Your Guide to Visas & Entry Requirements for Vietnam
Everything you need to know before you arrive—with a little help from Chapi Tours
Traveling to Vietnam is exciting—and being well-prepared makes everything smoother. Knowing the visa rules, entry points, and application options helps you avoid surprises and focus on exploring Vietnam’s beauty, culture, and warmth.
Here’s a current (2025-2026) breakdown of visa requirements and entry options, plus Chapi Tours’ tips to make your arrival stress-free.
1. Who Can Visit Without a Visa?
Good news: citizens of many countries can enter Vietnam visa-free for a limited time. Key points:
- Some European, Asian & ASEAN countries benefit.
- Allowed stay durations vary:
- Most ASEAN countries: up to 45 days
- Larger countries like Japan, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain: up to 45 days
- Chile & Panama: up to 90 days
Important: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date. If you plan to stay longer than your visa-free period, you’ll need to apply for a different visa.
2. Types of Visas You Can Apply For
Tourist Visa (DL)
- For leisure travelers.
- Usually valid for up to 90 days.
- Available as single or multiple entry.
Business Visa (DN)
- Ideal for business visitors, meetings, or seminars.
- Applicants typically need a sponsor company in Vietnam.
- Duration: 30–90 days, depending on the visa.
- Can be collected at a Vietnamese consulate or via Visa on Arrival (VOA) at major airports.
E-Visa (Electronic Visa)
- Now available to citizens of nearly all countries (though some nationalities may face restrictions).
- Valid for 30 to 90 days, single or multiple entry.
- Apply online via the official Immigration Department website. You upload your passport scan and photo, pay the non-refundable fee, and get a digital visa in 3–5 working days.
- ⚠ Be careful with fake sites posing as the government portal. Always use the official site to apply.
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
- For air travelers arriving in Vietnam.
- Requires an approval letter issued by a trusted visa agent before flying.
- At the airport, you’ll need: the approval letter, your passport, two passport-style photos, and the stamping fee.
- Duration:
- 30 days for tourist visas
- 90 days for business visas
3. Emergency Visa Services (via Chapi Tours)
If your travel plans change suddenly, or you need a visa in a hurry, Chapi Tours can help with expedited processing:
- Same-day processing (within half a day)
- 1-working-day rush
- 2-working-day fast-track
Our team works directly with Vietnamese immigration to make sure everything is arranged smoothly, even at short notice.
4. How to Apply for an E-Visa: Step by Step
- Prepare a recent digital passport photo and a scan of your passport’s data page.
- Go to the Vietnam Immigration Department’s official e-visa portal.
- Fill out the form, upload your documents, and pay the visa fee.
- Wait for processing (usually 3–5 business days).
- Once approved, receive your visa by email and keep a digital copy.
Chapi Tip: Print or store a copy of your e-visa before traveling—you’ll need it when you land.
5. Using Visa on Arrival (VOA)
- Apply before you fly via a trusted visa agent to get your approval letter.
- At the airport, present:
- Your approval letter
- Passport
- Two passport-sized photos
- Stamping fee (cash)
- Fill out a short arrival form—then get your visa stamped and you’re officially in Vietnam.
6. Smart Tips Before You Travel
- Check passport validity: Make sure it’s valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of entry.
- Proof of onward travel: Sometimes, immigration officers ask for a return or onward ticket.
- Travel insurance: Not required, but highly recommended. It gives you peace of mind for health, trip disruptions, or other unexpected costs.
7. Extending Your Stay
Want to stay longer than your visa allows? Chapi Tours can assist in extending your visa through the Vietnamese Immigration Department. Extensions depend on your visa type and current status, but our local team can guide you every step of the way.
8. Entry Points You Should Know
You can enter Vietnam via air, land, or sea:
- Airports: Hanoi (Noi Bai), Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), Da Nang — among 13 international airports.
- Land crossings: 16 official border gates, including Lao Cai (for Sapa), Mong Cai, and Lao Bao.
- Sea ports: Several international seaports welcome arrivals depending on your cruise or ferry route.
✅ Final Thoughts
Vietnam offers a variety of visa options to suit different travel purposes—and Chapi Tours is here to help you navigate them with ease.
- Check your visa exemption status early
- Choose the visa type that fits your travel plan
- Use Chapi Tours if you need fast or emergency visa support
- Keep copies of your documents
- Travel with confidence, knowing you’re fully prepared
Ready to start your Vietnam adventure?
Reach out to our team at Chapi Tours for visa assistance or to begin planning your trip:
🌐 www.chapitours.com
