How To Get A Vietnam Transit Visa
This is a comprehensive guide on the definition and how to get a Vietnam transit visa, who needs this type of visa, all the requirements, the processing time, and cost, as well as frequently asked questions for the Vietnam transit visa.
What Is The Vietnam Transit Visa?
A Vietnam transit visa is a visa granted to foreigners who are not exempt from a visa for Vietnam. They have a connecting flight and a stopover in Vietnam, and they are in one of the following cases:
- Foreigners who stay in the Vietnam airport for over 24 hours and have a plan to depart the airport to sightsee and visit around Vietnam.
- Foreigners who stay in the Vietnam airport within 24 hours but ought to leave the transit region for some time due to compulsory motives (like collecting their bags and luggage to transfer to the following flight, exploring Vietnam, or private reasons).
Who Need A Vietnam Transit Visa?
You will probably need to have a Vietnam transit visa if:
- Your layover is longer than 24 hours: In case you are spending more than a day in Vietnam between flights, you will need a Vietnam transit visa.
- You need to leave the area for international transit of the airport: This consists of collecting your items of luggage or bags that are not checked through to your final destination, staying in an accommodation outside the airport, or looking to do any sightseeing.
- Your nationality is not eligible for the program of Vietnam's visa exemption: Vietnam has visa exemption agreements with some countries for different lengths of live. In case your country does not appear in this list, you will generally need a visa even for a short transit if you leave the place of transit or your layover exceeds 24 hours.
- You do not have any proof of onward tour: You need to showcase a confirmed flight ticket to a third country.
- Your passport is not legitimate for a minimum of 6 months beyond your entry date into Vietnam: Even if you are transiting within 24 hours and staying in the place of transit, your passport still needs to satisfy this validity requirement.
In almost all cases in which a visa is needed for transit (also meaning you do not meet the exemption standards of Vietnam), the appropriate visa to apply for is generally a tourist eVisa or, in some situations. But if you arrive by air, you will need a visa on arrival (requiring a pre-approval letter).
Vietnam Transit Visa Requirements
There are some situations for a visa-free (in case you meet all, you likely do not need a particular transit visa):
- Layover period: Your layover in Vietnam ought to be much less than 24 hours.
- Transit place: You need to remain inside the designated international transit vicinity of the airport. You can not pass through immigration or customs.
- Onward ticket: You are required to have a confirmed onward flight ticket to a third country.
- Passport validity: Your passport should be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your supposed date of entry into Vietnam.
- Visa for subsequent destination (if required): You should own a legitimate visa for your subsequent destination if that country requires one.
In case you do not meet all the situations above, you will need a Vietnam transit visa on arrival. In this situation, the requirements might be just like applying for a common entry visa:
- Passport validity: Your passport should be valid for a minimum of 6 months and have a minimum of 2 blank pages.
- Vietnam transit visa apply form: This can be the standard eVisa form if you apply online.
- Passport-sized photograph: 2 photos, 4x6 cm with a white background.
- Onward ticket: You are required to have a confirmed onward flight ticket to a third country.
- Visa for the 3rd country (if applicable): You need to show evidence of a legitimate visa to your very last destination.
- E-visa fee: The fee for a single entry is generally $25, and usually $50 for multiple entries.
- Apply online: You will need to apply through the official website of the Vietnam eVisa.
How To Apply For A Transit Visa For Vietnam
There are 2 methods to apply for a Vietnam transit visa, including the Vietnam transit eVisa and the Vietnam transit visa on arrival.
Vietnam Transit Evisa
The Vietnam transit visa application method is similar to applying for a common Vietnam tourist eVisa:
- Get right of entry to the official eVisa website of Vietnam: They include https://evisa.gov.vn/ or https://thithucdientu.gov.vn/.
- Finish the online Vietnam transit visa application form: You must fill in all of the required information appropriately. Inside the section asking for your visit purpose, you need to imply that you are transiting and show all your onward travel.
