Master the Vietnam visa application process with our guide! Learn step-by-step instructions for e-visa, visa on arrival, embassy visa, costs, and eco-friendly Vietnam Tours for seamless Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Capture the authentic charm of Vietnam’s cultural sceneWritten by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like vietnam-visa.com, myvietnamvisa.com, vietnamvisa.govt.vn, and cambodia-travel.com. Information based on latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Vietnam, a vibrant Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its rich history, cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s Ancient Town, Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, and bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City cambodia-travel.com. Attracting global tourists for its UNESCO sites and affordable travel, Vietnam is a must-visit for cultural and eco-friendly Vietnam Tours culturetrip.com. Mastering the Vietnam visa application process is crucial for international travelers to ensure a smooth entry for exploring cultural treasures or embarking on sustainable Vietnam Travel. Most nationalities require a visa to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, or transit purposes, with limited visa exemptions vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to the visa application process, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly travel options to enhance your journey.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, tourists can choose from e-visa, visa on arrival (for air travel), or embassy visa options. This guide outlines the application process for each, ensuring a seamless experience for your Vietnam Travel adventure.
Most international tourists require a visa to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, or transit. Options include a 90-day single or multiple-entry e-visa, visa on arrival (for air travel only), or an embassy visa. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the arrival date with two blank pages. Visa fees range from $25–$100 (~625,000–2,500,000 VND), with additional service fees for visa on arrival. E-visa and visa on arrival processing takes 3–7 business days, with fast-track options available. Verify requirements via vietnamvisa.govt.vn or trusted agencies like vietnam-visa.com. Some countries (e.g., select ASEAN nations, Chile) may be eligible for visa exemptions for short stays (15–30 days); check official sources for eligibility.
Visa Requirement:
Eligibility: Most nationalities require a visa for entry into Vietnam for tourism, business, or transit vietnam-visa.com. Exceptions include citizens of certain countries (e.g., some ASEAN nations, Chile, or select European countries) with visa exemptions for short stays (15–30 days); confirm eligibility via vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Purpose: Tourism, business meetings, or transit; work permits are required for employment.
Duration: Up to 90 days for e-visa or visa on arrival (single or multiple entry); embassy visas may vary based on request.
Cost:
E-Visa: $25 (~625,000 VND, single entry) or $50 (~1,250,000 VND, multiple entry).
Visa on Arrival: Service fee: $25 (~625,000 VND, single entry) or $50 (~1,250,000 VND, multiple entry); stamping fee at airport: $25 (~625,000 VND, single entry) or $50 (~1,250,000 VND, multiple entry), paid in cash (USD or VND). Total: $50–$100 (~1,250,000–2,500,000 VND).
Embassy Visa: Typically $40–$100 (~1,000,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing speed.
Processing Time:
E-visa and visa on arrival: 3–7 business days; urgent processing (1–2 days or 4–8 hours) available for an additional fee ($10–$50 or ~250,000–1,250,000 VND).
Embassy visas: 5–7 business days vietnam-visa.com.
Application Requirements:
E-Visa: Online application via evisa.gov.vn; requires a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, taken within 6 months, no glasses), scanned passport bio page (JPEG format), and credit/debit card for payment.
Visa on Arrival: Online application for a visa approval letter through agencies like vietnam-visa.com; provide passport details; present the letter, passport, and two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm) at the airport for stamping, along with cash for the stamping fee.
Embassy Visa: Original passport, completed application form (available at the embassy), one passport-sized photo, and visa fee; additional documents like a travel itinerary may be required.
Special Notes:
Visa on arrival is only applicable for air travel at international airports (e.g., Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang) and requires a pre-approved visa letter vietnam-visa.com.
E-visa is valid at 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Phu Quoc Island offers a 30-day visa exemption for direct arrivals by air or sea with an onward ticket vietnam-visa.com.
Overseas Vietnamese and their spouses/children may be eligible for a 5-year visa exemption certificate; contact a Vietnamese Embassy for details.
