Frequently asked questions about the Vietnamese visa procedures

Vietnamese visa procedures Overview

Traveling to Vietnam in 2023 may require obtaining a visa, depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. In this guide, we will cover the necessary steps and procedures for obtaining a Vietnamese visa.

1. Determine your eligibility for a Vietnamese visa Firstly, you need to determine if you are eligible for a Vietnamese visa. Citizens from certain countries, such as South Korea, Japan, and most European nations, do not require a visa for short-term visits (up to 15 days). However, if you are planning to stay longer or have a different nationality, you will need to apply for a visa.

2. Choose the type of visa There are different types of visas for Vietnam, depending on the purpose of your visit. The most common ones are tourist visas, business visas, and student visas. Make sure to choose the right type of visa for your trip.

3. Apply for a visa online The easiest way to obtain a Vietnamese visa is by applying online through the official government website. The process is simple and can be done from anywhere in the world. You will need to provide personal information, travel details, and upload a digital photo and a scanned copy of your passport.

4. Get an approval letter After submitting your online application, you will receive an approval letter via email. This usually takes 2-3 business days, but it can take longer during peak seasons. The approval letter serves as proof that your visa has been approved, and you will need to present it upon arrival in Vietnam.

5. Prepare necessary documents In addition to the approval letter, you will need to prepare other necessary documents for your trip. These may include a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining, a completed entry/exit form, and two recent passport-sized photos.

6. Obtain a visa stamp upon arrival Once you arrive in Vietnam, you will need to present your approval letter, passport, and other required documents at the visa counter. You will then pay a stamping fee (varies depending on the type of visa) and receive a visa stamp on your passport. This process usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

7. Extend your visa if needed If you want to stay longer in Vietnam than the validity period of your visa, you can apply for an extension through the Vietnam Immigration Department. The process is similar to obtaining a visa, but it must be done before your current visa expires.

8. Other options for obtaining a Vietnamese visa Aside from applying online, you can also obtain a Vietnamese visa through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country. This may require more time and effort, as you will need to visit the embassy in person and submit your application.

In conclusion, obtaining a Vietnamese visa in 2023 is a straightforward process that can be done online. Make sure to plan ahead and check the latest visa requirements and regulations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip to Vietnam.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Vietnamese Visa Procedures 2023

Q: What types of visas are available for Vietnam?

A: There are several types of visas available for Vietnam, including:

• Tourist visa: This visa is valid for up to 90 days and allows for multiple entries.
• Business visa: This visa is valid for up to 30 days and allows for single or multiple entries.
• Work visa: This visa is valid for up to 3 months and can be extended.
• Student visa: This visa is valid for the duration of the applicant’s studies.
• Family visa: This visa is issued to spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens.

Q: How can I apply for a Vietnamese visa?

A: There are three main ways to apply for a Vietnamese visa:

• Visa on arrival: This is the most convenient option for most travelers. To apply for a visa on arrival, you will need to obtain a visa approval letter from a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. This can be done online or in person. Once you have your visa approval letter, you can present it at any international airport in Vietnam to obtain your visa.
• E-visa: E-visas are available to citizens of certain countries. To apply for an e-visa, you will need to fill out an online application and provide your passport information and a photo. Once your e-visa is approved, you will receive a confirmation email. Print out this email and present it at immigration when you arrive in Vietnam.
• Embassy or consulate: You can also apply for a Vietnamese visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. This is the least convenient option, but it may be necessary if you are not eligible for a visa on arrival or e-visa.

Q: What are the requirements for a Vietnamese visa?

A: The requirements for a Vietnamese visa vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. However, some general requirements include:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• Two passport-sized photos
• A completed visa application form
• A visa approval letter (if applicable)
• Visa fee

Q: How long does it take to get a Vietnamese visa?

A: The processing time for a Vietnamese visa varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the method you are using to apply. Visa on arrival approval letters are typically processed within 2-3 business days. E-visas are typically processed within 3-4 business days. Visas applied for at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate can take up to 7 business days to process.

Q: How much does a Vietnamese visa cost?

A: The cost of a Vietnamese visa varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the country you are applying from. Visa on arrival approval letters typically cost around USD25. E-visas typically cost around USD30. Visas applied for at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate can cost up to USD50.

Q: Can I extend my Vietnamese visa?

A: Yes, it is possible to extend your Vietnamese visa. However, this is only possible for certain types of visas, such as tourist visas and business visas. To extend your visa, you will need to submit an application to the Vietnamese Immigration Department.

I hope this answers some of your frequently asked questions about the Vietnamese visa procedures in 2023. For more information, please visit the website of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

More Q&A

1. Which visa are available? And what kind of Visa I can apply for?
Friends Travel Vietnam only request tourist VOA’s Visa on arrival letter
The following visas are available
– 01-month single entry – Allows you to stay in Vietnam for 1 month and only enter the country once.
– 01-month multiple entries – Allows you to stay in Vietnam for 1 month and enter and leave the country several times.
– 03 months single entry – Allows you to stay in Vietnam for 3 months and enter the country once.
– 03 months multiple entries – Allows you to stay in Vietnam for 3 months and to enter and leave the country several times.

