Vietnam has become a trendy tourist destination in South-East Asia over the past two decades.
In truth, Vietnam is a dream destination – bursting with culture, diversity, scenic views and the chance to meet people from all around the world.
There is something for everyone to see and do in Vietnam.
Visitors may enjoy a relaxing break at one of the many beautiful resorts or go on a backpacking adventure through the cities and towns of Vietnam.
Millions of visitors come to Vietnam each year and top destinations include Hanoi, Saigon, Hue and Hoi.
However, before visiting Vietnam most foreign nationals must apply for a Vietnamese visa.
In this article we’ll cover:
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
What types of tourist visas should I apply for?
What is a Vietnam eVisa?
What is a Loose Leaf Visa for Vietnam?
The visa requirements
How you can apply for these visas
And more!
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
If you aren’t a fan of Vietnam’s very humid climate it is best to avoid the summer months of July and August with Vietnam’s temperatures at their hottest.
It’s recommended to visit the country from November to April as during these months the temperature is milder and there is less rain.
Note that it’s always best to research the weather patterns of the regions you plan to visit so that you know what to expect.
What types of visas are available to visitors?
Overall, there are many types of visas for Vietnam depending on the purpose of your visit.
The most commonly used by short term visitors from abroad are tourist visas and business visas.
Business Visa for Vietnam
This visa is suitable for people who want to visit Vietnam for commercial purposes or business meetings. A business visa is normally issued for a maximum period of 30 or 90 days for single or multiple entries.
Vietnam Tourist Visa
This visa is suitable for people who want to visit Vietnam for tourist purposes. There is a maximum stay of 30 or 90 days for single or multiple entries.
If you are looking to explore the beautiful country of Vietnam you will need a tourist visa before you travel.
What type of tourist visas should I apply for?
When applying for a tourist visa there are two main types:
What is a Vietnam eVisa?
This is known as the Electronic Visa that can easily be applied for and issued online compared to the Loose Leaf Visa. Vietnam introduced this digital visa in 2017 to speed up its visa process.
The Vietnam eV-visa is given before departure. This can be a single or multiple entry visa that is valid for either 30 or 90 days.
It can be used for tourist purposes only. This is the most popular visa for tourists to use.
Who is eligible for a Vietnam eVisa?
Since August 2023, all countries and territories are eligible for the Vietnam eVisa.
What are the requirements for the Vietnam eVisa?
To apply for a Vietnamese eVisa, you’ll need a:
Passport valid for six months after entry with two black pages
Copy of your passport personal information page
Passport-sized photo
Valid email address
Debit or credit card to pay the fee
Port of entry you will travel through
How long does it take to process the Vietnam eVisa application?
The process for obtaining a Vietnam eVisa is quicker than a Loose Leaf Visa as it only takes 3 days to process from the day you send your visa application.
How can I apply for a Vietnam eVisa?
If you want to apply for an eVisa, you must be eligible. This includes having a passport from an eligible country (listed below) and you must enter and exit Vietnam through the designated checkpoints.
Applying for the Vietnam eVisa with Visa First is easy!
You will need to:
Sign in or create an account
Go through the eligibility checker
Complete the visa application
Provide the required documents
Pay the fees
From there, we will update you with any updates and once your visa is ready we’ll send it to you by email.
Apply For Your Vietnam Visa Online Today!
What is a Loose Leaf Visa for Vietnam?
A Loose Leaf Visa has been the most traditional type of visa for Vietnam.
It is different to your usual visa as it is issued on a separate piece of paper and not stamped onto your passport so, make sure you don’t lose it!
You can be given your loose-leaf visa before or after you land at any Vietnamese port. This visa is valid for 30 days, meaning that once you enter Vietnam, you can stay there for up to 30 days.
The duration of your stay begins on the date shown as the arrival date on the application form.
Note that the Loose Leaf Visa is not the most commonly used visa by tourists.
Who is eligible for the Loose Leaf Visa?
Since it’s not as common to apply for a Vietnam Loose Leaf Visa, there are specific scenarios where the Loose Leaf Visa might be a good option:
If your passport is filled up with stamps and you don’t have any more space, you can get a Loose Leaf Visa instead.
If you don’t have a nationality and use a special travel document, you won’t have space for visas in your document. So, you’ll get your visas on a separate paper instead.
If your country doesn’t have a diplomatic relationship with Vietnam, you’ll get your visa on a separate document.
Sometimes, for important reasons like diplomacy, defense, or security, officials won’t stamp your passport with a visa. Instead, they’ll give you a Loose Leaf Visa.
What are the requirements for the Vietnam Loose Leaf Visa?
To apply for the Vietnam Loose Leaf Visa, you will need the following:
Printed copy of your passport valid for at least six months
2×2 inch passport-style photograph
Filled out application form
Visa approval letter from the Vietnamese Immigration Department
Details of when you plan to enter and exit Vietnam
Note that specific requirements may vary based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.
How long does it take to process the Vietnam Loose Leaf Visa application?
After your application has been submitted, it can take around one to two weeks for your visa to be processed.
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How can I apply for a Vietnam Loose Leaf Visa?
Before you can apply for the visa you must make sure that you are eligible.
You can apply for this visa yourself or with an experienced visa agent like Visa First.
If you choose to apply for this visa, you must provide the required documents such as a valid passport and an application form fully completed.
To apply for the Vietnam Loose Leaf Visa with Visa First, you can contact us by phone or email to apply and we’ll guide you throughout the entire process.
Why apply for a Vietnam Visa with Visa First?
Applying for your visa to Vietnam is easy with Visa First.
At Visa First, we have over 20 years of experience dealing with visa applications.
We strive to provide easy and convenient visa processing and immigration services avoiding long queues at the local embassy or consulate.
Our team will guide you through the tricky application process – ensuring your forms and documents are completed correctly.
We can also boost your chances of a successful outcome.
Visa First has over 1 million clients worldwide, gaining a 99.7% approval success rate.
If you are interested in visiting Vietnam, Visa First can help you get there!
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