Visa for Vietnam prior to your trip

Until recently, visa for Vietnam has been improved in procedure and less frustration for travelers. Attempts have been made by the Authority to exempt visas to some Scandinavian countries including Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and EU countries including UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain and Russian Federation for maximum 15 days. Those citizens from Asian countries are Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Brunei, Japan, South Korea, Cambodia and Laos do not need a visa to enter Vietnam but the duration of exempt is different (see details on list of visa exemption countries).

Arranging the necessary paperwork for a Vietnamese visa has become fairly straight forward. Having a valid visa stamped in your passport prior to your departure is strongly recommended. You can apply from Vietnamese Embassy and Consulate oversea world-wide, however, not all cities you are staying have Vietnam Embassy. In this case, you need to do either via a third country or an inbound tour operator. Vietnam Impressive ltd is able to assist you in the most helpful and effective way of handling.

What you need is to decide which forms of visa you would like to have. We provide two kinds of services which are:

 

Visa for Vietnam, Visa On Arrival (abbreviation as: VOA)

This is fastest and the most convenient way to avoid the expensive and unnecessary time-consuming queuing at Embassies and the like. The entry visa will be stamped locally at the Immigration office on arrival international airports within Vietnam comprising Hanoi/Noibai, Ho Chi Minh City/Tan Son Nhat and Danang – procedure is rather fast. You need to settle directly the stamp fee in cash (US$25–/person for single entry or US$50–/person for multiple entries, tourist visa) to the Authority at visa application counter or you can pay to your travel agent in case of an extra arrival fast track service – it is always the same. Although, the validity of visa is 29 days, you can easily extend it when you arrive Vietnam.

You need to have what is called an Approval Letter from Vietnam  Immigration Department to be able to get a stamp at airports. We will do this for you taking within 2 working days then we send you a copy either by email, you hold it to board your flight – stamp procedure will be done when you arrive Vietnam airport.

 

Visa for Vietnam, Visa Approval Code

This is the second way of obtaining a Vietnam visa through our service network. If you live in a city/country which has a Vietnam Embassy or Consulate, then you consider doing this. We will need your personal data in advance to process then we send you again an approval code that enables you to get a visa stamp on your passport. Stamp fee to pay in cash at Embassy or Consulate which varies.

Procedure:
a- you send us the required documents via email: visa@vietnamimpressive.com – or info@vietnamimpressive.com, no need to fill in the form on the web
b – We receive your form via our system or your email, and our dedicated staff working at the visa section will advise on the safe receipt of your information and/or payment needed to start processing right away upon your payment. The processing time is 2-3 working days for a normal visa and 1 day or half a day for urgent cases. Super-urgent is 12 hours or 1 hour – the cost for this is different case by case.
c – We send you an approval letter or code (depends what type of visa you chose). You keep it to board the airline or get a stamp at Embassy/Consulate.

Final note:
Cost and time processing are different from Embassy to Embassy so you are advisable to do this in advance of a minimum of 10 days prior to your trip. Recent passport-sized photos (1 piece, 4x6cm) are requested to bring along to do Visa On Arrival.
A Vietnam visa is essential, please make sure you have it prior to your departure and,

Have a lovely trip to Vietnam!

 

Questions and Answers (Q&A) on Vietnam Visa, Visa Vietnam

The followings are questions from customers all over the world asking for visa procedures which we collected and posted here for you for future reference. We continue to update more questions possible to make sure that you, (as travelers) coming to our country, will know exactly what to prepare prior to your trip.

 

1. Does a Vietnam Travel visa start on entry or on the date of approval?
The effective date will be on the entry date (the date given in the approval letter) or simply the date you arrive in Vietnam as the approval date may be many days in advance prior to your date of arrival. From the entry date, you can delay your arrival but no longer than the duration of your whole stay approved. You are not normally allowed to enter Vietnam before the date of entry.

