Vietnam visa stamping refers to the process of having a visa officially stamped or marked in your passport, allowing you to enter and stay in Vietnam for a specified period. This process usually applies to those who have received an approved visa either via the Vietnamese embassy or through an online e-visa application.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to understanding the Vietnam visa stamping process:
1. Obtain Visa Approval
Tourist Visa or Business Visa: Depending on the purpose of your visit, you will first need to apply for a visa. There are two main types:
Embassy Visa: Apply for a visa through the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country or country of residence. This process requires submitting necessary documents such as your passport, passport-sized photographs, and any required forms. The embassy will then issue an approval letter and visa.
E-Visa (Electronic Visa): For citizens of certain countries, Vietnam offers an e-visa system where travelers can apply online and receive an approval letter. E-visas are valid for 30 days, single-entry.
2. Visa Approval Letter (for Embassy or E-Visa)
After your application is processed, you will receive a Visa Approval Letter or an E-Visa.
For an Embassy Visa, the letter will typically be issued after approval from the Vietnamese Immigration Department.
For an E-Visa, once approved, you will receive the visa electronically, which is a PDF document that you will need to print out and carry with you.
3. Arrival in Vietnam and Visa Stamping (for Embassy and E-Visa)
If you have obtained a Visa Approval Letter or an E-Visa, you will need to go through the Visa On Arrival (VOA) process at a designated airport in Vietnam.
Airport Visa Stamping (for VOA): When you arrive at one of Vietnam’s international airports (e.g., Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang), you need to head to the Visa On Arrival Counter. Here, you will need to present:
The Visa Approval Letter (if you have one).
Passport (with at least six months of validity).
Passport-sized Photos (if required).
Visa Stamping Fee: This is typically paid in US dollars or Vietnamese Dong.
After presenting these documents, your visa will be stamped into your passport, granting you the approved entry.
E-Visa Holders: For those with an E-Visa, there is no need for a visa approval letter. You simply present your printed E-Visa at the immigration counter when you arrive in Vietnam. Your passport will be stamped directly upon arrival.
4. Visa Fees
The visa stamping fee varies based on the type of visa and where you are processing the visa.
Visa On Arrival: You’ll need to pay a stamping fee, which generally ranges from $25 to $50 USD, depending on the visa type (single-entry or multiple-entry).
Embassy Visa: The embassy or consulate will charge an application fee, which can vary based on the visa type and your nationality.
E-Visa: The fee for an e-visa is typically around $25 USD.
5. Duration of Stay
Single-Entry Visa: Allows one entry into Vietnam within a specified period (e.g., 30 days).
Multiple-Entry Visa: Allows multiple entries within the validity period, which can be from 1 month up to 12 months, depending on your visa type.
E-Visa: Valid for 30 days (single-entry only).
6. Extending Your Stay:
If you wish to stay longer, you may be able to extend your visa by applying for an extension with Vietnam’s immigration authorities before your visa expires. However, this is not always possible for all visa types, particularly for E-Visas.
Key Considerations:
Entry Points: Visa stamping upon arrival is only available at select international airports. Make sure that your entry point supports Visa On Arrival if you’re using the approval letter.
Visa Validity: Ensure your visa is valid for the entire duration of your stay in Vietnam.
Traveling with a Visa Approval Letter: If you apply through the VOA system, make sure you have a Visa Approval Letter before traveling to Vietnam.
Conclusion:
The Vietnam visa stamping process involves obtaining a visa approval (either from an embassy or through the e-visa system) and then getting the actual visa stamped in your passport either at an embassy or upon arrival in Vietnam. Always check the latest requirements with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country, as visa rules can change frequently.