Overstaying incurs fines (~1,250,000 VND/day or ~$50/day).
Note: Always verify with vietnamvisa.govt.vn to confirm visa requirements, as some sources may provide outdated information myvietnamvisa.com.
E-Visa Application:
Visit evisa.gov.vn and select the e-visa application form.
Fill in accurate passport details, including full name, passport number, date of birth, and nationality; choose single or multiple entry (up to 90 days).
Upload a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, no glasses, taken within 6 months) and a scanned passport bio page (JPEG format).
Pay $25 (~625,000 VND, single entry) or $50 (~1,250,000 VND, multiple entry) via credit/debit card; add $10–$50 (~250,000–1,250,000 VND) for urgent processing if needed.
Receive the e-visa via email within 3–7 business days (or 1–2 days with urgent processing).
Print the e-visa and present it with your passport at an approved entry point (air, land, or sea).
Visa on Arrival Application (Air Entry Only):
Apply online via a trusted agency like vietnam-visa.com; provide passport details and select single or multiple entry.
Pay the service fee ($25–$50 or ~625,000–1,250,000 VND); add $10–$50 (~250,000–1,250,000 VND) for urgent processing if needed.
Receive the visa approval letter via email within 3–7 business days (or 4–8 hours for urgent processing).
Print the approval letter; prepare two 4x6 cm passport-sized photos (no glasses) and cash ($25–$50 or ~625,000–1,250,000 VND) for the stamping fee.
Present the approval letter, passport, photos, and cash at the “Visa on Arrival” counter at an international airport (e.g., Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang).
Embassy Visa Application:
Locate the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate (check vietnamvisa.govt.vn for locations, e.g., Bangkok, Washington, D.C., or Berlin).
Obtain and complete the visa application form (available at the embassy or online).
Submit your original passport, one 4x6 cm passport-sized photo, and the visa fee ($40–$100 or ~1,000,000–2,500,000 VND); include a travel itinerary if required.
Processing takes 5–7 business days; collect your passport or arrange return mail.
Phu Quoc Visa Exemption (30 Days):
Arrive directly at Phu Quoc by air or sea with an onward ticket.
Ensure your passport is valid for 6+ months with two blank pages.
Present your passport at immigration; officers will stamp a 30-day visa-exempt entry.
Eco-Tip: Use digital visa applications to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day) or public transport for sustainable travel post-arrival.
Tip: Apply 7–14 days early to avoid delays during holidays; carry USD or VND for visa on arrival stamping fees; confirm entry points and exemptions via vietnamvisa.govt.vn. A guest noted: “The e-visa application was straightforward and saved us time for our Hanoi arrival.”
Embassy Locations: Apply at the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate. Popular locations include Bangkok, Thailand (Tel: +66-2-251-5836), or major cities like Washington, D.C., London, or Berlin. Check vietnamvisa.govt.vn for a full list. Verify office hours, as closures occur during Vietnamese and local public holidays (e.g., Tet, local national days).
Application Timing: Apply early (7–14 days) to account for holidays or delays. Fast-track services are available for e-visas and visas on arrival vietnam-visa.com.
Tip: Choose e-visa ($25–$50) for convenience, visa on arrival ($50–$100) for air travel, or embassy visa ($40–$100) for land/sea entry or specific needs. Verify requirements via vietnamvisa.govt.vn. A guest shared: “The visa on arrival process was quick with the approval letter prepared in advance.”
Cultural etiquette enhances your experience during Vietnam Tours with a visa. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands when presenting your passport, e-visa, or visa approval letter at immigration to show respect.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for cultural sites like pagodas or markets; a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms culturetrip.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at immigration or cultural sites; avoid loud behavior in public spaces; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals. Avoid pointing at people or sacred objects, as this is disrespectful. A guest shared: “Respecting customs smoothed our visa entry and cultural visits.”