2. Single or multiple entries?
With a single entry, you can enter Vietnam once. As soon as you leave the country, the visa expires.
With a multiple entry, you can enter Vietnam several times within the validity period.
This is ideal for travelers who want to do a short visit to a neighboring country, for example.

3. How do I fill out the ‘application for entry and exit visa’ form?
See the example below. Make sure you write clear and in capital letters.
Extra: ID-number is your passport number including letters and numbers.
You can leave number 17 open and write the name of your family members +  relation at number 11   

4. What do I have to fill in at “number 17” at the “Application for entry & exit visa form?
You can leave this one open.

5. What do I have to fill in at “number 11” at the “Application for entry & exit visa form?
Fill in your family members + relationship. For example Jack Doe + Father

6. How long in advance can I apply for my visa (VOA)?
You can start the application 12 months in advance.

7. How long does take the VOA application process and is there an urgent option?
An application for a VOA takes 1-4 working days (excluding Saturday, Sunday and public holidays).
If you want to request a VOA urgently, then there is the urgent VOA procedure. This application takes 1 to 2 days. (excluding Saturday, Sunday and public holidays)

8. Is it possible to arrive before or after the arrival date I applied for my approval letter?
No, you can’t arrive earlier than the start date mentioned on your letter.
It’s no problem to arrive day(s) later then the requested date.
Please keep in mind that you visa will start on the requested date anyway!
If there a chance that your flight will be moved forward?
Then make sure that the date on the invitation letter starts 2 days earlier.
Keep in mind that your end date is 2 days earlier as well. Arriving later than the start date is possible.

9. Is it allowed to present the documents digitally at the airport on arrival?
No Unfortunately not. ALL documents need to be printed out to receive your visa. The Visa Application Form must even be printed twice.
Do not forget to print everything. 

10. Is it possible to fly to another airport than the one I have filled in on my application form?
Yes. This is not a problem at all. As long as you enter via an international airport, you can apply for your visa.
Make sure you have printed out the correct documents. You can enter at the following airports: Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Phu Quoc, Da Nang and Cam Ranh.

11. I arrive with a bus, boat or train to Vietnam. Can I use the VOA procedure?
No. In this case you have to apply through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in the country you are staying.

12. I arrive with an airplane but want to leave with a bus, boat or train. Is that allowed with the VOA procedure?
Yes. With the visa you can leave the country through all borders.
With a multiple entry visa, except for the first time (when you need to arrive by plane), you can travel back into Vietnam via the borders as well.

13. I want to enter and exit from different airports. Is this allowed?
Yes. You can enter and leave through all international airports. 

14. How can I pay for my visa service?
You can pay Friend Travel Vietnam by credit card online or PayPal. At the airport, you have to pay the immigration department in US dollars or Vietnamese Dong.
There are no ATM’s at the airport, so make sure you already have dollars with you. 

15. I didn’t succeed to pay on your website. What should I do?
Sometimes credit card payments don’t work. You can simply try again or contact us for assistance. In most cases, we can help you right away.
Usually, we send a PayPal link to you email, which you can use to pay. If you are not sure whether the payment is successful or not, you can contact us.

16. What is ‘stamping fee’?
This is the amount that you pay to the Vietnamese government for the visa processing at the airport.
After the payment you get your stamp in your passport and you can enter Vietnam.
For Single entry the costs are 25USD per visa and for multiple entry 50USD per visa. Make sure you have this amount in cash with you (in USD).

17. The information on the approval letter is incorrect. What should I do?
If there is an error in your approval letter (including small spelling/typos) contact us directly.
The letter is not valid and you can be refused by your airline or by the immigration department.
Always check if the information on the letter is right when receiving the letter from us. Don’t wait until the departure date.

18. I made a mistake in my application. Is it possible to change the information in the approval letter?
It is important that the information in the approval letter is correct. We can’t change the application letters, but will apply for a new letter with the immigration department on your request.
The standard processing time of 1 – 4 working days after you apply.
All correction requests, with a processing time of 4 working days, with exception of visa type and visa start entry date, are free of charge, if we didn’t process the correct information.
An emergency visa application is possible to request with us, see our price listing
For changes in visa type or the start date charge will be applicable following our price listing

19. I applied for a VOA, but I didn’t receive a confirmation of my VOA request email within 24 hours.
It might have ended up in your ‘spam-box’. Check your spam folder.
If you find it here keep an eye on your spam folder because our other emails might also go directly into your spam folder.
Otherwise, mail us directly!

20. Does the passport pictures that I have to take with me for my Application form have to be the same as the photo on my passport?
No. It may be other photos. Vietnam is not as strict as the European requirements. Make sure that both photos you submit are the same and in color. Formats accepted: 4×6, 3×5 or 2×4.

