Like most countries Vietnam requires that all arriving travelers have appropriate travel visas and a valid passport with at least 6 months to run. Entering Vietnam used to be something of a bureaucratic nightmare but has become much more straightforward in recent years.
Formalities at Vietnam's international airports are generally smoother than at land borders, as the volume of traffic is greater. That said, crossing overland from Cambodia, China or Laos is now relatively stress-free.
Ideally travelers should apply to the nearest Vietnamese Embassy within their home country for an appropriate visa. If you are travelling to other countries before arriving in Vietnam you can apply for a visa there. Many travel agents in Bangkok and Singapore will be able to assist with the application process. Visas available will range from standard 30 day single entry tourist visas, multiple entry visas, and a variety of 3 month and 6 month travel visas for tourists and business purposes. (see below)
Visa costs vary and are often more expensive than other country's visas. (in Australia a 30 day tourist visa costs $120 AUD from the Vietnamese Embassy in Canberra)
Vietnam visa on arrival works perfectly for tourists and business travelers who would like to enter Vietnam but have no time to visit an embassy in their country or just wish to avoid visa procedural delays.
The Visa on arrival service is available at HCMC airport but operates differently to many other countries. In many places, depending on your nationality and inter-country visa agreements, it is possible to simply arrive at the airport and get your tourist visa as you go through immigration formalities. In Vietnam the visa-on-arrival system works differently.
You must first apply for a visa-on-arrival through a travel agency either in your home country or online. They will apply on your behalf (usually along with many other applicants at that time), and you will receive confirmation of acceptance and an email copy of the documentation within 48 hours. You will pay about $50 USD to the travel agency for this service. On arrival at Tan San Nhat airport in HCMC you will see a visa office immediately to the left, and before, the usual immigration entry desks. Present your documents and passport there. You will have to fill out another form, supply a passport sized photo, and pay your visa fee (see below). All this should only take about ten minutes unless there is a long lineup of applicants. Thereafter you go through immigration as normal.
NOTE: Your travel agent or online agency will apply for your visa on arrival according to your travel itinerary. If your arrival arrangements do not exactly match the original details it will cause processing problems with the bureaucratic officials at immigration, you can be sent back overseas if you arrive early or late, and be charged a lot more if you arrive at a different time and/or date to your original application details.
If you are visiting Vietnam on business you should apply for a business visa. This will be valid for 90 days and will usually allow for multi entries into the country. Officially you will require a company in Vietnam to provide the necessary paperwork and details to the immigration authorities before the application can be processed, though some travel agencies and online agencies seem to be able to provide business visas without the Vietnam company requirement.
Visa regulations are subject to change so check with a Vietnamese embassy before you apply.
Details of a recommended online visa service are below: www.vietnam-visa.com (AIDATours)
Service fee: the fee is paid to Vietnam-visa in USD to process your visa application.
NORMAL service fee: GUARANTEED 2-3 working days.
URGENT service fee: GUARANTEED 1 working day (additional $10 USD).
Stamping fee: Pay the Immigration officers directly at the Vietnam Airports by cash (in USD) at immigration Desk to get your passport stamped with the appropriate visa.
| Duration of tourist visa | Service fee/pax (USD) | Stamping fee/pax (USD) |
| Visa on arrival-1 month, single entry | ( | $25 |
| Visa on arrival-1 month, multiple entry | ( | $50 |
| Visa on arrival-3 months, single entry | $35.00 | $25 |
| Visa on arrival-3 months, multiple entry | $40.00 | $50 |
Once in Vietnam it is easier to get your visa extended or renewed as most travel agencies offer this service. It can take from 48 hours to 5 days to get this done but the agency will handle everything for you. Prices can vary so ask around but typically a 3 month visa renewal costs about $85 USD.
When you arrive in Vietnam you must complete a customs declaration form usually given to you before you leave the aircraft. You should complete the form and hand it to the customs officer as you pass through a customs post or leave the airport arrivals hall. Customs formalities are straight forward and the duty free allowances are printed on the customs declaration form. If you are bringing in prescription drugs ask your doctor for a note detailing the drugs you are taking. Music CD's and DVD's may be subject to inspection. Fire-arms, pornography and narcotics are strictly prohibited, and the penalties for drug trafficking are very severe.
When requiring visas to travel to or from other nearby countries many countries have Embassies in Hanoi and Consulates in HCMC to assist you. Your HCMC travel agency can also assist but it is reasonably easy to arrange matters yourself.
When travelling across the border to Cambodia you get a tourist visa at the border crossing ($25 - $30 USD) if traveling overland, or at the airport on arrival in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.
Note: Always have one or two passort sized photos with you as you will need these to attach to your arrival visa application documents.
Many other regional destinations such as Bangkok and Singapore operate visa on arrival services and have open access arrangements for many nationalities. Check with your Embassy for details.
(Effective Date: November 5th, 2009.)