Getting a Vietnamese Visa

Flying into Hanoi

Visiting Vietnam requires a visa, for most countries. Check here to see if you need one. There are two options when considering a visa. 1) Visa on arrival and 2) Applying at the embassy. They are both quite easy but different. For instance, visa on arrival on works if you are flying into Vietnam by air. If you are taking a bus other other transportation into Vietnam you need to have your visa beforehand. Depending on the country you live in you may not be able to apply for a visa on arrival. Below you will find steps to help you get your Vietnamese visa.

photo from vietnamvisa.com

Visa on Arrival

 Step 1
The first step in getting your visa is to apply for a Vietnamese visa online. Click here to fill out the form. The cost to apply for for the visa is dependant on the type of visa you are applying for (e.g tourist, business or single or multiple entry) and is payable online with a credit card, paypal, western union or bank transfer. Click here to see the options. 
*Make sure you do this at least 2 weeks before your trip.

Step 2
After your payment is recieved your visa approval letter will begin its process. This normally takes 2 or more days. You can also pay a little extra and get an urgent visa. Once the approval letter is ready it will be emailed to you. Once you get the email containing your approval letter make sure to print it and keep it with your passport.
* The approval letters are usually done in group, so don't be alarmed if you see a bunch of names that you don't know.

Step 3
You will only be able to get a visa on arrival at 3 airports in Vietnam; Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh and Nha Trang City. When you land at one of these airports take your approval letter and passport along with 2 passport photos (04x06cm) to the visa on arrival counter. You will have to pay a stamping fee to get your visa in your passport. For a single entry visa the fee is $25US, multiple entry $50US for 3 months, $95US for 6 months multiple entry and $135US for 1 year multiple entry. Wait time varies depending on the number of people waiting for visas.
* Make sure to have US currency because you have to pay in cash! 

Vietnamese visa stamp

Vietnamese Embassy

Depending on what country you reside from your visa requirements will differ. The best thing for you do is research the closest Vietnamese embassy which will have a website with detailed instuctions. Most likely you will be following these steps:

 Step 1
Download or pick up a Vietnamese visa application form and fill it out. Get a set of standard sized passport pictures (04x06cm) to send along with your application. 

Step 2
Make sure you have all the right documentation, then go in person to the Vietnamese Embassy to send in your visa application with the appropriate visa fee. Or send your visa application, passport, photos and fee by mail to the Vietnamese Embassy.
*Make sure to check the visa processing times at the local Vietnamese Embassy. Don't forget to leave enough time to get your visa before your trip.

Step 3
It usually takes 5 business days for your visa to be processed. Contact the embassy where you dropped off your application to find out when you can pick it up if they did not already tell you. When you pick up your passport the visa stamp will already be attached.