 

2. Is the validity of a passport important?
Very important as you cannot apply for a Vietnam visa if your passport is expired. However, in some cases, you still can plan for yourself that by the date of passport expiration, your Vietnam visa (traveling period) is expired as well then you can go back after finishing your holiday in Vietnam to extend your passport.

 

3. How many pictures (photos) exactly do I need to bring and what size?
1 picture (photo), size 4×6 cm

 

4. What exact procedure do I have to do at the arrival airport?
Hand in the approval letter (the one agency gave you in advance), and your pictures and pay the required visa stamp fee then your passport is to be stamped for a valid visa then you exit the airport.

 

5. Do different passport holders have to pay different prices?
Same for all once you are on the list of countries that need a Vietnam visa.

 

6. Visa Vietnam, necessary?
Yes. Please review the list of visa-exempt countries. If you are out of them, then, of course, you need a Vietnam visa.

Vietnam Visa Exemption means international tourists on the below visa-exempt list can enter Vietnam without a visa for one entry in the number of days permitted (a Vietnam Visa Free); those people will get the exemption stamp on their passport upon entering at the Vietnam International Airport/or some of crossing borders/or sea gateway borders

Vietnam Visa-Exempt list of 25 countries, valid from August 15th 2023

One entry for tourist purpose

No	Countries  bilateral visa exemption	Free Vietnam visa valid from 15 Aug’23	Expired to
1	Japan (Nhat Ban)	45 days	14 Mar 25
2	South Korea (Han Quoc)	45 days	14 Mar 25
3	Russia (Nga)	45 days	14 Mar 25
4	Denmark (Dan Mach)	45 days	14 Mar 25
5	United Kingdom (Anh)	45 days	14 Mar 25
6	Norway (Na Uy)	45 days	14 Mar 25
7	Finland (Phan Lan)	45 days	14 Mar 25
8	Sweden (Thuy Dien)	45 days	14 Mar 25
9	France (Phap)	45 days	14 Mar 25
10	Belarus	45 days	14 Mar 25
11	Italia (Y)	45 days	14 Mar 25
12	Germany (Duc)	45 days	14 Mar 25
13	Spain (Tay Ban Nha)	45 days	14 Mar 25
14	Chile	30 days	14 Mar 25
15	Kyrgyzstan	30 days	14 Mar 25
16	Panama	30 days	14 Mar 25

 

*The 30-day interval between two stays with a Vietnam-exempt visa has been removed
*British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are not eligible for a Vietnam Free Visa, so, they need to apply for a visa to enter Vietnam.
*Vietnam Exempt-Visa includes the visa exemption for entry, exit, and transit.
*The visa-free stay period is counted from the date of entry.
The above information is provided for your reference only, please re-check with the official authorities in your current country before your trip.

7. Queuing time for Vietnam visa at Embassies?
This greatly depends on each Embassy but normally should be a week or more.

 

8. Vietnam ports of visa on arrival?
Hanoi/Noi Bai airport
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)/Tan Son Nhat Airport
Danang airport.

 

9. Vietnam visa urgent or an Emergency visa?
This can be the fastest case in one hour, the standard urgent processing time is 24 hours.
If you suddenly find out while you are going to board your flight to Asia without having a valid Vietnam visa, the best way is to call us: at +84 912476515 to see if it is ok to proceed or you still can email us: info@vietnamimpressive.com, we are nearly 24h online 🙂 so you do not worry that we do not read and reply. Stay online for a while to receive our message and/or instructions when necessary. There are some rare cases, where travelers are standing at the airport without a visa, we can help you and within an hour or so, you are ready to enter Vietnam.
The cost will vary based on the level of emergency. Please check with our people. You are advised to go ahead with these costs only when you are fully satisfied.
To avoid such a rush, Vietnam Impressive recommends you check and make sure you have an advanced visa by whatever way (Visa On Arrival or Visa at the Embassy) to enter Vietnam.

