Plan your Vietnam adventure with our guide to tourist visa requirements! Learn about e-visa, visa on arrival, costs, processes, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless Vietnam Travel experience. Start your journey today!
Immerse in Vietnam’s vibrant cultural heritageWritten 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, myvietnamvisa.com, vietnamvisa.govt.vn, and cambodia-travel.com. Information based on latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Vietnam, a captivating Southeast Asian destination, is celebrated for its rich history, cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s Ancient Town, Ha Long Bay’s stunning limestone karsts, and vibrant cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City cambodia-travel.com. A must-visit for global travelers, Vietnam draws visitors for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, affordable experiences, and proximity to regional hubs like Bangkok (1,200 miles from Hanoi) culturetrip.com. Understanding Vietnam’s tourist visa requirements is essential for international visitors to ensure a smooth entry for exploring cultural treasures or joining eco-friendly Vietnam Tours. Most nationalities require a visa for tourism, with options like e-visas or visas on arrival available vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa application tips, cultural etiquette, and sustainable Vietnam Travel options to enhance your journey.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, only a limited number of countries are visa-exempt, meaning most travelers must secure a tourist visa before or upon arrival. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of visa processes, cultural tips, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a seamless visit.
International tourists must obtain a visa for Vietnam unless their country is on the visa-exempt list (e.g., certain ASEAN countries, Japan, South Korea, or select European nations for stays up to 15–45 days). Options include a 90-day single or multiple-entry e-visa or visa on arrival (for air travel only). Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the arrival date with two blank pages. Visa fees range from $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND), with additional service fees for visa on arrival. Processing takes 3–7 business days, with fast-track options available. Verify specific requirements for your nationality via vietnamvisa.govt.vn or trusted agencies like vietnam-visa.com.
Visa Requirement: Most nationalities require a tourist visa for Vietnam, except for citizens of visa-exempt countries (e.g., Thailand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, or select European nations for limited stays). Check your country’s status on vietnamvisa.govt.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Passport Requirements: Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the arrival date and have at least two blank pages for visa stamps myvietnamvisa.com.
Visa Types:
E-Visa: A 90-day single or multiple-entry electronic visa for tourism, valid at 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports. Cost: $25 (~625,000 VND, single entry) or $50 (~1,250,000 VND, multiple entry) vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Visa on Arrival: Available for air travel only, requiring a pre-approved visa letter. Cost: $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND) plus a stamping fee ($25–$50 or ~625,000–1,250,000 VND) paid in cash at the airport vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy Visa: Obtained through Vietnamese embassies or consulates, requiring an original passport and additional documents. Cost varies by embassy and nationality myvietnamvisa.com.
Processing Time: E-visa and visa on arrival take 3–7 business days; urgent processing (1–2 days or 4–8 hours) available for an additional fee ($10–$50 or ~250,000–1,250,000 VND). Embassy visas take 5–7 business days vietnam-visa.com.
Application Requirements:
E-Visa: Online application via evisa.gov.vn; requires a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, taken within 6 months, no glasses), scanned passport bio page (JPEG format), and credit/debit card for payment. Some nationalities may need additional documents (e.g., ID card or birth certificate) to verify identity vietnam-visa.com.
Visa on Arrival: Online application for a visa approval letter through agencies like vietnam-visa.com; provide passport details (no physical documents needed); present the letter, passport, and two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm) at the airport for stamping.
Embassy Visa: Original passport, completed application form, one passport-sized photo, and visa fee; additional documents like a travel itinerary or invitation letter may be required. Contact the embassy for specific requirements based on nationality.
Special Notes: E-visas cannot be amended after issuance; ensure accurate details to avoid issues. Visa on arrival is only for air travel, not land or sea entry. Phu Quoc Island offers a 30-day visa exemption for direct arrivals by air or sea, provided travelers have an onward ticket and are not prohibited from entry vietnam-visa.com. Overseas Vietnamese and their spouses/children may be eligible for a 5-year visa exemption certificate; contact a Vietnamese embassy for details.
Embassy Locations: If applying through an embassy, locate the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate (e.g., Australia: Canberra, 6 Timbarra Crescent, O’Malley, ACT 2606; Tel: +61-2-6169-4919; Email: vembassy@vnembassy.org.au; United States: 1233 20th St NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036; Tel: +1-202-861-0737; Email: info@vietnamembassy.us). Verify office hours, as closures occur during Vietnamese and local public holidays myvietnamvisa.com.
Application Timing: Apply at least 2 weeks in advance to account for public holidays (e.g., Tet, national holidays of your country) or delays. Fast-track services are available for urgent travel vietnam-visa.com.
Tip: The e-visa is the most convenient option for most travelers due to its online process and flexibility for multiple entry points. Use visa on arrival for air travel to save time; verify requirements via vietnamvisa.govt.vn. A guest shared: “The e-visa process was quick and hassle-free for our Vietnam trip.”
Cultural etiquette enhances your experience during Vietnam Tours, especially when navigating visa processes. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands when presenting documents or payments at immigration to show respect.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for visits to cultural sites like pagodas or markets; a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms culturetrip.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at immigration checkpoints or cultural sites; avoid loud behavior in public spaces; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals. Avoid pointing at people or sacred objects, as this is disrespectful in Vietnamese culture. A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs smoothed our visa process and cultural visits.”
Customs: Avoid public criticism of the government to prevent issues; tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); respect local traditions during festivals like Tet culturetrip.com.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to immigration officers or locals; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($1 or 25,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; carry visa documents securely. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen prepared travellers thrive in Vietnam’s vibrant culture.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics like “cảm ơn”; English is common in tourist areas, but translation apps are useful in rural areas culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow immigration rules; avoid overstaying visas (fines of 1,250,000 VND/day apply); support local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with “Hanoi” or “Ho Chi Minh City” for navigation after arrival; ensure visa documents are ready at entry points.
Eco-Tip: Use digital visa confirmations to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day) or public transport to minimize emissions, aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Note: Etiquette reflects current norms; verify visa procedures via vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your Vietnam experience post-visa approval, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, myvietnamvisa.com, and cambodia-travel.com. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s Ancient Town, or Ha Long Bay independently after securing your visa; suitable for prepared travellers; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Apply for an e-visa for convenience; carry printed e-visa or visa approval letter; ensure passport validity; check entry points for e-visa compatibility vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Schedule: Daily; cultural sites like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum open 7:30 AM–10:30 AM (free); markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM (free); vibrant during Tet (January/February, lunar calendar).
Cost: Entry: $0–$2 (0–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day; taxi: $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Various cities in Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay).
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or public transport to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites or markets.
Tip: Check visa requirements at vietnamvisa.govt.vn; visit early (6:00 AM) for serenity; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with a prepared e-visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Temple of Literature or Hoi An’s Ancient Town; includes English-speaking guide, transport, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use e-visa for quick processing; carry printed visa; confirm entry point with tour operator vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi or Hoi An hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi or Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local vendors.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest noted: “Legend’s tour was culturally rich post-visa approval.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Ha Long Bay for cruising and a local market; includes English-speaking guide, transport, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use visa on arrival for air travel to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City; carry visa approval letter and photos for stamping myvietnamvisa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest noted: “The combo tour was a perfect post-visa adventure.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi’s cultural sites, Ha Long Bay’s cruises, and Hoi An’s Ancient Town; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Apply for a multiple-entry e-visa for multi-city travel; ensure accurate travel dates; carry printed visa vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City 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, Ho Chi Minh City, or Hoi An.
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 noted: “The multi-day tour was a deep cultural immersion after easy visa approval.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for independent travellers with visa preparation.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for cultural insights with minimal visa hassle.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural sites with adventure experiences for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with expert guidance, ideal for multi-city travel.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key travel opportunities for tourists include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically January/February (lunar calendar), vibrant with cultural celebrations; warm in the south (25–32°C), cooler in the north (15–25°C); check dates at cambodia-travel.com.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September (lunar calendar), festive with lantern displays; warm and rainy (24–33°C); check dates at cambodia-travel.com.
Cultural Site Visits: November–April for dry conditions in the south (Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc); March–April for mild weather in the north (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay); February for optimal weather nationwide holiday-weather.com.
Dry season (November–April, 25–33°C in the south, 15–25°C in the north) is ideal for cultural visits, markets, and festivals. Wet season (May–October, 24–33°C) suits budget travelers and indoor cultural experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or crowds. Verify weather via accuweather.com.
E-Visa: Apply online via evisa.gov.vn; fill out the form with accurate passport details (full name, date of birth, passport number), upload a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, taken within 6 months, no glasses) and scanned passport bio page (JPEG format), and pay $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND) via credit/debit card. Receive the e-visa via email within 3–7 business days; print it for immigration. No stamping fee required vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Visa on Arrival: Apply online through agencies like vietnam-visa.com; provide passport details (no physical documents needed); receive a visa approval letter within 3–5 business days (or 4–8 hours for urgent processing). Present the letter, passport, and two photos (4x6 cm), and pay a stamping fee ($25–$50 or ~625,000–1,250,000 VND) in cash at the airport (e.g., Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang) myvietnamvisa.com.