- Upload required files: You will need to add a copy in digital format of your passport data page and a passport-sized image. You will additionally attach proof of your onward flight ticket.
- Pay the eVisa fee: The fee for a single entry is generally $25, and usually $50 for multiple entries. You will select the entry type and validity that greatly suits your transit needs (even a single-entry and short-length visa can suffice for transit purposes).
- Receive your eVisa: After the process is done (normally about 3 working days), you will receive your eVisa via email in a file in PDF format.
- Print your eVisa: Let's print out a physical copy of your eVisa. You will need to show it with your passport when you arrive in Vietnam.
Important notes for Vietnam transit visa by eVisa: Even if your transit is short but requires you to go into Vietnam (leave the transit place or stay more than 24 hours), a standard tourist e-visa is appropriate.
Vietnam Transit Visa On Arrival
Secondly, we also have the Vietnam transit visa on arrival method, including the following steps:
- Apply for a visa approval letter: Contact a reputable Vietnam visa agency to apply for a pre-approved visa letter. You will offer your passport information, flight data (such as onward tour), and the reason for entry during transit purposes. These agencies will charge a small fee for a smooth and fast process, as well as full support in this process.
- Receive the approval letter: The visa company will email you the visa approval letter.
- Prepare files and documents: Upon your arrival at a delegated Vietnamese international airport, you will need:
- Printed visa approval letter.
- Your original passport should be valid for a minimum of 6 months and have a minimum of 2 blank pages.
- The 2 passport-sized images.
- Done entry/exit form (NA1).
- Cash for the visa stamping charge ($25 for single entry).
- Get visa stamped: You will continue to the "Visa On Arrival" counter to get your visa stamped.
Important notes for Vietnam transit visa on arrival: In urgent situations wherein you are arriving in Vietnam by air and need a Vietnam transit visa (for example, a very long layover that calls for leaving the airport, and you did not arrange an e-visa in advance), a Vietnam transit visa on arrival is a great choice.
Vietnam Transit Visa Cost and Processing Time
Finally, you will learn about the Vietnam transit visa cost and processing time.
Vietnam Transit Visa Cost
If you choose the Vietnam transit eVisa method, the fee includes:
- Single entry (up to 90 days validity): $25
- Multiple entry (up to 90 days validity): $50
If you choose the Vietnam transit visa on arrival method, the fee includes:
- Stamping fee: $25 for single entry and $50 for multiple entry.
- Visa agency fee: A little, depending on the agency. If you want the enthusiastic support that can save time and effort, and limit the errors when preparing and applying, fear not, choose Seni World. Our process will help you have a great experience with the Vietnam transit visa on arrival application.
Vietnam Transit Visa Processing Time
If you choose the Vietnam transit eVisa method, the Vietnam transit visa processing time will typically be 3 working days. This will be longer, up to 1 - 2 weeks, because of individual circumstances or during peak periods.
If you choose the Vietnam transit visa on arrival method, the processing time for the visa approval letter will be about 1 - 2 working days. This process will be faster if you choose the urgent service with an extra fee. Stamping time upon your arrival may be about 15 minutes to 1 hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Occurs If I Transit Without A Required Visa?
This can result in denied access, detention, capacity fines, or deportation.
2. Can I Extend A Vietnam Transit Visa While In Here?
If you entered on a tourist eVisa for transit purposes, extending it will follow the general guidelines for tourist visa extensions, which can be complicated and are not assured. You should have a visa with sufficient validity initially.
3. Do Kids Also Want A Visa For Transit?
Yes, the same visa requirements as adults.
Conclusion
In particular, if you want to save time and effort, as well as limit the errors and mistakes in the process, contact a reputable visa agency. With 10 years in visa, eVisa, and traveling services, Seni World will help you in processing the Vietnam transit visa. Contact us for support, and apply via our website for support A-Z.