 

10. What is the visa application form?
This is a form where you should input exactly what is required. The clearer and more exact information you provide, the less trouble you shall have, and the less time you have to go back and forth.
Its form is here.

 

12. What will happen if I do not have a credit card? then is it ok if someone can pay for me on my behalf?
In case, you do not own a credit card, you still can apply for visa with your friend’s or relatives’ credit card. Alternatively, you can do a money transfer by Western Union – this way also saves your bank transaction fee.

 

13. Do I need a visa for a week?
The answer is definitely YES. Even if you just stay for one minute (!) whenever you exit to the entrance of the airport then you must have a valid visa.

 

14. Do US Flight Crewmembers need visas to stay in Vietnam while they are waiting to operate a flight out of the country? (Question from Denise Borrelli – Atlas Airs).
This will depend. If you just wait an hour or some without exiting the airport then you do not but if you go out to stay in a hotel or just walk around then you certainly need it.

 

15. Visa Vietnam transfer 24h not required?
See answers to questions 14th and 15th above.

 

16. American Traveling to Vietnam can I get a tourist visa at the Vietnam airport?
Yes, you can for sure but you still need to arrange paperwork in advance (recommended). A tourist agency can help you with the paper called Letter of Approval then you get your visa stamped at the airport. This is different from Cambodia where you can have your visa stamped in more or less 30 mins without any advanced document.

 

17. Should we all need a passport when going to Viet Nam?
Of course yes. Without a passport, you cannot enter Vietnam definitely.

 

18. As a Canadian citizen can I get an entry visa to Vietnam at the airport?
Yes, you can. Please see the back procedure for getting a visa on arrival at the airport above.

 

19. Do I need a Vietnam visa, is an Australian citizen?
Yes, you do need it to enter Vietnam. Please make sure you have it in hand prior to your departure.

 

20. As Canadians, do we need a visa to enter Vietnam?
Yes you must have a visa to enter Vietnam

 

21. Do US citizens need visas for Vietnam?
Yes, you do.

 

22. Price of a same-day express visa to Vietnam?
This is what we called ‘Urgent visa service’ which you will get within 24 hour working days. The price of this service is added express service fee in our price mentioned above.

 

23. Traveling to Vietnam need a passport?
Yes, you do need a passport and visa as well except in exempted countries.

 

24. Visa Vietnam Norwegian citizens?
No, you do not need a visa. The duration of the exemption is 15 days.

 

25. Does Russian need a visa to enter Vietnam?
No. You do not as you are exempted from a Vietnamese visa for 15 days. See also list here

 

26. Vietnam and how to get a visa on arrival and are they safe?
It is very safe to get a Vietnam visa on arrival and it is fast and convenient as well nowadays. What you need is just apply it via a travel agent then they will guide you thoroughly.

 

27. Do European Union citizens need visas to Vietnam?
Except for countries Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway, all other countries need visas to enter Vietnam.

 

28. Can I extend my visa to Vietnam?
The answer is yes. First, check your previous visa then see about information and cost here to decide.

 

29. Can I get passport-sized photos in Vietnam?
Service is available in the cities. If you forgot to bring with you to do the visa procedure at the airport then you can take on spot at the Immigration.

 

30. I will arrive in Vietnam from Cambodia how to get a tourist visa?
You will get your visa upon arrival at airports (Saigon/Tan Son Nhat or Hanoi/Noi Bai) or Danang. Please note, you cannot get a Vietnam visa if you do not arrive either of the airports specified above. Arrange your visa in advance with one you trust and don’t expect to get it like what you did while entering Cambodia.

 

31. Where to extend a Vietnam visa in Ho Chi Minh?
Anywhere in Vietnam, you are staying, just give us an email or call us at (84) (4) 39 747543 for your request then we will send our service staff to collect your original passport to process the extension. You do not need to pay in advance but upon receiving your extended visa stamp. Please review the procedure and cost here.

