Things to Know about Vietnam Immigration

When you're planning a trip to Vietnam, understanding Vietnam Immigration is crucial for a hassle-free experience. The country welcomes travellers warmly, but you’ll need to follow a few rules. As an Indian traveller, you can apply for a visa on arrival with a pre-approved note, and it will make the process easier. Don’t forget to have your printed visa letter, passport photos, and the stamping fee ready when you arrive. Vietnam Immigration officials are generally friendly, but it’s always good to double-check your documents to avoid surprises. Make sure you keep an eye on your visa validity so your trip goes smoothly.

Eligibility Criteria for Vietnam Immigration

When it comes to Vietnam Immigration, there are specific eligibility criteria you need to meet, depending on your nationality and the type of visa you’re applying for. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Citizens of Most Countries

You can apply for an e-visa, which allows entry to Vietnam for up to 90 days and multiple entries within the stated limit. This is available at airports, land borders, and sea borders at certain gates. The e-visa would be simpler to procure online but takes about three working days to process.

2. Visa-free countries

Citizens of countries like the UK, Germany, France, or even Russia can stay in the country for up to 45 days without having a visa; this is very convenient and hassle-free for short trips.

3. Visa-on-Arrival

Visas are available on arrival if you happen to enter Vietnam by air through one of the airports named above and your passport has at least six months' validity.

4. Vietnamese Nationals Abroad

In case you are a Vietnamese citizen outside Vietnam or married to one, then you will qualify for a Certificate of Visa Exemption. Under this certificate, you can visit Vietnam without a visa.

Knowing all the above requirements, you can have a trip with less tension and make sure that the Vietnam Immigration process is hassle-free for you.

How to Apply for Vietnam Immigration?

If you are planning to travel to Vietnam, it is high time you learn how to pass through Vietnam Immigration. The process of applying for a visa appears tough, but once we go through the procedure step by step, it will become easy and hassle-free. Whether it's an e-visa or a visa on arrival, this process ensures you're well-prepared for a seamless entry into Vietnam.

1. Fill out the Online Application

To begin the process, you’ll need to apply for a visa approval letter, which is a key document for obtaining your visa stamp upon arrival. Head to a trusted visa processing website and fill out the secure online form. Be meticulous when entering your details make sure your passport number, name, date of birth, gender, nationality, along intended arrival date are accurate.

Most websites accept widely popular credit cards so that you can pay online with little to no hassle. You'll want to double-check the validity of your passport before you apply. It should have more than six months left from the date you intend to arrive, and it should have enough blank pages for the stamping of your visa. If your passport is close to expiration, renew it before applying.

2. Confirm and Pay

After filling out the application form, confirm your details to pay the fee for visa processing. The processing fees fall between $17 and will depend on a single or multiple entry visa type and the number of applicants seeking the visa processing. An extra stamping fee in the cost will be noticeable, which will be about $25 for a single entry or $50 for multiple entries upon arrival. One tip to take note is that the fees for the stamping process might need to be paid in cash so you should carry the right amount in either US dollars or Vietnamese dong.

3. Obtain and Print the Approval Letter

Your visa approval letter will be processed after you send in the required online application and payment. You should receive an email within two business days, containing your visa approval letter. For peace of mind at immigration, it’s always suggested to print out a colour copy in hand.

Carry the approval letter for easy access upon arrival. In addition, prepare two passport-sized photos measuring 4x6 cm with the requirements as stipulated for the visa, which would be needed once you are at the visa processing part of the airport.

4. Arrive and Get Your Visa Stamp

Once you have arrived at one of the four international airports in Vietnam (Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, or Nha Trang), follow the signs directing you to the visa-on-arrival counter. There, you’ll need to present your visa approval letter, two photos, passport, and the cash for your stamping fee.

Before proceeding, you’ll need to fill out an Entry/Exit form. You can either download this in advance or complete it once you reach the airport. After submitting your documents and payment, your passport will be stamped with your visa, and you’ll be ready to begin your adventure in Vietnam.

Following this straightforward process ensures that you won’t encounter any unexpected hiccups at Vietnam Immigration. By preparing your documents in advance and being mindful of visa fees, you’ll make your arrival hassle-free.

Docs Required for Vietnam Immigration

When you're preparing for your Vietnam trip, ensuring you have the right documents for Vietnam Immigration is key to a smooth experience. Here’s a list of essentials you’ll need to carry:

1. Valid Passport

The passport should have a validity date of over six months from the date of your visit to Vietnam. Also, make sure that your passport has two vacant pages, where your immigration officer stamps his seal on your passport. Your passport should not be damaged at all as you may experience problems when they are damaged or torn.

2. Passport Photos

You will need two recent 35x45 mm white background passport photos. Make sure they meet all requirements, like clear, no headwear unless religious, and not older than three months.

3. Visa Pre-Approval Letter

You will need this letter for the on-arrival visa, which can be requested online free of charge. Don't forget to print this one off as well!

4. Accommodation Details

You will be asked to provide proof that you have a place to stay. This can be done with a confirmation of hotel booking or by bringing an invitation from your host.

5. Proof of Return Travel

You will need to provide a copy of your flight ticket to show that you have plans to return.

6. COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate

Some entry requirements mention a COVID-19 vaccination certificate.

Having these documents ready will make the process smooth through Vietnam Immigration, and you will save more time to enjoy your trip!

Processing Time for Vietnam Immigration

When applying for Vietnam Immigration, understanding the processing time for your visa is crucial to ensure a smooth trip. The standard processing time for a Vietnam e-visa is around 2 to 3 working days for most applicants. However, peak periods, such as public holidays, can take a little longer due to the increased number of applications.

Typical Processing Times

1. 1 working day: Only about 5% of applicants receive their visas this quickly, usually through an expedited service.

2. 2 to 3 working days: The majority (75%) of applicants receive their visas within this timeframe, which is the standard processing period.

3. 3 to 5 working days: Around 15% of applicants may experience slight delays, often due to higher demand or minor errors in the application.

4. More than 5 working days: In rare cases (5%), processing can take longer due to issues such as incomplete information or poor-quality photos.

Factors Affecting Processing Time

While the Vietnam Immigration Department strives to process visas quickly, several factors can cause delays:

1. Public Holidays

Since Vietnam has so many national holidays, all visa offices are closed during these periods. Application takes much longer, up to weeks during the Lunar New Year (Tet Holiday). So it's better if you can apply three weeks before your departure date.

2. Application Errors

One common reason for delays is errors in the visa application. These can range from incorrect personal details to unclear passport photos. To avoid this, make sure all your information matches your passport exactly and that your photos meet the required specifications.

Expedited Service

You can also speed up the processing of your visa with a faster service that could accomplish the same task within 4-8 working hours. This option is perfect if your trip is coming up fast and you can’t wait for the standard processing time.

Cost for Vietnam Immigration

When planning your trip, understanding the costs associated with Vietnam Immigration is important. Depending on the visa type and how quickly you need it, fees can vary. Here’s a breakdown to help you plan:

Visa-on-Arrival Stamping Fee:

• Single Entry: $25 ( ₹2,066)

• Multiple Entry: $50 ( ₹4,133)