World Country Guide

Passports
Passport valid for at least one month after expiration of visa required by all.

Visas
Required by all except:
(a) nationals of Bulgaria, Cuba, Korea (Dem Rep) and Romania;
(b) nationals of the Russian Federation (if possessing invitation in Russian from Russian host detailing specific 'mission' involved, in which case, a visa can be obtained after seven days);
(c) nationals of China (PR) (if with passport stamped AB and visiting for specific purposes), Mongolia (if with passport stamped AB, AC or AO, and visiting for specific purposes) and Ukraine (stamped AB);
(d) nationals of Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand for stays of up to 30 days;
(e) nationals of The Philippines for stays of up to 21 days;
(f) 1. nationals of Japan and Korea (Rep) for stays of up to 15 days;
(g) transit passengers continuing their journey within 24 hours, provided holding valid return or onward tickets. At present visas can be issued for either groups or individuals.

Note
For security reasons, it is advisable to carry copies of documents rather than originals when in Vietnam.

Types of visa and cost
Tourist: 38 (single-entry); 55 (express service); 70 (multiple-entry). Single-entry Business: 40 (one month). Multiple-entry Business: 70 (one month); 90 (three months); 120 (six months or more).

Validity
Tourist visas are valid for one month from proposed date of entry. Visas can usually be extended for another month, at extra cost, in the larger towns.

Note
All regulations, including those concerning which counties require visas, cost of visas and validity of visas, are very complex and subject to frequent change. It is therefore advisable to contact the Consular section at the Embassy before any travel to Vietnam.

Application to
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section.

Application requirements
(a) Completed application form. Additional forms must be filled out by those who have never visited Vietnam before (or not within the last 36 months), and foreigners accompanying spouses, children or parents of Vietnamese nationals. (b) One passport-size photo. (c) Valid passport. (d) Fee (non-refundable), payable by cash, bank draft or postal order. To have your passport returned by post, please add 5 and include a stamped self-addressed envelope. Business: (a)-(d), and (e) Approval obtained through a Vietnamese sponsor.

Working days required
Two (Tourist visa express application); five (Tourist visa). Entry visas can be applied for in person up to six months prior to date of travel.