All About Vietnam Visa 2023 Requirements, Types, Application, and Extension

As a beautiful country in Southeast Asia, Vietnam has become a popular destination for tourists, businessmen, and expats. When planning to visit the country, one of the most important things to take care of is getting a visa. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Vietnam visa 2023, including its requirements, types, application process, extension, and exemption.

What is a Vietnam Visa?

A Vietnam visa is an official document issued by the Vietnamese government that authorizes the holder to enter, stay, or exit Vietnam during a specified period. It comes in different types, depending on the purpose and duration of the trip. The following are the types of Vietnam visas:

1. Tourist Visa – for those who plan to visit Vietnam for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, or attending events.

2. Business Visa – for those who plan to come to Vietnam for business-related purposes, like attending conferences, meetings, negotiations, or seeking investment opportunities.

3. Work Visa – for those who plan to work in Vietnam, either as a professional employee or a foreign investor.

4. Student Visa – for those who plan to study in Vietnam, either full-time or exchange program.

5. Transit Visa – for those who only transit through Vietnam to another destination.

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What Are the Requirements for a Vietnam Visa?

To apply for a Vietnam visa, you need to have the following requirements:

1. A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.

2. A completed visa application form, which can be obtained from the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country or online.

3. Two passport-sized photos taken within the last six months.

4. Visa fee payment, which varies depending on the type of visa, the processing time, and the issuing agency.

5. Other supporting documents, such as flight tickets, accommodation bookings, travel itinerary, or invitation letters from a sponsor in Vietnam, depending on the type of visa.

How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa?

There are several ways to apply for a Vietnam visa, including:

1. Applying at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country: You need to visit the embassy or consulate and submit your application form, passport, photos, and other required documents. The processing time may take up to five working days or longer, depending on the embassy or consulate’s workload.

2. Applying online for a visa approval letter (VAL) and getting a visa on arrival (VOA): This is a popular option for those who want to save time and effort. You can apply for a VAL through a reliable visa agency or directly on the Vietnamese immigration website. Once you receive the VAL via email, you can print it out and present it along with your passport, photos, and visa stamping fee at the VOA counter upon arrival at one of the international airports in Vietnam. The VOA process typically takes around 15-30 minutes, and the visa validity can range from 1 to 3 months, single or multiple entries, depending on the type of visa you applied for.

3. Applying for an e-visa: Starting from 2020, Vietnam has also launched an e-visa system, allowing citizens of 80 countries to apply online for a tourist or business visa with a validity of 30 days, single entry. The application fee is 25 USD, and the processing time is three working days. However, this option is only applicable for those who plan to stay in certain restricted areas and cannot be extended or converted into other types of visas.

Can I Extend My Vietnam Visa?

Yes, you can extend your Vietnam visa if you meet certain conditions and have valid reasons, such as unexpected illnesses, accidents, business trips, or personal matters. The extension can be done at the Immigration Department in Vietnam, the visa agency, or the online visa service provider. The processing time and fee may vary, depending on the type of visa and the duration of the extension.

Who Can Be Exempted from a Vietnam Visa?

There are several cases where you do not need a Vietnam visa to enter and stay in Vietnam:

1. Citizens of certain countries that have bilateral agreements or unilateral visa exemptions with Vietnam, such as ASEAN countries, South Korea, Japan, Russia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, etc. The exemption period can range from 14 to 90 days, depending on the country.

2. Foreigners who hold Diplomatic or Official passports.

3. Foreigners who enter Vietnam to visit Phu Quoc Island for less than 30 days and do not travel to other parts of Vietnam.

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What Are the FAQs About Vietnam Visa?

1. How many entries can I get with a multiple-entry visa to Vietnam? A: You can enter and exit Vietnam multiple times within the validity period of your visa, as long as you do not overstaythe allowed duration of each stay.

2. Can I apply for a Vietnam visa on behalf of someone else? A: Yes, you can act as a sponsor or an agent to apply for a Vietnam visa on behalf of another person, provided that you have all the necessary documents and authorization.

3. Can I change the purpose of my Vietnam visa after entering the country? A: No, you cannot change the purpose of your Vietnam visa once you have entered the country. You need to apply for a new visa or extend your current visa if you want to change your plans.

4. What happens if I overstay my Vietnam visa? A: If you overstay your Vietnam visa, you may face fines, detention, deportation, or even a ban from entering Vietnam in the future. Therefore, it is crucial to check your visa validity and duration carefully and plan your trip accordingly.

5. Is it safe to use online visa service providers for Vietnam visas? A: Yes, it is safe to use reputable and licensed online visa service providers for Vietnam visas, as long as you verify their legitimacy and reliability beforehand. Always read the terms and conditions, reviews, and customer feedback before making any payment or disclosure of personal information.

Conclusion

In summary, getting a Vietnam visa is a necessary step for anyone who wants to visit or stay in Vietnam for various purposes. You need to know the type of visa you need, the requirements, the application process, and the extension or exemption rules. By following the guidelines and tips provided in this article, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience with your Vietnam visa, and fully enjoy the beauty and culture of this charming country.