Vietnam Travel Guidelines for International Travelers

Vietnam's tourism and travel business is expected to boom substantially in the coming years.By 2024, the market's revenue is projected to reach $3,647.00 million. Furthermore, the market is anticipated to grow rapidly (CAGR 2024-2028) of 5.61%, leading to a projected market size of US$4,537.00 million by 2028. Vietnam's travel and tourism industry is expanding due to its breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and diversified cultural attractions. Furthermore, by 2028, online purchases are expected to account for 66% of total revenue in Vietnam's Travel and Tourism business.

Whether you're drawn by its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, or delicious cuisine, it is important you keep the correct travel documentation for a hassle-free holiday. We have listed down the latest travel guidelines along with visa requirements for visitors from Laos, Cambodia, Singapore, India, Thailand, Myanmar, Australia, New Zealand, Qatar, Philippines, Maldives, UAE, Hong Kong, Ireland, the UK, and Canada. Let's talk about everything from travel docs in Vietnam to visas and even the basic requirements for International travellers to Vietnam.

TravelDocs Vietnam:

When planning your Vietnam holiday, every International traveller needs to fulfill certain basic requirements. These include -

• A passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry
• Visa if required or other related documents if the entry is visa-free
• Return ticket from Vietnam
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of sufficient funds to last during the travels
• Travel Insurance

We suggest you also check the latest health advisories and vaccination requirements for international travelers. You can find them on the websites of reputable health organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO) o r the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Vietnam Visa

For most tourists planning to visit Vietnam, obtaining a visa is a necessary step. The Vietnam visa process and requirements may vary depending on your country of origin. Visitors can apply for a Vietnam visa through embassies or the convenient eVisa system online. To avoid frauds or falling into the traps of any third-party agencies, try to go through the visa process through trusted websites only. 

eVisa Vietnam:

With an E-visa, you will no longer have to visit Vietnam Embassies; everything will be done online.

Vietnam offers an eVisa option for citizens of over 80 countries, including Australia, India, the UK, and Canada. The visa is valid for 30 days, single entry, and can be applied for online through the official immigration platform. This system is designed to simplify the process by allowing travelers to submit an application and receive their visa entirely online, eliminating the need to visit a consulate or embassy. This process takes around 3-4 days.

While the basic requirements are usually the same, the travel duration permitted for a single entry might vary depending on nationalities. This might also change from time to time. For instance, for citizens of 13 countries unilaterally exempted from visas by Vietnam, the government of Vietnam announced on 15 Aug 2023 that the stay duration in Vietnam would be extended from 15 to 45 days.

These countries are Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the U.K., Northern Ireland, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Belarus. Citizens of these countries are allowed to stay for 45 days from entry, regardless of passport type and entry purpose.

Let's talk about the VISA Requirements for some countries -

ASEAN Countries:

• Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore: Citizens of these countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for varying periods:
• Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore: Up to 30 days

Myanmar: Up to 14 days

• These visa exemptions are ideal for short visits and business trips.

East Asia:

• Hong Kong: Residents can apply for a Vietnam eVisa for stays up to 30 days.

India

• Travellers must apply for an eVisa or obtain a visa from Vietnamese embassies or consulates before travelling.

Australia and New Zealand

• Australia, New Zealand: Nationals must apply for an eVisa or a visa through Vietnamese diplomatic missions unless they are of Vietnamese descent or qualify for visa exemption under specific programs.

Middle East

• Qatar, UAE: Citizens typically need to apply for an eVisa or a regular visa from Vietnamese embassies.

Ireland and UK

• Ireland, UK: Travelers from these countries are eligible for Vietnam’s visa program. This option facilitates travel by providing a straightforward online application process.

Canada

• Canadian citizens are also eligible for the eVisa and must apply online or through Vietnamese embassies if planning a longer stay or multiple entries.

United States of America

• Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay
• There should be at least one blank visa page.
• Except for E-Visa, visas can be obtained via application from a visa sponsor, which can be a local business or travel agent, with a pre-approval letter from the Vietnamese Immigration Office
• The E-visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days, single or multiple entry, and does not allow renewal or extension from within the country.

For more detailed information and updates, visit the Vietnam Immigration Website

Arriving in Vietnam:

Upon arrival, ensure you have your eVisa printed and ready to present. Immigration procedures may include health checks, especially if travelling from regions affected by infectious diseases.

Staying in Vietnam:

In Vietnam, however, adhere to local laws and customs. Registering your place of stay with local authorities may be required if you stay longer than 24 hours in a place other than a hotel. While exploring Vietnam, keep your passports handy. Vietnam is blessed with an excellent transport network and its charm lies in its size for all budgets. Be it luxury travel or economical trips, you can explore your way out. There are flights to several destinations, ferries to islands, buses, trains and cabs for exploring cities. Best of all, you can book Vietnam bus tickets and train tickets online and plan your travel in an organised way.

Leaving Vietnam

Ensure your visa or eVisa has stayed active, as overstaying can result in fines or other legal complications. Plan your departure for smooth travel back home or to your next destination. By ensuring you meet all travel and visa requirements, your visit to Vietnam should be enjoyable and hassle-free. Whether you're exploring the bustling streets of Hanoi, the ancient town of Hoi An, or the dynamic cityscape of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam offers an unforgettable experience for every traveller. If you plan to book your bus in advance, consider booking your bus tickets on redBus and get up to 25% off on your bus bookings using their limited time-period offer.