Exploring Vietnam Visa Exemption for Spain: A Comprehensive Guide

Written 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, travel.state.gov, evisa.gov.vn, 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. Spanish citizens can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days under the visa exemption policy, or apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.vn or obtain a visa through a Vietnamese embassy for longer stays or other purposes. This guide details visa exemption for Spanish citizens, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless journey.

A Practical, Cultural, and Sustainable Travel Essential

Vietnam, a captivating 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. Understanding Vietnam’s visa exemption for Spanish citizens ensures smooth entry for exploring these treasures, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. Spanish nationals benefit from a 45-day visa exemption for tourism, business, or leisure, while e-visas or embassy visas are available for longer stays or specific needs vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for Spanish travelers.

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, and 13 seaports. This guide blends visa exemption details for Spain, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.

Administrative Note

Spanish citizens enjoy a 45-day visa exemption for tourism, business, or leisure, while e-visas cost $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND) for up to 90 days, and embassy visas cost $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); 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. Verify visa exemption details via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.

Visa Options for Spanish Citizens

• Standard Visa Exemption:

  • Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short stays.

  • Eligibility: Spanish citizens holding a Spanish passport vietnam-visa.com.

  • Duration: Up to 45 days, calculated from the date of entry vietnam-visa.com.

  • Cost: No cost vietnam-visa.com.

  • Requirements: Spanish passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages; proof of onward travel (e.g., return bus or flight ticket) recommended but not mandatory vietnam.travel.

  • Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit to a neighboring country (e.g., Cambodia, Thailand) and re-entry with a new exemption or e-visa 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), and 13 seaports (e.g., Nha Trang, Da Nang) vietnam.travel.

• E-Visa (For Longer Stays or Other Purposes):

  • Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for stays exceeding 45 days.

  • Eligibility: Available to all Spanish citizens evisa.gov.vn.

  • Duration: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) evisa.gov.vn.

  • Cost: $25 (~EUR 22 or 625,000 VND) for single entry; $50 (~EUR 45 or 1,250,000 VND) for multiple entry; non-refundable vietnam-visa.com.

  • Application Process:

    1. Visit evisa.gov.vn, select English, and click “Apply now” evisa.gov.vn.

    2. Review terms and conditions, then confirm to proceed evisa.gov.vn.

    3. Enter personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality as Spain), passport details (number, issue/expiry date), travel details (intended entry/exit dates, entry/exit checkpoints), and temporary address in Vietnam (e.g., hotel address) vietnam-visa.com.

    4. 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.

    5. Pay the fee ($25 or $50) via credit/debit card (American Express not accepted); note the verification code vietnam-visa.com.

    6. 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.

    7. 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, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports evisa.gov.vn.

• Phu Quoc Visa Exemption:

  • Purpose: Tourism on Phu Quoc Island.

  • Eligibility: All Spanish 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: Spanish 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.

• 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate:

  • Purpose: Tourism, family visits, or business for overseas Vietnamese and their families.

  • Eligibility: Spanish citizens of Vietnamese origin, their spouses, or children vietnam-visa.com.

  • Duration: Up to 180 days per visit, valid for 5 years or 6 months before passport expiration vietnam-visa.com.

  • Cost: Application fees vary ($10–$50 or 250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.

  • Requirements: Proof of Vietnamese origin or family ties (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate); application at a Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Madrid: +34 91 510 2867) or immigration office vietnam-visa.com.

  • Extension: Extendable for additional 180-day periods; fees apply ($10 or 250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.

• Embassy/Consulate Visa:

  • Purpose: Tourism, business, work, or study for those preferring traditional applications or needing longer stays.

  • Eligibility: Available to all Spanish 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: Spanish passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), and fees; apply in person or by mail at a Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Madrid: +34 91 510 2867) 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:

  • 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 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. Spanish citizens must use the 45-day visa exemption, e-visas, or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.

Key Requirements for Spanish Citizens

• 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 standard exemption vietnam.travel.

Respecting Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage

Cultural etiquette ensures a respectful experience during Vietnam Tours. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:

• Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands for transactions to show respect, especially at temples or markets like Hanoi’s Old Quarter culturetrip.com.

• Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi); a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms vinpearl.com.

• Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at cultural sites; 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 Spain shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our visa-exempt trip 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 culturetrip.com.

• 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 handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen Spanish travelers 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 widely spoken in tourist areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but translation apps are useful culturetrip.com.

• Respect: Follow temple rules (avoid touching sacred items); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.

• Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy for 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 visa-exempt 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.

1. Self-Guided Visa-Exempt Exploration

• Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay independently under the 45-day exemption; suitable for Spanish travelers with valid passports; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.

• Visa Tips: Use the 45-day exemption; carry a passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels travel.state.gov.

• 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; 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: Confirm exemption eligibility; check evisa.gov.vn for updates; a guest from Madrid noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with the exemption.”

2. Legend Travel Group (Group Visa-Exempt Cultural Tour)

• Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature under the 45-day exemption; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.

• Visa Tips: Ensure valid exemption; carry a 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 Barcelona noted: “Legend’s tour ensured exemption compliance and cultural immersion.”

3. Local Vietnam (Combo Visa-Exempt Cultural and Adventure Tour)

• Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a cycling tour under the 45-day exemption; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.

• Visa Tips: Use the exemption for stays under 45 days; carry a 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 Seville noted: “The combo tour was exemption-ready and enriching.”

4. Multi-Day Visa-Exempt Cultural and Adventure Tour (Legend Travel Group)

• Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An under the 45-day exemption; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.

• Visa Tips: Use the exemption for stays under 45 days; carry a 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 Valencia noted: “The multi-day tour was a exemption-smart cultural journey.”

• Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for Spanish travelers with the 45-day exemption.

• Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for exemption-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 exemption-smart itineraries.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.

Key visa-exempt travel opportunities include:

• Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February (lunar calendar), 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 (lunar calendar), honoring Vietnam’s founders; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.

• Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September (lunar calendar), 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. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.

• Verify Exemption Eligibility: Spanish passport holders can use the 45-day visa exemption; apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn for longer stays; use embassy visas for specific needs vietnam-visa.com.

• Documentation: Ensure Spanish passport validity (6+ months); carry passport photocopy; have proof of onward travel for Phu Quoc exemption travel.state.gov.

• Residence Registration: Confirm hotels register your stay 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 bicycles or motorbike taxis after entry for sustainable travel.

• Tip: Use the exemption for stays under 45 days; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check exemption status at vietnam-visa.com. For embassy visas, contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Madrid (+34 91 510 2867).

Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:

• Documents: Spanish passport (valid 6+ months), passport photocopy, proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket for Phu Quoc exemption), 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., 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 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.

Costs for Visa-Exempt Travel to Vietnam for Spanish Travelers

Visa and Travel Costs

• Exemption Costs: No cost for standard exemption (45 days) or Phu Quoc (30 days); 5-year exemption: $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.

• 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.

• 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, visa costs (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use the 45-day exemption to save on visa costs.

• Visa Tips: Spanish passport holders can use the 45-day visa exemption; apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn for longer stays; use embassy visas for specific needs vietnam-visa.com.

• Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress modestly for temples; respect local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.

• Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for exemption-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.

• 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; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115, Spanish Embassy in Hanoi: +84 24 3771 5207).

• Do Spanish citizens need a visa for Vietnam? No for up to 45 days under the visa exemption; e-visas or embassy visas required for longer stays vietnam-visa.com.

• How do Spanish citizens apply for a Vietnam visa? Use the 45-day exemption; otherwise, apply for an e-visa online at evisa.gov.vn or an embassy visa at the Vietnamese Embassy in Madrid travel.state.gov.

• How much does a Vietnam visa cost for Spanish citizens? E-visa: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); embassy visa: $25–$100; exemptions: no cost vietnam-visa.com.

• Can Spanish citizens extend their visa? Exemptions are non-extendable; e-visas are non-extendable; embassy visas may be extendable with a sponsor 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 Spanish citizens? No, discontinued in 2022; use exemptions or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.

Enhance your visa-exempt 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 Heritage 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 Visa Exemption for Spain with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and 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 Spanish travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, leverage the 45-day visa exemption for short stays or apply for e-visas early via evisa.gov.vn for longer visits, 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