How To Apply For A Vietnam Visitor Visa | Step-by-step Guide For Vietnam Tourist Visa Application

Vietnam has been rising quickly on travelers’ radar—thanks to its stunning landscapes, vibrant street food scene, and rich history. But before you can stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter or cruise along Ha Long Bay, there’s one key thing you need to sort out: your visitor visa.

Visa rules may not be the most exciting part of trip planning, but getting them right can save you a lot of headaches later. In 2025, with Vietnam continuing to welcome millions of tourists, knowing how to navigate the visa application process has never been more important—especially as rules and processes change to keep up with digital systems.

This guide will walk you through exactly how to apply for a Vietnam tourist visa, step-by-step. By the end, you’ll know your options, the documents you need, and the process to follow—plus, we’ll show you how TRAVUL.ORG can make this whole part of your trip smoother.

Know Your Visa Options

Vietnam offers different types of visas depending on your nationality, travel purpose, and length of stay. For short-term tourism, the two main options are:

• E-Visa (Electronic Visa):
  Available for citizens of over 80 countries. It’s a single-entry visa valid for 30 days, and you can apply entirely online.
  Ideal if you want a quick and direct process without going through an embassy.

• Travel Smarter with TRAVUL.ORG

  We’re building an AI-powered platform to help you plan, finance, and manage your trips—all in one place. 💬 Join our Telegram to get early access, share feedback, and be part of the journey!

  Join Now

  FEATURED

  Visa on Arrival (VOA):
  This option is for air travelers only. You apply online for an approval letter, then get your actual visa when you land in Vietnam.
  Handy if you can’t apply for an e-visa, but note that you’ll have to wait at the airport to get it stamped.

Some countries have visa exemptions, allowing short visits without any application at all. Always check Vietnam’s official immigration website or embassy announcements for the most up-to-date list.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa

The e-visa is the easiest and most direct option for most travelers. Here’s the process:

Step 1 – Visit the Official Portal

Go to Vietnam’s official e-visa application site (avoid unofficial middlemen who charge extra).

Step 2 – Fill Out the Online Form

You’ll need:

• A scanned copy of your passport’s data page

• A recent passport-sized photo (digital format)

• Your travel dates and entry/exit points

Double-check all details before submitting—small mistakes can lead to delays or denial.

Step 3 – Pay the Fee

The official e-visa fee is usually around 25 USD, payable online by card. This fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied.

Step 4 – Wait for Processing

Processing takes about 3 working days. You can check the status on the same portal.

Step 5 – Download and Print

Once approved, download your e-visa PDF and print it. You’ll need to show it at immigration.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA)

VOA is only available if you’re flying into Vietnam.

Step 1 – Apply for an Approval Letter

Find a reputable travel agency or visa service online. They’ll handle your application with the Vietnamese Immigration Department.

Step 2 – Receive the Approval Letter

It usually arrives by email within 2–3 working days. Print it and bring it with you.

Step 3 – Get the Visa at the Airport

At the airport in Vietnam:

• Present your approval letter

• Fill out a simple form

• Provide passport photos

• Pay the stamping fee (usually 25–50 USD, depending on the visa type)

Required Documents

Regardless of your visa type, you’ll generally need:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date

• Blank pages for stamps

• Passport-sized photos

• Printed visa or approval letter (for VOA)

• Proof of onward travel (sometimes requested)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying too late – Give yourself at least a week before travel to avoid last-minute stress.

• Using unofficial websites – Many charge extra and some are scams.

• Wrong entry point – Your e-visa is tied to the entry port you list; you can’t just change it.

• Photo issues – Digital photo uploads must meet Vietnam’s size and background rules.

How TRAVUL.ORG Makes Visa Applications Easier

Visa applications can feel like a maze of forms, fees, and deadlines. That’s why TRAVUL.ORG is building an AI-powered travel platform that not only helps you plan your itinerary but also guides you through visa requirements step-by-step.

Instead of hopping between multiple websites:

• We centralize your trip details so your visa form is pre-filled with the correct information.

• We track deadlines so you don’t risk forgetting to apply.

• We connect you to verified visa partners to avoid scams and overcharging.

• We sync your visa status with your trip plan, so you can confidently book flights and hotels knowing your paperwork is in order.

Our goal is to remove the friction from trip planning so you can focus on the fun parts—like choosing between pho and banh mi for breakfast.

FAQs

Can I extend my Vietnam tourist visa?

Yes, but the process must be done within Vietnam, through an agency or the immigration office. Extensions aren’t always guaranteed.

What if my e-visa is denied?

You can apply again or try a different visa method, like VOA. Make sure your passport details and photo meet all requirements.

Do I need a visa if I’m transiting through Vietnam?

If you stay in the airport transit area and your layover is short, you may not need one. But if you leave the airport, you will.

Are children required to have separate visas?

Yes. Each traveler, regardless of age, must have their visa.

Final Thoughts

Getting your Vietnam visitor visa doesn’t have to be complicated—once you know the right steps, it’s just a matter of timing and following the requirements. And with platforms like TRAVUL.ORG aiming to bring visa support, trip planning, and even travel financing into one place, you’ll soon be able to organize everything without juggling multiple websites.

So—if you could cut out 90% of the hassle from getting a visa and planning your trip, how much more often would you travel?