Plan your group adventure to Vietnam with our guide to e-visa requirements for groups! Learn about application processes, group travel tips, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Photograph the festive spirit of Vietnam’s group-friendly cultureWritten 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. Groups from eligible countries can apply for e-visas online via evisa.gov.vn or obtain visas through a Vietnamese embassy for group travel to Vietnam. This guide details e-visa requirements for groups, application processes, and travel tips to ensure a seamless journey for group travelers from all nationalities.
Vietnam, a captivating Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s ancient town, Ha Long Bay’s emerald waters, and vibrant cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City vinpearl.com. Understanding e-visa requirements for group travel ensures smooth entry for exploring these treasures, whether joining guided Vietnam Toursor organizing independent group itineraries. E-visas are available for citizens of 80 countries, offering up to 90 days for tourism, business, or leisure, making them ideal for group adventures evisa.gov.vn. This guide provides practical e-visa insights, group travel tips, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for international groups.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via 13 international airports (e.g., Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City), 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai), and 13 seaports (e.g., Nha Trang, Da Nang). This guide blends e-visa requirements for groups, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free group adventure.
Groups from 80 eligible countries can apply for e-visas costing $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND) for up to 90 days, while non-eligible nationalities require embassy visas ($25–$100). 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); group tours range from $15–$80 per person (375,000–2,000,000 VND). Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or tour operators. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for group travel (e.g., family trips, corporate groups, tour groups).
Eligibility: Available to citizens of 80 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, India, UK, Germany, and most EU nations evisa.gov.vn. Groups from non-eligible countries (e.g., some African or Middle Eastern nations) must apply for embassy visas travel.state.gov.
Duration: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) evisa.gov.vn.
Cost: $25 (625,000 VND) per person for single entry; $50 (1,250,000 VND) per person for multiple entry; non-refundable vietnam-visa.com.
Group Application Process:
Designate a group coordinator to manage applications for consistency vietnam-visa.com.
Visit evisa.gov.vn, select English, and click “Apply now” for each group member evisa.gov.vn.
Review terms and conditions, then confirm to proceed evisa.gov.vn.
Enter personal details for each member (full name, date of birth, nationality), 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 or tour operator address) 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, for each member evisa.gov.vn.
Pay the fee ($25 or $50 per person) via credit/debit card (American Express not accepted); note each verification code vietnam-visa.com.
Check status for each member at evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search using registration code, email, and date of birth; download and print each e-visa PDF evisa.gov.vn.
Present printed e-visas and passports at the immigration checkpoint; ensure details match exactly to avoid entry issues travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: 3–7 working days per application; expedited processing (1–2 days) available through agencies for additional fees ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND per person) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; groups must exit and re-enter with new e-visas (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.
Group Considerations: Each member applies individually; tour operators or agencies can assist with bulk applications for efficiency; ensure all members use the same entry point and date for group coordination vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
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 tour operators travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day) per person; potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: The Visa on Arrival program was discontinued in 2022. Groups must use e-visas or embassy visas for entry vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy/Consulate Visa:
Purpose: Suitable for groups from non-e-visa-eligible countries or needing specific visa types (e.g., work, study).
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities 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) per person, depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Requirements: Passports, application forms, two passport photos (4x6 cm) per member, and fees; apply in person or by mail at a Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Bangkok, Beijing) 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.
Phu Quoc Visa Exemption (For Island-Only Group Travel):
Purpose: Tourism on Phu Quoc Island.
Eligibility: All nationalities 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: Passports 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 for each member vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires e-visa for mainland travel vietnam-visa.com.
Passports: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages for each member travel.state.gov.
E-Visa Application: Requires digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses) and passport data page scan per member; ensure details match passports exactly evisa.gov.vn.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or tour operators for groups travel.state.gov.
Group Coordination: Ensure all members use the same entry point and date; tour operators can streamline applications and registration vietnam-visa.com.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience for groups during Vietnam Tours, complementing e-visa preparation. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Groups should offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod to locals or guides; use both hands for transactions at cultural sites or markets like Hanoi’s Old Quarter culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for group visits to temples (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi); provide lightweight scarves ($1 or 25,000 VND per person) for group members vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at cultural sites; avoid loud group discussions in sacred spaces; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; ensure group members carry passports or e-visas securely. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A group from Australia shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our e-visa group trip seamless.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND per person); avoid littering to preserve cultural sites like Ha Long Bay or Hoi An; ensure group compliance with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Tip: Teach group members to say “cảm ơn” (thank you); use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND per person) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep group e-visas organized for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen group travelers thrive in Vietnam’s vibrant culture with proper etiquette.”
General Tips:
Language: Provide phrase cards ($1 or 25,000 VND per person) for Vietnamese basics like “cảm ơn”; English is widely spoken in tourist areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City culturetrip.com.