 

32. Countries that cannot apply for Vietnam visa?
Regret but we cannot do visa service for the citizens listed below

Iran
Iraq
Nigeria
Saudi Arabia
Pakistan
Jordan
United Arab Emirates
Lebanon
Bangladesh
Sri Lanka
Malawi
Palestine
Tunisia

 

33. Do Australian citizens need a Vietnam visa?
Yes, you do. Procedure is here

 

34. Forgot to get a visa for Vietnam?
If you don’t have it then you are not permitted to board the flight into Vietnam. In such urgency, please contact us immediately on our 24-hour service phone: +84 979819575

 

35. Do you have to have a flight to get a Vietnamese visa?
Normally NO but you should have your flight later on the same date of entry. If you fly earlier than the date you are approved to enter Vietnam then your visa does not valid – please remember this.

 

36. How many days to get a Vietnam visa?
We do not know how much you do at the Embassies but with us, it is 2 to 3 working days. Urgent service is in 1 working day.

 

37. How safe is a Vietnam visa online?
It is safe, fast, convenient, cost and time-saving. The importance is for you to decide the most suitable online payment to be the safest way.

 

38. I am a dual citizen (Sweden/Australia) and I have recently got married – I will be visiting Vietnam using my Australian passport as this is in my new name, however, since I have an older EU/Swedish passport in my pre-marriage name, does that mean I do not need to apply for a visa (Sweden exempt)? I will be traveling with a certified marriage certificate so this will verify the name change (question from Mette Parkinson Gilligan, Australia)
Vietnam does not accept dual citizens so if you travel by what passport, you will need a visa based on that passport.
In this case, even if you have a certificate of Swedish origin but you are using an Australian passport to enter and later exit Vietnam, you will need a Vietnam visa for sure.
You won’t need a visa (15 days exempt) if you use now Swedish passport.

 

39. Can I get a Vietnam visa in Cambodia, and an Australian passport?
You can get anywhere when you are connected to the internet world!
You can do the so-called ‘visa on arrival’ system. Simply find a reputable agency in Vietnam and fill in the requested form, settle payment and they will send you a Letter of Approval enabling you to get stamped at the airport on arrival. Please note, you must obtain a Letter of Approval in advance otherwise you are not allowed even the boarding your plane.
Alternatively, you can go to Vietnam Embassy in Cambodia to have your visa there. They will tell you what exactly to do.

40. What does the letter mean in the Vietnam Visa?
The Letter, in other words, is the Letter of Approval – a document issued by the Vietnam Department of Immigration (A18) to certify that you are accepted to get a Vietnam visa on arrival at airports (either Hanoi, Danang, or Ho Chi Minh City). Without this letter, you can’t have a visa and you will have to return to your original departure. Make sure you have this before flying. In case of an emergency, please refer to our urgent service here

 

41. Is it okay to get a Vietnam visa online?
Yes, it is completely ok and you will save your time queuing at embassies and the like. Apart from exempted countries here, you have to make sure you have a valid visa, and doing online now is very popular.

 

42. How many days should you wait to get your travel visa before traveling to Vietnam?
You should have it as early as possible when you fix your traveling or business plan to avoid emergencies that costs you a lot. However, you can do your visa one week prior to your traveling date.

 

43. Can I get into Vietnam for a visit with just my passport?
It will depend greatly on what nationality are you.
If you are on this exempted list then you do not need a visa then a valid passport is fine, no problem.
In case not, then you need a visa, of course. Service is here.

 

44. Arrival in Vietnam Hanoi airport visa not valid until the next day?
Some officers may allow this but it is not 100% sure.
Thus, the best way is to obtain a new visa on arrival as soon as possible to avoid trouble. Service is here.

 

45. If I have a working visa in Vietnam can I bring my family?
You of course yes but with one condition your family member must have a valid visa too.

 

46. Can go to Vietnam with a passport valid for less than 3 months?
This will depend
a) If you have already a valid Vietnam visa on your passport and the validity of your visa does not override the validity of your passport then it is ok or,
b) If you do not have a visa yet and you are going to ask for the ‘visa on arrival’ this is NOT possible as Immigration requires, at least, your passport with 6-month validity.

