Vietnam E Visa Guide 2023 - Cost, Time, Procedure and Urgent Case

If you're planning to embark on an adventure to Vietnam, it's good news for you. Vietnam E-visa helps to elevate the process of obtaining a visa to Vietnam. Gone are the days of lengthy paperwork, time-consuming visits to embassies. In this article, we will introduce step-by-step about the online visa system, who can and how to get it as well as the remarkable opportunities it opens up for travellers. It takes you 2 minutes reading to gain the most practical advice, then you can continue with Vietnam e visa with peace in mind.

1. Good news about Vietnam e visa extension in 2023

Since August 15th, 2023, the Vietnam government officially decided to grant electronic visas (e-visas) to citizens of all countries and territories.

The duration of e-visa is officially 90 days instead of 30 days like before. This means that those foreigners who are granted an e-visa can enter and exit Vietnam multiple times within a period of 90 days without obtaining a new visa.

The list of international border gates where e-visa is accepted is also updated.

According to the Government's resolution on August 14, there are 13 airports that allow foreigners to enter and exit by e-visa, including: Noi Bai International Airport, Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Cam Ranh International Airport, Da Nang International Airport, Cat Bi International Airport, Can Tho International Airport, Phu Quoc International Airport, Phu Bai International Airport, Van Don International Airport, Tho Xuan International Airport, Dong Hoi International Airport, Phu Cat International Airport, Lien Khuong International Airport.

16 land border gates allowing foreigners to enter with e-visa, including: Tay Trang international border gate (Dien Bien), Mong Cai (Quang Ninh), Huu Nghi international border gate (Lang Son), Lao Cai international border gate, Na Meo international border gate (Thanh Hoa), Nam Can international border gate (Nghe An), Cau Treo international border gate (Ha Tinh), Cha Lo international border gate (Quang Binh), La Lay international border gate and Lao Bao international border gate (Quang Tri), Bo Y international border gate (Kon Tum), Moc Bai international border gate and Xa Mat international border gate (Tay Ninh), Tinh Bien international border gate and Vinh Xuong international border gate (An Giang) ), Ha Tien international border gate (Kien Giang).

13 sea border gates allowing foreigners to enter with e-visa, including: Hon Gai sea port and Cam Pha sea port (Quang Ninh), Hai Phong sea port, Nghi Son sea port (Thanh Hoa), Vung Ang sea port (Ha Tinh), Chan May sea port (Thua Thien Hue), Da Nang sea port , Nha Trang sea port (Khanh Hoa), Quy Nhon sea port (Binh Dinh), Dung Quat sea port (Quang Ngai), Vung Tau sea port (Ba Ria Vung Tau), Ho Chi Minh City sea port , Duong Dong sea port (Kien Giang).

Tourists get great experience on Long Bien Bridge, Hanoi

2. What is Vietnam e-visa?

Vietnam e-visa, also known as Vietnam electronic visa, is an official travel document issued by the Vietnamese Immigration Department to foreign visitors. This provides foreigners permission to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times within 90 days. This is considered the most convenient ways to get a visa to Vietnam before your departure.

The procedures for obtaining e-visas are quite simple. Foreigners do not need to visit Vietnamese representative offices abroad or use intermediaries to apply for a visa. The issuance of e-visas involves pre-approval, which allows immigration authorities to screen ineligible individuals, ensuring better management.

At present, the Vietnam e-visas issued by the Immigration Department through the electronic system are valid for both a single entry and multiple.

Vietnam currently grants e-visas to citizens of all countries and territories.

Using this kind of visa, you can enter Vietnam through one of 13 airports, 16 land border gates and 13 sea border gates. Please note that you can only enter the country via the port of entry that you chose on the e-visa application, which is stated on the successful document.  

Currently, Vietnam e visa is valid for a stay up to 90 days from the entry date.

3. Vietnam e visa cost

An e-visa application costs 25 USD, which is paid via electronic payment gateway. The frequently used payment methods are ATM card or Visa, Mastercard, JBC, Amex card.

Note: The payment for e-Visa applications are non-refundable even if your visa applications are refused or unused (as regulated by the Immigration Department).

4. Vietnam e visa processing time

Your request will be processed within 3 working days (GMT +7). It means excepting Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

5. Vietnam e visa requirements

To be eligible for e-visa, firstly you need to meet following criteria:

• Holding a passport valid for at least 6 months from the exit date
• Be on the Vietnam e-visa granted nationality list

After being sure about the condition, you can continue to prepare for:

• A portrait photo of you looking straight and no glasses, size 4x6cm
• A photo of passport first page which includes your full personal information and ICAO lines
• USD 25 on your bank account

These photos will be uploaded in an online application form.

Please note:
- ICAO line passport name should be captured clear enough, avoid the glare
- The ID photo should be taken within 6 months and shouldn't be the passport photo

6. How to apply for Vietnam e visa ?

Are you ready to apply for your visa? For outside Vietnam foreigners, you can apply for a Vietnam e-visa by requesting a visa service provider, contact directly with the Vietnam Immigration Department or apply by yourself by accessing Vietnam e-visa official website: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn

This is the only official site of the Vietnam Immigration Department created via electronic system. The other similar website may be the travel agency or the fake website. Please click the link and follow our step by step guide below.

Basically, a Vietnam visa application online includes:

• Fill out the application form
• Upload qualified documents
• Make payment
• Track and wait for verification

#1. Visit National web portal on immigration

#2. Click on e-visa frame as in red circle

#3. After that, you will arrive on this page. By scrolling down the page, you will see the line in the red circle. Please click there to continue.

#4. This page is short instructions and requires you to confirm reading that. Scroll down and tick on the box to pass this step. Click the next button.

Note: It is important that you fill your full name as exact as on your passport’s ICAO line. If there is any error during this declaration, your application may be rejected by Immigration Department.

#5. Upload your personal photo and your passport photo as above size

Note: They accept only image formats in jpg, jpeg, gif.

Other image formats are refused. In that case, you can resize your image by iloveimg or any way that you know.

#6. Scroll down and fill all the boxes (line with red star is compulsory). Click on the box to assure all the information is truth details. Enter captcha.

Note: Some information like Permanent residential address and Nationality at birth automatically appear after you enter your current nationality. Carefully check if it is right or wrong. 

#7. Click review application form, a pop up window below will appear. It means you complete the form. Then click OK.

#8. This is a summary page for you to double check. At this step you still get back to change information. If everything is correct, click on payment to go ahead. 

#9. Tick on the requirement field and click on button Pay e-visa fee

Note: Remember to save your registration code to check visa status later

#10. Select suitable Visa/ Mastercard/ Amex to make payment

7. Check Vietnam e-visa status

After intended processing time (normally 3 working days), you can visit the Immigration Department’s website again to look up for e-visa status.

Please follow this link and enter your exact registration code as well as email address and date of birth.

8. Urgent e-visa Vietnam

We all hope that you can successfully apply for Vietnam e-visa. However, some first time travellers may forget about the time or make mistakes during the procedure, which may result in a late or failed visa. Please contact us for quick assistance. Urgent e-visa Vietnam is faster and more costly than the normal one. However, it actually helps you to avoid a long wait. The processing time is also working hours except Saturday and Sunday. Hotline: +84 382 536 266 (Whatsapp available).

Hopefully with our detailed guide on Vietnam e visa 2023 - 2024, you will smoothly start your first step to visit our beloved country.

Happy travelling!

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