21. How can I arrange the visa for Vietnam in the neighboring countries of Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand?
By plane to Vietnam? Then is your best option to use our Visa on Arrival service.
Per country? Then you can unfortunately not use this and we recommend you to apply for a visa at a Vietnamese embassy, travel agency or hostel. The amounts will be higher than a VOA request

22. Can I extend the visa in Vietnam?
Yes. This can easily be done at a travel agency. We also extend visas at our office. You get your passport with visa back after a few days. But the extension cost can be high!

23. Can I apply for a business visa?
No. Friends Travel Vietnam only request tourist visa on arrivals for their clients.

24. How do I obtain the visa in Vietnam?
When you arrive at the airport you go to the immigration desk before you go through customs.
Hand over the correct forms and wait until the visa is ready. Make sure you have the right papers and hand over the amount in US dollars.

25. Do I have to apply for a visa for my children?
Yes. Children need a visa just like adults. For this, you simply follow the same online procedure.
If your child is still in your passport, you only need the authorization letter. With an own passport, you also have to pay a stamp fee for children.

26. I travel with a group, do I have to apply for a visa for everyone?
Yes, every traveler must apply for a separate visa for Vietnam. Both children and adults. You can’t enter Vietnam without a visa.

27. What do I do if my visa application is denied?
If this is, unfortunately, the case, we will refund the purchase price if the application is rejected. Then contact your consultancy or Vietnamese embassy at the place you are living they can help you further.

28. Can I fly to Vietnam without a visa and buy my visa at the airport?
No. Your visa has to be applied for before departure using the VOA procedure or an embassy or consulate.
When checking in the airline will ask to show your visa or approval letter. If you can’t present it, you can’t board the plane.
29. Is the visa on arrival the same visa as the one you get at an embassy or consulate?
Yes, both visas are identical.
30. What’s the convenience when you apply for a VOA procedure compared to the Vietnamese embassy or consulate?
– The cost is lower with the VOA procedure
– You can apply easily online
– You don’t have to send or temporarily give your passport
– You can do the VOA procedure from anywhere in the world
– You can contact us 24-7 with your questions

31. What are the inconveniences?
When arriving on the airport in Vietnam, you will have to wait for your visa to be ready.
Waiting time is between 10 and 50 minutes depending on how many co-applicants are there.
You can give your documents to the visa officer and wait for your visa to be ready so you don’t have to wait in line.

32. What’s exactly the meaning of ‘ visa on arrival approval letter of ’?
The approval letter is a letter issued by the Vietnamese immigration department which allows you to get a visa on arrival at an international airport in Vietnam.
In this letter you will find some of your personal details and the validity period for your visa.
When you fill out the application form with Friends Travel Vietnam we send it to the immigration department in Hanoi. Make sure that you print the approval letter.
You show the letter on the airport (together with the other necessary documents) in order to receive the visa. 
33. Is the VOA actually my visa?
No. The VOA is the authorization letter with which you can collect your visa at the airport.
Take this letter to the immigration office at the airport and you will receive your visa after paying 25USD or 50USD. It depends on type of VOA you requested.
34. From where can I apply for a VOA?
You can apply for your VOA online from anywhere in the world. This will be done online and we send the authorization letter to you by e-mail.
Then you only have to print it out. It’s that easy!

35. Why are there several people on the authorization letter?
The Vietnamese government is doing this to save costs and time. There are random persons on the same letter. If you don’t want this, you can request a private letter for a small additional charge (€ 3 per person). This ensures that only your details are on the letter.

36. I am a Vietnamese passport holder. Do I have to follow the VOA procedure?
When you are a Vietnamese passport holder, but you are not living in Vietnam you can travel to Vietnam visa-free. We do advise to contact the Vietnamese Embassy for further information what will be required.
There is a possibility that you need to apply for a visa exemption document, which you have to present upon arrival. Unfortunately, Friends Travel Vietnam can’t help you with this. 

37. How safe is it to share my personal information online with Friends Travel Vietnam and what happens to my personal information?
Friends Travel Vietnam uses your personal information for the visa application. This goes through a secured connection. We won’t provide your personal information to third parties, except for the Vietnamese immigration department.
We conform to legal requirements regarding saving personal information. They will be deleted one year after we received them.
Via our website, you pay through your (payment) method of choice. In case you have further questions about the security of the VOA procedure please contact us. 

38. How does the money back guarantee work?
Friends Travel Vietnam takes customer satisfaction very seriously. Should there be any reason you are not satisfied with our services, we provide a money back guarantee based on the complaint.
If your visa application gets denied, we always refund the paid amount.
39. Is it possible to get an invoice/receipt regarding the VOA application fee?
Yes. Send an email to [email protected] with the application number or the email address used for the application. We will send your invoice/receipt to your email.

40. Is it possible to get the visa at night and on national holidays at international airports?
Yes, the immigration department is always open 24-7.