How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa from Thailand, Bangkok

If you’re planning a trip from Thailand, specifically Bangkok, to Vietnam, then it’s crucial to arrange for a Vietnam visa. This travel document is a necessary prerequisite that allows individuals to enter and stay within Vietnam for a designated duration. Essentially, it serves as official permission for your visit. It’s important to note that all foreign nationals are required to obtain this visa, with the exception of citizens hailing from countries that have established visa exemption agreements with Vietnam.

Throughout this piece, we’ll walk you through the entire process of securing a Vietnam visa from Thailand, specifically from Bangkok.

Overview of Vietnam Entry Requirements

The Vietnam Embassy in Thailand website outlines the requirements for Thai citizens and foreign residents of Thailand who wish to enter Vietnam. The specific requirements vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.

General Requirements:

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Vietnam.
• Visa: Required for most nationalities, unless exempt (check specific requirements for your nationality).
• Return ticket: Proof of onward travel (except for those applying for visa on arrival).
• Financial means: Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Vietnam (e.g., bank statements, credit card statements).

Additional Requirements may apply depending on your visa type:

• Tourist visa:
  • No additional requirements beyond the general requirements.
• Business visa:
  • Sponsorship letter from a Vietnamese company.
  • Business registration certificate (if applicable).
• Work visa:
  • Work permit issued by the Vietnamese authorities.

Two ways to apply for a visa:

1. In person at the Vietnam Embassy in Thailand:
   • This method requires submitting all necessary documents and passport in person.
   • Processing time is usually 3-6 working days.
2. Online (Visa on arrival):
   • Available for traveling to Vietnam by air only.
   • Requires pre-approval and payment online.
   • Collect visa stamp upon arrival at a designated airport.

Important notes:

• Procedures and fees are subject to change depending on the location and visa type.
• Check the embassy website for the most up-to-date information.
• Ensure you meet all requirements before traveling to Vietnam.

This overview provides a general summary of the Vietnam entry requirements. Please refer to the official resources listed above for complete and detailed information.

How to Use Vietnam Entry Requirements

To apply for a Vietnam visa, you can either go through a travel agency or apply online through the Vietnamese Immigration Department’s website. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Vietnam visa online:

1. Visit the Vietnamese Immigration Department’s website and fill out the online application form.
2. Pay the visa processing fee using a credit or debit card.
3. Receive your visa approval letter via email within 2-3 working days.
4. Print out the visa approval letter and bring it with you when you travel to Vietnam.
5. Upon arrival at the airport in Vietnam, present your visa approval letter, passport, and two passport-sized photos to the immigration officer.
6. Pay the stamping fee and get your visa stamped on your passport.

It is important to note that the visa approval letter is only valid for entry through one of Vietnam’s international airports: Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), or Da Nang. If you plan to enter Vietnam through a land border or seaport, you will need to apply for a visa through a travel agency.

Advices for Vietnam Entry Requirements

Advices for Vietnam Entry Requirements:

Passports and Visas:

• Passport: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity remaining beyond your intended stay.
• Visa: Most nationalities require a visa to visit Vietnam. You can apply for an eVisa online for tourism or business purposes. For stays exceeding 90 days or other purposes, you’ll need to apply for a visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
• Visa on arrival: Citizens of certain countries can obtain a visa on arrival at major Vietnamese airports. However, pre-approval is often recommended to avoid delays.

Additional Entry Requirements:

• Health declaration: As of December 2023, Vietnam no longer requires COVID-19 vaccination or testing for entry. However, you may need to complete a health declaration form upon arrival.
• Travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover unforeseen medical expenses, repatriation, and legal costs.
• Local currency: Exchange some currency into Vietnamese Dong (VND) before arrival. Major credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but cash will be needed for smaller purchases and local markets.

General Tips:

• Research entry requirements for your nationality: Consult official sources, such as the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country, for the most up-to-date information.
• Apply for your visa well in advance: Processing times can vary, so apply early to avoid last-minute stress.
• Double-check all documentation: Ensure your passport, visa, and other documents are valid and complete before departure.
• Download offline maps and translation apps: This will be helpful if you don’t have internet access upon arrival.
• Register with your embassy or consulate: This will help them assist you in case of emergency.

FAQs about Vietnam Entry Requirements

FAQs about Vietnam Entry Requirements

Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam?

It depends on your nationality. Vietnam offers visa exemptions to citizens of 22 countries for stays of 15 to 30 days. If your nationality is not on the exemption list, you will need to obtain a visa before traveling to Vietnam. You can apply for a visa online through the Vietnam Immigration Department website: https://… or through a visa agency.

What are the basic documents required for a Vietnam visa?

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from Vietnam.
• Two recent passport-sized photos.
• Completed visa application form.
• Visa processing fee.

What are the different types of Vietnam visas?

• Tourist visa: This is the most common type of visa for visitors to Vietnam. It allows for a stay of up to 30 days.
• Business visa: This visa is for individuals visiting Vietnam for business purposes. It can be issued for single or multiple entries and has a validity period of up to 3 months.
• Work visa: This visa is for foreigners who are employed by a Vietnamese company. It can be issued for a validity period of up to 2 years.
• Student visa: This visa is for foreigners who are enrolled in a Vietnamese educational institution. It can be issued for a validity period of up to 1 year.

How long does it take to process a Vietnam visa?

The processing time for a Vietnam visa can vary depending on the type of visa and the method of application. Tourist visas typically take 3-5 business days to process, while business and work visas can take 7-10 business days. If you are applying for a visa on arrival, you can expect to wait 1-2 hours at the airport.

Can I extend my Vietnam visa?

Yes, it is possible to extend your Vietnam visa while you are in the country. You can apply for an extension at a local immigration office.

What are the current COVID-19 entry requirements for Vietnam?

As of December 7, 2023, all COVID-19 entry requirements for Vietnam have been temporarily suspended. This means that there are no longer any testing or quarantine requirements for entry. However, it is always advisable to check with the latest regulations before traveling to Vietnam, as they may be subject to change.

Conclusion

To sum up, getting a Vietnam visa from Bangkok, Thailand is simple. Just follow the steps in this article to get your visa and have a smooth trip to Vietnam. Check entry requirements and prepare all documents before traveling to avoid issues. Have a great trip!