Introduction to Vietnam e-Visa

Vietnam is a picturesque Southeast Asian country, attracting millions of tourists every year. The Vietnamese government has made it easier for travelers to visit the country by introducing an electronic visa (e-Visa) system. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about Vietnam e-Visa, including eligibility criteria, required documents, fees, and processing time.

How to apply for a Vietnam e-Visa online?

The process of applying for a Vietnam e-Visa is straightforward and can be done entirely online. Here are the steps involved:

1. Visit the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.
2. Fill out the application form with all the necessary information, such as personal details, passport information, and travel plans.
3. Upload a scanned copy of your passport’s biographical page and a passport-sized photograph.
4. Pay the e-Visa fee using one of the available payment methods, such as credit/debit card or PayPal.
5. Submit the application and wait for the e-Visa to be processed.

 

Eligibility criteria for Vietnam e-Visa application

Not everyone is eligible to apply for a Vietnam e-Visa. The following are the eligibility criteria that must be met to apply for a Vietnam e-Visa:

1. The intended stay in Vietnam should not exceed 30 days.
2. The purpose of the visit must be tourism, business, or transit.
3. The applicant must hold a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Vietnam.
4. The applicant must be a citizen of one of the eligible countries listed on the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.

 

Documents required for Vietnam e-Visa application

To apply for a Vietnam e-Visa, you will need to provide certain documents. The following are the documents required:

1. A scanned copy of your passport’s biographical page
2. A passport-sized photograph with a white background
3. Travel itinerary and accommodation details
4. Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in Vietnam (such as bank statements or a credit card)
5. A return ticket or onward travel booking

 

Processing time for Vietnam e-Visa application

The processing time for a Vietnam e-Visa is typically three working days. However, it can take longer in some cases, such as if there are issues with the application or if additional documentation is required. It is recommended that you apply for your e-Visa at least one week before your intended travel date to allow for any potential delays.

Validity and extension of Vietnam e-Visa

A Vietnam e-Visa is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days. It is valid for 30 days from the date of entry stated on the e-Visa. It is not possible to extend a Vietnam e-Visa beyond the initial 30-day period.

 

Using Vietnam e-Visa for entry and exit

When you arrive in Vietnam with an e-Visa, you will need to present the e-Visa along with your passport to the immigration officer. The officer will verify your details and stamp your passport. It is essential to ensure that all the details on your e-Visa are accurate before presenting it to the immigration officer.

When leaving Vietnam, you will need to present your passport and e-Visa at the immigration checkpoint. The immigration officer will verify your details and check that your stay in Vietnam does not exceed the allowed 30 days. If everything is in order, the officer will allow you to exit the country.

List of Ports that allowed foreigners enter and exit Vietnam by E-visa.

There are currently 33 ports in Vietnam that allow foreigners to enter and exit the country using an e-visa. These ports include:

1. International Airports:
2. Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
3. Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong)
4. Da Nang International Airport (Da Nang)
5. Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
6. Can Tho International Airport (Can Tho)
7. Cam Ranh International Airport (Khanh Hoa)
8. Phu Quoc International Airport (Phu Quoc Island)

2. Land Border:
3. Mong Cai Landport (Quang Ninh Province)
4. Huu Nghi Landport (Lang Son Province)
5. Lao Cai Landport (Lao Cai Province)
6. Nam Can Landport (Nghe An Province)
7. Cau Treo Landport (Ha Tinh Province)
8. Cha Lo Landport (Quang Binh Province)
9. La Lay Landport (Quang Tri Province)
10. Lao Bao Landport (Quang Tri Province)
11. Bo Y Landport (Kon Tum Province)
12. Moc Bai Landport (Tay Ninh Province)
13. Xa Mat Landport (Tay Ninh Province)
14. Tinh Bien Landport (An Giang Province)
15. Song Tien Landport (An Giang Province)

3. Seaports:
4. Hon Gai Port (Quang Ninh Province)
5. Hai Phong Port (Hai Phong City)
6. Da Nang Port (Da Nang City)
7. Quy Nhon Port (Binh Dinh Province)
8. Nha Trang Port (Khanh Hoa Province)
9. Vung Tau Port (Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province)
10. Ho Chi Minh City Port (Ho Chi Minh City)

It’s worth noting that not all ports in Vietnam accept e-visas, and travelers should check the list of designated ports before applying for an e-visa. Additionally, some immigration checkpoints at the borders may not be equipped to process electronic visas, so it is advisable to confirm with the relevant authorities before making travel arrangements.

Advantages and limitations of Vietnam e-Visa

Vietnam e-Visa offers several advantages over traditional visa application methods. Some of these advantages include:

1. Convenience: The entire process of applying for an e-Visa can be done online from anywhere in the world, making it a convenient option for travelers.

2. Time-saving: Applying for an e-Visa is typically faster than applying for a traditional visa. The processing time for an e-Visa is only three working days, while a traditional visa can take much longer.

3. Cost-effective: The fee for an e-Visa is relatively low compared to the cost of obtaining a traditional visa.

However, there are also some limitations to consider when applying for a Vietnam e-Visa, such as:

1. 30-day limit: A Vietnam e-Visa allows a stay of up to 30 days only. If you plan to stay in Vietnam for more than 30 days, you will need to apply for a traditional visa.

2. Single entry only: An e-Visa is valid for a single entry only. If you plan to leave Vietnam and return during your trip, you will need to apply for a new e-Visa or a traditional visa.

3. Limited eligibility: Not all nationalities are eligible to apply for an e-Visa. Check the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department to confirm eligibility.

Conclusion

Vietnam e-Visa has made it easier for travelers to visit Vietnam by simplifying the visa application process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can apply for an e-Visa and enjoy your trip to Vietnam hassle-free. Remember to check your eligibility before applying and allow sufficient time for processing. With an e-Visa in hand, you can explore all that Vietnam has to offer with ease.