Vietnamese Visa-Free

Vietnamese visa-free policy allows citizens of certain countries to enter Vietnam without a visa for a limited period of time. This policy is designed to promote tourism and trade between Vietnam and the countries that are eligible for visa-free entry. Currently, citizens of 22 countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia, are eligible for visa-free entry to Vietnam. The duration of visa-free entry varies depending on the country of origin, but it is typically between 15 and 30 days. This policy has been successful in attracting more tourists to Vietnam, as well as facilitating trade between Vietnam and its neighboring countries. Overall, the Vietnamese visa-free policy has been a positive development for the country, as it has helped to boost tourism and trade while also making it easier for people to visit Vietnam.

The Path of Visa-Free Opportunities

The Vietnamese passport, often seen as a simple document, is a gateway to diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes. With visa-free access to 25 countries, Vietnamese passport holders are poised for journeys that promise both enrichment and discovery. Let’s delve into the world of visa-free travel for Vietnamese citizens:

Discovering Uncharted Territories

As of July 2023, Vietnamese passport holders are granted the freedom to explore 25 countries and territories without the need for a visa:

• Barbados
• Brunei
• Cambodia
• Chile
• Cook Islands
• Dominica
• Ecuador
• Haiti
• Indonesia
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos
• Malaysia
• Micronesia
• Myanmar
• Niue
• Oman
• Panama
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Sri Lanka
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Suriname
• Taiwan
• Thailand

Visa-Free Essentials

For seamless journeys, certain prerequisites must be met:

• Valid Passport: Your Vietnamese passport should remain valid for a specified period after your intended departure, usually around six months.
• Travel Health Insurance: It’s essential to secure travel health insurance that complies with the requirements of your destination country.

Embracing the Convenience of eVisas

In an era of digital transformation, the concept of electronic visas, or eVisas, emerges as a conduit for effortless travel. Vietnamese passport holders can avail eVisas for 23 countries, streamlining the application process and expanding access to captivating destinations. The following countries offer eVisas to Vietnamese citizens:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Azerbaijan
• Benin
• Colombia
• Djibouti
• Ethiopia
• Gabon
• Georgia
• Guinea
• India
• Kenya
• Lesotho
• Moldova
• Montserrat
• Pakistan
• Qatar
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Türkiye
• Uganda
• United Arab Emirates
• Uzbekistan
• Zimbabwe

Navigating the eVisa Application Journey

The path to obtaining an eVisa closely resembles the process of traditional visa applications:

• Online Submission: Embrace the convenience of the digital age by submitting your eVisa application online, accompanied by the requisite visa fee.
• Confirmation and Documentation: After approval, you’ll receive an email confirmation of your visa status and a printable document crucial for border crossings.
• Physical Copy Considerations: While digital registration is sufficient for many authorities, some may require a physical copy of your eVisa. Therefore, keeping a printed copy during your travels is essential.

Effortless On-Arrival Experiences

For travelers who cherish spontaneity, the option of obtaining a visa on arrival (VOA) presents an unburdened pathway. Vietnamese passport holders can secure a VOA for 30 countries, ensuring a smooth initiation to their journeys. The following countries provide visa on arrival for Vietnamese citizens:

• Bolivia
• Burundi
• Cabo Verde
• Comoros
• Guinea-Bissau
• Iran
• Kuwait
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Maldives
• Marshall Islands
• Mauritania
• Mauritius
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Nepal
• Palau
• Rwanda
• Samoa
• Senegal
• Seychelles
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• Saint Lucia
• Tajikistan
• Tanzania
• Timor-Leste
• Togo
• Tuvalu
• Zambia

Unveiling Visa Prerequisites

While the Vietnamese passport facilitates visa-free and visa-on-arrival travels, certain destinations mandate obtaining a visa in advance. A total of 148 countries stipulate the requirement of a valid visa for entry. Here’s an in-depth glimpse into these countries:

• Afghanistan
• Albania
• Algeria
• American Samoa
• Andorra
• Angola
• Anguilla
• Argentina
• Armenia
• Aruba
• Australia
• Austria
• Bahamas
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Belarus
• Belgium
• Belize
• Bermuda
• Bhutan
• Caribbean Netherlands
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Botswana
• Brazil
• British Virgin Islands
• Bulgaria
• Burkina Faso
• Cameroon
• Canada
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• China
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Republic of the Congo
• Costa Rica
• Ivory Coast
• Croatia
• Cuba
• Curaçao
• Cyprus
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Dominican Republic
• Egypt
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Estonia
• Falkland Islands
• Faroe Islands
• Fiji
• Finland
• France
• French Guiana
• French Polynesia
• French West Indies
• Germany
• Ghana
• Gibraltar
• Greece
• Greenland

