Traveling from the majestic Himalayas to the emerald waters of Vietnam is a dream for many Nepalese travelers. Whether you are planning a spiritual journey to the pagodas of Ninh Binh or a business trip to the economic hubs of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, securing the correct visa is your first priority.
In 2026, Vietnam has significantly updated its immigration policies. For citizens of Nepal, obtaining a visa is mandatory, and there are new digital procedures—specifically the Digital Arrival Card—that must be completed before you even board your flight. This guide covers everything you need to know.
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1. Do Nepal Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam in 2026?
Yes. Nepal is not on the list of visa-exempt countries. All Nepalese passport holders must obtain a valid visa for tourism, business, or transit.
As of 2026, you have two primary options:
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The 90-Day E-Visa: Fully online and recommended for most travelers.
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Visa on Arrival (VOA): Still a vital option for travelers needing emergency processing or those who prefer having a professional agency manage their approval letter.
2. MANDATORY 2026 RULE: Digital Arrival QR Code
If you are flying into Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), simply having a visa is no longer enough. Effective April 15, 2026, all foreign nationals must complete an online pre-arrival declaration.
The 72-Hour Rule
You must register your arrival on the official portal (prearrival.immigration.gov.vn) within 72 hours before your scheduled landing.
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What you need: Passport details, flight number, visa number, and your hotel address in Vietnam.
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The Result: A unique QR Code.
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Requirement: You must present this QR code (digital or printed) at the immigration counter. While it is currently mandatory at Tan Son Nhat (SGN), it is expected to roll out to other airports like Noi Bai (HAN) and Da Nang (DAD) by late 2026.
3. How to Get Visa on Arrival (VOA) from Nepal
Since there is no resident Vietnam Embassy in Kathmandu, the Visa on Arrival system is the most practical choice for many.
Step 1: Apply for an Approval Letter
You cannot get a VOA by just showing up at the airport. You must first apply for a Visa Approval Letter through a certified agency like VisaOnlineVietnam. You will provide your passport scan and travel dates.
Step 2: Receive Your Letter
Within 24–48 hours (or as little as 1–2 hours for emergencies), you will receive the letter via email. You must print this letter to show the airline staff in Kathmandu or at your transit point (such as Delhi, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur).
Step 3: Registration for QR Code
Don’t forget the 2026 rule! Once you have your Approval Letter, use the letter number to complete your Digital Arrival Card within the 72-hour window before landing.
Step 4: Get Your Stamp
Upon arrival at the “Landing Visa” counter in Vietnam, present:
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Original Nepal Passport (valid 6+ months).
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Printed Approval Letter.
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Two passport photos (4×6 cm).
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Stamping fee ($25 for single entry, $50 for multiple entry) in cash USD.
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Your Mandatory QR Code.
4. Why Choose VisaOnlineVietnam?
For Nepalese travelers, navigating international digital systems can sometimes be difficult due to payment gateway issues or technical errors. VisaOnlineVietnam (a brand of Transocean) simplifies the entire process:
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Integrated QR Service: We don’t just give you a visa; we can help you register your mandatory 2026 Digital Arrival QR Code to ensure you aren’t stuck at the airport.
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Emergency Assistance: Need a visa in a few hours? Our “Super Urgent” service is available 24/7 for travelers from Nepal.
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Payment Flexibility: We accept various international payment methods, avoiding the common failures of government-hosted payment systems.
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VIP Fast-Track: Skip the long “Landing Visa” lines. Our staff will meet you at the gate, handle the stamping process, and guide you through the Priority Immigration Lane.
5. Important Travel Tips for Nepalese Citizens
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Flight Tickets: Immigration may ask for proof of a return ticket or onward travel.
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Currency: Ensure your USD bills are new and crisp. Banks and immigration offices in Vietnam often reject bills with small tears, marks, or excessive folding.
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No Embassy in Nepal: Beware of local agents claiming to be the “official embassy” in Kathmandu. Consular matters are generally handled via the embassy in New Delhi, India, but for tourism and business, the online VOA/E-visa is significantly faster.
Contact Our Expert Team
Planning your journey from Nepal? Let us handle the digital paperwork so you can focus on your adventure.
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WhatsApp/Zalo: (+84) 968 18 77 18
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Hotline: 1900 6859
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Email: [email protected]
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Address: 54/14 Nguyen Cu Trinh Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
