Vietnam Visa Application Guide For 2023

If you want to travel to Vietnam you have to read this post! This post covers everything you need to know about applying for your Vietnam Visa. It includes the costs, processing time, and the Vietnam Visa application process. I’ll also include some tips and tricks to make sure your application goes smoothly.

Let’s jump right in!

vietnam train driving through the street

How To Apply For Your Vietnam Visa Without Hassle!

The visa application can be tedious. However, if you apply through Atlys, you’ll finish your application insanely fast. Atlys takes care of everything, from application to appointment. Not only that but Atlys holds your hand tight, guiding your through each step—beginning from the comfort of your couch to the comfort of your seat in the airplane.

What you can expect from Atlys:

  • Straight-forward application process – this can be done in minutes!
  • Support with gathering your documents – Atlys helps you gather all the required documents.
  • Step-by-step instructions – Atlys will be there every step of the way!

Vietnam E-Visa application process for US citizens on the Atlys app

Things To Know Before Applying For Vietnam Visa

Before we jump into the Vietnam visa application process, there are a few things you need to know. First, this section covers the required documents, costs, and processing time.

Then, later in this post, I’ll cover how you can apply for the Vietnam Visa.

Do US Citizens Need A Visa For Vietnam?

Yes, you do. Unfortunately, US citizens can’t travel to Vietnam without a visa. This means that you need to apply for a visa before you travel to Vietnam, or you can apply for a Vietnam Visa On Arrival.

What Are The Required Documents For A Vietnam Visa?

Before starting your Vietnam Visa application, you must gather certain travel documents. These documents are crucial for your application. If you forget one of these documents, it could prolong the processing time, or in extreme cases, officials can deny your visa.

Vietnam entry requirements are as follows:

  • Your current passport
  • Passport-size pictures
  • The Vietnam visa application form completed and signed. If you apply in person at a Vietnamese embassy or Consulate general, you can find the application form at their offices or website.
  • Proof that you paid your Vietnam Visa application fee (payslip).
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • If you’re applying for a Vietnam Visa On Arrival, you need to provide a Letter of Approval, an entry and exit form, which you will receive on your plane, and cash to pay the Vietnam Visa stamping fee. You need to complete the entry and exit form before handing it to the Immigration Officer at your point of entry.

Although it’s not required to have travel insurance, it’s always recommended to travel with appropriate insurance.

How Much Is A Vietnam Visa?

If you applied at an Embassy, it depends on the Embassy. A Vietnam visa for US citizens costs USD 25. If you applied for a Vietnam Visa On Arrival, the costs are:

  • Single-entry visa (1 month): USD 25 stamping fee on arrival plus the letter of approval fee.
  • Multiple-entry visa (1 month): USD 50 stamping fee on arrival plus the additional service fee for the Letter of Approval.
  • Single-entry (3 months): USD 25 stamping fee on arrival, plus the additional service fee for the Letter of Approval.
  • Multiple-entry (3 months): USD 50 stamping fee on arrival, plus the additional service fee for the Letter of Approval.
  • Multiple-entry (6 months): USD 95 stamping fee on arrival, plus the additional service fee.
  • Multiple-entry (12 months): USD 135 stamping fee on arrival, plus the additional service fee for the Letter of Approval.

You can get these visas through Atlys directly on your phone for a small additional service cost of USD 6.

How Long Does It Take To Process A Vietnam Visa?

For a Vietnam eVisa, the processing time is approximately 3 business days.

If you apply for a Vietnam VOA (Visa On Arrival), the processing time is between 2-4 working days for the Letter Of Approval.

Depending on what company you’re using to request the Letter of Approval, it can sometimes take longer. The processing time for a Vietnam Embassy Visa depends on the Embassy you applied at.

What Are The Different Ways To Apply For A Vietnam Visa?

Now that we’ve covered the basics let’s get to the Vietnam Visa application process. There are four ways you can get a Vietnam Visa. This includes through Atlys, online, at the Embassy, or on arrival.

Through Atlys:

If you’re looking for an easy way to apply for your Vietnam Visa, download Atlys. This app guides you through the application process. All you need to do is choose your destination, upload the required documents, complete the application form, pay the visa fee, and submit your application.

Vietnam eVisa:

The Vietnam eVisa is an electronic visa you can apply for online. This is a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. If you want to stay in Vietnam longer than your eVisa allows, you can extend this visa for 15 days, 1 month, 3 months, or 6 months. The amount of days granted depends on the purpose of your visa extension.

