Urgent & Emergency Vietnam Visa
- Do you need a visa for Vietnam?
- Emergency visa options
- Option 1: Emergency Evisa
- Emergency Visa On Arrival
- What is a Visa on Arrival?
- Types of Vietnam Visa Issued at the Airport
- Is Visa on Arrival Legal?
- Who Is Eligible for Visa on Arrival in Vietnam?
- Process for Applying for a Vietnam Visa at the Airport
- Visa on Arrival Fees
- Visa on Arrival Processing Time
- Important Notes When Applying for a Vietnam Visa at the Airport
- How to apply for an urgent visa on arrival
Traveling to Vietnam often requires a visa, and while it’s best to apply in advance, there are situations where you might find yourself needing a last-minute visa. Whether it’s due to a sudden change of plans or an oversight, obtaining an emergency visa for Vietnam is possible, though it may require some careful planning and attention to detail. Here’s everything you need to know about securing a Vietnam visa on short notice.
Do you need a visa for Vietnam?
Vietnam requires most international travelers to obtain a visa before entering the country. However, a few countries are exempt from this requirement for short stays (15 to 45 days):
1. Unilateral Visa Exemption
On June 24, 2023, the National Assembly of Vietnam approved amendments and supplements to certain provisions of the "Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam." Starting from August 15, 2023, Vietnam officially exempts visas for 45 days for citizens of specific countries under the unilateral visa exemption policy.
Citizens of South Korea, Japan, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Belarus now have the opportunity to stay longer in Vietnam without needing a visa.
| No | Country | Visa Exemption Duration (From 15/08/2023) |
Type | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russia | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 2 | Japan | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 3 | South Korea | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 4 | Norway | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 5 | Finland | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 6 | Denmark | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 7 | Sweden | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 8 | United Kingdom | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 9 | France | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 10 | Germany | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 11 | Spain | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 12 | Italy | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
| 13 | Belarus | 45 | Unilateral | 14/03/2025 |
- The duration of entry and stay is 45 days from the date of entry.
- Conditions for entering Vietnam under the unilateral visa exemption:
- Citizens of these countries holding valid ordinary passports, regardless of the purpose of entry, are exempt from Vietnam visa requirements for a stay of no more than 45 days if they meet the following conditions:
- A valid passport issued by the competent authority of the citizen's country, with at least 6 months validity from the date of entry.
- A round-trip ticket or a ticket to another destination.
- Not being listed as prohibited or restricted from entering Vietnam.
2. Bilateral Visa Exemption
Citizens of ASEAN countries (Southeast Asia) are exempt from Vietnamese visa requirements for a stay of no more than 30 days, regardless of the purpose of entry.
| No | Country | Days | Type | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brunei | 14 | Bilateral | None |
| 2 | Myanmar | 14 | Bilateral | None |
| 3 | Philippines | 21 | Bilateral | None |
| 4 | Cambodia | 30 | Bilateral | None |
| 5 | Thailand | 30 | Bilateral | None |
| 6 | Malaysia | 30 | Bilateral | None |
| 7 | Singapore | 30 | Bilateral | None |
| 8 | Indonesia | 30 | Bilateral | None |
| 9 | Laos | 30 | Bilateral | None |
Emergency visa options
For those who find themselves needing to get an urgent visa, there are a few options to consider:
Option 1: Emergency Evisa
What is a Vietnam e-visa?
According to Law No. 47/2014/QH13 on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam, a visa is a document issued by the Vietnamese authorities, allowing foreigners to enter Vietnam.
An e-visa (short for electronic visa) is a type of electronic visa issued to foreigners for entry into a country.
The Vietnam e-visa is an electronic visa issued by the Government of Vietnam, allowing foreigners to enter Vietnam quickly and conveniently for tourism, business, or work purposes.
With the e-visa, travelers can complete the visa application online and pay the fee through the official website of the Vietnamese government without having to visit the Vietnamese Embassy to submit documents and wait for an entry permit.
However, the e-visa is only available to citizens of approved nationalities and can only be used at certain border gates as permitted by the Government of Vietnam.
2. Vietnam e-visa Application Procedures
The procedure to apply for an e-visa in Vietnam is done through the Electronic Visa Portal – the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department. The process is outlined as follows:
2.1. Foreigners applying directly for an eVisa from abroad:
- Step 1: Enter the required information for the eVisa application:
- Upload a passport information page photo and a portrait photo (front-facing, no glasses).
- After this step, the system will provide the applicant with an electronic application code.
- Step 2: Pay the fee:
- Single-entry eVisa: $25 per visa
- Multiple-entry eVisa: $50 per visa
- Step 3: Use the electronic application code to check the result.
2.2. Organizations in Vietnam applying for an eVisa on behalf of foreigners:
- Before applying for an e-visa on behalf of a foreigner, the inviting or sponsoring organization must request access credentials and register to use an electronic signature.
- Within three working days of receiving a complete application, the Immigration Department will issue access credentials to the organization.
- The access request and registration to use the electronic signature are only done once unless there are changes in the registered information or the account is canceled according to regulations.
