Plan your Hai Phong adventure with our guide to visa requirements for international travelers! Learn about visa exemptions, e-visa applications, costs, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Capture the authentic charm of Hai Phong’s coastal scene (Source: Internet)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. International travelers can use visa exemptions (if eligible), apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.vn, or obtain a visa through a Vietnamese embassy for travel to Hai Phong. This guide details visa requirements, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless journey to Hai Phong by air, land, or sea.
Hai Phong, Vietnam’s bustling northern port city, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like the Hai Phong Opera House, Cat Ba Island’s national park, and Do Son Beach’s scenic shores vinpearl.com. Understanding Vietnam’s visa requirements ensures smooth entry for travelers from all countries to explore these treasures, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. Many nationalities benefit from visa exemptions (up to 45 days for some), while e-visas or embassy visas are available for others, facilitating entry through Hai Phong’s Cat Bi International Airport, land borders like Mong Cai, or seaports like Hai Phong Port vietnam.travel. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for international travelers heading to Hai Phong.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, Hai Phong is accessible via its international airport, land borders, and seaports. This guide blends visa requirements, cultural tips, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Travelers from visa-exempt countries (e.g., ASEAN nations, UK, Japan) can enter for up to 14–45 days without a visa, while others require e-visas ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) or embassy visas ($25–$100). Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Hai Phong Opera House cost $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 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 requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Standard Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short stays in Hai Phong or Vietnam.
Eligibility: Citizens of 25 countries, including ASEAN nations (e.g., Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia), UK, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, and others vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 45 days (e.g., UK, Germany, Japan), 30 days (e.g., ASEAN countries), or 14 days (e.g., Brunei, Myanmar) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: No cost vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: 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, Laos, China) and re-entry with a new exemption or e-visa vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong), land borders like Mong Cai, and Hai Phong Port vietnam.travel.
E-Visa (For Longer Stays or Non-Exempt Nationalities):
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for stays exceeding exemption periods or for non-exempt nationalities visiting Hai Phong.
Eligibility: Available to citizens of 80 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, India, and most EU nations 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), passport details (number, issue/expiry date), travel details (intended entry/exit dates, entry/exit checkpoints like Cat Bi Airport or Mong Cai border), and temporary address in Vietnam (e.g., hotel address in Hai Phong) 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 entry 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 Cat Bi International Airport, land borders like Mong Cai, and Hai Phong Port evisa.gov.vn.
Phu Quoc Visa Exemption (Not Applicable for Hai Phong):
Note: This exemption is for Phu Quoc Island only and does not apply to Hai Phong travel. Use standard exemption or e-visa for Hai Phong vietnam.travel.
5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate:
Purpose: Tourism, family visits, or business for overseas Vietnamese and their families visiting Hai Phong.
Eligibility: Travelers 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 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 in Hai Phong.
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), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Requirements: Passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), and fees; apply in person or by mail at a Vietnamese embassy (e.g., in Phnom Penh, Bangkok, or 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.
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 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. Travelers must use visa exemptions, e-visas, or embassy visas for entry to Hai Phong 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, straight view), 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 exemptions vietnam.travel.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing visa preparation for international travelers. 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 Hai Phong’s Central Market culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits (e.g., Hai Phong Opera House); 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 shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our visa-prepared 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 Cat Ba Island or Do Son Beach 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 international travelers thrive in Hai Phong’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 Hai Phong Port, 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 sites like Cat Ba Island or Hai Phong Opera House; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day) or ferries ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) to Cat Ba to reduce emissions vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your visa-prepared journey in Hai Phong, 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 Hai Phong’s Opera House, Cat Ba Island, and Do Son Beach independently; suitable for travelers with valid visa exemptions or e-visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use the 45-day exemption or e-visas ($25–$50); carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels evisa.gov.vn.
Schedule: Daily; Opera House open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; Cat Ba Island ferries depart hourly (8:00 AM–5:00 PM); Do Son Beach accessible anytime.