Respect: Ensure groups follow temple rules (avoid touching sacred items); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets; appoint a coordinator to manage group behavior.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An; ensure all group members carry printed e-visas or passport photocopies travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for group transport (buses) or bicycles ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day per person) 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 group journey, 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: Groups explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay independently; suitable for groups with valid e-visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
E-Visa Tips: Ensure all members have e-visas ($25–$50 per person); carry printed e-visas or passport photocopies; register temporary residence at hotels 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: 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 per person; group bus: $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 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 group buses to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 7–14 days early; ensure group coordination for entry points; check evisa.gov.vn; a group from Canada noted: “Self-guided group exploration was smooth with e-visas.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature; includes English-speaking guide, group transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
E-Visa Tips: Ensure all members have valid e-visas; carry printed e-visas or passport photocopies; 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 group from Japan noted: “Legend’s tour ensured e-visa compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a group cycling tour; includes English-speaking guide, group transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
E-Visa Tips: Use multiple-entry e-visas for multi-city group travel; carry printed e-visas or passport photocopies; 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 group from India 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, group transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
E-Visa Tips: Use multiple-entry e-visas for multi-city group travel; carry printed e-visas or passport photocopies; 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 group transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a group from Germany noted: “The multi-day tour was a seamless e-visa group adventure.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for groups with e-visas and coordination skills.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for e-visa-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly group activities for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with e-visa-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group 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 group-friendly events; 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 group travel; February for optimal conditions vinpearl.com.
Dry season (January–August, 18–33°C) is ideal for group visits to cultural sites and festivals. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning group outings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for budget group travel and indoor experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify E-Visa Needs: Confirm eligibility for e-visas (80 countries) at evisa.gov.vn; use embassy visas for non-eligible nationalities; Phu Quoc exemption for island-only group travel vietnam-visa.com.
Group Coordination: Appoint a coordinator to manage e-visa applications; ensure all members use the same entry point and date; tour operators can assist with bulk applications vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passports are valid (6+ months); carry printed e-visa copies or passport photocopies for each member; keep photocopies of passport bio pages separately; provide proof of onward travel for Phu Quoc groups travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels or tour operators register group stays with local police within 24 hours; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for group buses or bicycles for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 7–14 days early; double-check details to match passports; carry small VND notes for group purchases; check visa status at evisa.gov.vn. For embassy visas, contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Bangkok: +66 2 251 5836, Beijing: +86 10 6532 1155).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable group visit:
Documents: Passports (valid 6+ months), printed e-visas ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND per person), passport photocopies, proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus tickets for Phu Quoc or exemptions), wallets ($2 or 50,000 VND per person), group tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarves ($1 or 25,000 VND per person); quick-dry clothing and raincoats ($2 or 50,000 VND per person) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jackets ($3 or 75,000 VND per person) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 75,000 VND per person); hats ($2 or 50,000 VND per person).
Essentials: Reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND per person); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., pho); small backpacks ($2 or 50,000 VND per person); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND per person); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND per person).
Tech: Phones with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); chargers ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND per person); local SIMs ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND per person); waterproof cameras ($6 or 150,000 VND per person) for group photos.
Eco Items: Reusable totes ($1 or 25,000 VND per person) for market purchases; phrase cards ($1 or 25,000 VND per person) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for group donations or purchases; small first aid kits ($2 or 50,000 VND per person); umbrellas ($2 or 50,000 VND per person) for wet season; money belts ($2 or 50,000 VND per person) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag per person, max 5 kg); reusable items support group sustainability.
Visa and Travel Costs
E-Visa Costs: Single entry: $25 (625,000 VND) per person; multiple entry: $50 (1,250,000 VND) per person; expedited processing: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) per person evisa.gov.vn.
Embassy Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND) per person, depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Phu Quoc Exemption Costs: No cost for 30-day island-only group travel vietnam.travel.
Self-Guided Group 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 per person; group bus: $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND per person, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND per person, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND per person, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND per person).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND per person).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND per person). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., banh mi, pho): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND per person).
Souvenirs (e.g., crafts, textiles): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND per person).
Donations: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND per person). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private group tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 per person for tours, e-visa costs, and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; coordinate group applications to streamline costs.
E-Visa Tips: Confirm eligibility for e-visas (80 countries) at evisa.gov.vn; use embassy visas for non-eligible nationalities; appoint a group coordinator to manage applications; ensure all members use the same entry point and date vietnam-visa.com.
Etiquette: Teach group members to use “xin chào”; ensure modest dress for temples; respect local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided group exploration for flexibility, guided 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 group buses or bicycles; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair group purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An; ensure group e-visas are organized.
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 group valuables with money belts ($2 or 50,000 VND per person); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115, nearest embassy).
Who can apply for a Vietnam e-visa for group travel? Citizens of 80 countries (e.g., US, Canada, Australia, UK); non-eligible groups require embassy visas evisa.gov.vn.
How do groups apply for Vietnam e-visas? Each member applies individually at evisa.gov.vn; tour operators can assist with bulk applications vietnam-visa.com.
How much does a Vietnam e-visa cost for groups? $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry) per person; group discounts not available evisa.gov.vn.
Can group e-visas be extended? Non-extendable; groups must exit and re-enter with new e-visas vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day) per person; potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available for groups? No, discontinued in 2022; groups must use e-visas or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your e-visa-prepared group journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided group temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Group exploration of cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-site group adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, group 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 Groups with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and e-visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly group journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$200 per person, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for international group travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided group 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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