Plan your single-entry trip to Vietnam with our visa guide! Learn about e-visa, visa on arrival, embassy visa, costs, and eco-friendly Vietnam Tours for seamless Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Photograph the festive spirit of Vietnam’s traditions during your tripWritten 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. Ideal for travelers planning a single visit for tourism, business, or transit, Vietnam attracts those seeking immersive Vietnam Tours and sustainable Vietnam Travel experiences culturetrip.com. Understanding the Vietnam visa single entry options is crucial for international travelers to ensure a smooth one-time entry while exploring cultural treasures or engaging in eco-friendly travel. Most nationalities require a visa for entry, with single-entry options available for short-term visits vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides detailed insights into single-entry visa options, requirements, and eco-friendly travel tips to enhance your journey.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, single-entry visas are available via e-visa, visa on arrival, or embassy applications, ideal for travelers visiting Vietnam once within a set period. This guide outlines the options and processes to ensure a seamless experience for your Vietnam Travel adventure.
Most international tourists require a visa for Vietnam, with single-entry options available for tourism, business, or transit. Options include a 90-day single-entry e-visa, visa on arrival (for air travel), or embassy visa (up to 90 days or longer for specific purposes). 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 processing times of 3–7 business days for e-visa/visa on arrival and 5–7 business days for embassy visas. Verify requirements via vietnamvisa.govt.vn or trusted agencies like vietnam-visa.com. Some countries (e.g., select ASEAN nations, Chile) may have short-term visa exemptions (15–30 days).
Visa Options for Single Entry:
Single-Entry E-Visa:
Duration: Up to 90 days with one entry.
Cost: $25 (~625,000 VND), paid online via credit/debit card.
Processing Time: 3–7 business days; urgent processing (1–2 days or 4–8 hours) for an additional $10–$50 (~250,000–1,250,000 VND).
Requirements: Online application via evisa.gov.vn; digital passport photo (4x6 cm, no glasses, recent), scanned passport bio page (JPEG), credit/debit card for payment.
Single-Entry Visa on Arrival (Air Entry Only):
Duration: Up to 90 days with one entry.
Cost: Service fee: $25 (~625,000 VND), paid online; stamping fee: $25 (~625,000 VND), paid in cash (USD or VND) at the airport. Total: $50 (~1,250,000 VND).
Processing Time: 3–7 business days for approval letter; urgent processing (1–2 days or 4–8 hours) for an additional $10–$50 (~250,000–1,250,000 VND).
Requirements: Online application via agencies like vietnam-visa.com; approval letter, passport, two 4x6 cm photos, and cash for stamping fee at the airport.
Single-Entry Embassy Visa:
Duration: Up to 90 days or longer (e.g., 6 months for specific purposes, subject to embassy approval).
Cost: $40–$100 (~1,000,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on duration and embassy.
Processing Time: 5–7 business days; urgent processing may be limited.
Requirements: Original passport, completed application form, one 4x6 cm photo, visa fee; additional documents (e.g., travel itinerary, invitation letter) may be required for specific purposes.
Special Notes:
Single-entry visas allow one entry into Vietnam within the visa’s validity period (e.g., 90 days for e-visa/visa on arrival) vietnam-visa.com.
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, suitable for single-entry short stays vietnam-visa.com.
Overseas Vietnamese and their spouses/children may be eligible for a 5-year visa exemption certificate, allowing multiple entries (up to 6 months per visit); contact a Vietnamese Embassy for details vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Overstaying incurs fines (~1,250,000 VND/day or ~$50/day), payable in cash at immigration offices.
Note: Always verify with vietnamvisa.govt.vn to confirm visa requirements, as some sources may provide outdated information myvietnamvisa.com.
Single-Entry E-Visa:
Visit evisa.gov.vn; select the single-entry option and complete the online form with accurate passport details.
Upload a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, no glasses, recent) and scanned passport bio page (JPEG).
Pay $25 (~625,000 VND) 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).
Single-Entry Visa on Arrival (Air Entry Only):
Apply online via vietnam-visa.com; select single-entry option and provide passport details.
Pay the service fee ($25 or ~625,000 VND) online; add $10–$50 (~250,000–1,250,000 VND) for urgent processing if needed.
Receive the approval letter via email within 3–7 business days (or 4–8 hours for urgent processing).
Prepare two 4x6 cm photos and cash ($25 or ~625,000 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).
Single-Entry Embassy Visa:
Contact the nearest Vietnamese Embassy (e.g., Bangkok: +66-2-251-5836; check vietnamvisa.govt.vn for locations).
Submit original passport, completed application form, one 4x6 cm photo, and fee ($40–$100 or ~1,000,000–2,500,000 VND); include a travel itinerary or other documents if required.
Processing takes 5–7 business days; collect your passport or arrange return mail.
Phu Quoc Visa Exemption (30 Days, Single Entry):
Arrive directly at Phu Quoc by air or sea with an onward ticket.
Ensure passport is valid for 6+ months with two blank pages.
Present passport at immigration; officers will stamp a 30-day visa-exempt entry.
Eco-Tip: Use digital applications for e-visa or visa on arrival to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day) or public transport for sustainable travel during your visit.
Tip: Apply 7–14 days early to account for processing; carry USD/VND for visa on arrival stamping fees; confirm entry points via vietnamvisa.govt.vn. A guest noted: “The single-entry e-visa was quick and perfect for our one-time Hanoi visit.”
