Important information for travellers entering Vietnam:

Citizens of Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia and Laos are granted 30 days on arrival.

Citizens of Japan, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and South Korea receive 15 days on arrival.

French nationals in possession of valid diplomatic passports don’t need a visa, and can stay for up to three months at a time.

All other citizens entering Vietnam need a valid passport and visa. Visas can be obtained from Vietnamese consulates and embassies. Visas are not granted on arrival so it is imperative to arrange before travelling to Vietnam. Travellers should coordinate dates on their visa and dates of travel carefully, as making changes in Vietnam can be complicated and expensive.

Tourist visas last 30 days, but can be extended while inside Vietnam. Double entry visas are suitable for travellers who intend to visit surrounding countries such as Cambodia or Thailand. The cost of the visa varies, and is set by individual embassies.

You will be required to fill out three application forms, and submit three passport sized photos. One application should be posted to your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate, while the other two should be handed over when entering the country.

The visa process for Vietnam can leave many people confused. To save yourself disappointment when boarding your flight, read our tips on Vietnam visas so that you know the requirements before you arrive.

Travellers of most nationalities require a visa to enter Vietnam, with the exception of ASEAN nationals who can visit for up to 30 days without a visa. Select nations such as Japan, Finland and Sweden also have arrangements with Vietnam that allow their citizens to visit for up to 15 days without a visa.

The rest of us have to apply for a tourist visa. These come in two categories: 1 month or 3 months. Those visiting for business purposes may be granted longer stays. If you need to travel in and out during the validity of your visa, make sure you pay a little extra for a multiple entry visa.

Extensions are available in Vietnam for some visas but the process can be confusing for first-timers so this task is best outsourced to a local travel agent.

Vietnam has in recent years introduced pre-arranged online visas that allow visitors to board flights to Vietnam with a booking code and then pay for and receive a visa stamp on arrival. Without a pre-approved visa or an actual visa stamp in your passport, you won’t be permitted to board a flight bound for Vietnam.

If you plan to cross at a land border you will need to have a visa stamp in your passport as visas are strictly not available on arrival and pre-approved visa letters are only accepted at Vietnam’s international airports.

Ao dais and bicycles
Travel Vietnam virtually here, as we reveal the country weekly on this travel professional’s blog. From the Delta in the South to Sapa in the North we cover all the sightseeing, culture, history, food, entertainment, hospitality and activities travellers can expect to see and do in Vietnam.

We’ve been travelling Southeast Asia for years, here’s a full blown info resource with colourful pics and video clips to get you all excited about visiting Vietnam.

Whether you are visiting Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Sapa or Dalat, you can plan your trip here.

Tip! You can get some good discounts on hotel rooms and accommodation for Vietnam, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on discounthotels.co.uk