Vietnam business visa visa Vietnam

Steps to apply for Vietnam e-visa with Hong Kong passport/BNO and HKDI require visa on arrival

In order to provide Hong Kong tourists with a more convenient visa application experience, the Vietnamese government has launched two visa forms: electronic visa (E-visa) and visa on arrival (Visa on Arrival) in recent years. This article will introduce in detail how Hong Kong citizens can easily obtain Vietnam electronic visas through online channels. As well as the specific procedures and precautions for BNO passport and HKDI holders to apply for visas on arrival.

Advantages of Vietnam e-visa

Compared with traditional paper visas, Vietnam electronic visas have the following significant advantages:

  • Convenient application – travelers can fill out the application form online without visiting the consulate in person, which greatly saves time and energy.
  • Efficient approval – Under normal circumstances, the authorities will approve e-visa applications within 3-4 working days, and they can receive urgent cases within 1 working day.
  • Long Validity – The e-visa is valid for up to 3 months, making it convenient for travelers who frequently travel to Vietnam.

To obtain a Vietnam e-visa, Hong Kong citizens holding a Hong Kong passport only need to follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Complete the online application form

First, visit the Vietnamese government website or agency website (select electronic visa): https://www.vietnam-visa.in/apply-vietnam-visa/. Fill in relevant personal information and itinerary details. 

Important note: The passport must be valid for more than 6 months; the entry date must be consistent with the actual itinerary; single or multiple entry visas can be selected.

Step 2: Upload the required files

Upload recent passport photos and scanned copies of passport data pages online. Please ensure documents are legible to avoid delays in review.

Step 3: Pay fees online

Currently, the Vietnam e-visa fee is approximately US$25. Most websites support multiple payment methods, such as credit cards, PayPal, etc.

Step 4: Wait for approval results

Once your application is approved, you will receive a PDF version of your electronic visa. Print it out and use it to enter Vietnam.

BNO passport and HKDI holders apply for a visa on arrival

For Hong Kong residents holding a British National (Overseas) passport (BNO) and a Hong Kong Certificate of Identity (HKDI), they must choose a visa on arrival as they cannot obtain a Vietnam visa through electronic channels. Visa on arrival refers to a method of applying to the local immigration bureau after arriving at the Vietnam airport and obtaining a visa on the spot.

Before applying for a visa on arrival, BNO passport and HKDI holders need to apply for a “Visa Approval Letter” online. The specific steps are as follows:

Step 1: Fill in the application form online (select visa on arrival): https://www.vietnam-visa.in/apply-vietnam-visa/

Visit the visa-on-arrival application website approved by the Vietnam Immigration Bureau and fill in your personal information, itinerary plan, etc. (BNO chooses: British National Overseas; HKDI chooses: Hong Kong DI)

Step 2: Pay for the service

The visa application fee on arrival generally ranges from US$45, and the specific amount depends on the type of visa required.

Step 3: Obtain approval letter

After successful payment, you will receive the electronic version of the “Visa Approval Letter” within 4 working days. Urgent cases can be received within 2-4 business hours.

Step 4: Travel to Vietnam and collect your visa

Bring your passport, photos, approval letter, and cash to the designated airport in Vietnam, handle the procedures at the visa-on-arrival office, and pay the visa fee to get the actual visa sticker.

It is worth noting that visa on arrival is only applicable to passengers arriving on international flights. In addition, not all Vietnamese airports offer visa-on-arrival services. Currently, only 7 major airports including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc provide this service.

The difference between an electronic visa and a visa on arrival

For Hong Kong citizens, electronic visas and visas on arrival have their own pros and cons, and they need to weigh the choice based on the specific circumstances.

  • Convenience – The e-visa is completely processed online, making the operation easier. You can directly use the e-visa to enter Vietnam. For a visa on arrival, you need to apply for an approval letter online in advance, and then get the visa on arrival in Vietnam.
  • Scope of application – All Hong Kong citizens holding Hong Kong passports can apply for e-visas; BNO passport and HKDI holders can only choose a visa on arrival.
  • The time for obtaining the visa is the same as the normal processing time. The fastest service for electronic visas is to receive them within 1 working day. And the fastest service for receiving visas on arrival is within 2-4 working hours.
  • Visa Validity – Visa on arrival is only approved for 15-30 days for tourist purposes. Electronic visas are available for 1-3 months but for multiple entries for business or tourist purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Electronic Visas

To help Hong Kong citizens better understand and use Vietnam E-visa, we have compiled some frequently asked questions and answers:

Q1: How long is the e-visa valid for?

The maximum validity period of an electronic visa is 3 months, and the specific number of days depends on the type selected by the applicant.

Q2: At which ports can I use an electronic visa to enter the country?

Electronic visas can be used at all international airports, and land and sea ports in Vietnam.

Q3: My passport is about to expire, can I apply for an electronic visa?

In most cases, you must ensure your passport is valid for more than 6 months. Otherwise, the authorities will reject the e-visa application. If your passport will expire within 6 months, you should apply for a new passport first.

Q4: Can I renew my e-Visa before it expires?

Can’t. Once an electronic visa is issued, its validity cannot be extended or renewed. If you want to continue staying in Vietnam, you must reapply for a new electronic visa.

Q5: What should I do if I lose my passport while in Vietnam?

If you lose your passport, immediately report it to the local police and obtain proof of loss. Then go to the Vietnam Immigration Bureau to apply for a one-time exit permit so that you can leave Vietnam and reapply for a new passport.

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