Cost: Opera House entry: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND); Cat Ba ferry: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; taxi: $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Central Hai Phong and Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or ferries to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm exemption eligibility or apply for e-visas early; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest from the US noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with the e-visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hai Phong Opera House and Central Market; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hai Phong hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid exemption or e-visa; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 8:00 AM from Hai Phong hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $15–$30/person (375,000–750,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in central Hai Phong.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest from Japan noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hai Phong Opera House and Do Son Beach; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hai Phong, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa or exemption for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:30 AM from Hai Phong hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $20–$40/person (500,000–1,000,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in central Hai Phong.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and coastal walks reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest from India noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hai Phong Opera House, Cat Ba Island, and Lan Ha Bay; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
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 Hai Phong 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 Hai Phong.
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 France noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for travelers with visa exemptions or e-visas.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Coastal Tours: Blend cultural visits with coastal activities for a comprehensive experience.
Multi-Day Cultural and Island Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with visa-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key visa-prepared travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with temple ceremonies and family traditions; cool and dry (15–25°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April, honoring Vietnam’s founders; warm and dry (20–30°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September, festive with lantern parades; warm and wet (22–29°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Cultural Site Visits: Dry season (December–April) for comfortable weather; February for optimal conditions vinpearl.com.
Dry season (December–April, 15–30°C) is ideal for border crossings and cultural visits. Hot period (May–August, 22–32°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (September–November, 22–29°C) is best for budget travelers and indoor experiences; expect rain at land borders like Mong Cai. Morning crossings (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid crowds and heat. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Check eligibility for visa exemptions (25 countries) or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn; use embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities or specific needs; Phu Quoc exemption not applicable for Hai Phong vietnam-visa.com.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose Cat Bi Airport for direct flights or Mong Cai land border for overland travel; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid queues; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; have proof of onward travel for exemptions vietnam.travel.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a digital or printed e-visa copy or passport photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately; provide proof of onward travel for Phu Quoc (not applicable here) 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.
Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or ferries for sustainable travel in Hai Phong.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 7–14 days early; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check visa status at evisa.gov.vn. For embassy visas, contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Phnom Penh: +855 23 726 274, Bangkok: +66 2 251 5836).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND if required), passport photocopy, proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket), 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.
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.
Exemption Costs: No cost for standard exemption (14–45 days) or Phu Quoc (30 days, not applicable for Hai Phong); 5-year exemption: $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
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); Hai Phong Opera House: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND); Do Son Beach: free; transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; taxi: $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $15–$40 (375,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Coastal Tours: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Island 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 visa exemptions to save on costs.
Visa Tips: Check eligibility for visa exemptions (25 countries) or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn; use embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities or specific needs; Phu Quoc exemption not applicable for Hai Phong 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 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 (December–April); 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 sites like Hai Phong Opera House or Cat Ba Island.
Weather: Dry season (Dec–Apr, 15–30°C) ideal; hot period (May–Aug, 22–32°C) suits early mornings; wet season (Sep–Nov, 22–29°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, nearest embassy).
Do I need a visa for Hai Phong travel? Depends on nationality; 25 countries exempt for 14–45 days; others require e-visas or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
How do I apply for a Vietnam visa for Hai Phong? Use e-visas online at evisa.gov.vn or embassy visas at a Vietnamese embassy; exemptions no application needed travel.state.gov.
How much does a Vietnam visa cost for Hai Phong? E-visa: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); embassy visa: $25–$100; exemptions: no cost vietnam-visa.com.
Can visas be extended for Hai Phong? Exemptions and e-visas non-extendable; embassy visas 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 Hai Phong? No, discontinued in 2022; use exemptions or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your visa-prepared Hai Phong journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($15–$40/person, 1 day): Guided market and beach tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Coastal 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 for Hai Phong Travel with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this northern port city. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Cat Ba Island and Do Son Beach, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for international travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, leverage visa exemptions or apply for e-visas early via evisa.gov.vn for longer stays, 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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