- Once the access credentials and electronic signature are approved, the organization can apply for an eVisa on behalf of a foreigner through the following steps:
- Step 1: Log in with the provided account and submit the eVisa application.
- Step 2: Enter the information of the foreigner requesting the eVisa and upload their passport information page photo and a portrait photo (front-facing, no glasses).
- Step 3: Use the electronic signature to confirm the application information.
- Step 4: Pay the fee:
- Single-entry eVisa: $25 per visa
- Multiple-entry eVisa: $50 per visa
- Step 5: Use the account to check the result. If approved, send the electronic application code to the foreigner for them to print their eVisa and enter or exit Vietnam.
3. How long is the e-visa valid?
According to Article 9 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, the Vietnam e-visa is valid for up to 90 days.
If travelers wish to stay longer or extend their trip, they will need to apply for a traditional visa or extend their e-visa at the Vietnam Immigration Department.
4. List of Border Gates Accepting E-visa Entry
International Airports:
- Ho Chi Minh City: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
- Hanoi: Noi Bai International Airport
- Da Nang: Da Nang International Airport
- Hai Phong: Cat Bi International Airport
- Thua Thien Hue: Phu Bai International Airport
- Khanh Hoa: Cam Ranh International Airport
- Binh Dinh: Phu Cat Airport
- Kien Giang: Phu Quoc International Airport
- Quang Ninh: Van Don International Airport
- Can Tho: Can Tho Airport
- Thanh Hoa: Tho Xuan Airport
- Lam Dong: Lien Khuong Airport
- Quang Binh: Dong Hoi Airport
Land Border Gates:
- Mong Cai (Vietnam) – Dongxing (China), Quang Ninh
- Huu Nghi (Vietnam) – Pingxiang (China), Lang Son
- Lao Cai (Vietnam) – Hekou (China), Lao Cai
- Tay Trang (Vietnam) – Sop Hun (Laos), Dien Bien
- Nam Meo (Vietnam) – Namsoi (Laos), Thanh Hoa
- Nam Can (Vietnam) – Namkan (Laos), Nghe An
- Cau Treo (Vietnam) – Namphao (Laos), Ha Tinh
- Cha Lo (Vietnam) – Naphao (Laos), Quang Binh
- Lao Bao (Vietnam) – Daen Savanh (Laos), Quang Tri
- La Lay (Vietnam) – Lalay (Laos), Quang Tri
- Bo Y (Vietnam) – Phou Keua (Laos), Kon Tum
- Xa Mat (Vietnam) – Trapeang Phlong Pir (Cambodia), Tay Ninh
- Moc Bai (Vietnam) – Bavet (Cambodia), Tay Ninh
- Song Tien (Vinh Xuong) (Vietnam) – Khaorm Samnor (Cambodia), An Giang
- Tinh Bien (Vietnam) – Phnom Den (Cambodia), An Giang
- Ha Tien (Vietnam) – Lok (Cambodia), Kien Giang
Seaports:
- Quang Ninh: Cai Lan/Hon Gai Port, Cam Pha Port
- Hai Phong: Hai Phong Port
- Thanh Hoa: Nghi Son Deep Water Seaport
- Ha Tinh: Vung Ang Port
- Thua Thien Hue: Chan May Port
- Da Nang: Da Nang Port
- Quang Ngai: Dung Quat Port
- Binh Dinh: Quy Nhon Port
- Khanh Hoa: Nha Trang Port
- Ba Ria – Vung Tau: Vung Tau Port
- Ho Chi Minh City: Saigon Port
5. Benefits of the e-visa for Foreigners
Here are some of the benefits of the Vietnam e-visa for foreigners:
- Time-saving: Foreigners can apply for an e-visa online without needing to visit an embassy. The e-visa registration process only takes a few minutes to complete.
- Convenient and easy: Foreigners can apply for an e-visa anytime, anywhere in the world, with an internet connection and a device such as a computer, phone, or tablet.
- Secure and reliable: The eVisa is fully digital, reducing the risk of forgery compared to manual visas. Foreigners don’t need to worry about lost documents or visa scams.
- Cost-effective: Foreigners save money by not needing to travel to the embassy. Online application and payment help avoid travel, parking, and other costs.
- Simplified process: The application process for an e-visa is much simpler than the traditional visa. Most document and paperwork requirements are minimized.
6. How to apply for an emergency e-visa
In emergency cases, it is possible to expedite an evisa application in as fast as 2.5 hours for a fee ranging from 65 USD to 145 USD. Here is a summary of our services:
| Processing options | New e-visa application | Expedited pending e-visa application | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Urgent (2.5 working hours) | Not available | 145 USD | Apply online |
| Same day (4-8 working hours) | Not available | 85 USD | Apply online |
| 1 Working Day (Mon-Fri) | Not available | 75 USD | Apply online |
| 2 Working Days (Mon-Fri) | 89 USD | 65 USD | Apply online |
Note: For expedited processing of an existing application, it must have been submitted on the official website at least 24 hours prior.
