Vietnam


 * A valid passport and visa are required of all travelers visiting Vietnam. Visa to Vietnam can be obtained directly through Vietnamese embassies in your countries or via a travel agent.

Passport

 * Passport valid for at least 6 months months in order to get a visa to Vietnam.

Visa requirements

 * Only citizens of certain countries can visit Vietnam without an entry visa (valid for visit within 30 days). Those countries include: most Asean countries, Korea, Japan & Scandinavians (2005). All other citizens are required to get an entry visa before departure or a pre-approved entry visa (visa is issued on arrival at Vietnam’s International Airports) supplied before arrival in Vietnam.


 * A fairly convoluted visa on arrival process has recently been introduced, but this requires a prior application to Hanoi and is generally intended mostly for groups and citizens of countries without Vietnamese embassies.

Types of visa and cost

 * Diplomatic and official visa: No fees unless otherwise agreed upon between Vietnam and applicant’s country. On applying this visa, you must submit an official letter from the concerned agencies of local government, foreign embassies or consulates accredited to the country, international organizations, or other accredited organizations based in that country.


 * Business visa: On applying this visa, you should obtain an approval through your sponsor in Vietnam. It’s generally much easier to apply once in Vietnam. Multiple entry and stay of three-month or six-month is possible.


 * Tourist visa: (short staying time) It’s what you need to enter Vietnam! Available one-month single-entry visa (maximum stay in Vietnam of one month). Tourist visa may be extended one time for 30 days after your arrival in Vietnam. If you plan to spend more than a month in Vietnam, or if you plan to exit Vietnam and re-enter from Cambodia, Laos or China, you will need a three-month multiple-entry visa with the approval from local agents.


 * Tourist: £38 (single-entry); £55 (express service); £70 (multiple-entry). Single-entry Business: £40. Multiple-entry Business: £70 (one month); £90 (three months); £140 (six months or more).

Useful tips

 * It is easy to extend visa in Vietnam, but not during the Party Congress.


 * All regulations, including those concerning which countries require visas, cost of visas and validity of visas, are very complex and subject to frequent change. It is therefore advisable to contact the consular section at the embassy before traveling to Vietnam.

Vietnam Embassies and/or Consulates
isin: Asia hitch:Vietnam