Guidance and Processing Time of E-visa to Vietnam
About e-visa
What is e-visa?
Vietnam electronic visa, or e-visa is a visa type issued by the Vietnam authority for foreigners to enter Vietnam for a certain period of time.
Different from the standard visa stamped to your passport and issued directely at the Embassy/ Consulate, e-visas are processed and issued through an electronic system. By this way, the process is much more simplified and does not take much time and energy of applicants.
Vietnam online visa officially takes effect from February 2017 for citizen of 40 different countries. Since August 15th, 2023, it is applicable to global citizens regardless of purpose, if meeting the conditions prescribed by Vietnam law.
Validity
E-visa has a maximum validity of 90 days. Foreigners can apply for a 1-month or 3-month, single entry or multiple entry visa. Electronic visa is not currently available for extension. The duration of stay is stated on the issued visa.
Conditions
Foreigners meeting the following conditions are eligible for being granted a Vietnam e-visa:
- Currently staying outside Vietnam territory
- Having a valid passport for at least 6 months from the date of entry
- Not being suspended from entering Vietnam according to Vietnam laws
- Entering and exiting Vietnam at one of 42 ports specified by the Vietnam Government
What purpose can e-visa be used for?
An online visa is applicable for all purposes of entry such as traveling, working, business, visiting relatives, investing, studying, marrying, etc.
Comprehensive guidance
Preparation
Before processing the online application, make sure you have these documents in hand:
- A passport with six (6) months’ validity since the entry date to Vietnam and at least 2 blank pages
- A portrait photo (white background, 4x6 size, looking straight, without glasses and hats)
- A valid international credit or debit card (except for American Express)
Application process
After having all the required documents, applicants follow 5 steps below to apply for an e-visa:
Step 1: Access official website of Vietnam e-visa
Access the link https://evisa.gov.vn/, choose “Apply now”. Click 2 boxes to confirm compliance with Vietnamese laws and reading carefully instructions and having completed application. Then, click “Next”.
Step 2: Fill out the Application form
- Foreigner's Images
- Portrait photograph: 4x6cm, white background, .jpg or .jpeg format, less than 2MB file size, looking straight, without glasses and head covering.
- Passport data page image: .jpg or .jpeg format, showing clearly photo, personal information and ICAO lines.
- Personal Information
- Enter the name as it appears on the ICAO line in the passport. If there is only Surname or Given name in the passport, just enter the Given name in the form.
- Requested Information
- Choose “single entry” if you want to enter Vietnam once or “multiple entry” if you will enter and exit Vietnam multiple times during the visa's validity.
- Grant e-Visa valid from and To: The start date and expiry date of the visa (not exceeding 90 days). ***Note: The entry date cannot be before the start date, and foreigners are not allowed to stay after the expiry date.
- Passport Information
- Passport must be at least 6 months valid from the entry date.
- Contact Information
- Fill in your permanent residential address, contact address, and phone number (could be your number, your family member’s, or friend’s number) before entering Vietnam.
- Occupation (not compulsory)
- Information About The Trip
- Purpose of entry: During the time staying in Vietnam, foreigners must be consistent with the purpose of entry.
- Intended date of entry (should be the same as “Grant e-Visa valid from” in Requested Information section)
- Intended length of stay in Viet Nam (not exceeding 90 days)
- Residential address in Viet Nam
- Intended border gate of entry
- Intended border gate of exit
- Accompany child(ren) under 14 years old who are issued with the same passport request to be issued the same e-visa (if any)
- Trip’s Expenses, Insurance (not compulsory)
Step 3: Review application form.
Change the wrong information before processing payment. All the information after being submitted cannot be changed.
Step 4: Pay the visa fee
The fee is US$ 25 for single-entry visa or US$ 50 for multiple-entry visa. The application is only processed after the payment is successful. An application code will be provided for follow-up. The fee is nonrefundable in case you are not granted a visa.
Step 5: Check application status and get the visa
Access the link https://evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search, enter the application code, email, date of birth. The e-visa will be provided in a PDF file if the application is approved. Print the visa out for checkin at the port.
Processing time
The standard processing time for e-visas is 3 - 5 days (except Saturdays and Sundays) after you submit all valid documents, information, and fees. However, it may take up to 7 days due to holidays or a high number of applications.
Besides, the delays may come from application mistakes such as insufficient or incorrect information, fake information, unqualified photos, etc. Hence, foreigners should register an e-visa for at least 2 weeks in advance of the entry date.
FAQs
- Can I change the type from tourist e-visa to business e-visa?
Yes. You can change from tourist visa to business visa. However, as the business visa requires some specific documents and the procedure is complex, you are highly recommended to work with a local visa agency for a high success rate.
- Can an e-visa be extended?
No. E-visa is currently not applicable for extension.
- Can I pay the visa fee with domestic cards?
No. The payment process only accepts international cards.
- Can I change the port of entry after the e-visa is issued?
No. You cannot amend the issued visa. Please make sure all the information you submit is correct.
- In case of emergency, is there any way to speed up the process?
You can request an emergency e-visa service at a local visa agency. You can be granted a new visa within 2-4 hours or 1-2 days.