Embassy Visa: Visit a Vietnamese embassy or consulate (e.g., Australia: Canberra, 6 Timbarra Crescent, O’Malley, ACT 2606; Tel: +61-2-6169-4919; Email: vembassy@vnembassy.org.au; United States: 1233 20th St NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036; Tel: +1-202-861-0737; Email: info@vietnamembassy.us); submit original passport, completed application form, one passport-sized photo, and fee (contact embassy for details); processing takes 5–7 business days. Additional documents like a travel itinerary may be required myvietnamvisa.com.
Eco-Tip: Use digital visa applications to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day) or public transport for sustainable travel post-arrival.
Tip: Apply 7–14 days before travel to account for Vietnam’s public holidays (e.g., Tet) or your country’s holidays; double-check application details to avoid errors; carry USD or VND for stamping fees; confirm entry points for e-visa or visa on arrival via vietnamvisa.govt.vn. For urgent needs, fast-track services can deliver approvals in 4–8 hours.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa or visa approval letter, two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm, no glasses), wallet ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) for cultural site visits; quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($5 or 125,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($5 or 125,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($1 or 25,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., phở); 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 ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($20 or 500,000 VND) for photos (with permission).
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 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 Costs
E-Visa: $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND, single or multiple entry).
Visa on Arrival: $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND) plus stamping fee ($25–$50 or ~625,000–1,250,000 VND).
Embassy Visa: Varies by embassy and nationality (contact for details).
Urgent Processing Fee: $10–$50 (~250,000–1,250,000 VND) for 1–2 day or 4–8 hour processing. Travel Tour Costs
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: $0–$2 (0–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day; taxi: $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., phở, banh mi): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., silk scarves, conical hats): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations at Cultural Sites: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person, Excluding Visa)
Budget: $10–$30 (~250,000–750,000 VND, self-guided, snacks, transport).
Mid-range: $30–$60 (~750,000–1,500,000 VND, group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $60–$100 (~1,500,000–2,500,000 VND, private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $35–$100 (~875,000–2,500,000 VND) for visa and daily travel costs, and $0.20–$10 (~5,000–250,000 VND) for purchases or add-ons.
Visa Tips: Apply for an e-visa for convenience; use visa on arrival for air travel to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang; verify entry points and passport validity; carry printed visa documents; apply 7–14 days early to avoid delays during Vietnam’s public holidays (e.g., Tet) or your country’s holidays vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào” greeting; dress modestly for cultural sites; respect immigration officers; avoid overstaying visas to prevent fines.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for guided insights, or multi-day tours for deeper immersion post-visa approval.
Schedules: Cultural sites open 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (November–April); book early for festivals (January/February, September).
Sustainability: Use bicycles or public transport; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for key cities like “Hanoi” or “Ho Chi Minh City.”
Weather: Dry season (Nov–Apr, 25–33°C in the south, 15–25°C in the north) ideal; wet season (May–Oct, 24–33°C) suits indoor activities; check forecasts via accuweather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115).
Who needs a tourist visa for Vietnam? Most nationalities require a visa, except citizens of visa-exempt countries (e.g., Thailand, Japan, South Korea, select European nations for limited stays). Check your status at vietnamvisa.govt.vn vietnam-visa.com.
What is the easiest way to get a Vietnam tourist visa? E-visa via evisa.gov.vn is the most convenient; visa on arrival is ideal for air travel myvietnamvisa.com.
How much does a Vietnam tourist visa cost? E-visa: $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND); visa on arrival: $25–$50 plus stamping fee; embassy visa: varies by embassy vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
How long does it take to process a Vietnam tourist visa? E-visa and visa on arrival: 3–7 business days (urgent: 1–2 days or 4–8 hours); embassy visa: 5–7 business days vietnam-visa.com.
Can tourists visit Phu Quoc without a visa? Yes, for 30 days if arriving directly by air or sea with an onward ticket and not prohibited from entry vietnam-visa.com.
Are eco-friendly tours available in Vietnam? Yes, group tours with fuel-efficient transport or bicycles; check localvietnam.com.
Enhance your Vietnam journey post-visa approval with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, ~625,000–1,000,000 VND, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, ~2,000,000–3,750,000 VND, 2 days): Explore ecotourism sites with eco-friendly transport.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, ~3,750,000–6,250,000 VND, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam Tourist Visa Requirements with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and thorough visa preparation—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With visa costs from $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND), eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers adventure and sustainability. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, apply early and respect local customs for the best experience. For more guides, check trusted resources like vietnamvisa.govt.vn. Safe travels!
Sources:
Visa Information: vietnam-visa.com, myvietnamvisa.com, vietnamvisa.govt.vn
Cultural and Travel Details: culturetrip.com, cambodia-travel.com
Weather Information: accuweather.com
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