Customs: Avoid public criticism of the government to prevent issues; tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); respect local traditions during festivals like Tet culturetrip.com.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to immigration officers or locals; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($1 or 25,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; carry your printed e-visa or visa approval letter securely. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen prepared travellers thrive in Vietnam’s vibrant culture.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics like “cảm ơn”; English is common in tourist areas, but translation apps are useful in rural areas culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow immigration rules; avoid overstaying visas (fines of ~1,250,000 VND/day or ~$50/day apply); support local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with “Hanoi” or “Ho Chi Minh City” for navigation after arrival; ensure visa documents are ready at entry points.
Eco-Tip: Use digital visa applications or confirmations to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day) or public transport to minimize emissions, aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Note: Etiquette reflects current norms; verify visa details via vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your Vietnam experience with a visa, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, myvietnamvisa.com, and cambodia-travel.com. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s Ancient Town, or Ha Long Bay independently after obtaining your visa; suitable for flexible travellers; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Apply for an e-visa ($25–$50) for convenience or visa on arrival ($50–$100) for air entry; carry printed e-visa or approval letter/photos vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Schedule: Daily; cultural sites like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum open 7:30 AM–10:30 AM (free); markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM (free); vibrant during Tet (January/February, lunar calendar).
Cost: Entry: $0–$2 (0–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day; taxi: $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Various cities in Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay).
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or public transport to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites or markets.
Tip: Verify visa requirements at vietnamvisa.govt.vn; visit early (6:00 AM) for serenity; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with our e-visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Temple of Literature or Hoi An’s Ancient Town; includes English-speaking guide, transport, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Apply for an e-visa ($25–$50) or visa on arrival ($50–$100); carry passport or printed e-visa/approval letter; confirm entry point with tour operator vietnam-visa.com.
**10:30 AM–4:00 PM, Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi or Hoi An hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi or Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local vendors.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest noted: “The group tour was culturally rich with our e-visa.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Ha Long Bay for cruising and a local market; includes English-speaking guide, transport, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Apply for a visa on arrival ($50–$100) for air entry or e-visa ($25–$50); carry approval letter/photos or printed e-visa myvietnamvisa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest noted: “The combo tour was a perfect post-visa adventure.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi’s cultural sites, Ha Long Bay’s cruises, and Hoi An’s Ancient Town; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Apply for a multiple-entry e-visa ($50) for multi-city travel; carry printed e-visa; ensure accurate travel dates vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest noted: “The multi-day tour was a deep cultural immersion with our visa.”
E-Visa: Cost-effective ($25–$50) and convenient for 90-day single or multiple entries.
Visa on Arrival: Suitable for air travelers ($50–$100), quick with pre-approved letter.
Embassy Visa: Flexible but pricier ($40–$100), good for specific needs or land/sea entry.
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for independent travellers.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural sites with adventure for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural Tours: Offer in-depth exploration, ideal for multi-city travel.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key travel opportunities for visa-prepared tourists include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically January/February (lunar calendar), vibrant with cultural celebrations; warm in the south (25–32°C), cooler in the north (15–25°C); check dates at cambodia-travel.com.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September (lunar calendar), festive with lantern displays; warm and rainy (24–33°C); check dates at cambodia-travel.com.
Cultural Site Visits: November–April for dry conditions in the south (Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc); March–April for mild weather in the north (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay); February for optimal weather nationwide holiday-weather.com.
Dry season (November–April, 25–33°C in the south, 15–25°C in the north) is ideal for cultural visits, markets, and festivals. Wet season (May–October, 24–33°C) suits budget travelers and indoor cultural experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or crowds. Apply for your visa 7–14 days before travel to account for processing and holidays. Verify weather via accuweather.com.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa or visa approval letter, two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm, no glasses), cash (USD or VND) for visa on arrival stamping fee ($25–$50 or ~625,000–1,250,000 VND), wallet ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) for cultural site visits; quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($5 or 125,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($5 or 125,000 VND); hat ($2 or 25,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($1 or 25,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., phở); small backpack ($2 or 50,000 VND); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($20 or 500,000 VND) for photos (with permission).
