🇻🇳 How to Get a Vietnam Visa from the UAE – Q&A 2025
Vietnam is a beautiful Southeast Asian country that offers stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals. Every year, thousands of tourists from the UAE visit Vietnam for holidays, business, or to visit relatives. To enter Vietnam, UAE citizens need to obtain a visa in advance. Here is a complete guide on how to get a Vietnam visa when applying from the UAE.
Table of Contents
Overview of Vietnam Visa Requirements for UAE Citizens
Citizens of the UAE can obtain either a visa on arrival or an e-visa to travel to Vietnam. The validity, duration of stay, and cost differ based on the type of visa.
- Visa on Arrival: This allows for a stay of up to 30 days in Vietnam. It costs USD 25 and must be applied for at least 5 working days in advance through an accredited tour agent in Vietnam.
- E-visa: This allows for a stay of up to 30 days in Vietnam. It costs USD 25 and can be obtained via an online application through Vietnam’s Immigration Department website. Approval is given within 3 working days.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Vietnam Visa from the UAE
Option 1: Apply for a Visa on Arrival
- Find a licensed tour agent in Vietnam through search engines or tourism sites. Ask them to assist with your visa on arrival application.
- Send the required documents (passport copy, completed application form, passport photo) to the tour agent via email. Make the visa fee payment.
- The tour agent will apply to the Immigration Department of Vietnam on your behalf.
- Once approved, they will send you the visa approval letter via email within 5 working days.
- Bring printed copies of the approval letter when you arrive at the airport in Vietnam. Queue at the Visa on Arrival counter and present your letter to obtain the visa stamp.
Option 2: Apply for an E-Visa
- Go to the official eVisa website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.
- Select “Apply for a Vietnam eVisa” and choose the type of visa you need.
- Fill in the online application form with your details and upload your passport photo.
- Make the visa fee payment securely via credit/debit card or PayPal.
- Check your email for the approval letter, which will arrive within 3 working days.
- Print the approval letter and present it at immigration control when you arrive in Vietnam. The eVisa will be stamped in your passport.
Tips for Getting a Vietnam Visa for UAE Residents
- Only apply through accredited agents or directly through official government channels. Avoid third party websites.
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Vietnam. You’ll be denied entry if it’s expiring soon.
- Get visa photos taken according to the specifications given by the Vietnam Immigration Department. passport style, white background, etc.
- Pay attention to the “duration of stay” on your visa. Overstaying your visa leads to heavy fines.
- Keep digital and print copies of your visa approval letter when traveling to Vietnam.
- Check if you qualify for visa exemptions based on your purpose of visit. Some exemptions allow up to 15 days stay.
- Be wary of visa agents who make grand promises. Stick to reputable companies for your application.
- Apply well in advance, at least 10-14 days before your date of travel. Last-minute approvals are never guaranteed.
Vietnam Visa Requirements for UAE Residents
Vietnam has specific visa requirements that UAE residents must meet in order to be granted entry into the country. Here are some of the key requirements to keep in mind:
- Valid UAE Residence Visa: To apply for a Vietnam visa, you must have a valid UAE residence visa in your passport. Your stay should be legal in the UAE.
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of arrival in Vietnam. Passports expiring in under 6 months will be denied.
- Return Ticket: You need to show proof of a return or onward ticket out of Vietnam. This is mandatory.
- Sufficient Funds: Be ready to show proof you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Vietnam. The amount may vary for different applicants.
- Visa Photos: Standard passport-style photographs with a white background are required for the visa application. Digitally alter photos are not accepted.
- Visa Approval Letter: For visa on arrival or eVisa, a printed copy of the official approval letter must be presented upon arrival in Vietnam.
- Purpose of Visit: Your purpose of visit to Vietnam needs to be clearly stated in the visa application under tourism, business, visiting family, etc.
- Accurate Information: All information on the visa application must be true and accurate. Any false declarations can lead to a visa denial or cancellation.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Vietnam Visa in the UAE?
- Visa on Arrival: Takes around 5-7 working days to receive the approval letter once the accredited agent submits the application to the immigration authorities on your behalf.
- E-Visa: Takes around 2-3 working days to receive the approval letter via email once you complete the online application and payment.
- Visa at Embassy: Takes around 4-6 business days to obtain the stamped visa if you apply directly at the Vietnam embassy in Abu Dhabi or the consulate office in Dubai.
So in total, you must account for at least 1-2 weeks of processing time when applying for a Vietnam visa while residing in the UAE, especially if you choose the visa on arrival route. Apply well in advance of your departure date to avoid last-minute delays or complications.
