Vietnam Travel Visa: A Comprehensive Guide for Foreigners

With the growing trend of globalization and development, the process for applying for a travel visa to Vietnam is relatively straightforward. However, it’s still important to be well-informed about the regulations regarding Vietnam travel visas to ensure the smoothest preparation.

In this article, Thao & Co. will provide you with information on the various types of visas, relevant regulations, and the latest procedures for obtaining a Vietnam travel visa.

Overview of Vietnam travel visa

A Vietnam travel visa is a document issued to foreign visitors looking to explore and experience Vietnam for a duration of up to 30 days. Travelers have the option to apply for a Vietnam travel visa on their own, through tour agencies, or with the assistance of visa service providers.

The processing time for a Vietnam travel visa varies depending on the chosen application method and may be affected by both Vietnamese and international holidays. Typically, eVisas are processed in about 3-5 working days, while visas issued upon arrival at the airport take approximately 5-7 working days.

In general, the process of applying for a Vietnam travel visa is relatively straightforward. Applicants can choose to submit their applications either in person or online, following a convenient and streamlined procedure. It’s important to note that citizens from specific countries are exempt from the requirement of a visa when traveling to Vietnam.

Types of Vietnam travel visas

EV Visa: This stands for the Vietnam electronic visa (E-Visa Vietnam), which is valid for a period ranging from 30 to 90 days.

DL Visa: This type of travel visa is issued to foreign individuals traveling as part of an organized tour, sponsored by a Vietnamese travel company, allowing for a stay duration ranging from 30 to 90 days.

Visa exemption for travel in Vietnam: Travelers from specific countries such as Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia, among others, can explore Vietnam for tourism without the need for a visa. The visa exemption can be either unilateral or bilateral and is typically valid for 30-35 days, depending on the specific country or territory.

New regulations for Vietnam travel visas

In accordance with the provisions of the amended Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, effective from August 15, 2023, new policies and regulations governing travel visas, as well as entry and exit procedures for foreigners visiting Vietnam for tourism, will be put into practice. These regulations include:

1. ● Electronic visas (Vietnam E-Visas) will now be available to citizens of all countries and territories worldwide, regardless of nationality.
2. ● The validity period of electronic visas will now be extended from 30 days to 3 months (with a maximum stay not exceeding 90 days), and they can be utilized for both single and multiple entries.
3. ● The entry period for foreign tourists visiting Vietnam under unilateral visa exemption will be extended from 15 days to 45 days.

Procedures for applying for a Vietnam travel visa as a foreigner

To ensure a hassle-free visa application process, it’s crucial to carefully prepare the following documents:

1. ● A completed NA5 visa application form for a tourist visa
2. ● Your original passport with sufficient remaining validity
3. ● Recent passport photos (4×6 size) taken within the last six months
4. ● Your travel itinerary
5. ● Evidence of flight reservations and hotel bookings

You can submit your visa application at the Immigration Department in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Alternatively, you can opt for an online application, which involves the following steps:

1. ● Step 1: Visit the Immigration Department’s website and navigate to the electronic visa application section.
2. ● Step 2: Provide all required information for your electronic visa, including personal details, and travel plans, and upload your passport and portrait photos.
3. ● Step 3: Proceed with the payment for the electronic visa fee, which is $25 for a single-entry visa and $50 for a multiple-entry visa.
4. ● Step 4: Keep an eye on the status of your visa application after submission.
5. ● Step 5: Print out the approval letter for your electronic visa.

Is it possible to convert or extend a Vietnam travel visa?

A Vietnam travel visa is generally not intended for long-term stays. If you’re planning an extended stay in Vietnam, it may be necessary to explore options such as visa extension or converting to a different visa category. You can apply for a switch from your Vietnam travel visa to other visa categories such as work visas, family visit visas, student visas, business visas, or temporary residence cards.

The requirements for converting or extending your visa differ depending on your specific purpose. It’s important to note that all documents and paperwork in your visa application package require certified translation or notarized translation to ensure their legal validity. Translating these documents requires a high degree of accuracy. So, it’s advisable to seek assistance from reputable translation services.

Thao & Co. Translation Company stands out as one of the top-tier translation services. Through years of unwavering dedication, we have consistently provided certified, notarized translation services along with authentication, including precise translation of visa application documents, that meet the highest accuracy standards. Thao & Co. takes great pride in our extensive collaborations and the high satisfaction we’ve achieved among our diverse clients, driven by several key advantages:

1. ● Our team comprises dedicated and experienced linguists with expertise in translating visa application documents.
2. ● We provide our Certificate of Translation Accuracy for all certified translation projects at no extra cost.
3. ● We excel in the multilingual translation of visa application documents.
4. ● We guarantee that our translation process adheres to the agreed-upon timelines.
5. ● We are committed to preserving the confidentiality of all client information and project details.
6. ● We provide support for real-time project tracking and efficient communication with linguists through Thao & Co.’s proprietary platform.
7. ● Our service costs are competitive, transparent, and meticulously detailed.

To request our Vietnam travel visa application document translation services, please provide your information on our Get a Quote page. Thao & Co. will promptly reach out to assist you and address any questions you may have.