Your Guide to Ho Chi Minh Visa: Everything You Need to Know

Are you searching for information regarding Ho Chi Minh Visa? Great, this is useful source for you, as it will let you know:

• If you need  a visa for Ho Chi Minh City or not?
• If you need a visa to transit through Ho Chi Minh airport?
• How to get a visa for Ho Chi Minh City,
• …

Now, let’s look into details.

Do I need a visa for Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes/No, depending on your case.

1. You will not need a visa for a trip to Ho Chi Minh City if your nationality is included in the list of Vietnam visa exemption here.
2. You wll not need a visa for visiting Ho Chi Minh City if you hold a valid visa for Vietnam as Ho Chi Minh City is just a destination in Vietnam that you are allowed to visit under your valid issued visa.

In case you do not need a visa for Ho Chi Minh City, consider our Ho Chi Minh Airport fast-track service to make your airport procedure FAST and HASSLE-FREE.

Do I need a visa to transit through Ho Chi Minh Airport?

Whether you need a visa to transit through Ho Chi Minh Airport depends on several factors, including your nationality and the duration of your layover. Here are the key points to consider:

1. Vietnam visa Exemptions for Transit

As regulated by the Law No. 47/2014/QH13 which took effect on January 1, 2015, you will not need a Vietnam visa for transiting at Vietnam airport in case:

• Your nationality is included in the Vietnam visa exemption list as mentioend above; OR
• You are transiting through Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport) and will not leave the airport’s international transit area, and your stay duration there is no more than 24 hours.

2. Ho Chi Minh City transit visa is required in the following cases:

You will need a visa for transiting through Ho Chi Minh airport if:

• Your nationality is not included in the Vietnam visa-free list
• You plan to leave the airport during your layover, even if it’s just for a short period, you will need a visa; OR your layover exceeds 24 hours.

Types of Visas for Ho Chi Minh City

Regarding purpose of visit, Ho Chi Minh visa can be grouped into 3 popular types, consisting of:

• Tourist visa
  • Valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry
  • Cannot be extended
  • Can be used for transit as well.
• Business visa:
  • Valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry
  • Can be extended in certain circumstances
  • Can be converted into working visa which serves as great base to apply for a work permit in Vietnam.
• Relative visit visa
  • Valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry
  • Cannot be extended

Regarding ways of application, Vietnam visa for Ho Chi Minh City can be categorized into:

• Ho Chi Minh City eVisa:
  • Recommended for tourist visa and relative visit visa
  • Valid for up to 90 days, single and multiple entry
• Ho Chi Minh City visa on arrival
  • Recommended for business visa or emergency tourist visa
  • Valid for up to 90 days, single and multiple entry
  • A sponsorship company in Vietnam (tour operator, company where the visa holder will work) required.

How to get a Ho Chi Minh City visa?

As mentioned above, those entering Vietnam through Ho Chi Minh City may have 2 ways to obtain a valid visa, consisting of:

• Obtaining an evisa (electronic visa), and
• Obtaining a visa on arrival

1. Getting Ho Chi Minh City evisa

Evisa (also known as electronic visa) is the easiest way to get a visa for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

It can be obtained online at the official website of Vietnam Immigration Airport or via a third party like Vietnam-visa for customized assistance.

All you need for an evisa application is:

• photo of your passport’s personal detail page (your passport must be valid for at least 6 months following your intended arrival date,
• your portrait photo which meets the Vietnam evisa photo requirements,
• online payment method (paypal, credit card, debit card)
• a valid email

The Ho Chi Minh City evisa will be good for:

• Up to 90 days, single or multple entry
• Entry into Ho Chi Minh City via:
  • Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City); or
  • Ho Chi Minh City Seaport.

2. Getting Ho Chi Minh Visa on Arrival

Visa on arrival is an alternative way to evisa mentioned above, and it is often opted to urgent tourist visa or business visa.

To get a visa on arrival,

• Step 1: you are required to obtain a visa approval letter before departure for Vietnam.
• Step 2: You will get visa stamped upon arrival at Vietnam airpot

Conclusion

Understanding the visa process for Ho Chi Minh City visa is essential for your smooth entry into Vietnam. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or just passing through, being well-informed will help you avoid unnecessary complications.

By following this guide, you can confidently navigate the visa requirements for your trip to Ho Chi Minh City, ensuring a hassle-free entry into Vietnam.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide regarding the Ho Chi Minh City visa is intended for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure that all details are accurate and up-to-date, visa policies and requirements can change without notice. We recommend that travelers verify all visa information directly with official government sources  or check with us before you get started.