Emergency Visa On Arrival
Applying for a visa at the airport is one of the popular choices for foreign travelers when entering Vietnam through international airports.
What is a Visa on Arrival?
Visa on arrival (VOA), also known as an on-arrival visa, is a short-term visa that allows foreigners to fly to Vietnam and have their visa stamped at an international airport in Vietnam. This method is easy and convenient for applicants who are not near a Vietnamese embassy/consulate or live in countries where Vietnam does not have an authorized visa-issuing agency.
Types of Vietnam Visa Issued at the Airport
The most common type of visa issued at the airport is a 1-month single-entry visa. Additionally, applicants who wish to enter multiple times can apply for:
- A visa on arrival allowing a single entry within 1 month.
- A visa on arrival allowing a single entry within 3 months.
- A visa on arrival allowing multiple entries within 3 months.
Is Visa on Arrival Legal?
Yes, applying for a Vietnam visa at the airport is entirely legal. In addition to applying at the Vietnamese embassy/consulate as traditionally done, visa on arrival is another method of obtaining a visa to legally enter Vietnam.
This method has been confirmed to be legal in several legal documents, including:
- Decree No. 21/2001/ND-CP issued by the government on May 28, 2001 (Source).
- Ordinance on entry, exit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam issued on August 24, 2000.
- Joint Circular No. 04/2002/TTLT/BCA-BNG issued by the Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Source).
Who Is Eligible for Visa on Arrival in Vietnam?
Foreigners eligible to apply for VOA in Vietnam include:
- Transit passengers in Vietnam before continuing their flight to other countries.
- Nationals from countries without a Vietnamese embassy/consulate.
- Entering Vietnam for tourism or work purposes with sponsorship from travel companies or international businesses in Vietnam.
- Entering Vietnam for humanitarian aid, disaster relief, epidemic prevention, or other emergency situations under the invitation or request of Vietnamese authorities.
- Visiting sick relatives or attending a funeral of family members.
- Sailors docking at Vietnamese seaports who want to cross through another border gate.
Process for Applying for a Vietnam Visa at the Airport
The process of applying for a visa at the airport in Vietnam is usually straightforward and doesn't require much time or effort. Applicants only need to follow the steps outlined by Tan Van Lang as follows:
- Fill out the online visa application form with the following details:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Date of entry to Vietnam
- Type of visa requested
- Pay the fee
After providing all the information above, you need to review your details carefully and complete the payment through online methods like credit card, PayPal, or Western Union.
- Receive the approval letter
You will receive a visa approval letter and an entry-exit form by email within about 2-3 business days. Print both of these documents and fill out the required information. Additionally, prepare necessary documents such as:
- Two 4x6 cm passport photos.
- A passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Get your visa stamped at the Vietnam airport
Upon arrival at the airport, go to the visa-on-arrival desk, present the required documents, and pay the stamping fee to have your visa stamped in your passport.
Visa on Arrival Fees
When applying for a visa at the airport, foreigners must pay the following fees:
- Visa approval letter processing fee.
- Visa stamping fee at the airport (25 USD for single entry visa)
Visa on Arrival Processing Time
After submitting the online application form, it will take about 2-3 business days to receive the visa approval letter. Foreigners will need to prepare the required documents to present upon arrival in Vietnam. Upon landing, you will get your visa stamped at the Vietnam airport.
In emergency cases, you can obtain an urgent pre-approved visa letter within 4-8 working hours.
Important Notes When Applying for a Vietnam Visa at the Airport
When applying for a visa on arrival, applicants should keep the following points in mind:
- Visa on arrival is only applicable to those entering Vietnam by air. If traveling by land or sea, you must apply for a full visa before entering Vietnam.
- Children traveling with their own passports will be subject to the same visa fees as adults.
- Currently, you can only apply for this type of visa at one of the eight international airports in Vietnam:
- Noi Bai Airport (Phu Minh Commune, Soc Son District, Hanoi)
- Tan Son Nhat Airport (Truong Sa, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City)
- Da Nang Airport (Duy Tan, Hai Chau District, Da Nang)
- Cat Bi Airport (Le Hong Phong, Hai An District, Hai Phong)
- Cam Ranh Airport (Nguyen Tat Thanh, Cam Ranh District, Khanh Hoa)
- Lien Khuong Airport (Highway 20, Duc Trong District, Lam Dong)
- Can Tho Airport (Le Hong Phong, Binh Thuy District, Can Tho)
- Phu Quoc Airport (Duong To Commune, Kien Giang)
How to apply for an urgent visa on arrival
If you are traveling to Vietnam urgently or don’t have time to obtain an e-visa, a visa on arrival is an ideal option. Below is a summary of our services:
| Processing options | Service Fees | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Same day (4-8 working hours) | 145 USD | Apply online |
| 1 Working Day (Mon-Fri) | 95 USD | Apply online |
| 2 Working Days (Mon-Fri) | 65 USD | Apply online |
Note: The service fee does not include 25 USD for the stamping fee at Vietnam airport.
