So, you’re dreaming of vibrant street markets, ancient temples, and some of the best coffee you’ll ever sip in your life. Vietnam is calling your name!
But wait—before you pack your bags and polish up on your chopstick skills, you might be wondering, ‘Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam?’
Spoiler alert: Probably, but don’t fret—it’s easier than pronouncing "Bánh mì" with the perfect tone. Here’s everything you need to know about Vietnam’s visa requirements, wrapped up in a fun, trusty Bong Hostel survival guide.
Who Needs a Visa to Enter Vietnam?
First things first: whether you need a visa depends on two key factors: where you’re from and how long you’re staying.
Visa-Free Besties
If you’re from countries like Thailand, Malaysia, or Singapore, you can enjoy up to 30 days of visa-free travel. Filipinos? You get 21 days, because why not?
If you’re from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Japan, South Korea, or a few other lucky nations (13 in total), you can enjoy up to 45 days visa-free in Vietnam as of August 15, 2023.
That’s right—more time to explore bustling cities, serene beaches, and everything in between! The full list also includes Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Belarus, and Russia.
Special Visa Note for UK Citizens
If you’re from the UK, the visa rules can be a little confusing, but we’re here to help.
15-Day Visa-Free Entry: For shorter trips, you can enjoy visa-free travel for up to 15 days. No extra applications are needed—just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the planned exit date.
45-Day Visa-Free Entry: Planning a longer adventure? You’re eligible for 45 days visa-free under the new policy.
How to Choose: If your stay is under 15 days, the 15-day exemption applies automatically. For longer stays, you’ll need to utilize the 45-day visa-free policy.
Long Stays Call for a Visa
If you’re planning to stay longer than 45 days (or 15, depending on where you're from), you’ll need a visa, my friend.
The process is straightforward, especially for UK citizens who can opt for a visa on arrival. To make it even smoother, apply online before you travel.
Here's a quick rundown of the steps:
Fill out the online visa application.
Pack your passport (valid for 6 months), passport photos, and printed application.
Land at one of Vietnam’s international airports—Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Nha Trang. (Make sure it’s the entry point you stated on the visa).
Get your visa stamped at the immigration counter.
Phu Quoc Island Hack
Now, here’s a hot tip: Vietnam’s sun-kissed Phu Quoc Island, a dreamy tropical paradise, offers 30 days of visa-free entry to travelers from all countries.
Yes, you read that right—even if you’re from a country that’s not visa-exempt, Phu Quoc is the exception. Just make sure you fly directly into Phu Quoc to enjoy the perk.
By the way, if you’re thinking about hopping over to the mainland afterwards, think again. Tourists will need a visa to make this transition.
Top Tips for a Smooth Visa Application
When filling out your visa application, double-check every detail. Mistakes like misspelled names or incorrect passport numbers can cause delays or even denials. Oh, and don’t forget those passport photos!
Here’s what you’ll need to nail the process:
Match your name exactly to your passport (any order is fine, just don’t leave out a middle name).
Use your passport’s nationality, even if you hold multiple.
Enter dates in DD/MM/YY format.
List your arrival and departure dates carefully—while you can arrive later than planned, you’ll need to leave by the departure date you provide.
How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa
Now that you know whether you need a visa, let’s talk about how to get one. You’ve got three options:
1. The Old-School Way (Embassy or Consulate)
Dust off your printer, because applying through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate means paper forms, passport photos, and perhaps mailing off your precious passport.
It’s not the quickest method, but hey, it’s reliable.
2. E-Visa Magic
Ah, the digital age! The Vietnam E-Visa is a lifesaver for travelers from 80 countries, including the US, UK, Australia, and most of Europe.
It’s valid for between 30 and 90 days, and applying online takes just a few minutes. No queues, no drama, and you’ll get your visa in three business days.
Pro Tip: Bookmark the official E-Visa portal and steer clear of third-party sites that might overcharge or scam.
3. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
If you’re flying into major airports like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang, you can opt for a Visa on Arrival. You’ll need to pre-apply online for an approval letter, which sounds fancy but isn’t hard to get.