Vietnam Visa Through An Embassy:

You can apply for your visa through an Embassy. A Vietnam visa through the Embassy has the same validity as the e-visa (single-entry valid for 30 days). However, you need to remember that when you apply through the Embassy you’ll have to submit all your documents in person and pay the visa fee there.

Vietnam Visa On Arrival:

The Vietnam Visa On Arrival (VOA) is exactly as the name suggests. It’s a visa you receive once you’re in the Vietnam airport. This means that you don’t have to apply for a visa before traveling to Vietnam. The VOA is valid for 25 days, and you can apply for either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.

vietnam street

How To Apply For A Vietnam Visa Online

To apply for a Vietnam eVisa, you must visit the Vietnam Immigration portal. Then, click on the “for foreigners” photo. Next, you will see a full-text description, which you must read carefully.

After you read through everything, click “next.” This will take you to your next step. You must fill out the application truthfully and provide all the necessary information (full name, date of birth, arrival date, passport number, etc.). You must also provide two documents (portrait photography and your passport data image page).

Make sure you review your application to make sure that there are no mistakes.

Lastly, you must pay the visa fee and submit your Vietnam Visa application. Once officials have processed your visa, you’ll receive an email with your visa attached.

How To Apply For A Vietnam Visa Through An Embassy

Applying at an Embassy is very different than applying online. The first thing you need to do is ensure you have all the required documents mentioned in this post.

Next, you need to schedule an appointment at your nearest Vietnam Embassy. You’ll need to submit all the documents on the day of your appointment and pay the visa fee. Officials might also take your biometrics (fingerprints and photo).

Lastly, you must wait for officials to process your visa. If they grant your visa, they will notify you via email or any other contact information you provided. You must then go to the Embassy to pick up your passport with your visa.

How To Apply For A Vietnam Visa On Arrival

The application process for the Visa On Arrival is pretty straightforward. The first step is to apply for your approval letter online. The processing time for the approval letter takes around 3-5 working days. You’ll need to provide details about yourself and your travels, pay the fee, and submit your application.

When you receive your letter of approval, you must print out a copy.

The next step occurs when you disembark from your flight in Vietnam. Then, you’ll need to head over to the Immigration counters and apply for your visa. Officials will take your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and then process your visa.

Once you receive the stamp on your passport, you can enter Vietnam.

Please note that the Vietnam Visa On Arrival is unavailable now. I’ll update this post if anything changes.

vietnam visa on arrival letter of approval

How Do I Get A Vietnam Visa Approval Letter?

You can get the Visa approval letter by going to the Vietnam Visa website. Once you’re on the website, click “apply now.” This will take you to the Vietnam visa application form. You need to choose your type of visa and processing time. Click “Next” when you’re done.

From here, you need o provide all your details to complete the application form. Lastly, you need to pay the fee and submit your approval letter.

Please note that the Vietnam Visa On Arrival is unavailable now. I’ll update this post if anything changes.

white building near a lake

Problems You Might Encounter During Your Application

There are a few problems you might run into during your Vietnam Visa application. The basics can be that your documents aren’t correct, you missed a document, your documents are too big to upload, or your passport photo doesn’t meet the requirements.

These are all things you need to double-check before you apply for your visa.

You might also run into Vietnam eVisa payment issues. People have commented that they are having trouble paying for their Vietnam eVisa. The biggest problem is that the payment keeps getting declined.

Even though there are some solutions to this issue, the fastest solution would be to use Atlys. This app has loads of different payment methods you can use, and the payment never fails.

Tips For The Vietnam Visa Application

To make sure that your visa application goes smooth, here are some tips you can use:

  • Gather all the documents before you apply.
  • Make sure that your passport is valid.
  • Make sure your documents meet the upload requirements (for the eVisa).
  • Apply for your visa early.

Overall, you just need to make sure you have everything to apply for your visa.

Atlys has some very helpful tools to help organize and structure your next trip. This also helps you to make sure you have some of the things you need for your next visa application.

These tools were created by travelers for travelers to make traveling easier. Here’s a list of Atlys’ free tools that will make your next visa application a breeze:

That’s It!

Now you know everything you need to know about the Vietnam Visa application. If you have any lingering questions, you can check out the FAQ section for some answers.

Vietnam boat