Plan your group trip to Vietnam with our guide to visa tips for groups! Learn about group 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!
Photograph the festive spirit of Vietnam’s culture (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. Groups can leverage visa exemptions (if eligible), apply for e-visas online via evisa.gov.vn, or obtain visas through a Vietnamese embassy for group travel. This guide details visa tips for groups, application processes, and travel recommendations for a seamless journey into Vietnam.
Vietnam, a captivating Southeast Asian destination, is perfect for group travel, offering 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 visa tips for groups ensures smooth entry for organized trips, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. Groups from visa-exempt countries can enter for up to 45 days without a visa, while e-visas or embassy visas facilitate longer stays or specific needs vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, group application tips, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for international groups.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the country welcomes groups 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 tips for groups, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Groups from visa-exempt countries (e.g., ASEAN nations, UK, Japan) can enter for up to 14–45 days without a visa, 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 per member. Cultural site entries like Hoi An cost $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); guided group tours range from $15–$80 (375,000–2,000,000 VND). Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 24 hours for each member, typically handled by hotels. Verify visa requirements and group applications via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Standard Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short group stays.
Eligibility: Groups from 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: Each member's passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages; group proof of onward travel (e.g., shared return bus or flight tickets) recommended but not mandatory vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable for groups; requires collective 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, Mong Cai), and 13 seaports (e.g., Nha Trang, Da Nang) vietnam.travel.
E-Visa (For Longer Group Stays or Non-Exempt Nationalities):
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for group stays exceeding exemption periods or for non-exempt nationalities.
Eligibility: Available to groups from 80 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, India, and most EU nations; each member applies individually 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 per member vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process (Group Coordination):
Each member visits evisa.gov.vn, selects English, and clicks “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), group travel details (intended entry/exit dates, entry/exit checkpoints), and temporary address in Vietnam (e.g., group hotel 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 per member evisa.gov.vn.
Pay the fee ($25 or $50) via credit/debit card (American Express not accepted); note the verification code for each application 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 for each member evisa.gov.vn.
Present printed e-visa and passport at the immigration checkpoint; ensure details match exactly to avoid group 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) per member vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires group exit and re-entry with a new e-visa (visa run) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang), 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai, Mong Cai), and 13 seaports (e.g., Nha Trang, Da Nang) evisa.gov.vn.
Phu Quoc Visa Exemption (For Group Island Trips):
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: Passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages; group proof of onward travel (e.g., shared 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 (For Groups with Vietnamese Ties):
Purpose: Tourism, family visits, or business for overseas Vietnamese and their families.
Eligibility: Groups with members 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) per member 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 per member vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable for additional 180-day periods; fees apply ($10 or 250,000 VND) per member vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy/Consulate Visa (For Group Special Needs):
Purpose: Tourism, business, work, or study for groups preferring traditional applications or needing longer stays.
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 per member travel.state.gov.
Requirements: Passport, group application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), and fees; apply in person or by mail at a Vietnamese embassy (e.g., in Bangkok, Beijing, or Phnom Penh) travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months with a sponsor; fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) per member vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Groups 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 for each member, typically handled by hotels or group accommodations travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day) per member; potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: The Visa on Arrival program was discontinued in 2022. Groups must use visa exemptions, e-visas, or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages per member travel.state.gov.
E-Visa Application: Requires digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses, straight view), passport data page scan, and payment per member evisa.gov.vn.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours for each member, typically handled by hotels or group hosts travel.state.gov.
Proof of Onward Travel: Required for Phu Quoc exemption per member; recommended for standard exemption vietnam.travel.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth group 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 in group settings at temples or markets 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; coordinate group activities to avoid disrupting sacred spaces. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A group guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our group trip seamless.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND) for group guides; avoid littering at cultural sites like Ha Long Bay or Hoi An 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 group passports secure for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen groups 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 for groups culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow temple rules (no touching sacred items); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use PassApp for group ride-hailing ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND); carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy per member 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) for group travel to reduce emissions vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options for groups, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay as a group after visa processing; suitable for groups with valid exemptions or e-visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Coordinate group exemptions or e-visas ($25–$50 per member); carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy per member; 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; 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 for group travel to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Coordinate group e-visa applications; check evisa.gov.vn; a group from Singapore noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with visa exemptions.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure group exemptions or e-visas; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy per member; 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 Malaysia noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a cycling tour; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use multiple-entry e-visas for group multi-city travel; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy per member; 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 Canada noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use multiple-entry e-visas for multi-city travel; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy per member; 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 group from the US noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for groups with visa exemptions or e-visas.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive group journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with visa-smart itineraries for groups.
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; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April, honoring Vietnam’s founders; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September, festive with lantern parades; warm and wet (24–31°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Cultural Site Visits: Dry season (January–August) for comfortable weather; February for optimal conditions vinpearl.com.
Dry season (January–August, 18–33°C) is ideal for group border crossings and cultural visits. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for budget groups and indoor experiences. Morning crossings (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid crowds and heat. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Group Visa Needs: Check eligibility for visa exemptions (25 countries) or coordinate e-visa applications at evisa.gov.vn; use embassy visas for non-exempt groups or specific needs; Phu Quoc exemption for island-only group trips vietnam-visa.com.
Group Application Tips: Each member applies individually for e-visas or exemptions; coordinate proof of onward travel (e.g., shared return tickets); ensure passports are valid for 6+ months per member travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels register the group’s stay with local police within 24 hours; carry proof of registration per member travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis after entry for sustainable group travel.
Tip: Coordinate group e-visa applications 7–14 days early; double-check details to match passports; carry small VND notes for local 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: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND if required) per member, passport photocopy, group proof of onward travel (e.g., shared return flight tickets for Phu Quoc or exemptions), wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($3 or 75,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 75,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($2 or 50,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., pho); 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 group 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) per member evisa.gov.vn.
Exemption Costs: No cost for standard exemption (14–45 days) or Phu Quoc (30 days); 5-year exemption: $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND) per member vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time per member 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; coordinate group exemptions to save on costs.
Visa Tips: Coordinate group exemptions or e-visa applications ($25–$50 per member); use embassy visas for special group needs; Phu Quoc exemption for island-only trips; double-check details to match passports 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 (January–August); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or motorbike taxis; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use PassApp for group ride-hailing ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND); carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy per member travel.state.gov.
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, nearest embassy).
Do groups need visas for Vietnam? Groups from visa-exempt countries (e.g., ASEAN, UK, Japan) are exempt for 14–45 days; others require e-visas or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
How do groups apply for Vietnam visas? Each member applies individually for e-visas online at evisa.gov.vn or embassy visas; coordinate proof of onward travel for exemptions travel.state.gov.
How much does a Vietnam visa cost for groups? E-visa: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry) per member; embassy visa: $25–$100 per member; exemptions: no cost vietnam-visa.com.
Can group visas be extended? Exemptions and e-visas are non-extendable; embassy visas may be extendable with a sponsor per member vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for group overstaying? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day) per member; potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available for groups? No, discontinued in 2022; groups must use exemptions or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your visa-prepared group journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Group Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Group Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.
Vietnam Group 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 Tips for Groups 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 international groups. 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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