Vietnam Visa Types Explained: Which One Suits Your Travel Style?
Vietnam has emerged as a popular choice among Indian travellers. The country boasts of stunning views of nature, boat rides on crystal clear waters, rich cultural heritage and delicious street food.
But before you see the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An or the beautiful Ha Long Bay, there is an important hurdle that you must pass - get a Vietnam tourist visa. Let us begin by understanding the various Vietnam visa types.
Vietnam visa types available for Indian travellers
Like any other country in the current times, Vietnam offers different visa categories for tourists, students, professionals and businessmen. Once you have the clarity on the type of visa you need, even the Vietnam visa process becomes a lot simpler. Remember, there is no perfect visa type for everyone. It solely depends on the reason you are travelling to a country and the expected duration of stay.
Following are the major Vietnam visa types that you know:
Vietnam Tourist Visa
Most Indian travellers usually apply for the Vietnam tourist visa. It is a single-entry visa which allows you to stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days.
As the name suggests, the Vietnam tourist visa is meant for people who are visiting the country for leisure, sightseeing or vacation. Whether you are a solo traveller who wants to explore Vietnam’s cultural and natural attractions, families looking for a beach holiday or a couple planning a romantic getaway to Ha Long Bay, Da Nang or Hoi An, you will need a Vietnam tourist visa.
Also referred to as the Vietnam eVisa, you can easily apply for the Vietnam tourist visa online through its official website. All you need is a scanned copy of your passport and a recent photograph. Once you have paid the visa fee, it usually takes 3-5 working days for processing. You will subsequently get your approved visa in your email.
Vietnam Visa On Arrival
Ideal for last-minute planners, Indian tourists can also apply for the Vietnam visa on arrival. But you will need a pre-approval letter from a travel agency or service provider before you fly to Vietnam. When you arrive at the Vietnam international airports, submit this letter, along with passport photos and visa stamping fee to the officers concerned to get your visa.
Vietnam Transit Visa
To make the best of your layover in Vietnam, you should apply for a transit visa if you are passing through Vietnam en route to any other country.
While it is optional for travellers with a short layover, obtaining a transit visa is mandatory if your connecting flights in Vietnam and your stay exceeds 24 hours, and you plan to step outside the airport premises.
It is usually valid for a maximum of five days and requires a confirmed onward ticket to a third country, a valid passport and proof of sufficient funds for the brief stay.
Vietnam Business Visa
A Vietnam business visa is ideal for people who are visiting the country for work-related meetings and conferences. Unlike a tourist visa, it allows longer stays and multiple entries.
Business visa applicants need to submit an invitation letter from the registered Vietnamese company, their passport, a recent photograph and a completed visa form.
Vietnam Student Visa
Youngsters planning to pursue higher education in Vietnam usually apply for the Vietnam student visa. But if you are unsure, you can apply for a tourist visa and visit the country. If you like the environment, seek admission into the preferred institute of your choice and convert your tourist visa into a student visa.
It is comparatively quite easy to get a student visa in Vietnam. Applicants should have an offer letter from a recognised institution in Vietnam, a passport, photos and proof of financial resources. The visa allows students to stay for the duration of their course, and it can also be extended if needed.
Vietnam Work Visa
A Vietnam work visa (LD1 or LD2) is issued to professionals who are employed by Vietnamese companies. It is usually valid for two years but can be renewed after expiration.
Work visa applicants have to submit a valid job offer and a work permit approved by the Vietnam’s Ministry of Labour. Besides, you need a valid passport and a medical certificate along with your visa application form.
After you are thorough with the visa categories, you can start the Vietnam visa process. Go to the official e-visa portal, fill out the visa application form, upload a scanned copy of your passport and a recent passport-size photograph. You should get your Vietnam tourist visa in your email within 3-5 working days.
Just to be safe, apply at least 7-10 days in advance and ensure your passport is valid for at least six months at the time of application. Once your Vietnam e-Visa is sorted, it is time to take care of the rest.
In case you are still wondering what is the best time to visit Vietnam, plan a trip in autumn (September to November) or spring (February to April).
These months bring out the best of Vietnam’s natural beauty. Autumn paints the northern mountains in hues of gold and rust, and offers the perfect environment for trekking in Sapa and cruising along the Ha Long Bay.
Meanwhile, you get to see queues of blooming flowers and experience pleasant weather in the spring. The season is also ideal for exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter and the streets of Hoi An. Besides, you also get to skip the thronging tourists and enjoy Vietnam’s serene charm in peace.
Now, it is time to book your flights from Delhi to Vietnam. On an average, flights to Vietnam take about 4–5 hours, making Vietnam one of the most accessible international destinations from India.
With this, we hope we have addressed all your basic queries regarding the Vietnam tourist visa and will hear from you soon to book your Vietnam tickets and hear about your wonderful experience later.
