insurance, which will act as a protective shield against any losses and damages during the trip.

FAQs

1. What is the validity limit of the Vietnam eVisa?

A standard Vietnamese single-entry eVisa remains valid for 90 days. This means that you can stay for up to 90 days in Vietnam with that visa.

2. After entering Vietnam, am I eligible to extend the duration of my existing visa?

No, extending the validity of the existing visa is not permitted after you enter the country. In case you seek an extension, you need to approach the designated authorities through official channels and contact the local immigration office.

3. Do I need to apply for a separate eVisa for my infant?

Yes, irrespective of the infant or the child’s age, you need to apply for every individual who is travelling. If you fail it, it may eventually result in immigration complications.

4. Am I allowed to apply for a Vietnamese eVisa when I am already in the country?

No, applying for a Vietnamese eVisa is not allowed when you are already present in Vietnam. The eVisa is issued exclusively for entry purposes. If you seek any extension of your stay duration, you need to make an official approach and contact the designated immigration office.

5. Is travel insurance for Vietnam mandatory when visiting the country?

Having a valid and competent travel insurance policy is essential for every individual undertaking foreign tours. This is no exception in the case of Vietnamese tours. It acts as a protection against any losses and damages incurred during the trip as per the chosen plan terms.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

Here’s All You Need To Know When Planning To Visit Vietnam

Best Time to Visit Vietnam - Weather, Climate, Temperature

How to apply for a Canada tourist visa?

What is Online E-Visa? Top Destinations Where Indians Can Apply

Easiest Countries to Get a Schengen Visa