Vietnam visas made easy

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.