Vietnam Single Entry Visa for Tourists What You Should Know

Vietnam, a captivating Southeast Asian nation, beckons travelers with its rich history, mesmerizing landscapes, and vibrant culture. For those seeking a taste of Vietnam’s allure, the Single Entry Visa offers a convenient and straightforward path to explore this enchanting country. Whether you’re planning a short leisure trip or a longer adventure, understanding the different types of Vietnam single entry visas, fees and processing times, and application procedures can help make your travel experience smoother and hassle-free.

Types of Vietnam single entry visas

The Vietnam single entry visa, as the name suggests, permits a single entry into Vietnam for tourism purposes. This visa is valid for a maximum of 30 days from the date of entry and can be obtained either electronically (e-Visa) or upon arrival (Visa on Arrival, VOA).

E-Visa Option for Single Entry

The e-Visa is an electronic visa that allows travelers to apply for their Vietnam single entry visa online. This option is available for citizens of 80 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and most European nations. The application process is simple and can be completed in just a few steps:

1. Visit the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.
2. Fill out the online application form with your personal information, including your name, passport details, and travel dates.
3. Upload a scanned copy of your passport and a recent passport-sized photo.
4. Pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card.
5. Receive your e-Visa via email within 2 to 3 working days.

It’s important to note that the e-Visa is only valid for entry at certain designated ports of entry, which include international airports, land border crossings, and seaports. Before applying, make sure to check the list of eligible ports of entry to ensure your travel plans align with the e-Visa option.

Visa on Arrival (VOA) Option for Single Entry

The Visa on Arrival (VOA) option is available for citizens of all countries and can be obtained upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s designated international airports. This option is ideal for those who are unable to apply for an e-Visa or prefer not to go through the online application process. To obtain a VOA, travelers must:

1. Apply for a visa approval letter through a reputable travel agency or tour operator.
2. Receive the visa approval letter via email within 2 to 3 working days.
3. Print out the letter and bring it with you to Vietnam.
4. Upon arrival, present the visa approval letter, along with your passport, two passport-sized photos, and the visa stamping fee in cash.
5. Receive your visa and proceed through immigration.

It’s important to note that the VOA option may involve longer wait times at the airport, as well as potential delays or complications if the visa approval letter is not obtained from a reliable source. It’s recommended to use this option only if necessary and to plan accordingly for potential delays.

Fees Processing Time for Vietnam single entry visas

The fees associated with the Vietnam single entry visa vary depending on the nationality of the applicant and the processing method chosen. For e-Visas, the fee typically ranges from USD25 to USD50, and processing time is usually within 2 to 3 working days. For VOA, the fee is slightly higher, ranging from USD40 to USD60, and processing time takes place at the designated immigration counters upon arrival in Vietnam.

To give you a better idea of the fees and processing times for different nationalities, here’s a table showcasing the costs and processing times for some popular countries:

Nationality	E-Visa Fee	VOA Fee	Processing Time for E-Visa	Processing Time for VOA
United States	USD25	USD50	2-3 working days	Upon arrival
Canada	USD25	USD50	2-3 working days	Upon arrival
Australia	USD25	USD50	2-3 working days	Upon arrival
United Kingdom	USD25	USD50	2-3 working days	Upon arrival
Germany	USD25	USD50	2-3 working days	Upon arrival
France	USD25	USD50	2-3 working days	Upon arrival
Japan	USD25	USD50	2-3 working days	Upon arrival
South Korea	USD25	USD50	2-3 working days	Upon arrival
Singapore	USD25	USD50	2-3 working days	Upon arrival
Malaysia	USD25	USD50	2-3 working days	Upon arrival

It’s important to note that the fees and processing times are subject to change, so it’s always best to check the latest information on the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Comparing Single-Entry Multiple-Entry Vietnam Visas

The choice between a Single-Entry and Multiple-Entry Vietnam Visa depends on the traveler’s itinerary and travel plans. For those planning a short leisure trip to Vietnam, the Single-Entry Visa is a suitable option as it allows for one entry into the country within a 30-day period. However, if you plan on making multiple trips to Vietnam or want the flexibility to enter and exit the country multiple times during your stay, then the Multiple-Entry Visa may be a better choice.

