"S-shaped strip of land", Vietnam is a country that is "nostalgic" to every visitor, not only because of its magnificent natural scenery, but also because of its kind, friendly, and hospitable people. Over 3.6 million international tourists come to Vietnam each year. Is it difficult to get a visa for Vietnam?
For instructions on how to apply for a visa to Vietnam and to save the most time, please see the article below with Bliss Hoi An Beach & Resort.
Regulations on Vietnam tourist visa 2023
In 2023, the regulations on tourist visas and the application of tourist visas for foreigners have changed a lot. Here are some noteworthy points about the Vietnam tourist visa for 2023:
- Tourist visa is a type of visa that allows foreigners to enter Vietnam for the purpose of sightseeing and tourism.
- Tourist visa has the symbol DL. This is specified in Clause 17, Article 8 of the Law on Immigration 2014.
- Tourist visa is valid for no more than 3 months, as specified in Clause 2, Article 9 of the Law on Immigration 2014.
- Tourist visas for 2023 only allow foreigners to stay continuously for 30 days per entry. This is a new regulation in Clause 13, Article 1 of the 2019 Immigration Law.
- After 30 days, a tourist visa can be extended.
- You can apply for a tourist visa online and receive the result in one day.
Recently, cabinet members of the Government of Vietnam unanimously agreed some proposals to allow:
- Increase the validity of e-visas issued to foreigners to three months from one month with single and multiple entries applicable.
- Grant e-visas to citizens of all countries and territories (with the list decided by the Government).
- Increase the duration of temporary residence at the border gate for people entering the country under the visa exemption categories from 15 days to 45 days.
Is it difficult to get a Vietnamese tourist visa?
Vietnam is one of the most open countries, with numerous policies aimed at promoting international tourism. As a result, obtaining a tourist visa for Vietnam is simple.
There are two ways for foreigners to apply for a Vietnam tourist visa:
Apply for a tourist visa through a travel agency
This is the most popular way, helping Vietnam welcome millions of international tourists annually. Foreigners requesting a tourist visa can contact a travel agency to make the process easier and more convenient.
Apply for an e-visa
An electronic visa (abbreviated as E-Visa) is a visa obtained online. The electronic visa application for tourism is completed entirely online at the Immigration Department's website. Foreigners can do it by themselves without the guarantee of a company or individual in Vietnam.
* Benefits of an e-visa:
- Foreigners can travel independently.
- The entire procedure can be done completely online. Foreigners can apply for a visa at any time and from anywhere.
- Length of stay is extendable.
- Can be converted to other visa types for a longer term.
Before arriving at one of Vietnam's international airports, you can save time by filling out the Entry/Departuret form. To begin, please see the detailed procedures in the link here to simplify the application for a tourist visa to Vietnam.
STEPS TO APPLY TOURIST VISA TO VIETNAM
Step 1 — Fill out the online application form (you need to know your arrival date and the name of the airport you will be arriving at)
Step 2 — Pay the e-visa fee via an online platform.
Step 3 — Within two working days, you will receive an email with your Official Vietnam Visa Approval Letter issued by Vietnam Immigration Department
Step 4 — Print the E-Visa Letter and prepare two photos of yourself (4cm x 6cm) as note requirement
Step 5 — Bring the printed Approval Letter, photos, and the government Stamping Fee (along with your passport and all other required documents) on your trip to Vietnam
Step 6 — When you arrive at airport in Vietnam, show the Approval Letter and photos at the Immigration office
What documents are foreigners required to submit when applying for a tourist visa?
Foreigners planning to enter Vietnam on a tourist visa have to provide the following information to the travel agency:
- Passport photo
- Information about the entry date / air ticket.
- Information about the entrance gate. For instance, Tan Son Nhat border gate, Huu Nghi border gate,...
Also, see the section above on how to apply for an e-visa. It will be far easier and more convenient.
What is the cost of a tourist visa application?
The Ministry of Finance's Circular 219/2016 governs visas and visa fees. There will be two rates for tourist visas:
| No. |
Visa Type |
Stamp duty |
| 1 |
Entry once a month |
$25 |
| 2 |
Once every three months |
$25 |
| 3 |
Multiple entry for one months |
$50 |
| 4 |
Multiple entry for three months |
$50 |
The Ministry of Finance's Circular 219/2016 governs visas and visa fees
The electronic tourist visa also includes a charge of $ 25 per visa issuance.
List of Vietnam visa exemption countries
Vietnam Visa exemption is granted to:
1. Citizens of Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Laos, with a maximum stay of 30 days.
2. Citizens of the Philippines for visits of 21 days at the maximum.
3. Citizens of Japan, Korea, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Russia, and Finland can visit for up to 15 days.
4. Brunei citizens for up to 14 days.
5. French citizens holding valid diplomatic or official passports with a maximum validity of 90 days or multiple times can visit for up to 6 months at the maximum.
6. Citizens of Chile holding valid diplomatic or official passports can visit for up to 6 days at the maximum.
7. APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders from member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) for a maximum period of 60 days.
8. For those who travel to Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam: Foreigners and Vietnamese nationals holding foreign passports who enter Vietnam through an international border gate and then go to Phu Quoc Island and stay in Phu Quoc for less than 15 days are also granted Vietnam visa exemption. Passports must be valid for at least 45 days. After arriving in Phu Quoc Island, if visitors want to travel to other localities or stay on the island for more than 15 days, the immigration department will be responsible for issuing visas right on the spot.
Register for the Vietnam Visa procedure: Click here
1. The electronic visa is the most recommended.
Currently, the simplest way for foreigners to travel to Vietnam is to apply for an electronic visa.
Foreigners can apply for a self-sufficient visa and enter freely at will. Best of all, the e-visa has no limit on the number of applications. As long as there is a need, foreigners can apply for an E tourist visa whenever they want.
2. Do not overstay your visa lenght
Overstaying a visa is an administrative violation, because it was a foreigner who was illegally staying in Vietnam at that time.
See the fine for overstaying your visa at: How much is the fine for overstaying your visa?
Moreover, if it is overdue, it will be difficult to extend the visa. Foreigners may be forced to leave Vietnam.
3. Do not use tourist visa for work purposes
There are cases of foreigners using tourist visas to work. This is a violation of the rules. Because according to the Vietnam tourist visa regulations, tourist visas are granted to foreigners entering for the purpose of sightseeing and tourism.
Therefore, using a tourist visa to work is an administrative violation and will be sanctioned. Foreigners and the businesses that hire them face fines as well.
If you want to work in Vietnam, convert your tourist visa to a working visa.
Extension of tourist visa for foreigners
Tourist visas are extendable. When visitors come on a tourist visa, remain in Vietnam for 30 days, and want to stay longer, they must extend their visa.
Conditions for extending tourist visa:
- A travel agency must guarantee the extension.
- Valid passport.
- Still temporarily staying in Vietnam.
- Not in the case of being deported or forced to leave the country.
Documents required for a tourist visa extension
- Original passport.
- Declaration of temporary residence (photocopy).
The tourist visa will be extended at the Vietnam Immigration Department.