Vietnam Entry Policy and the Vietname eVisa

Processing Steps

Online Application

Form is received and reviewed.

Receive Document

Receive the approved document.

Arrive in Vietnam

Present the document upon arrival.

Vietnam eVisa Processing Details

Vietnam Entry Process  

Vietnam’s alluring blend of culture, history, and landscapes has made it a hotbed for international tourists. Simplifying the entry process, Vietnam extends visa-free entry to about 25 countries, including Italy, Cambodia, and France, among others. Travelers from these nations can enter Vietnam simply with a valid passport, eliminating the need for additional visa processing. 

For those who require visas, the Vietnamese government has introduced the eVisa program. Applicants can easily submit their details on the official government website, pay the requisite fee, and receive their visa electronically, thereby streamlining the process. 

However, the eVisa isn’t available to all nationalities, and the duration of stay is often limited. In such cases, regular tourist visas, business visas, and other visa categories come into play. These are dependent on the visitor’s nationality, purpose, and intended duration of the visit. 

Applying for these visas involves a more traditional approach. Applicants must approach a Vietnamese consular mission in their home country with the necessary documents and a duly filled application form. After the evaluation of the provided information, the consular office issues the appropriate visa. Despite being slightly more complex, this process offers greater flexibility in terms of the visa’s validity period and purpose. 

Visa-Free Entry to Vietnam  

Vietnam’s visa exemption policy is a significant draw for international tourists, permitting foreigners from around 25 eligible countries to enter and stay in Vietnam for a specific duration without the need to apply for a visa or incur visa-related fees. However, this privilege is only available if travelers comply with certain stipulations. Notably, British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are not eligible for the 15-day visa-free exemption and must acquire a valid visa for their Vietnam visit. 

Interestingly, Vietnam extends an exclusive exemption for foreign passports traveling to Phu Quoc Island, allowing them a visa-free stay of up to 30 days. This exemption applies even if these travelers transit through other international airports in Vietnam en route to Phu Quoc. 

Business travelers also benefit from visa exemption, provided they hold a valid APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC), permitting them to stay for no longer than 60 days without a visa. A significant change was enacted on July 1, 2020, wherein the previous rule requiring a 30-day gap between two entries was abolished. Consequently, tourists from visa-free countries can now leave and re-enter Vietnam immediately, without any mandated waiting period. 

Entry or Exit (NA1) form for Vietnam  

The Vietnam Entry and Exit Form (NA 1) is a crucial document for foreign passengers flying into Vietnam, especially those who are eligible for a visa on arrival in the country. This form is typically provided either on the flight or upon arrival at a Vietnamese airport. Once filled out, the form should be handed back to the immigration officer, who will then stamp the passport with a visa-on-arrival or an entry stamp for those who have pre-arranged visas. To expedite this process, travelers may also consider downloading and completing the form in advance. 

While the form suggests submitting two copies, only one completed form is required in actual practice when at the Vietnam airport.  

When filling out the NA 1 form (earlier known as the M3 card), the name and surname should be written in capital letters, matching the passport details. The date of birth should follow the dd/mm/yyyy format, and the sex should be marked as either male or female. The place of birth should include both the city and country names. 

For those with dual nationality, both should be mentioned, using country names like ’United States / United Kingdom’ rather than descriptors such as ’American’ or ’British.’ Passport details should include the passport number, the type (standard/diplomatic/official), the issue date, and the expiry date. For the ’Issued by’ section, refer to the passport for accurate information. 

The profession and place of employment should be consistent with the information provided to the Vietnamese embassy during the visa application. For visa-on-arrival, the current occupation suffices. The present address section should detail the home address in the country of origin. 

If children are accompanying, their details should be included. The purpose of entry and exit should be specified, whether it’s for tourism, business, study, work, or other reasons. The name and address of the contact in Vietnam should be provided — this can be a hotel name for tourists or a company name for business travelers. 

The proposed duration of stay should be as accurate as possible and should correspond with the visa applied for. The port of arrival and departure should be specifically mentioned. In some instances, proof of a return flight ticket may be required. Finally, the ’Done at ... on ....’ section should be completed with the name of the airport or border gate where the entry into Vietnam is being made, followed by the traveler’s signature. 

Entering Vietnam with an ABTC Card  

The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is a travel document issued to business travelers who are citizens of APEC participating economies. The ABTC facilitates short-term business travel within the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) region by providing visa-free travel and expedited immigration processing. 

The ABTC is a valuable tool for frequent business travelers to Vietnam from other APEC member economies. For instance, a businessperson from Australia, Singapore, or Japan - all APEC members - could use their ABTC for simplified and expedited entry into Vietnam. This card offers cardholders visa-free entry for stays of no longer than 60 days. 

The ABTC program streamlines the entry process, helps reduce travel costs, and allows businesspeople to seize opportunities quickly within the APEC region. At present, there are 21 APEC economies participating in the ABTC scheme, making the ABTC a critical tool for promoting business interaction within the Asia-Pacific region. 