 

47. What happens to Vietnam arriving without a visa?
You will not be able to board your flight. In case of luck, you are accepted by airlines to board but when you arrive at the airport, they will send you back! Imagine this will be a big trouble and loss.
Thus, always remember to have a valid Vietnam visa in hand. These days, however, you even do not have to go to Embassy for it, you apply for the visa on arrival but remember you NEED a prearranged document from a travel agent in order to get it done on arrival. Without this letter, you will either have to pay a lot or go back to your original destination.

 

48. Can you get a visa for Hanoi at the airport?
Yes, you can and for one letter of approval, you can enter either Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), or Danang Airport.

 

49. I already have a visa for entry into Vietnam on the 15th of October 2009. ( I’m a US citizen), however, I mistakenly booked a flight that arrives at 10 pm on the 14th. Will they still let me in? since
technically it would be valid two hours after I arrive? Could I get a visa upon arrival for those two hours?
Basically this 2 hours ahead of the actual entry date is no problem but there are maybe some officers (who are on their duty when you arrive) who would not accept. In this case, please do

a. Try to talk with him and persuade then it is ok or,
b. If you applied for a visa on arrival with a company in Vietnam before then email them to ask them to leave Immigration a note that you would arrive 2 hours ahead of the actual entry date or,
c. Reapply for a new one that does not cost you too much (US$20) within 2 working days so before 15 Oct, you will have a new visa.

 

50. Can I get a Vietnam visa now and use it next month?
Yes, and you can use it anytime depending on the date of your entry and you can have a visa many months in advance. Remember your visa date of entry and the length of your visa.

 

51. Vietnam exit visa?
Yes we can
Standard processing time is 2-3 working days but some exceptions can be done within 4 hours time
You need to prepare the following documents
– A new passport
– A Police report
– A Letter from your Embassy (original document with the stamp of Embassy in Vietnamese writing & another copy can be done in your mother language)
– A copy of your airfare
The cost of this service will depend on how fast you would like to have thus, call us +84 912476515 or simply email us at: visa@vietnamimpressive.com

 

52. Do I need a visa for Vietnam if I don’t leave the airport?
No, you don’t but make sure you do not exit the airport just waiting some hours before connecting with your flight.

 

53. What if there are many other people I do not know on the approval letter?
Don’t be alarmed if there are other people’s names on the letter (it is common for agents to make bulk applications and all applicants’ names are printed on the one letter) but do make sure that your surname, given names and required entry/exit dates are 100% correct. You will not be allowed to enter Vietnam before the entry date shown. The approval letter is valid at any of the three named airports but cannot be used at any land border crossing.

 

54. What happened with the visa stamp fee at the airport?
You must pay in cash (no change given) in Dong or U.S. Dollar notes in good condition. It’s not necessary to have really brand-new notes.

 

55. What’s the matter if the other person’s name is on my Visa On Arrival Letter, is it normal?
YES. It is normal. The most important thing is your passport information has been correctly listed. You need to bring all pages of the visa approval letter to board your flight & get a stamp upon arrival.

 

56. Do we need to apply for a transit visa if having some hours to connect next international flight?
YES, you need to apply for Vietnam Visa On Arrival, even for some hours waiting at the airport or don’t go through to the city. The transit visa is no longer valid

 

57. Exempted Vietnam visa at Phu Quoc international airport?
YES, if your whole stay is less than 30 days and:
+ arrived from an international direct flight to Phu Quoc airport (SiemReap-PhuQuoc, or Singapore-PhuQuoc)
+ on the expired date (less than 30 days expired):
you take an international direct flight from Phu Quoc airport (not transit via any airport in Vietnam) – No need Vietnam visa
you take an international flight from Phu Quoc (having a transit at any airport in Vietnam) – Need Vietnam Visa.