Photo: Collected
E-visa and Visa On Arrival are the two convenient methods for foreigners to get a Vietnam Visa without the need to visit Embassies/Consulates in person.
In case you are confused about which method to choose, this below table will provide you with an overview of the similarities and differences, as well as some advantages and disadvantages of each type of visa.
In terms of similarities,
In terms of differences,
|
Criterion |
E-visa |
Visa On Arrival |
|
Entry purpose |
All kinds of purposes |
Only for tourism and business visa |
|
Entry validity |
Up to 90 days for single or multiple entries |
- One or three months for a single entry - One or three months for multiple entries |
|
Fees |
Government fee (non-refundable) |
2 types: Process fee (visa agencies’ fee) and Government fee |
|
Official website |
This is government website to apply for E-visa: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt |
No government website to apply for Visa On Arrival. The visa on arrival service is provided by a private agency. |
|
Entry ports |
33 ports including airports, seaports and landports |
8 international airports |
|
Process |
You can present your printed E-visa or the registration code at the entry port |
Make sure to keep in hand your “Visa Approval Letter” to get accepted at the entry port |
|
Advantage |
For those wish for flexible trips or their desired entry port is seaports or landports |
For unavailability to visit Vietnam Embassies or want visas for many subjects at the same time. |
|
Disadvantage |
You are required to enter/exit through the specified entry and exit points in your eVisa. If there are any changes to these ports, a new eVisa must be obtained. Each application is valid for a single individual only |
There might be a waiting period of 30 minutes to 1 hour at the Vietnam airport for visa stamping. However, our Fast-track service offers a solution to expedite this process |
Photo: Freepik
GENERAL
Question 1. What is Visa On Arrival?
Answer - Nowadays, Vietnam Visa On Arrival is widely considered to be the most convenient and fastest way amongst foreigners when applying for a Vietnam visa, especially for unavailability to visit Vietnam Embassies or emergency cases.
We would receive your information, prepare documents and submit your visa application to the Vietnam Immigration Department on your behalf. At the end, a document called Visa Approval Letter will be sent to your email address, it is required to print this letter and present it at your entry port in Vietnam to get your passport stamped.
However, please keep in mind that this service is only available for tourist visa and business visa, and foreigners are only allowed to enter the country at 8 listed international airports as well.
Question 2. Is Visa On Arrival legitimate and regulated by Vietnamese Laws?
Answer - Yes, it is. Visa On Arrival is absolutely legal for Vietnam visa applications.
We list herewith Ordinance No. 24/2000/PL-UBTVQH10 on Entry, exit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam to prove its legal basis.
Article 2.
1. Vietnamese agencies and organizations, Vietnam - based foreign agencies and organizations as well as international organizations, Vietnamese citizens and foreigners lawfully residing in Vietnam may invite foreigners into Vietnam.
2. Agencies, organizations and individuals that invite foreigners into Vietnam shall have to ensure the compliance with foreigners’ entry purposes, ensure financial matters and their cooperation with the State bodies to settle arising problems for foreigners.
Question 3. What are the differences between single entry and multiple entry visa in Vietnam?
Answer - With a single entry visa, you are only allowed to enter Vietnam once within the entry validity. Namely, you cannot re-enter the country once you exit even though your visa is still valid.
With a multiple entry visa, you could enter and re-enter Vietnam as many times as you want within the entry validity.
Question 4. I want to know everything about Visa Approval Letter
Answer - Visa Approval Letter is an official document released by the Vietnam Immigration Department for foreigners who apply for Vietnam visa by Visa On Arrival.
Visa Approval Letter will be sent to your registered email in the PDF form after your application gets approved. Please make sure to print it to present at your desired entry port in Vietnam with other documents to get your passport stamped.
Using our service, the processing time to get a Visa Approval Letter is normally 4 working days. In emergency cases, you can also select processing time from 2 working days, one working day to 2 business hours with additional fees.
You can refer to this sample Visa Approval Letter Sample Visa Approval Letter
Question 5. Where can I get my passport stamped?
Answer - At the arrival hall of 8 listed international airports, you should see the "Landing Visa - Visa On Arrival” counter or please ask ground staff for help in case you cannot find it.
Question 6. How to receive the registration code of my Vietnam Evisa?
Answer - Upon form completion, you will validate your details, and at this stage, you will be issued your registration code. It is important to note that this code will not be sent to your email.
Ensure to capture a screenshot of your registration code and securely store it on your device, as it holds crucial significance. Without this code, you will be unable to verify your visa status or download the visa letter.
Question 7. Do I need to apply for a visa for my children to enter Vietnam?
Answer - According to the Vietnam Immigration Department, unless your children do not have their own passports or your child's nationality is eligible for Vietnam visa exemption, all children are considered individuals regardless of age, which means they must go through the visa application process like an adult.
QUESTION ABOUT VISA TIME (APPLY AT VIETNAM-IMMI.ORG)
Question 1. How long does it take to process an E-visa?
Answer - Processing time will take approximately 4 working days. We will advise you by email when your eVisa has been approved. Please note that there will be exceptional cases that might take longer than previously stated.
You can also expedite the processing time by choosing our Urgent/Super Urgent/Emergency service with additional fees required.
Question 2. When should I apply for a visa?
Answer - You should request for a visa to enter Vietnam before your expected arrival date at the Vietnam ports; as well as avoid submitting too early in case you may change the information. Therefore, our recommended time is 1 month before the departure date to Vietnam.
Question 3. Can I enter Vietnam before the arrival date stated in the Visa Approval Letter/eVisa applications?
