How Soon Should You Apply for a Vietnam Visa?

Vietnam is becoming a popular tourist destination, with about 10 million visitors arriving every year. However, many travelers are not aware of the right time to apply for a Vietnam visa before their intended travel date. In this article, we will guide you through the different types of Vietnam visa, their validity period, and the recommended time to apply for your visa to ensure a hassle-free trip.

Period of Vietnam Visa Validity and Duration of Stay

Before we dive into how soon you should apply for a Vietnam visa, it is essential to understand the period of validity and duration of stay for your visa. The validity period of your visa refers to the period in which you can enter and exit Vietnam. On the other hand, the duration of stay is the number of days you are allowed to stay in the country from the date of entry.

There are three types of visas available for tourists visiting Vietnam – 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. The table below summarizes the period of validity and duration of stay for each type of visa.

It is important to note that the duration of stay for a 6-month visa can be split into multiple entries, with each stay not exceeding 30 days. Moreover, if you plan to stay longer than the duration of stay stated on your visa, you will have to extend your visa or apply for a new one before the expiration date.

Vietnam Visa Period: How Many Types of Visas?

As mentioned earlier, there are three types of visas available for tourists traveling to Vietnam – 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. However, each type has further categories based on the purpose of your visit. The following table provides an overview of the different types of visas and their sub-categories:

The single entry visa allows you to enter Vietnam only once during the validity period, while the multiple entries visa allows you to enter and leave the country multiple times as long as your visa is valid.

How Long Will You Get Vietnam Visa?

After submitting your visa application, the processing time for a Vietnam visa can vary depending on the type of visa you require. Here’s an estimated time frame for each type of visa:

• 1-month visa: It takes about 2-3 working days to process.
• 3-month visa: The processing time is around 3-5 working days.
• 6-month visa: The processing time is approximately 7 working days.

However, these are just general estimates, and it is recommended to check with the issuing authority for the exact processing time. Moreover, during peak season, such as holidays or festivals, the processing time may increase, so it is advisable to apply for your visa well in advance.

Applying for Vietnam Visa on Arrival

One of the most convenient ways to obtain a Vietnam visa is through the Visa on Arrival (VOA) service. This service is applicable for air travelers who arrive at one of the international airports in Vietnam – Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Vietnam visa on arrival:

1. Fill out the online application form: You can find the application form on the website of any reliable VOA service provider. The form requires basic personal information and travel details.

2. Pay the visa processing fee: The VOA service comes with a processing fee, which varies depending on the type of visa you require. You can make the payment using a credit card or PayPal.

3. Receive your visa approval letter: After submitting your application and making the payment, you will receive a visa approval letter via email within 2-3 working days. This letter allows you to board your flight to Vietnam.

4. Get your visa stamped upon arrival: Upon arrival at the airport, present your visa approval letter, along with your passport and two passport-sized photos. You will need to pay a stamping fee to get your visa stamped.

Applying for Vietnam e-Visa

In addition to the VOA service, tourists can also apply for a Vietnam e-Visa, which is an electronic visa that allows you to enter Vietnam for tourist purposes. This facility is available for citizens of 80 countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Here’s how you can apply for a Vietnam e-Visa:

1. Visit the official website: To apply for an e-Visa, you must visit the official website of the Vietnamese government (https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/).

2. Fill out the online application form: Provide all the necessary information, including personal details, travel plans, and upload a scanned copy of your passport.

3. Make the payment: The processing fee for an e-Visa is $25, which must be paid online using a credit card or debit card.

4. Receive your e-Visa: Once your application is approved, you will receive an email containing your e-Visa in PDF format. You can print this document and present it upon arrival at the airport.

Applying for Vietnam Visa at Vietnam Embassy/Consulate

If you prefer to have your visa ready before traveling to Vietnam, you can apply for a visa at the nearest Vietnam embassy or consulate. Here’s how you can do that:

1. Visit the Vietnamese embassy or consulate: You can find the contact information of the nearest embassy or consulate on the website of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (https://vietnamvisa.govt.vn/vietnam-embassy/).

2. Fill out the application form: Collect a visa application form from the embassy or consulate, and fill it out with all the necessary details.

3. Prepare the required documents: Along with the completed application form, you will need to submit your passport, two passport-sized photos, and the processing fee.

4. Wait for the visa processing: The processing time for a Vietnam visa at the embassy or consulate may vary, so make sure to plan accordingly.

How Many Days before Travel Date Do You Need to Get Vietnam Visa?

Now that we have discussed the various ways to apply for a Vietnam visa, let’s get back to our main question – how soon should you apply for a Vietnam visa before your travel date? Generally, it is recommended to apply for your visa at least 1-2 weeks before your intended travel date. This allows enough time for processing and any unexpected delays.

However, if you are planning to visit Vietnam during peak season, such as holidays or festivals, it is advisable to apply for your visa even earlier, as the processing time may increase. Moreover, if you are applying for an e-Visa or through the embassy/consulate, it is best to check the processing time and plan accordingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, obtaining a Vietnam visa is an essential step in planning your trip to this beautiful country. It is advisable to apply for your visa at least 1-2 weeks before your intended travel date to avoid any last-minute hassles. You can choose from different types of visas, such as a 1-month, 3-month, or 6-month visa, depending on your travel plans. Additionally, you can also opt for the convenient Visa on Arrival service or apply for an e-Visa or through the embassy/consulate. With this comprehensive guide, we hope that you now have a better understanding of how soon you should apply for a Vietnam visa. Happy travels!