1. Visa requirements to visit Vietnam

Vietnam is like a dreamland, full of stunning views, gorgeous beaches, diverse cultures, and super-friendly locals. The best part is that Vietnam welcomes everyone with open arms, no matter where you’re from! That’s why millions of travelers from around the world, Aussies included, choose to visit Vietnam every year.

But, as we all know, traveling to another country often means dealing with visas. Let’s discuss the Vietnam visa requirements for Australian citizens in the following sections.

a. How to enter Vietnam visa-free as an Australian?

#1. Hold a passport from countries exempt from visas by Vietnam

Currently, Australian citizens do not benefit from Vietnam’s visa exemption policy upon entry or exit. However, Australian citizens holding dual nationality from the following countries are eligible for Vietnam’s visa exemption policy, with unlimited entries and various durations:

• 90 days: Chile and Panama.
• 45 days: Belarus, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
• 30 days: Cambodia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan (with a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period), Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
• 21 days: Philippines.
• 14 days: Brunei and Myanmar.

#2. Qualify as a Vietnamese Family Member

If you’re a spouse/child of Vietnamese citizens or of Vietnamese nationals abroad, and you meet the conditions set by Vietnamese law, you’re eligible for a Vietnam 5-year visa exemption certificate. With this certificate, you can stay in Vietnam for up to 6 months per entry (or until the certificate expires if its validity is less than 6 months). For detailed information and to obtain this certificate, please contact the Embassy or the Consulate General of Vietnam in Australia.

#3. Visit Phu Quoc Island

Even if you don’t fall into the categories mentioned above, there’s still a visa-free option for traveling from Australia to Vietnam. Simply head to Phu Quoc Island, a stunning destination in the south of Vietnam known for its breathtaking natural scenery and delightful year-round climate.

Australian travelers can enjoy a visa exemption for up to 30 days when entering and exiting Vietnam through Phu Quoc Island. You can arrive at Phu Quoc Island directly via an international airport outside Vietnam or through a Vietnamese international airport, provided you remain in the transit area until your connecting flight to Phu Quoc Island.

Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months upon arrival, you have proof of onward travel from Phu Quoc to a destination outside Vietnam within 30 days, and you are not banned from entering Vietnam.

b. What are types of visas for entry into Vietnam and how to get them?

#1. Vietnam standard visa and Vietnam visa on arrival

For years, Vietnam standard visa and Vietnam visa on arrival are the most common ways that travelers to Vietnam source their visas.

A Vietnam standard visa is an official document issued by the Embassy or Consulates of Vietnam in Australia or in other countries. It serves as official permission for entry through any of Vietnam’s border gates, whether by air, road, or sea. You’ll have the option to choose between a visa valid for up to 90 days, with options for single or multiple entries, tailored to either tourism or business purposes.

On the other hand, a Vietnam visa on arrival is an authorization granted by the Vietnam Immigration Department. This allows travelers to board their flights to Vietnam and receive their visas upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports. However, a Vietnam visa on arrival is limited to stays of 15-30 days, single entry only, and cannot be extended.

On the other hand, a Vietnam visa on arrival is an authorization granted by the Vietnam Immigration Department. This allows travelers to board their flights to Vietnam and receive their visas upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports. However, a Vietnam visa on arrival is limited to stays of 15-30 days, single entry only, and cannot be extended.

Vietnam visa on arrival and standard visa are typically recommended for emergencies or for specific entry purposes such as business or family visits. Therefore, if your sole need is for a tourist visa, we strongly encourage applying for an e-visa.

#2. Vietnam electronic visa (Vietnam e-visa)

Now, Australians have the option to request a Vietnam visa online, also referred to as a Vietnam e-visa, through the Vietnam Immigration website. This electronic visa grants entry for up to 90 days, allowing for either single or multiple entries. However, it’s important to note that this visa cannot be renewed or extended once within Vietnam. To gain entry through any of Vietnam’s ports of entry—be it by sea, air, or land—you’ll need to present a printed copy of your e-visa.

2. How to Get a Visa for Entry into Vietnam

a. Vietnam visa pre-approval

#1. How to apply for a Vietnam visa approval letter?

As mentioned earlier, if you’re interested in applying for either a visa on arrival or a standard visa, you’ll need an approval letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Unfortunately, there have been instances of fraudulent organizations deceiving foreign visitors into applying for visas to Vietnam. The Vietnamese Government advises caution in selecting the legal visa arrangers to avoid the risk of being denied entry to Vietnam due to lack of proper documentation or the use of illegitimate documents.

#2 How long does it take to process a Vietnam visa approval letter?

The Vietnam Immigration Department usually sends out visa approval letters to travelers within three (03) to five (05) business days upon receiving a complete application along with all necessary documents and fees. Processing days do not include Saturdays, Sundays, or Vietnamese and international holidays. Therefore, you should take into consideration the time difference between Vietnam and Australia to minimize waiting time.

In case of emergencies, expedited or urgent visa approval letters are available for an additional service fee, depending on the visa organization you choose.

b. Vietnam visa on arrival

#1. What to prepare for a Vietnam visa on arrival?

To acquire a Vietnam visa at the immigration counter upon arrival in Vietnam, ensure you have the following documents ready:

• Your original passport, valid for at least six (06) months from the intended date of entry into Vietnam, with at least two (02) blank pages.
• A copy of the approval letter issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department.
• Two (02) identical photos measuring 4×6 cm, featuring a white background, front view, with bare head and no glasses.
• A printed and completed entry/exit form to expedite processing at the Vietnam airport.
• A visa fee of 25 USD, payable in cash upon arrival at the Vietnam airport. Note that this fee is separate from the approval letter fee.

#2. How long is the wait at the airport to get a Vietnam visa on arrival?

It will take 30 minutes or up to an hour in peak time.

c. Standard visa

#1. Where to apply for a Vietnam standard visa?

Currently, if you travel from Australia, you can apply for a Vietnam standard visa at three Vietnamese diplomatic missions in Australia.

• Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in O’Malley, ACT.
• Consulate General of Vietnam in Sydney, NSW.
• Consulate General of Vietnam in Perth, WA.

#2. What to prepare for a Vietnam standard visa?

You need to prepare the following to apply Vietnam visa validly at Vietnamese missions in Australia:

• Your original passport (with at least 2 blank pages if applying for a sticker-visa, or a copy of the ID page if applying for a loose-leaf visa), valid for at least six (06) months from the intended date of entry into Vietnam.
• Copies of the first and last pages of your passport.
• An approval letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department.
• A visa application form, which can be downloaded from the official website of Vietnam’s Embassy in Australia or found available at Vietnamese missions.
• One identical photo (if submitting original passport for sticker visa) or two identical photos (if submitting a copy of the passport for a loose-leaf visa).
• Photos should be 4×6 cm, featuring a white background, front view, with bare head and no glasses.
• Payment of visa fees (contact the office for details).

Depending on the type of the Vietnam standard visa you’re applying for, you may also need:

• Round-trip ticket or ticket to a third country.
• Bank statement for the last 3 months showing a balance of at least VND 50,000,000 (around AUD 3000)
• A return self-addressed prepaid envelope if applying by post. It’s recommended to use certified mail with a tracking number to ensure safe delivery. If you don’t bring a prepaid return envelope, you can buy one at the office, but you’ll have to pay for additional mailing service. Remember, the Embassy isn’t responsible for documents lost in insecure mail.

#3. How long does it take to process a Vietnam standard visa?

The Embassy/Consulates of Vietnam typically take three (03) to five (05) business days to process your application after you submit all the necessary documents and fees. Processing does not happen on Saturdays, Sundays, or Australian public holidays. In case of emergencies, you can request urgent visa service for an additional fee.

d. Vietnam electronic visa (Vietnam e-visa)

#1. What to prepare for a Vietnam e-visa?

To submit a valid Vietnam e-visa application on the Vietnam Immigration Department website, ensure you have the following ready:

• Your original passport, valid for at least six (06) months from the intended date of entry into Vietnam, with at least two (02) blank pages.
• A digital copy of a passport-sized photo (4×6 cm, featuring a white background, front view, with bare head and no glasses.)
• Clear digital copies of your passport’s personal data page, ensuring all information is complete and legible.
• Precise selection of your desired entry port.
• A credit or debit card for online payment of the e-visa fee.

#2. How to apply for a Vietnam e-visa?

To apply for a Vietnam e-visa, you need to follow these steps:

• Step 1: Visit https://evisa.gov.vn/ (or https://evisa.gov.vn/) and navigate to ‘Apply Now,’ then confirm all the terms & conditions and choose ‘Next’.
• Step 2: Complete all mandatory fields on the Vietnam e-visa application form.
• Step 3: Submit the form and pay the e-visa fee, which begins at 25 USD for single entry or 50 USD for multiple entries, via bank transfer.
• Step 4: Use your document code to check your application’s status.
• Step 5: Download and print your e-visa upon its release.

#3. How long does it take to process a Vietnam e-visa?

Your Vietnam e-visa application will undergo processing within three (03) working days following the submission of all required documents and payment of fees.

Please note that processing days exclude Saturdays, Sundays, as well as Vietnamese public and international holidays. However, the processing timeframe might be extended due to a high volume of applicants or during public holidays. Hence, it is advisable to apply for this visa type 1-2 weeks prior to your intended departure.

In case of emergencies, you have the option to request urgent visa service through an authorized organization or agency, subject to an additional fee.

Conclusion

Traveling to Vietnam can be truly amazing, but it’s crucial to plan everything ahead. Although the Vietnam visa application might seem tricky at first, with some research and an open mind, you’ll be off to a great beginning. 

If you’re planning to go to Vietnam, Travel Sense Asia would be delighted to create a customized itinerary and make your Vietnam journey unforgettable. Simply share your preferences with us here, and we’ll take care of the rest.