Piloting e-visa for international tourists to Vietnam

On 9/2/2017, VNAT released document 110/TCDL-HTQT to Departments of Tourism and international tour operators, travel agencies, and hotels in Vietnam as regards piloting e-visa for international tourists to Vietnam.

The document states that the government has released Decision 07/2017/ND-CP with process and procedure of e-visa application for international tourists to Vietnam. The Decision will be effective in 2 years from 1/2/2017, attached by list of applicable nationalities. (website: www.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn or www.immigration.gov.vn )

Accordingly, all the procedure can be done online. E-visa will be applicable for passport holders of listed countries, visiting Vietnam for tourism or business purposes.

Nationals from the following 40 countries can apply for E-Visa:

1. Azerbaijan
2. Argentina
3. Armenia
4. Ireland
5. Poland
6. Belarus
7. Bulgaria
8. Bruney
9. South Korea
10. Germany
11. Chile
12. Colombia
13. Czech Republic
14. Cuba
15. Denmark
16. Timor Leste
17. USA
18. Hungary
19. Greece
20. Italy
21. Kazakhstan
22. Russia
23. UK
24. Luxembourg
25. Myanmar
26. Mogolia
27. Japan
28. Panama
29. Peru
30. Finland
31. France
32. Philipines
33. Romania
34. Spain
35. Sweden
36. China
37. Uruguay
38. Venezuela
39. Norway
40. Slovakia

List of 28 border gates for E-Visa:

• 08 international airports: International Noi Bai Airport, Tan Son Nhat, Cam Ranh, Danang, Cat Bi, Can Tho, Phu Quoc, Phu Bai.
• 13 land border gates: International Port Mong Cai/ Quang Ninh, Huu Nghi/Lang Son, Lao Cai/Lao Cai, Nam Can/Nghe An, Xa Mat/Tay Ninh, Tinh Bien/An Giang, Song Tien/An Giang, Ha Kien/Kien Giang.
• 07 sea ports: Hon Gai/Quang Ninh, Hai Phong/Hai Phong, Nha Trang/Khanh Hoa, Danang/Danang, Quy Nhon/Binh Dinh, Vung Tau/Ba Ria Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh/Ho Chi Minh

Steps to apply for E-visa for foreigners residing outside Viet Nam
(Documents required: passport with a validity of at least 6 months, 4×6 cm digital straight-looking white-background photo without glasses.)

• Step 1: Access immigration.gov.vn to fill required information, upload the passport data page image and photo.
• Step 2: Recieve the document code and pay E-Visa fee.
• Step 3: Recieve the E-Visa or related information within 03 working days upon the submission of application and payment.
• Step 4: Use the document code to check the result and print the E-Visa

E-visa is convenient for applicants:
– The applicants do not have to apply in person.
– The applicants do not need a sponsor
– Processing time is 3 business days
– E-visa has a duration of 30 days and all fees are payable online.
– Immigration Vietnam can issue Vietnamese visa for international tourists without sponsorship from other authorities.

Binh Phan