Entry regulations

All Western visitors to Vietnam must have visas. Arranging a visa for Vietnam is relatively straightforward but is generally more time-consuming and expensive than for countries like Cambodia or Thailand. Regulations concerning visas change on a regular basis, so it is important to check with an embassy or consulate at least two weeks before a planned visit to confirm the latest details. Still, the bureaucracy surrounding tourist visas for Vietnam has reduced markedly in recent years.

Many nationals of countries in ASEAN can get visas on arrival to Vietnam. Almost all other nationalities must organize their visas in advance of traveling to Vietnam. Thailand and Cambodia are two of the easiest places to get visas for Vietnam. In Phnom Penh, the Vietnam tourist visa can be organized in just 24 hours. In Bangkok, visitors should allow for about a week for the visa application to be processed. A single-entry tourist visa for Vietnam costs around US$20 for a one-month stay and US$35 for a three-month stay.

For tourist visas, a passport with a validity of at least one month beyond the date of exit from Vietnam is required. For some visas, this requirement is extended to six months. Depending on the city in which the visa application is made and the type of visa, the application can be made in person, by mail or online. Though the standard turnaround for visa applications is five to seven days, a 48-hour express service is offered.

Travelers heading to Vietnam on organized tours will generally have all of their visa requirements handled by the travel company or tour agency. Depending on the length of stay and the planned itinerary, there may be further documentation requirements.

When applying for a business visa to Vietnam, it is necessary to supply a letter from the visitor’s sponsors in Vietnam or from the applicant’s existing employer. The letter must state the purpose of the visit and how long the applicant intends to stay in Vietnam. In Western countries, the visa can take five to seven days to be processed. If applying for the visa in a neighboring country, like Cambodia, business visas can often be supplied in 24 hours.