Passport Requirements for Entering Vietnam 

To enter Vietnam, foreign nationals need a passport valid for six months beyond the date of entry, with at least two blank visa pages. Vietnam does not allow entry on foreign ID cards. Minors who have their own passport must apply for a visa or eVisa separately.  

Visa requirements vary and may include obtaining a visa in advance or upon arrival, so it’s essential to check with the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate prior to travel. Note that rules can change, so always verify the current regulations with the appropriate authority before traveling. 

Proof of Onward Travel 

When traveling to Vietnam, proof of onward travel may be required, particularly for travelers from countries that do not need a pre-arranged visa for stays up to 14 days or more. Although not frequently asked, it’s prudent to have this proof at hand to ease the entry process. 

Nationals of specific countries can visit Vietnam visa-free, but they must present evidence of an onward ticket. This requirement exists to ensure visitors do not overstay their visa-free privilege. The onward ticket can be a return flight to their home country or a flight to another destination outside Vietnam. 

Moreover, travelers who have obtained their visa in advance from an embassy may also need to show proof of onward travel. Even though immigration staff rarely ask for it, this documentation can be beneficial to have. It’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared when dealing with immigration procedures. 

To provide proof of onward travel, travelers can present a booked and confirmed ticket for a future journey. This could be a plane, bus, or train ticket, showing their intention to leave the country within the visa-free or visa-allowed stay period. The main goal is to convince the immigration officials that the visitor has a plan to exit Vietnam within the allotted time. 

Please note that the rules and requirements may vary and can change without notice. Therefore, travelers should always check the current visa and entry requirements with the relevant Vietnamese authorities before departure. 

Hotel Reservation/ Proof of Funds 

Applicants for a Vietnam visa may need to present proof of accommodation depending on their country of origin. This can include hotel reservations, a letter from a hosting friend or family member, or other verifiable accommodation arrangements.  

Proof of sufficient funds for the stay might also be required. Although immigration officers may not always request these documents upon arrival, it’s advisable to have them ready. These requirements ensure visitors can sustain their stay and have a designated place to stay during their visit.  

Invitation Letter to enter Vietnam  

An invitation letter is an essential document for some types of Vietnamese visas, notably for business travelers planning to enter Vietnam. Issued by the sponsoring company or business partner within Vietnam, this invitation letter is a mandatory requirement for the Business visa application. 

This critical document serves as a formal appeal to Vietnamese authorities, clarifying the visit’s purpose and providing assurance about the visitor’s intention to comply with Vietnamese laws. The invitation letter usually encompasses specifics such as the host organization’s name and address, the visitor’s planned length of stay, and a description of the business activities to be undertaken. 

Furthermore, the letter confirms the existing relationship between the host and the applicant and may state the host’s commitment to bear the applicant’s expenses, if relevant. Crucially, this invitation letter must be composed in Vietnamese and notarized within Vietnam. Given the potential for changing regulations, it’s always advisable to check the current requirements with the appropriate Vietnamese authorities or consulate before submitting a visa application. 

Travel/Health Insurance  

Travelers to Vietnam may be required to provide proof of travel or health insurance, depending on the purpose and duration of their stay. In particular, proof of medical or travel insurance that includes coverage for medical treatment is necessary, with a minimum cover value of USD 10,000 for medical services. This requirement is to ensure that visitors can adequately cover any health-related costs that may arise during their visit.  

While not every visitor may be asked for this documentation upon arrival, it is recommended to have it prepared to prevent any potential issues. Always consult with the relevant Vietnamese authorities or the embassy in the home country for up-to-date entry requirements before the journey. 

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate  

Vietnam does not pose a risk of Yellow Fever; however, the country enforces certain vaccination regulations for incoming travelers. Specifically, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for travelers over one year old arriving from countries where Yellow Fever transmission is a risk. This requirement aims to prevent the introduction and spread of the disease within its borders.  

Therefore, it’s recommended for travelers from these countries to be vaccinated against Yellow Fever and carry the international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis as proof, ensuring a smooth entry process into Vietnam. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized travel health advice. 

Entering Vietnam by Air, Land, and Sea 

Vietnam, a country with diverse landscapes and a rich cultural history, can be accessed through various modes of transport - by air, land, and sea. 

Air travel is the most common way for international tourists to enter Vietnam, with many airlines providing direct flights from multiple global locations. The country has several international airports. The largest and busiest include Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, and Da Nang International Airport in Da Nang. These airports offer a multitude of services and are well-connected to major cities worldwide. 

For those who prefer overland travel, there are numerous land ports along Vietnam’s borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia. Major land ports include Lao Bao and Cau Treo at the border with Laos, Moc Bai and Bavet at the Cambodia border, and Huu Nghi and Lao Cai at the China border. 

Alternatively, for those arriving by sea, there are several seaports that allow entry to international visitors. The largest are Hai Phong Port in the north, Da Nang Port in the central region, and Saigon Port in the south. These ports accommodate cruise ships and private yachts. 

Regardless of the mode of transport chosen, all travelers must comply with Vietnam’s entry requirements, including valid visas and, potentially, proof of onward travel, accommodation, and health insurance. Always check current requirements with relevant Vietnamese authorities before planning the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions