Travelers who are visiting Vietnam for only a brief period of time between flights to an onward destination may need a transit visa in order to pass through the country. Although it is not always necessary, for some visitors, applying for a Vietnam e-Visa will be required.
It can get a bit confusing at times though, so if you are wondering whether you will need a transit visa in order to enter the country, this article will explain everything you need to know about transit visa requirements for Vietnam.
Travelers who will only be in Vietnam for less than 24 hours will not need a transit visa. This is because visitors may remain in a seaport or airport terminal for the duration of this transit time. Those arriving to an airport for an onward flight will only have to follow the “transfer” signs in the airport and go to the international transfer area.
However, in order to enter Vietnam securely, tourists must have the following items available to present on arrival:
Tourists who remain in the airport transfer area may not leave their port of arrival into the country and cannot pass a Vietnam border crossing point. They will instead have to stay in the airport or seaports transit area and departure area until their boat passage or onward flight is ready for boarding. If they wish to leave the airport for any reason, it will be absolutely necessary to obtain a Vietnam visa.
If you will have a transit for more than 24 hours in the country, you will have to get a valid Vietnam visa. This is also applicable for tourists who wish to leave the airport during their transit period. As long as you will leave the transfer area, you will have to obtain a visa.
It is also a necessity if travel is essential within Vietnam from their point of arrival to their point of departure via an onward flight. For example, if the traveler arrives in Hanoi and will leave the country on a boat from Hai Phong seaport, they will have to get a Vietnam visa in order to travel between these two points.
Applying for a Vietnam transit visa
It is an easy process that only takes a few minutes to complete. You will have to apply for the visa online and the visa application should be submitted at least 3 business days before leaving for Vietnam. Once the visa has been approved of, it will be delivered straight to the registered email address. In order to apply for the e-Visa, applicants will have to submit:
Once the e-Visa has been approved of, travelers must print it and present their e-Visa before passing through immigration control. If you are not sure whether or not you can apply for the Vietnam visa, please check the e-Visa requirements first.
If you are leaving the airport with a Vietnam e-Visa for the duration of your transition, please remember to arrive back to the airport well in advance so you can catch your onward flight. Remember that you must go through check in again, which can take a long time, depending on the amount of people who are in the airport. Therefore, it is always advisable to be there at least 3 hours in advance.