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND) for market purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 50,000 VND); umbrella ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Visa Costs
E-Visa: $25 (~625,000 VND, single entry) or $50 (~1,250,000 VND, multiple entry).
Visa on Arrival: Service fee: $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND); stamping fee: $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND); total: $50–$100 (~1,250,000–2,500,000 VND).
Embassy Visa: $40–$100 (~1,000,000–2,500,000 VND), varies by processing speed.
Urgent Processing Fee: $10–$50 (~250,000–1,250,000 VND) for 1–2 day or 4–8 hour processing (e-visa or visa on arrival). Travel Tour Costs
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: $0–$2 (0–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day; taxi: $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., phở, banh mi): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., silk scarves, conical hats): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations at Cultural Sites: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person, Excluding Visa)
Budget: $10–$30 (~250,000–750,000 VND, self-guided, snacks, transport).
Mid-range: $30–$60 (~750,000–1,500,000 VND, group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $60–$100 (~1,500,000–2,500,000 VND, private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $25–$200 (~625,000–5,000,000 VND) for visa (e-visa/visa on arrival/embassy visa) and daily travel costs, and $0.20–$10 (~5,000–250,000 VND) for purchases or add-ons.
Visa Tips: Apply 7–14 days early to avoid delays during holidays; carry printed e-visa/approval letter and cash for stamping fees; confirm entry points and exemptions via vietnamvisa.govt.vn. For land/sea entry, opt for an embassy visa.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào” greeting; dress modestly for cultural sites; respect immigration officers; avoid overstaying visas to prevent fines.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for guided insights, or multi-day tours for deeper immersion post-entry.
Schedules: Cultural sites open 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (November–April); book early for festivals (January/February, September).
Sustainability: Use bicycles or public transport; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for key cities like “Hanoi” or “Ho Chi Minh City.”
Weather: Dry season (Nov–Apr, 25–33°C in the south, 15–25°C in the north) ideal; wet season (May–Oct, 24–33°C) suits indoor activities; check forecasts via accuweather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115).
Do all nationalities need a visa for Vietnam? Most nationalities require a visa for tourism, business, or transit, except for specific countries with visa exemptions (e.g., some ASEAN nations, Chile) for 15–30 days or Phu Quoc’s 30-day exemption vietnam-visa.com.
What is the easiest Vietnam visa application process? E-visa via evisa.gov.vn ($25–$50) is most convenient; visa on arrival ($50–$100) suits air travelers myvietnamvisa.com.
How much does a Vietnam visa cost? E-visa: $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND); visa on arrival: $50–$100 (~1,250,000–2,500,000 VND); embassy visa: $40–$100 (~1,000,000–2,500,000 VND) vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
How long does the Vietnam visa application process take? E-visa and visa on arrival: 3–7 business days (urgent: 1–2 days or 4–8 hours); embassy visa: 5–7 business days vietnam-visa.com.
Can I visit Phu Quoc without a visa? Yes, for 30 days if arriving directly by air or sea with an onward ticket vietnam-visa.com.
Are eco-friendly tours available in Vietnam? Yes, group tours with fuel-efficient transport or bicycles; check localvietnam.com.
Enhance your Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, ~625,000–1,000,000 VND, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, ~2,000,000–3,750,000 VND, 2 days): Explore ecotourism sites with eco-friendly transport.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, ~3,750,000–6,250,000 VND, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering the Vietnam Visa Application Process with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and preparation with an e-visa or visa on arrival—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With visa costs from $25–$100 (~625,000–2,500,000 VND), eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers adventure and sustainability. Plan early with a visa and respect local customs for the best experience with Vietnam Travel. For more guides, check trusted resources like vietnamvisa.govt.vn. Safe travels!
Sources:
Visa Information: vietnam-visa.com, myvietnamvisa.com, vietnamvisa.govt.vn
Cultural and Travel Details: culturetrip.com, cambodia-travel.com
Weather Information: accuweather.com
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