How to Choose Between Vietnam Visa on Arrival vs E-Visa from UAE
Here is a comparison between getting a visa on arrival versus an eVisa when applying for a Vietnam visa as a UAE resident:
Vietnam Visa on Arrival
- Must apply via a licensed tour agent in Vietnam
- Approval letter received in 5-7 working days
- Allows 30 days stay
- Single entry visa
- Must have arrival flight details
- Get a visa at the airport on landing
Vietnam E-Visa
- Apply directly online through the official website
- Approval letter received in 2-3 working days
- Allows 30 days stay
- Single-entry visa
- No arrival flight details needed
- Get your visa stamped at the airport immigration
The main advantages of eVisa are that it is more convenient to apply online directly, approval is faster, and you don’t need confirmed flight reservation details. Visa on arrival involves liaising with an agent and takes longer to process. However, some travelers may prefer having an agent handle the application process for them. For UAE residents, an eVisa is preferable unless you have specific reasons to go with visa on arrival.
Common Reasons for Vietnam Visa Rejection for UAE Citizens
Some of the reasons why UAE citizens sometimes face Vietnam visa rejections include:
- Expired or invalid passport – Your passport must have 6 months of validity beyond the arrival date.
- Incorrect or misleading information on the application – All details submitted must be true. Fake details lead to rejections.
- Criminal record or overstay in Vietnam – These raise red flags to immigration officials.
- Unclear purpose of visit – The reason for the visit must be clearly stated and justified if asked.
- Insufficient funds – Proof of funds to cover the entire stay may be requested during visa screening.
- Frequent or extended travel to Vietnam – This makes immigration officials suspicious of residential intent.
- Failure to provide requested documents – Supporting docs must be submitted when asked for.
- Denied Electronic Travel Authorization – UAE residents need ETA clearance for Vietnam.
- Unapproved visa agent – Always use accredited agents. Scam agents lead to rejections.
To avoid rejections, UAE residents must be mindful of Vietnam’s visa rules, use only approved channels, and provide accurate supporting documents.
✅ Q1: Do UAE residents need a visa to travel to Vietnam?
Yes. All UAE residents (regardless of nationality) need a visa to enter Vietnam unless they hold a passport from a country eligible for visa exemption.
✅ Q2: What types of Vietnam visas can UAE residents apply for?
UAE residents can apply for:
- Tourist Visa (single/multiple entry – 30 or 90 days)
- Business Visa (with company sponsorship or approval letter)
- Transit Visa
- Urgent or Emergency Visa
✅ Q3: What are the ways to apply for a Vietnam visa from the UAE?
You have two main options:
1. Vietnam E-Visa (if eligible)
- Apply online: via VisaOnlineVietnam.com
- Single entry, valid for 30 days
- Requires scanned passport and photo
- Processing time: 3–5 working days
2. Visa on Arrival (VOA) via VisaOnlineVietnam
- Apply online to get a visa approval letter
- Present the letter at a Vietnam international airport
- Pay the stamping fee in cash (USD)
- Ideal for tourist & business visas
- Faster options: Urgent (1–2 days) and Super Urgent (4–8 hours) available
✅ Q4: What documents are required to apply?
- Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
- Passport-sized photo (digital or printed)
- Visa application form
- For VOA: Visa approval letter from the Immigration Department
- For Business Visa: Invitation letter from a Vietnam-based company
✅ Q5: Can UAE residents apply for a Vietnam visa urgently?
Yes! Use the Urgent or Emergency Visa service:
- Urgent: 1–2 business days
- Super Urgent: 4–8 working hours
- Even available on weekends or holidays
Apply via: https://visaonlinevietnam.com
✅ Q6: Where can I get my visa stamped?
Visa stamping is done at Vietnam’s international airports:
- Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
- Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Da Nang International Airport
- Cam Ranh Airport (Nha Trang)
- Phu Quoc Airport
✅ Q7: How much does the Vietnam visa cost?
Cost varies by visa type and urgency:
- E-Visa: ~$25–USD 50 (government fee)
- VOA:
- Service fee: Paid online to get the approval letter
- Stamping fee: Paid at the airport ($25 single entry, $50 multiple)
💡 Emergency or weekend processing may include additional fees.
✅ Q8: Why choose VisaOnlineVietnam?
- Over 20 years of trusted visa service
- 100% approval guarantee from Vietnam Immigration
- Services available for UAE citizens and expats
- VIP options: Airport Fast Track, Car Pickup, and Emergency Visa
- 24/7 support in English, Arabic, and Vietnamese
✈️ Ready to apply?
👉 Visit: https://visaonlinevietnam.com
📩 Email: sales@visaonlinevietnam.com
📱 WhatsApp: (+84) 968 18 77 18
📞 UAE Hotline: +1(972)-666-0676.
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