How long does it take to apply for a Vietnam tourist visa? How long can you stay? Can it be extended?

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Overview of Vietnam tourist visa types

There are many types of Vietnam tourist visas. Which can be mainly divided into two categories: electronic visas (E-Visa) and visas on arrival. Whether you plan to travel for a short period of time or stay for a long time. You can choose the appropriate visa type according to your personal needs.

Electronic visa (E-Visa): Electronic visas are undoubtedly the most convenient choice. Just apply online through the official website and you can get an electronic visa file within 3-5 working days. With the electronic file and passport, you can enter Vietnam directly, saving the waiting time to queue up for a visa.

• Single-entry electronic visa: valid for 30 days and cannot extend.
• Multiple-entry electronic visa: valid for 30 days or 90 days.

Visa on arrival: In comparison, the application process for visas on arrival is slightly more cumbersome. However, it provides a longer stay period option. Applicants must first obtain an approval letter online and submit documents, photos and handling fees again when they arrive at the Vietnam airport before they can receive the physical visa sticker.

• Single-entry visa on arrival: valid for 1 month.
• Multiple-entry visa on arrival: valid for 1 month.

Vietnam tourist visa online application tutorial

• Fill in the online application form: https://www.vietnam-visa.in/apply-vietnam-visa/. Choose the appropriate visa type, such as e-visa or visa on arrival, single or multiple entry, etc. Fill in personal basic information, passport number, expected entry date, etc.
• Upload copies of required documents, such as passport information page, photos, etc.
• Pay the corresponding visa service fee. Most websites accept mainstream online payment methods such as credit cards and PayPal.
• Wait for the review result. Ordinary services can obtain an e-visa or obtain an approval letter for a visa on arrival within 4 working days. Emergency services can be processed according to your requirements.
• Print relevant documents before departure, such as e-visa files or approval letters, for inspection.
• If applying for a visa on arrival, please remember to bring the required cash to pay the visa fee upon entry.

Time required for Vietnam tourist visa application

No matter what type of visa you choose, it’s wise to apply early. In general, it’s recommended to start your application at least 15 days before your planned departure to ensure smooth approval. The exact time required depends on the type of visa:

• For an e-visa, the standard processing time is 3-5 working days. And the fastest emergency service can process it in 1 working day.
• For a visa on arrival, the standard processing time is 4 working days. And the fastest emergency service can process it in 2-4 working hours.

How to extend the stay period of a Vietnam tourist visa?

For some travelers, the original stay period may not meet the actual needs. In this case, you can consider applying for an extension in Vietnam. However, please pay attention to the following important details:

• Only holders of visa on arrival can apply for an extension. E-visa cannot be extended and a new visa must be reapplied.
• The extension application must submit within the validity period of the visa. After the visa expires, it cannot extend just do new one. Whether the extension is approved or not will depend on the case. The Immigration Bureau will evaluate the applicant’s reasons for the extension. And if it is reasonable, there is a higher chance of approval.
• The maximum extension period is half of the original visa validity period. For example, the original visa is a 3-month multiple entry visa, and the maximum extension period is 1.5 months.

If you plan to stay in Vietnam for a long time. It is recommended to apply for a longer-term visa directly to avoid the additional costs and procedural troubles caused by repeated extensions.

Details of visa application fees

The fees required to apply for a Vietnam tourist visa mainly include the following parts:

• Visa service fee: the handling fee paid to the agency, depending on the selected service. The general electronic visa service fee is about US$70-130, and the visa on arrival is about US$45-50.
• Government fee: the official visa fee charged by the Vietnam Immigration Bureau. No payment has required for electronic visas at the airport; visas on arrival require payment of US$25-50 depending on the type of visa.

Please click on the link to check the latest fees: https://www.vietnam-visa.in/apply-vietnam-visa/.

Documents required for Vietnam visa application

No matter what type of visa you apply for, the basic documents required are roughly the same, including:

• A passport with a validity period of at least 6 months
• Two latest color passport photos (4x6cm)
• Return ticket or other proof of departure
• Accommodation reservation or invitation letter from relatives and friends in Vietnam (if any)

In addition to the above basic documents, some special cases may require additional supplementary information, such as:

• For a student visa, you need an admission letter from the school you are attending.
• For a work visa, you need an employment certificate and a work contract from your employer.
• For a visiting relatives visa, you need identity documents of your relatives or friends in Vietnam

Preparing all the required documents will help you get a visa approved smoothly. If the documents are incomplete, the immigration department may delay the review or directly reject your application.

FAQs for you

Q: Can I change a single-entry visa to a multiple-entry visa in Vietnam? A: No. Once you enter Vietnam, the visa type cannot be changed. If you need to enter and exit the country multiple times, please apply for a multiple-entry visa at the beginning.

Q: Can I extend my visa after it expires? Or can I get a new visa in Vietnam? A: After the visa expires, it cannot be extended, and a new visa cannot be issued in Vietnam. You must complete the extension procedures within the validity period of the visa, or reapply for a new visa after leaving the country.

Q: Can I apply for a Vietnam visa in a country other than Vietnam? A: Yes. Whether you are at home or abroad, you can apply for a visa through online application channels or at the local Vietnamese consulate.

Q: My passport is about to expire. Can I use it to apply for a Vietnam visa? A: No. The Vietnam Immigration Bureau stipulates that the applicant’s passport must be valid for more than 6 months before a visa can be obtained. Please update your passport in time.

Q: My passport has been lost or stolen. Can I apply for a Vietnam visa with a copy of my passport? A: No, the Vietnam Immigration Department only accepts valid physical passports as application documents. If you lose your passport, you must apply for a new one at the embassy or consulate abroad before applying for a Vietnam visa.

Q: Do children also need to apply for a Vietnam visa separately? A: Yes, regardless of age, every traveler to Vietnam with their own passport must have a personal visa. However, if your child is under 14 years old, some visa fees may free.

Overview of Common Tourist Attractions in Vietnam

Vietnam attaches equal importance to natural and cultural landscapes, attracting countless travelers. Here are some popular attractions for your trip in Vietnamese tourism:

• Halong Bay: A natural wonder composed of thousands of rocky beaches and islands, known as the “Vietnam Maldives”.
• Hoi An Ancient Town: This ancient town with a history of hundreds of years has witnessed Vietnam’s unique fusion of Eastern and Western cultures.
• Danang, Nha Trang: With charming beach scenery and French monuments everywhere.
• Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi: Modern metropolises with colonial architectural heritage everywhere.
• Dalat: This French mountain city has a pleasant climate. And surrounding by sunshade lawns, lakes and golf courses.

Whether you love outdoor activities, city sightseeing or historical and cultural tours, Vietnam has all the tourism resources you need to make you enjoy yourself.