🇻🇳 Getting a Visa for Vietnam: The Ultimate 2025 Guide
Here’s everything you need to know to apply for a Vietnam visa quickly and correctly, no matter where you’re from.
✅ Who Needs a Visa for Vietnam?
Most travelers need a visa unless they are from one of the visa-exempt countries. For example:
- 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇯🇵 Japan, and 🇰🇷 South Korea enjoy visa-free stays up to 45 days.
- Citizens of ASEAN countries may have visa exemptions from 14–30 days depending on nationality.
🔍 Not sure if you need a visa? If your country is not on the exemption list, you’ll need to apply before arrival.
🛂 Types of Vietnam Visas
| Visa Type | Validity | Entry Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| e-Visa | Up to 90 days | Single/Multiple | Tourism, business, family |
| Visa on Arrival (VOA) | 30–90 days | Single/Multiple | Air travelers only |
| Embassy Visa | Varies | Based on approval | Work, study, long-term stay |
✈️ 1. Vietnam e-Visa – The Most Convenient Option
🌐 What Is It?
The Vietnam e-Visa is an electronic visa issued by the Vietnamese Immigration Department for travelers from over 200 countries.
📝 Requirements:
- Passport valid for 6 months beyond entry date
- Digital passport-size photo (white background)
- Passport biographic page (scanned)
- Valid email address and credit/debit card
💵 Fee:
- $25 USD for single entry
- $50 USD for multiple entry
🕒 Processing Time:
- 3–5 business days (faster options available)
🛬 Accepted at 42 border gates, including:
- Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport)
- Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat)
- Da Nang, Cam Ranh, and more
..
🛬 2. Visa on Arrival (VOA) – For Air Travel Only
If you’re arriving by plane, Visa on Arrival is another option. You’ll need to obtain a Visa Approval Letter online in advance.
📋 How It Works:
- Apply for Approval Letter via a reputable visa agency
- Receive the letter by email (2–3 days or faster for urgent cases)
- Print it, prepare 2 passport-sized photos
- On arrival in Vietnam, go to the VOA desk
- Pay the stamping fee in cash (USD only)
💵 Stamping Fee:
- $25 USD (single entry)
- $50 USD (multiple entry)
📌 Not valid for land or sea entry.
🏢 3. Embassy/Consulate Visa – Traditional Method
For long-term stays, employment, or study, apply directly at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
📋 Requirements vary based on visa type:
- Passport, photos, application form
- Invitation letter (for business/work)
- Proof of finances, travel plan, etc.
📍 Find your nearest embassy via Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
⚡ Need a Visa Urgently?
Trusted services like VisaOnlineVietnam.com offer:
- Urgent e-Visa within 24 hours
- Immediate visa in 1–2 hours (emergency service)
- Airport fast track service for quicker immigration
💡 Tips for Smooth Vietnam Visa Approval
✅ Apply at least 7–10 days before your trip
✅ Double-check passport details and travel dates
✅ Use clear and recent photos
✅ Keep a printed copy of your visa (PDF format)
✅ Always carry USD cash for VOA stamping fees
✅ Book your accommodation in advance for e-Visa form
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Can I extend my Vietnam e-Visa?
As of 2025, visa extensions are possible, but must be arranged through a local travel agency or immigration office in Vietnam.
❓ Can I apply for e-Visa if I enter by land or sea?
✅ Yes! Vietnam’s e-Visa is valid at land borders and seaports.
❓ Can I enter Vietnam without a visa?
✅ Only if you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country and meet the stay limits.
❓ What if I’m traveling with family?
You can apply as a group/family via e-Visa or VOA service providers.
⚡ Express Vietnam Visa: Urgent Travel? No Problem!
Need a visa in a hurry? Whether your flight is in a few hours or the next day, VisaOnlineVietnam offers Express and Emergency Vietnam Visa Services – 100% guaranteed, even on weekends and holidays.
⏱️ Processing Time Options:
| Service Type | Processing Time | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Same-Day Visa | 4–8 working hours | Mon–Fri (before 2:30 PM VN time) |
| Emergency Visa | 1–4 working hours | All days (inc. Sat–Sun, holidays) |
| Weekend Visa | Within a few hours | With flight info confirmation |
| Requested Flight Visa | Visa timed to your flight | For urgent weekend/holiday arrivals |
✅ What You Need for an Express Visa:
- Valid Passport (scan/photo)
- Flight ticket (for weekend or immediate service)
- Recent passport photo (digital)
- Email and WhatsApp for instant communication
- Submit via: VisaOnlineVietnam.com
💡 Pro Tips for Express Vietnam Visa Applicants:
- 📤 Apply early in the day (before 2:30 PM Vietnam time) for same-day delivery.
- 🛬 For flights arriving on weekends/holidays, choose “Requested Flight” service.
- 🚖 Combine with Airport Fast Track to skip immigration lines on arrival.
- 🎫 Book refundable tickets until your visa is confirmed (just in case).
- 💳 Be ready to pay online via credit card, PayPal, WeChat Pay, or Alipay.
- 📞 Stay in touch: Fast responses are critical – use WhatsApp or phone for urgent support.
🎯 Who Should Use Express Visa Services?
- Business travelers with last-minute meetings
- Tourists who missed the regular deadline
- Travelers with changed or canceled flights
- Anyone who forgot to apply in advance.
🎯 Conclusion
Getting a visa for Vietnam is easier than ever with multiple options available. Whether you choose the fast-track e-Visa, the flexible Visa on Arrival, or the traditional embassy route, you’ll find a method that fits your travel plans.
👉 For fast, reliable visa support, contact VisaOnlineVietnam.com — your trusted partner for smooth entry to Vietnam!
I am an Irish Citizen living in the UK. Please do I need a tourist visa to travel to Viet?nam on vacation for 15 days