Just remember to bring some extra cash for the stamping fee when you land. Also, make sure you have at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
Pssst! With a valid visa, you’re ready to explore Lan Ha Bay, Sapa, Hanoi, and more—all with Bong Hostel as your guide!
Getting a Vietnam E-Visa vs. Multiple-Entry E-Visa
E-Visa Basics
The single-entry E-Visa is available to citizens from 80 countries, including the US, UK, Australia, and most of Europe. It’s valid for 30 days and easy to apply for online.
Multiple-Entry E-Visa: New Update!
Great news for travelers—since August 15, 2023, Vietnam now offers a 90-day multiple-entry e-visa for eligible travelers. This visa is perfect for longer, more flexible itineraries or for those planning to exit and re-enter Vietnam during their trip.
Who is eligible for a multiple-entry visa?
Eligible Countries: Citizens from countries like the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, India, most EU countries, and others can apply. You’ll need to check if your nationality is on the official e-visa portal for confirmation.
Key Points:
Valid for 90 days.
Allows unlimited entries within the visa period.
Available for tourism, business, and family visits.
If you’re eligible, applying for a multiple-entry tourist e-visa is just as simple as the single-entry version:
Visit the official Vietnam Immigration e-visa portal (https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/).
Complete the online form and pay the fee.
Wait for the visa to be approved (usually within three business days).
If you’re not eligible for an E-Visa, check alternative options like traditional visas or visa-free entry based on your nationality.
What Does a Vietnam Visa Cost?
Visa costs depend on the type and method of application. Here’s a quick rundown:
E-Visa: $25 USD single entry and $50 USD multiple entry.
Visa on Arrival: Expect to pay around $17–$65 for the pre-approval letter, plus a $25–$50 stamping fee at the airport.
Embassy Applications: Costs vary by country, so check with your local Vietnamese embassy.
Extending Your Stay in Vietnam
Loving Vietnam too much to leave? We get it. Extensions are possible, but they require the help of a local visa agency.
You can typically extend your visa-free stay or e-visa for 15, 30, or even 60 days. Just make sure to start the process before your current visa expires and always confirm this option with your official embassy.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Contact a local visa agency in Vietnam.
Provide your passport and current visa.
Pay the required fee (ranges from $50–$200 depending on the extension length).
Wait for the agency to process your extension (typically 5–10 business days).
Restrictions:
Some visa types (like certain tourist E-Visas) may not be extendable.
Extensions aren’t guaranteed, so plan ahead to avoid overstaying.
Hotspots for Extensions:
Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City
Da Nang
Hue
Important tip: Check with your airline but typically tourists don't need a visa when transiting through Vietnam, if your layover is under 24 hours and you remain in the airport’s transit zone.
Why All the Fuss About Visas?
Vietnam isn’t just a place to visit—it’s an adventure playground. And if you’re heading there, chances are you’re planning to:
Motorbike the Ha Giang Loop: Feel the wind in your hair and feast your eyes on some of Vietnam’s most jaw-dropping scenery. Bong Hostel’s guided tours make it a breeze—no route planning or second-guessing required.
Trekking in Sapa: Wander through terraced rice fields, lush valleys, and traditional villages that feel like stepping into a postcard.
Day trips to Ninh Binh: Dubbed the “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh is all about dramatic limestone karsts rising from emerald-green paddies.
Cruise through Ha Long Bay: Set sail on jade-green waters dotted with thousands of limestone islands that seem plucked from a dream.
Get off the beaten path in Cao Bang: Think majestic waterfalls, lush forests, and a vibe so serene you’ll forget what stress feels like.
Eat your way around Hanoi: Hanoi’s streets are a foodie’s paradise, where every corner reveals a new delight. Slurp up a bowl of steaming pho, devour crispy banh xeo, and
indulge in egg coffee.
Don’t let visa woes keep you from these once-in-a-lifetime experiences!
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Visas Get You Down
Securing a visa to enter Vietnam might seem like a chore, but it’s really just a small hurdle on the way to epic adventures.
And remember, whether you’re trekking to Sapa or zipping through the Ha Giang Loop with Bong Hostel, the memories will far outweigh the paperwork.
So, get cracking! Vietnam is beckoning with its noodles, nature, and nonstop adventures. Trust us—you don’t want to keep it waiting.
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