Choosing the Right Visa: Single-entry e-visa ($25, 90 days) is ideal for a one-time visit via air, land, or sea; visa on arrival ($50, 90 days) suits air travelers; embassy visas ($40–$100, up to 90 days or longer) are best for specific needs or land/sea entry vietnam-visa.com.
Entry Points: Ensure your travel itinerary aligns with approved entry points (13 airports, 16 land borders, 13 seaports for e-visa; airports only for visa on arrival) vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Application Timing: Apply 7–14 days early for standard processing (3–7 days for e-visa/visa on arrival, 5–7 days for embassy visas); avoid holidays like Tet (January/February) to prevent delays.
Tip: Opt for a single-entry e-visa for convenience and low cost; use visa on arrival for air travel; pursue embassy visas for specific needs. A guest shared: “The single-entry visa on arrival was seamless for our one-time trip to Da Nang.”
Cultural etiquette enhances your experience during Vietnam Tours with a single-entry 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 single-entry visa process 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 single-entry visa documents securely. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen single-entry travelers thrive by embracing 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, payable in cash); support local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with “Hanoi” or “Ho Chi Minh City” for navigation during your visit; keep visa documents handy for immigration checks.
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 single-entry Vietnam experience, 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 during your single visit; suitable for flexible travellers; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Apply for a single-entry e-visa ($25, 3–7 days) or visa on arrival ($50, 3–7 days); 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: Apply early for your single-entry visa; visit early (6:00 AM) for serenity; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was perfect with our single-entry e-visa for a one-time visit.”
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 a single-entry e-visa ($25, 3–7 days) or visa on arrival ($50, 3–7 days); carry passport or printed e-visa/approval letter; confirm entry point with tour operator vietnam-visa.com.
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 a cultural highlight with our single-entry 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 single-entry visa on arrival ($50, 3–7 days) or e-visa ($25, 3–7 days); 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 great adventure with our single-entry visa.”
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 single-entry e-visa ($25, 3–7 days) or embassy visa ($40–$100, 5–7 days) for multi-city travel; carry printed e-visa or documents; 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 enriched our single-entry visit to Vietnam.”
Single-Entry E-Visa: Cost-effective ($25) and convenient for a 90-day one-time visit, fully online.
Single-Entry Visa on Arrival: Suitable for air travelers ($50), quick with online approval letter.
Single-Entry Embassy Visa: Flexible for specific needs (up to 90 days or longer), ideal for land/sea entry.
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for independent travelers on a single visit.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for cultural immersion during a one-time trip.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural sites with adventure for a comprehensive experience.
Multi-Day Cultural Tours: Offer in-depth exploration, ideal for single-entry travelers exploring multiple cities.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key travel opportunities for single-entry travelers 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, perfect for a single-entry trip. 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 single-entry visa 7–14 days before travel to account for processing times (3–7 days for e-visa/visa on arrival, 5–7 days for embassy visas). Verify weather via accuweather.com.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable single visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed single-entry 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 or ~625,000 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 for your single trip.
Visa Costs
Single-Entry E-Visa: $25 (~625,000 VND).
Single-Entry Visa on Arrival: Service fee: $25 (~625,000 VND); stamping fee: $25 (~625,000 VND); total: $50 (~1,250,000 VND).
Single-Entry Embassy Visa: $40–$100 (~1,000,000–2,500,000 VND).
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–$100 (~625,000–2,500,000 VND) for a single-entry visa, plus $10–$100 (~250,000–2,500,000 VND) daily for travel costs, and $0.20–$10 (~5,000–250,000 VND) for purchases or add-ons.
Visa Tips: Apply for a single-entry e-visa ($25, 3–7 days) or visa on arrival ($50, 3–7 days) 7–14 days early; pursue embassy visas ($40–$100, 5–7 days) for specific needs or land/sea entry; carry USD/VND for stamping fees; verify entry points via vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào” greeting; dress modestly for cultural sites and immigration checks; respect officers; avoid overstaying visas to prevent fines (payable in cash).
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for cultural insights, or multi-day tours for deeper immersion during your single visit.
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 digital visa applications; 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”; keep visa documents for entry.
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).
What is a single-entry Vietnam visa? Allows one entry into Vietnam within its validity (up to 90 days for e-visa/visa on arrival) vietnam-visa.com.
How much is a single-entry Vietnam visa? E-visa: $25 (~625,000 VND); visa on arrival: $50 (~1,250,000 VND); embassy visa: $40–$100 (~1,000,000–2,500,000 VND) vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
How long does it take to process a single-entry visa? E-visa/visa on arrival: 3–7 business days (urgent: 1–2 days or 4–8 hours); embassy visa: 5–7 business days vietnam-visa.com.
Who can apply for a single-entry Vietnam visa? Most nationalities are eligible for e-visa or visa on arrival; embassy visas may require additional documents for specific purposes vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Can I use a single-entry visa for Phu Quoc? Yes, Phu Quoc’s 30-day exemption is single-entry; a single-entry visa is required for other destinations vietnam-visa.com.
Are eco-friendly tours available in Vietnam? Yes, group tours with fuel-efficient transport or bicycles; check localvietnam.com.
Enhance your single-entry 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 Single Entry with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and timely visa applications—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With single-entry visas costing $25–$100 (~625,000–2,500,000 VND), eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this visa is perfect for a one-time adventure. Apply early (7–14 days) 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
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