Travelers from many countries can get a visa for Vietnam online. The Vietnam eVisa is the fastest and most efficient way to apply for an entry permit.

Vietnam eVisa applicants do not need to visit the embassy at any point. The application is 100% online.

Tourists who are not eligible for the eVisa can apply through their nearest Vietnam embassy. Information about the embassy application process is provided below.

Who Needs an Embassy Visa for Vietnam?

Travelers need to apply for a visa through the embassy if they are not visa-exempt and do not meet the Vietnam eVisa requirements.

To apply online, travelers must be from an eligible country and be visiting:

• For up to 30 days
• For tourism, family visits, studying, official visits, and other permitted activities

An embassy visa is required to stay longer or for reasons not allowed with the electronic permit.

Where Do I Get an Embassy Visa for Vietnam?

Travelers can get a visa for Vietnam at their nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate. Diplomatic missions are often located in the country’s capital or another large city.

Foreigners can find the contact details for their nearest Vietnamese representative office online. It may be necessary to make an appointment to present the visa application form and supporting documents.

How to Get a Visa at the Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam

Travelers should follow these steps to get a visa for Vietnam at the embassy:

1. Locate the nearest Vietnamese embassy and make an appointment
2. Complete the visa application form and gather the required documents
3. Attend the visa appointment and submit the paperwork
4. Wait for the Vietnam visa to be processed

To receive the visa in the mail, applicants may be asked to provide a pre-paid self-addressed envelope. Otherwise, they will need to return to the embassy to collect the approved permit.

How do I make a visa appointment at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate?

Visa applicants should contact the Vietnamese embassy or consulate to make an appointment. Contact details including telephone numbers are usually available online.

In some cases an appointment may not be necessary. Nevertheless, applicants should always contact the embassy to check.

Documents Required to Apply for a Vietnam Visa at the Embassy

Applicants need to prepare the following documents and take them with them to the embassy on the day of their visa appointment:

Vietnam visa application form

This can be downloaded and printed out, required information includes:

• Name and date of birth
• Gender
• Nationality
• Contact details
• Sponsor information
• Passport details
• Purpose of entry

Applicants need to take care when filling out the form. Any mistakes could lead to processing delays or even rejection. The form must be signed by the applicant and dated.

Valid passport

Travelers should present their original passport at the embassy. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of arrival.

Applicant’s photograph

One or more passport-style photos that meet Vietnam’s visa photo specifications are required.

Visa processing fee

Applicants need to pay the visa processing fees at the embassy. Travelers should check whether card payment is accepted, some embassies may only take cash.

Sponsor letter

A sponsor letter may be required when applying for a Vietnam business visa.

Self-addressed envelope

As mentioned, applicants who want to avoid another trip to the embassy to collect their passport and approved visa following processing will need to provide a prepaid self-addressed envelope. Travelers are advised to use a certified mail service with tracking.

Vietnam eVisa applicants do not have to hand over their original passport. Instead, a photo or scanned copy of the passport biographical page is uploaded. Digital photographs are also used when applying online.

How long it takes to process a Vietnam visa application depends on the embassy. Travelers should contact the embassy several weeks before their trip to find out how soon they need to apply.

Processing times may be affected by current demand and other factors.

Electronic visa processing is generally faster. Most Vietnam eVisas are reviewed and approved in 24 to 72 hours.

Alternatives to the Vietnam Embassy Visa

Applying for a visa at the embassy can be time-consuming, as travelers need to attend in person and present physical copies of supporting documents.

Eligible passport holders are advised to apply for a Vietnam visa online. The application can be completed from a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or another electronic device with an internet connection.

On approval, the applicant is sent the Vietnamese visa by email. They just need to print the Vietnamese visa and present it to border officials.