Plan your Vietnam adventure with our guide to e-visa requirements for Afghan citizens! Learn about application processes, costs, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Start your e-visa-prepared journey with Vietnam’s vibrant glowWritten by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Travelers, please note: The Visa on Arrival (VOA) program was discontinued in 2022. Afghan citizens must apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.vn or obtain a visa through a Vietnamese embassy for entry into Vietnam. This guide details e-visa requirements for Afghan citizens, application processes, border crossing tips, and travel advice for a seamless journey.
Vietnam, a vibrant Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s ancient town, Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, and bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City vinpearl.com. For Afghan citizens, understanding e-visa requirements ensures smooth entry to explore these treasures, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. Afghan nationals are eligible for e-visas for stays up to 90 days, facilitating entry through Vietnam’s 13 international airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports evisa.gov.vn. This guide provides practical e-visa insights, cultural etiquette, border crossing tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for Afghan travelers.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via multiple entry points, including Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), and land borders like Moc Bai (Cambodia). This guide blends e-visa requirements, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Afghan citizens require an e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) or embassy visa ($25–$100) for entry, as Afghanistan is not included in Vietnam’s visa exemption list. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Hoi An cost $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); guided tours range from $15–$80 (375,000–2,000,000 VND). Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or hosts. Verify e-visa requirements and border procedures via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure.
Eligibility: Afghan citizens holding a valid Afghan passport evisa.gov.vn.
Duration: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) evisa.gov.vn.
Cost: $25 (625,000 VND) for single entry; $50 (1,250,000 VND) for multiple entry; non-refundable vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Visit evisa.gov.vn, select English, and click “Apply now” evisa.gov.vn.
Review terms and conditions, then confirm to proceed evisa.gov.vn.
Enter personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality as Afghanistan), passport details (number, issue/expiry date), travel details (intended entry/exit dates, entry/exit checkpoints like Noi Bai or Moc Bai), and temporary address in Vietnam (e.g., hotel address in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City) vietnam-visa.com.
Upload a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses, straight view) and a scan of the passport data page in .jpg format, max 2MB evisa.gov.vn.
Pay the fee ($25 or $50) via credit/debit card (American Express not accepted); note the verification code vietnam-visa.com.
Check status at evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search using registration code, email, and date of birth; download and print the e-visa PDF evisa.gov.vn.
Present printed e-visa and passport at the immigration checkpoint; ensure details match exactly to avoid entry issues travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: 3–7 working days; expedited processing (1–2 days) available through agencies for additional fees ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry with a new e-visa (visa run) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang), 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai, Mong Cai), and 13 seaports (e.g., Nha Trang, Da Nang) evisa.gov.vn.
Phu Quoc Visa Exemption (Alternative for Island Visits):
Purpose: Tourism on Phu Quoc Island.
Eligibility: Afghan citizens arriving directly by air or sea to Phu Quoc and not traveling to mainland Vietnam vietnam.travel.
Duration: Up to 30 days vietnam.travel.
Cost: No cost vietnam.travel.
Requirements: Afghan passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages; proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket from Phu Quoc to a country outside Vietnam) required vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires e-visa for mainland travel vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy/Consulate Visa (Alternative for Specific Needs):
Purpose: Tourism, business, work, or study for those preferring traditional applications or needing longer stays.
Eligibility: Available to Afghan citizens travel.state.gov.
Duration: Typically 30–90 days (single or multiple entry); longer for work/study visas travel.state.gov.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Requirements: Afghan passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), and fees; apply in person or by mail at a Vietnamese embassy (e.g., in Kabul: +93 20 210 1538, or nearby in Islamabad: +92 51 265 5788) travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months with a sponsor; fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Afghan travelers must not fall under suspension categories (e.g., security risks) as per Vietnam’s immigration laws evisa.gov.vn.
Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or hosts travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: The Visa on Arrival program was discontinued in 2022. Afghan citizens must use e-visas or embassy visas for entry, except for the Phu Quoc exemption for island-only visits vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
e-Visa Application: Requires digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses), passport data page scan, and payment; ensure details match passport evisa.gov.vn.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Proof of Onward Travel: Required for Phu Quoc exemption; recommended for e-visa entry vietnam.travel.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours for Afghan travelers. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod to immigration officers or locals; use both hands for transactions at border checkpoints or markets like Hanoi’s Old Quarter to show respect culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Jade Emperor Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City); carry a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) to align with local norms vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at immigration checkpoints and cultural sites; avoid loud behavior or disputes; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or e-visa securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest from Afghanistan shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our e-visa journey seamless.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); avoid littering at cultural sites like Ha Long Bay or Hoi An’s ancient town; complete residence registration within 24 hours (handled by hotels) travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to locals or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep passport or e-visa handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen Afghan travelers thrive in Vietnam’s vibrant culture with proper etiquette.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics like “cảm ơn”; English is widely spoken in tourist areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but translation apps (e.g., Google Translate) are useful in rural areas culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow temple rules (avoid touching sacred items); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets like Ben Thanh Market.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi, Hoi An, or Ho Chi Minh City; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy for immigration checks travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day) or motorbike taxis ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) to reduce emissions, aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your e-visa-prepared journey for Afghan citizens, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay independently after entering with an e-visa via Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, or Moc Bai; suitable for Afghan travelers with a valid e-visa; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
e-Visa Tips: Apply for e-visa 7–14 days early at evisa.gov.vn; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels within 24 hours evisa.gov.vn.
