Planning a trip to Vietnam in 2023? You’ve made a great choice. Vietnam is known for its beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. But before you can start packing your bags, you need to take care of one important detail – your visa. Luckily, Vietnam offers several options for obtaining a visa, including visa on arrival (VOA) and e-visa programs. In this guide, we’ll cover all the essential details about Vietnam visa on arrival countries, Vietnam e-visa country list, and everything else you need to know to make your travel plans a success.
Table of Contents
Understanding Vietnam Visa on Arrival Countries
Vietnam visa on arrival is a popular option for travelers who are short on time or don’t have access to a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in their home country. With VOA, you can apply for a visa online and pick it up upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports. However, not all countries are eligible for VOA. Here are the current Vietnam visa on arrival countries list:
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- China (except e-passport holders)
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominica
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Hong Kong (China SAR)
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Korea (South)
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macau (China SAR)
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Myanmar
- Nauru
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Palau Islands
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- Spain
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Timor-Leste
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Uruguay
- Vanuatu
- Vatican City
- Venezuela
Vietnam e-Visa Country List
In addition to VOA, Vietnam also offers an electronic visa (e-visa) program for citizens of certain countries. Unlike VOA, the e-visa must be obtained prior to your arrival in Vietnam and is valid only for single entry for up to 30 days. Here is the current list of Vietnam e-visa countries:
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei Darussalam
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- China (including Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR passport holders)
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Korea (South)
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macedonia (North)
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Myanmar
- Nauru
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Timor-Leste
- United Arab Emirates
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Uruguay
- Vanuatu
- Vatican City
- Venezuela
Visa on Arrival vs. E-Visa: Which is Better?
When it comes to choosing between VOA and e-visa, there are a few things to consider such as your travel itinerary, budget, and the length of your stay.
VOA is generally considered more convenient, as you can apply online and receive your visa upon arrival in Vietnam. However, it’s important to note that VOA is only available if you are arriving in Vietnam by air – if you are entering by land or sea, you will need to obtain a visa through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
E-visa, on the other hand, must be obtained prior to your arrival in Vietnam and is only valid for a single entry of up to 30 days. However, it does allow you to enter Vietnam by air, land, or sea, giving you more flexibility in your travel plans.
Additionally, e-visa is slightly cheaper than VOA, with a processing fee of $25 (as of 2023) compared to VOA’s fee of $50 (for single-entry visas). However, if you plan on staying in Vietnam for longer than 30 days, VOA may be the better option, as it allows for longer stays and multiple entries.
Ultimately, the choice between VOA and e-visa depends on your individual travel needs and preferences. Be sure to research both options thoroughly before making a decision.
Common Questions About Vietnam Visa
Here are some common questions and answers about Vietnam visas:
Q: Can I extend my visa once I’m in Vietnam?
A: Yes, you can extend your visa for up to three months. You’ll need to go to a local immigration office to apply for the extension.
Q: Do I need a visa for transit through Vietnam?
A: If you are transiting through Vietnam without leaving the airport, you do not need a visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport during your layover, you will need to obtain a visa.
Q: How far in advance should I apply for a Vietnam visa?
A: It’s recommended that you apply for your visa at least one month before your planned arrival date to ensure ample processing time.
Q: Do I need a visa if I’m traveling to Vietnam on a cruise ship?
A: If you are arriving in Vietnam on a cruise ship and staying for less than 15 days, you do not need a visa. However, if you plan to stay longer or depart from a different port than where you arrived, you will need to obtain a visa.
Q: Can I apply for VOA or e-visa if I hold a temporary passport?
A: No, VOA and e-visa are only available for those with regular passports. If you hold a temporary passport, you will need to apply for a visa through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Vietnam visa doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Whether you choose VOA or e-visa, there are plenty of options available to make your travel plans a success. Be sure to research the requirements for your specific country and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip.With this comprehensive guide, you now have all the information you need about Vietnam visa on arrival countries, Vietnam e-visa country list, and the differences between the two options. Remember to plan ahead and apply for your visa in a timely manner to avoid any last-minute issues.
Vietnam is a beautiful and exciting destination with so much to offer. Don’t let visa requirements hold you back from experiencing all that it has to offer. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a hassle-free trip to Vietnam.
