Despite global economic uncertainties and visa issues, many foreign tourists plan to visit Vietnam in 2023, promising a booming year for the tourism market.
As a foreigner, you can travel to Vietnam by obtaining a visa in advance or upon arrival. The specific visa requirements and procedure depend on your country of origin, the purpose of your visit and the length of your stay in Vietnam.
Here are the steps to travel to Vietnam as a foreigner:
A food vendor walks past the Temple of Literature in Hanoi. (Nhac Nguyen/AFP/Getty Images)
Check Visa Requirements: Determine whether you need a visa and what type of visa you need, based on the length of your stay and the purpose of your visit. Some countries have a visa waiver agreement with Vietnam that allows their citizens to enter the country without a visa for a limited period of time.
Obtaining a visa: You can obtain a visa in advance at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your own country, or upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports. If you choose to apply for a visa in advance, you will need a passport, a visa application form, a passport photo and a fee.
To make travel arrangements: Book your flights, hotels and other transportation in advance. Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in the event of illness or other unexpected events.
Prepare for entry: Make sure you have all the necessary travel documents with you and check the entry conditions for your destination. Bring or obtain local currency on arrival and familiarize yourself with local customs and laws.
Arrival and entry: On arrival in Vietnam, go through immigration, present your passport and visa, and answer any questions the immigration officer may have.
Here’s how to get a Vietnam e-Visa
As a foreigner, you can obtain a Vietnam e-Visa online through the National Immigration Portal at this URL: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt, which is a quick and convenient way to get a Vietnam visa. Here are the steps to get a Vietnam e-Visa:
Check suitability: Make sure you are eligible to apply for a Vietnam e-Visa by checking the list of eligible countries and the requirements for your specific nationality.
Collect necessary information: To apply for a Vietnam e-Visa, you will need a valid passport, a recent passport photo and other personal information such as your full name, date of birth and profession.
Fill in the application form: Go to official Vietnam e-Visa websitecomplete the online application form and upload the required documents.
Pay the visa fee: Pay the visa fee by credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable even if your visa application is rejected.
Wait for approval: After submitting the application and paying the fee, wait for the visa processing time, which is usually within 3 business days.
Receive your e-Visa: Once your e-Visa has been approved, you will receive an electronic visa by email. You must print the e-Visa or save it on your smartphone to show at the immigration office upon arrival in Vietnam.
