Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining a Vietnamese Visa

Types of Vietnamese Visas

Vietnam issues several visa types based on the purpose of your visit:

• Diplomatic and Official Visa: This visa is issued to diplomats or officials visiting Vietnam on official duties. Applicants must provide an official letter from their government or international organization. There is typically no fee for this visa, although it may vary depending on reciprocal agreements between Vietnam and the applicant's country.

• Business Visa: Intended for those who are visiting Vietnam for business purposes. Applicants need a sponsorship from a Vietnamese entity and can opt for multiple entries with a stay of up to three or six months.

• Tourist Visa: The most common visa for travelers, it allows a one-month single entry. Extensions are possible for an additional 30 days after arrival. For longer stays or multiple entries, a three-month multiple-entry visa is required, which must be arranged through local agents in Vietnam.

Applying for a Vietnamese Visa

There are two main ways to apply for a Vietnamese visa: directly through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or via a local travel agent.

Applying on Your Own

When applying by yourself, you will need:

• A passport with at least six months of validity
• Completed visa application forms
• Additional documents as required by the Vietnamese embassy or consulate

Visa application forms can be obtained directly from the embassy or consulate, or by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Some embassies may accept email requests. Processing times for tourist visas typically range from four to five working days. Fees vary by location; for instance, it's about $50 in Bangkok and $85 in Washington, D.C.

Applying Through a Local Agent

Local agents can provide two types of services:

1. Visa on Arrival: With an Approval Letter arranged by the agent, you can get your visa stamped upon arrival at the airport in Vietnam.

2. Visa Approval Letter: This service includes obtaining the Approval Letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department. You must then apply for the visa stamp at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

General Procedure for Vietnam Visa Application

1. Submit Personal Information: Provide your full name, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport number, date of arrival, port of arrival, length of stay, and preferred location for visa stamping.

2. Approval Letter: The agent submits your information to the Vietnam Immigration Office to obtain the Approval Letter.

3. Receiving the Approval Letter: After four working days, the Approval Letter is issued and sent to both the agent and the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country.

4. Final Steps: The agent emails you the Approval Letter, which you must print out and present for visa stamping.

Important Notes

• Bring two recent passport-sized photos (3cm x 4cm).
• Visa stamp fees are as follows: $25 for a one-month visa, $50 for a three-month visa, and $100 for a six-month visa.

Interesting Stats and Facts

Vietnam has seen a significant increase in tourism over the years. According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the country welcomed approximately 18 million international visitors in 2019, a year-on-year increase of 16.2% Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected travel, and these numbers have since changed.

As travel restrictions begin to ease, Vietnam is expected to regain its popularity as a travel destination. The ease of obtaining a visa on arrival has made the country more accessible to tourists, contributing to the growth of the tourism sector.

For more information on the visa application process and to find the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate, you can visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam website.