The Multiple-Entry Visa is valid for up to 1 year and allows for unlimited entries into Vietnam. This option is ideal for those who plan on traveling to neighboring countries and want the convenience of being able to re-enter Vietnam without having to apply for a new visa each time.

Here’s a table comparing the fees and processing times for Single-Entry and Multiple-Entry Visas:

Visa Type	E-Visa Fee	VOA Fee	Processing Time for E-Visa	Processing Time for VOA
Single-Entry	USD25-USD50	USD40-USD60	2-3 working days	Upon arrival
Multiple-Entry	USD50-USD95	USD65-USD95	2-3 working days	Upon arrival

It’s important to note that the Multiple-Entry Visa is only available for certain nationalities, so it’s best to check the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department for the latest information.

Application Procedures for Vietnam single entry visas

Now that you have a better understanding of the different types of Vietnam single entry visas, fees and processing times, and the differences between Single-Entry and Multiple-Entry Visas, let’s take a look at the application procedures for each option in more detail.

E-Visa Application Procedure

As mentioned earlier, the e-Visa application process is straightforward and can be completed online. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Visit the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.
2. Click on “E-visa” under the “Consular Services” tab.
3. Click on “For foreigners” and select your nationality from the drop-down menu.
4. Click on “Apply for e-visa” and fill out the online application form with your personal information, including your name, passport details, and travel dates.
5. Upload a scanned copy of your passport and a recent passport-sized photo.
6. Pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card.
7. Receive your e-Visa via email within 2 to 3 working days.

It’s important to note that the e-Visa is only valid for entry at certain designated ports of entry, which include international airports, land border crossings, and seaports. Before applying, make sure to check the list of eligible ports of entry to ensure your travel plans align with the e-Visa option.

VOA Application Procedure

To obtain a VOA, travelers must apply for a visa approval letter through a reputable travel agency or tour operator. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Contact a reliable travel agency or tour operator and provide them with your personal information, including your name, passport details, and travel dates.
2. Pay the visa approval letter fee (usually around USD10-USD20).
3. Receive the visa approval letter via email within 2 to 3 working days.
4. Print out the letter and bring it with you to Vietnam.
5. Upon arrival, present the visa approval letter, along with your passport, two passport-sized photos, and the visa stamping fee in cash.
6. Receive your visa and proceed through immigration.

It’s important to note that the VOA option may involve longer wait times at the airport, as well as potential delays or complications if the visa approval letter is not obtained from a reliable source. It’s recommended to use this option only if necessary and to plan accordingly for potential delays.

Travel Tips FAQs for Single Entry Visas

To wrap up our article on Vietnam single entry visas, here are some helpful tips and frequently asked questions to keep in mind when planning your trip:

• Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Vietnam.
• Have a printed copy of your visa approval letter or e-Visa with you when entering Vietnam.
• Bring enough cash to pay for the visa stamping fee upon arrival (USD25 for single-entry, USD50 for multiple-entry).
• If traveling with children, make sure to obtain a separate visa for each child.
• It’s recommended to have at least 2 blank pages in your passport for the visa stamp.
• Keep a copy of your passport and visa in a safe place while traveling.
• If planning on extending your stay in Vietnam, make sure to apply for a visa extension before your current visa expires.

FAQs

Q: Can I extend my Single Entry Visa?

A: Yes, it is possible to extend your Single Entry Visa for an additional 30 days. You can apply for a visa extension through the Vietnam Immigration Department or through a reputable travel agency.

Q: Can I enter Vietnam before the start date of my visa?

A: No, you must enter Vietnam on or after the start date of your visa.

Q: Can I change my entry date or port of entry for my e-Visa?

A: No, once your e-Visa has been issued, you cannot change the entry date or port of entry. If your travel plans change, you will need to apply for a new e-Visa.

Conclusion

In conclusion, obtaining a Vietnam single entry visa is a simple and convenient process that allows travelers to explore this beautiful country for up to 30 days. Whether you choose to apply for an e-Visa or opt for the VOA option, make sure to plan ahead and follow the necessary steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. With this guide, we hope you have a better understanding of the different types of visas, fees and processing times, and application procedures for Vietnam single entry visas. Happy travels!