Comprehensive Guide to Visa Applications

Embarking on a successful visa application journey requires meticulous planning. Adhere to the following steps:

• Appointment: Initiate the process by scheduling an appointment at a local visa application centre in Vietnam. Due to potential appointment limitations, early planning is advisable.
• Document Preparation: Gather necessary documents, including your passport, visa application form, health insurance, and more. Certain documents may require apostille stamp verification or certification from a foreign office.
• Submission and Interview: Attend your visa interview and submit the application. In some cases, you may need to provide biometric data.
• Awaiting Approval: Following submission, await the outcome of your visa application as authorities review your submission—a process that can span several weeks.
• Travel Planning: Upon successful visa application, your travel aspirations come to fruition. Note that holding a multi-entry visa can eliminate the need for repeated visa applications.

Essential Document Checklist

As you navigate the visa application process, ensure the following documents are in order:

• Valid Vietnamese Passport: Ensure your passport remains valid for an extended period beyond your intended departure date, typically around six months.
• Completed Visa Application Form: Thoroughly and accurately complete the visa application form.
• Recent Passport Photos: Provide passport-sized photographs not older than six months.
• Travel Health Insurance: Secure comprehensive travel health insurance covering your entire stay.
• Proof of Paid Visa Fee: Provide evidence of the paid visa application fee.
• Detailed Travel Itinerary: Outline your travel plans with a comprehensive itinerary.
• Invitation Letter (if applicable): If required, include an invitation letter from your host.
• Return Flight Booking: Demonstrate your intent to return by furnishing proof of a booked return flight.
• Accommodation Proof: Offer evidence of booked accommodations for the entirety of your stay.
• Sufficient Funds Proof: Showcase your financial capacity to cover travel expenses.
• Civil Status Documents: Include documents such as marriage certificates or birth certificates if relevant.
• Clean Record: Be aware that a prior criminal history might impact visa application outcomes.

How Long Can You Stay in Vietnam Without a Visa

According to the current Vietnamese visa regulations, travelers can stay in Vietnam without a visa for a specific period depending on their nationality. For example, citizens of countries like Chile, Panama, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom (excluding BNO passport holders) can enjoy visa-free stays ranging from 45 to 90 days for purposes that do not involve remunerated activities. Holders of the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) with valid passports are also exempt from obtaining a visa for entry into Vietnam. However, it is crucial to note that there used to be a 30-day waiting period between consecutive stays under the visa exemption policy, but this requirement has been eliminated as of July 1, 2020.

For those seeking to extend their stay beyond the permitted visa-free duration in Vietnam, the option to extend the visa exemption within the country is no longer available due to current regulations. Individuals wishing to prolong their stay must now depart to a neighbouring country such as Cambodia or Laos and then return with a new visa exemption. This method of extending one’s stay is commonly known as a “Visa Run.” It is essential to ensure that your passport remains valid for at least six months from your arrival date in Vietnam and contains a minimum of two blank pages for visa stickers and immigration stamps to comply with entry requirements.

Simplify your immigration process with professional services found here.

What is The Cost of a Vietnam Tourist Visa

The cost of a Vietnam tourist visa varies depending on the type of visa and the method of application. For a single-entry e-visa, the government fee is $25, while for a multiple-entry e-visa, the government fee is $50. The service fee for e-visa applications is also applicable, and the total cost for a single-entry e-visa with a 5-7 working day processing time is $48, $47, or $46, depending on the number of applicants. For a multiple-entry e-visa with the same processing time, the total cost is $73, $72, or $71. The Vietnam visa on arrival also requires two types of fees: the government fee ($25 for a single entry visa or $50 for a multiple entry visa) and the service fee, which varies depending on the type of visa, the number of applicants, and the processing time. The stamping fee for a Vietnam visa on arrival is fixed by the Vietnam Ministry of Finance and must be paid in cash.

The Voyage of Possibilities

The Vietnamese passport is not just a travel document; it’s an emblem of boundless opportunities. Through its pages, Vietnamese citizens can bridge cultures, traverse terrains, and create cherished memories. Bearing the spirit of Vietnam, this passport is a testament that the world is a tapestry woven with threads of curiosity, adventure, and exploration.