Plan your Vietnam adventure with our guide to visa types! Learn about e-visas, exemptions, embassy visas, cultural site costs, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Start your visa-type-prepared journey with Vietnam’s vibrant glowAuthor Bio: 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. Travelers must apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.vn, use visa exemption policies if eligible, or apply for a visa through a Vietnamese embassy. This guide details the types of visas available, their requirements, and travel tips for a seamless journey.
Vietnam, a vibrant 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 types ensures travelers select the right option for their stay, enabling a hassle-free journey with guided Vietnam Tours or independent exploration. Available visa types include e-visas for all nationalities, embassy visas for specific needs, and exemptions for select countries or scenarios vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical insights into visa types, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for a seamless adventure.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via international airports (e.g., Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City), land borders, or seaports. This guide blends visa type details, requirements, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free experience.
Vietnam offers various visa types: e-visas (up to 90 days), embassy visas (30–90 days or longer), and exemptions (14–45 days for 38 countries, 30 days for Phu Quoc, or up to 180 days for overseas Vietnamese). Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. E-visa costs are $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND); 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). Visitors must register their temporary residence with local police, typically handled by hotels. Verify visa types and requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
E-Visa:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities 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: Online via evisa.gov.vn; requires digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses), passport data page scan, and credit/debit card payment (American Express not accepted) evisa.gov.vn.
Processing Time: 3–7 working days; expedited processing (1–2 days) available for additional fees ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) through agencies 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 (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) evisa.gov.vn.
Standard Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure.
Eligibility: Citizens of 38 countries, including:
45 days: Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland vietnam-visa.com.
30 days: Cambodia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand vietnam-visa.com.
21 days: Philippines vietnam-visa.com.
14 days: Brunei vietnam-visa.com.
90 days: Chile, Panama vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: 14–90 days, depending on nationality vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: No cost vietnam-visa.com.
Application: No application required; present a passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages at entry; proof of onward travel recommended vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry with a new exemption or e-visa vietnam-visa.com.
Note: British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are not eligible and must apply for an e-visa vietnam-visa.com.
Phu Quoc Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism or leisure on Phu Quoc Island.
Eligibility: All nationalities, if arriving directly by air or sea and not traveling to mainland Vietnam vietnam.travel.
Duration: Up to 30 days vietnam.travel.
Cost: No cost vietnam.travel.
Application: No application required; present a passport valid for 6 months and proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket) vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires e-visa for mainland travel vietnam-visa.com.
APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC):
Purpose: Business travel.
Eligibility: Holders with “VNM” on the card from APEC member economies vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 60 days per visit vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: No additional visa fee vietnam-visa.com.
Application: No visa application required; present ABTC and valid passport vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry vietnam-visa.com.
5-Year Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism, family visits, or business for overseas Vietnamese.
Eligibility: Overseas Vietnamese, 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.
Application: Submit proof of Vietnamese origin or family ties (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate) 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, study, or other purposes.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities, particularly for specific needs (e.g., work, study) or those preferring traditional applications travel.state.gov.
Duration: Typically 30–90 days (single or multiple entry); longer durations possible for work or study visas travel.state.gov.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Application: Apply in person or by mail at a Vietnamese embassy/consulate; submit passport, application form, photo, and fees travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months through immigration offices with a sponsor (e.g., travel agency, employer); fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Important Note: The Visa on Arrival program was discontinued in 2022. Travelers must use e-visas, exemptions, or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Entry/Exit Points: E-visas and exemptions apply to 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports; Phu Quoc exemption requires direct entry to Phu Quoc vietnam.travel.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours of arrival, typically handled by hotels travel.state.gov.
Overstay Penalties: Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing visa-type planning. 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 quiet 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-type-prepared trip seamless.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); avoid littering to preserve 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 visa-type-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 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 passport or e-visa 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-type-prepared journey, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, travel.state.gov, evisa.gov.vn, 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 independently; suitable for travelers with valid e-visas, exemptions, or embassy visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Type Tips: Choose e-visa for flexibility, exemptions for short stays, or embassy visas for specific needs; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; 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); Hanoi’s Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Ha Long Bay cruises available daily.
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 to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Select the appropriate visa type for your itinerary; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was smooth with the right visa type.”
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 Type Tips: Ensure your visa type (e-visa, exemption, or embassy visa) is valid; carry a printed e-visa or 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 noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa-type 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 Type Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa or exemption for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm visa type suitability 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 noted: “The combo tour was visa-type-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 Type Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa or 5-year exemption for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or 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 (+84825862222); a guest noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-type-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for travelers with appropriate visa types.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-type-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 visa-type-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key visa-type-prepared 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.
Select Visa Type: Choose e-visa for flexibility (all nationalities, up to 90 days), exemptions for short stays (38 countries, Phu Quoc, or APEC cardholders), or embassy visas for specific purposes; 5-year exemptions suit overseas Vietnamese vietnam-visa.com.
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 travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels register your stay with local police; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 7–14 days early via evisa.gov.vn; verify exemption eligibility; contact embassies for specific visa needs; carry small VND notes for local purchases vietnam-visa.com.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa copy ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND if required), passport photocopy, 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 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 38 countries (14–45 days), Phu Quoc (30 days), or APEC cardholders; 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); 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; choose exemptions to save on costs.
Visa Type Tips: Select e-visa for simplicity, exemptions for short stays, or embassy visas for specific purposes; verify eligibility at evisa.gov.vn or embassies 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-type-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).
What are the visa types for Vietnam? E-visa (tourism/business, up to 90 days), exemptions (14–45 days for 38 countries, 30 days for Phu Quoc, 60 days for APEC, 180 days for 5-year exemption), and embassy visas (various purposes) vietnam-visa.com.
Who is eligible for visa exemptions? Citizens of 38 countries, Phu Quoc visitors, APEC cardholders, and overseas Vietnamese vietnam-visa.com.
Can I extend my visa? E-visas and standard exemptions are non-extendable; 5-year exemptions and embassy visas may be extendable vietnam-visa.com.
What is the Phu Quoc exemption? 30-day visa-free stay for all nationalities arriving directly to Phu Quoc vietnam.travel.
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? No, discontinued in 2022; apply for an e-visa at evisa.gov.vn or use exemptions vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your visa-type-prepared 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 Cultural and Adventure 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 Types 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. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, select the appropriate visa type and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Visa on Arrival is no longer available; use e-visas or exemptions via evisa.gov.vn. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
travel.state.gov
evisa.gov.vn
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