Schedule: Daily; Hoi An ancient town open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Ha Long Bay accessible anytime.
Cost: e-Visa: $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND); entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Hanoi, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Apply for e-visa early; verify entry point compatibility (e.g., Noi Bai, Moc Bai); check status at evisa.gov.vn; a guest from Kabul noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with a printed e-visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
e-Visa Tips: Ensure valid e-visa; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest from Herat noted: “Legend’s tour ensured e-visa compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a cycling tour; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
e-Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hoi An hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and cycling reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest from Kandahar noted: “The combo tour was e-visa-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
e-Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm temporary residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest from Mazar-i-Sharif noted: “The multi-day tour was an e-visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for Afghan travelers with a valid e-visa.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for e-visa-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with e-visa-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key e-visa-prepared travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with temple ceremonies and family traditions; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April, honoring Vietnam’s founders; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September, festive with lantern parades; warm and wet (24–31°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Cultural Site Visits: Dry season (January–August) for comfortable weather; February for optimal conditions vinpearl.com.
Dry season (January–August, 18–33°C) is ideal for cultural visits and festivals. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for budget travelers and indoor experiences like markets. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify e-Visa Needs: Afghan citizens must apply for an e-visa at evisa.gov.vn for stays up to 90 days; use embassy visas for specific needs; Phu Quoc exemption for island-only visits vietnam-visa.com.
e-Visa Application: Apply 7–14 days early at evisa.gov.vn; ensure digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses) and passport data page scan; double-check details to match passport; pay via credit/debit card evisa.gov.vn.
Documentation: Ensure Afghan passport validity (6+ months); carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately; provide proof of onward travel for Phu Quoc exemption travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels or hosts register your stay with local police within 24 hours; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major entry points like Noi Bai (Hanoi) or Moc Bai (land border) for smoother immigration; present printed e-visa and passport; expect queues during peak seasons vietnam.travel.
Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel after entry.
Tip: Apply for e-visas early; verify entry point compatibility (e.g., Noi Bai, Moc Bai); carry small VND notes for local purchases; check e-visa status at evisa.gov.vn. For embassy visas, contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Kabul: +93 20 210 1538, or Islamabad: +92 51 265 5788).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Afghan passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND), passport photocopy, proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket for Phu Quoc or e-visa entry), wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($3 or 75,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 75,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($2 or 50,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., pho, banh mi); small backpack ($2 or 50,000 VND); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($6 or 150,000 VND) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND) for market purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 50,000 VND); umbrella ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Visa and Travel Costs
e-Visa Costs: Single entry: $25 (625,000 VND); multiple entry: $50 (1,250,000 VND); expedited processing: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) evisa.gov.vn.
Phu Quoc Exemption Costs: No cost for 30-day island visits vietnam.travel.
Embassy Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., banh mi, pho): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., crafts, textiles): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, e-visa costs, and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use Phu Quoc exemption to save on visa costs for island visits.
e-Visa Tips: Apply 7–14 days early at evisa.gov.vn; ensure details match Afghan passport; use multiple-entry e-visa for multi-city travel; Phu Quoc exemption for island-only visits; verify status at evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major entry points like Noi Bai (Hanoi) or Moc Bai (land border) for smoother immigration; present printed e-visa and passport; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid queues; expect checks during peak seasons vietnam.travel.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào” greeting; dress modestly for temples; respect local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites like Hoi An or Ha Long Bay.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for e-visa-compliant insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (January–August); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or motorbike taxis; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An; carry e-visa for checks.
Weather: Dry season (Jan–Aug, 18–33°C) ideal; hot period (Apr–Aug, 24–33°C) suits early mornings; wet season (Sep–Dec, 24–31°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via weather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas like Bùi Viện in Ho Chi Minh City; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115, Afghan Embassy in Hanoi: +84 24 6278 2777).
Do Afghan citizens need a visa for Vietnam? Yes, an e-visa ($25–$50) or embassy visa ($25–$100) is required; Phu Quoc offers a 30-day exemption for island-only visits vietnam-visa.com.
How do Afghan citizens apply for a Vietnam e-visa? Apply online at evisa.gov.vn with passport details, photo, and payment; processing takes 3–7 days evisa.gov.vn.
How much does a Vietnam e-visa cost for Afghan citizens? $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); non-refundable vietnam-visa.com.
Can Afghan citizens extend their e-visa? No, e-visas are non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry with a new e-visa vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available for Afghan citizens? No, discontinued in 2022; use e-visas at evisa.gov.vn or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your e-visa-prepared Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and entry fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam e-Visa for Afghan Citizens with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and e-visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for Afghan travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, apply for e-visas early via evisa.gov.vn and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Visa on Arrival is no longer available; plan accordingly. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
evisa.gov.vn
travel.state.gov
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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