Vietnam Visa: Entry requirements and travel information for Vietnam

What is a Vietnam eVisa, and who is it for?

The Vietnam eVisa is an electronic visa, which means you can apply online without having to visit an embassy or consulate.

Who is the Vietnam eVisa for?

This eVisa is available to anyone who is not a Vietnamese citizen and does not come from a visa-free country.

This comprises Australians, New Zealanders, Singaporeans, South Africans, South Koreans, Japanese, Russians, Filipinos, and others.

Who is not eligible for a Vietnam eVisa?

While the eVisa is open to everyone, the following categories are visa-exempt:

Chile, Panama, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Brunei, Myanmar, Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom (with the exception of British National Overseas passport holders), and Kazakhstan.

Travellers visiting Phu Quoc Island for up to 30 days.

APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders with valid passports can visit for up to 60 days.

Overseas Vietnamese, their spouses and children, and the spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens are all granted a 5-year visa exemption.

What is the aim of the Vietnam eVisa?

This eVisa allows international visitors to enter and stay in Vietnam for a certain time, usually for tourism, business, or transit.

How long can you stay on a Vietnam eVisa?

The eVisa is valid for up to 90 days and allows for either single or multiple entries.

What is the Vietnam APEC Business Travel Card, and who is it intended for?

The APEC Business Travel Card is more than just a visa. It is a special pass for businesspeople from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member countries that facilitates travel to Vietnam under certain conditions.

Who is the Vietnam APEC Business Travel Card intended for?

Business travellers from the following APEC countries having an APEC Business Travel Card labelled "VNM" can enter Vietnam for business without a visa:

Australia, Brunei, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand.

What is the purpose of the Vietnam APEC Business Travel Card?

It is intended to make it easier for business travellers to travel between APEC member countries.

To be qualified for an ABTC, you must have a valid passport from an APEC country and evidence of frequent business travel in the area.

How long can you remain with a Vietnam APEC Business Travel Card?

The card is valid for three years and allows for stays in Vietnam of up to 60 days per visit.

What are the Vietnamese long-term visa alternatives, and who are they intended for?

Vietnam offers a range of long-term visas for various purposes, including work, education, business, and residing in the nation. Here is a quick look at the most popular ones:

• Student visa: For students enrolled in Vietnamese universities.

• Working Visas (LD1 and LD2): Obtain this via receiving sponsorship from a Vietnamese company, followed by visa stamping at a Vietnamese mission overseas or upon arrival.

• Investor Visa (DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4): Aimed for investors who contribute between VND3 billion and VND300 billion to the Vietnam economy. The duration and terms of your visa are determined by the amount you invest.

• Diplomatic Visa: For members of diplomatic missions, consular officers, and some short-term visitors who have an official letter from a government body or embassies. This visa can be valid for up to one year.

Staying Healthy in Vietnam: Here's What You Need to Know

When visiting Vietnam, healthcare quality varies tremendously depending on the region and type of facility. Here's a brief guide to keep you healthy.

Stay up to speed with routine vaccinations.
Get standard vaccinations such as MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, chickenpox, and polio. Hepatitis A and Typhoid immunisations are also recommended, as these diseases are prevalent in Vietnam.

Follow Vietnam's COVID-19 criteria, including any quarantine or testing requirements, via airlines or the [Vietnamese government website]. (https://vietnam.travel/things-to-do/information-travellers-novel-coronavirus-vietnam)

Medical facilities
Major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang have clinics and hospitals of world standards. These clinics are typically outfitted with current medical technology and manned by qualified healthcare experts, including English-speaking doctors.

Medical facilities in Vietnam's rural and remote areas are inadequate. They may not be able to handle serious medical issues. Medical evacuation to a city or another nation may be required in such instances.

Pharmacies are generally available in urban locations, and many over-the-counter pharmaceuticals are easily accessible. However, one must exercise caution regarding the medication's quality and legitimacy. For prescription drugs, it is recommended that you visit trustworthy pharmacies that are affiliated to hospitals or clinics.

Health Insurance
We recommend that you obtain travel health insurance before leaving any destination.

Private medical treatment will be available in all of Vietnam's main cities, but it may be pricey. You should obtain travel insurance with hefty limits.

Before travelling, contact your insurance provider to confirm you have adequate coverage.

Other regions to consider obtaining coverage for:

• Travel cancellations and delays.

• Medical bills and evacuation.

• Lost luggage.

Things to be cautious of while visiting Vietnam

Keep an eye out for the following to stay healthy and safe during your vacation to Vietnam:

• Food and water safety: Take precautions to avoid traveler's diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal problems. Eat well-cooked foods, avoid raw vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled, and drink bottled or filtered water.

• Mosquito-borne diseases: In some rural parts of Vietnam, mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and malaria are prevalent. Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and sleep under a mosquito net to avoid bites.

• Heat and humidity: Vietnam's weather can be hot and humid. Keep hydrated and protect yourself from the sun with hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. To avoid heatstroke, stay in the shade during the hottest parts of the day.

Medicine for personal use

Follow these steps to bring over-the-counter medications into Vietnam:

• Declare every medication: Customs should be notified of any drugs intended for personal consumption.

• Original packaging: Keep medicines in their original packaging and bring a prescription or doctor's letter, preferably in English.

• Prescription or physician's letter: Present a medical prescription issued by your doctor or another competent authority, preferably in English.

• Check for restrictions. Contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy to ensure that all of your prescriptions are legal to bring with you.

• Carry everything you need: To minimise problems, bring only a fair amount appropriate for the length of your stay.