Answer - No, you cannot. The visa validity officially begins from the date stated in the Visa Approval Letter/eVisa applications, therefore entering the country before the above time is a violation of the law.
Question 4. Can I enter Vietnam after the arrival date stated in the Visa Approval Letter/eVisa applications?
Answer - Yes, you can. The visa validity officially begins from the date stated in the Visa Approval Letter/eVisa applications, therefore it is absolutely legal to enter Vietnam within that period.
Question 5. Can I leave Vietnam later than the date stated in the Visa Approval Letter/eVisa applications?
Answer - No, you cannot. The visa validity officially begins and ends according to the dates stated in the Visa Approval Letter/eVisa applications, therefore leaving the country after the above time is a violation of the law.
In case you wish to stay in Vietnam after the visa validity, you are required to extend your visa. Otherwise, you can choose the Visa run method if you cannot extend your visa and meet requirements of Visa run.
1. Definition
Multiple citizenship (also multiple nationality, dual citizenship, dual nationality) is when you are a citizen of two different countries at the same time. Not every country allows dual citizenship, and the rules vary among those that do. There’s no limit to multiple citizenship, you may be a citizen of two or more countries, given that all the countries that you have citizenship allow multiple citizenship.
2. How to obtain multiple citizenship?
The process of obtaining citizenship of another country can be both simple in some cases and cumbersome in others. There are several paths you can take to gain a second nationality.
Family tie. This way is quite simple if you have a family relationship with a person who has lived in another country and can prove it. There are laws called “citizenship by descent” that allow you to gain a second passport in the country of your ancestors. Citizenship by descent can be obtained in Greece, Ireland, Spain, Italy, and other states.
Marriage. You can apply for a second passport after marrying a country citizen. The period of obtaining citizenship depends on the state. For example, you can become an Argentine citizen the day after you get married. To have a Swiss passport, you must be officially married and live together for at least six years. In the EU countries, there is a strict policy to prevent fictitious marriages. In Germany, couples must live together for at least three years to apply for citizenship.
Naturalization. Another possible option to gain citizenship of a different country is to live there for a long time.
Obtaining citizenship by naturalization is a long-term process. Moreover, you should have a strong reason to live in a foreign country. It is not eligible to get a tourist visa and stay abroad for 10 years. On the contrary, studying or working abroad allows you to obtain citizenship in future if you meet the following conditions:
Long-term residence. It is necessary to reside in the country for a long period of time. For example, in Argentina, this timeframe is about two years; in Portugal, it is five years; in Germany — eight years. Some countries, such as the Vatican or San Marino, grant citizenship only to those who have lived in the country for at least 30 years.
No criminal record. You must have a clean police record in your home country and other countries where you have a residence permit or citizenship. This condition is mandatory for any citizenship options.
Knowledge of the state language and history. Some countries, for example, Greece, require a language proficiency test and confirming knowledge of the country's history. When applying for a Greek passport, you may be asked questions about Alexander the Great, the history of Athens, and others.
There may also be other conditions depending on the country. For example, the German law requires applicants to have official employment. While to get Netherlands citizenship, one must come to the country to take the oath of allegiance.
Investing. Some countries give the possibility to obtain citizenship by investment in their economy. Foreigners and their families can apply for participation in the investment program and get a second passport. Investment options may vary, you can:
+ buy a property;
+ make a non-refundable investment to a state fund;
+ purchase government bonds;
+ invest in a local business.
This path is simple and suitable for wealthy people. Investors usually receive passports within 6 months after the submission of documents. Most of the programs allow returning the investment after a while.
In the case of obtaining citizenship by investment, applicants must pass a Due Diligence check to confirm the legitimacy of the source of income.
The following countries offer citizenship by investment programs, which lead to dual citizenship.
|
Minimum capital |
Processing time |
Key benefit |
|
|
|
USD 100,000 |
Three–four months |
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to approximately 150 destinations including Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Area |
|
|
Substantial contribution to the Austrian economy |
24–36 months |
Opportunity to become an EU citizen upon making a substantial capital contribution |
|
|
USD 100,000 |
Three months |
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 140 destinations worldwide |
|
|
USD 250,000 |
Nine–twelve months |
Freedom of travel to Egypt, Jordan, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, among others |
|
|
USD 150,000 |
Three–four months |
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 140 destinations including China, Russia, Singapore, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Area |
|
|
USD 750,000 |
Three months |
The right to live, work, and study in Jordan |
|
|
EUR 738,000 investment |
14–38 months |
An attractive place in which to live or own a second home, strategically located, with excellent air links |
|
|
EUR 200,000 |
Two–five months |
Freedom of travel to Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Türkiye, and Europe’s Schengen Area, among others, as well as an e-visa to India |
|
|
USD 250,000 |
Four months |
Enjoy the full benefits of citizenship for life, which can be passed on to future generations by descent. |
|
|
USD 100,000 |
Three–four months |
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 140 destinations including Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Area |
|
|
USD 400,000 |
120 days |
Freedom of travel to Türkiye, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore, among others |
Certain countries do not directly grant citizenship to investors but provide a residence permit that might be a quicker path to a national passport. For example, the first step for a national passport in the US could be participation in the EB-5 visa program. This visa is granted for investment from $800,000 in the US economy and provides a path for US citizenship after 5 years.
3. Benefits
Ample opportunities for business development. Entrepreneurs can open new sales channels abroad and expand their business. It is possible to open accounts in reliable banks and work with partners without currency control. In the Caribbean, such as St Lucia, there is an opportunity to invest in a local business, obtain citizenship, and have a good return on investment.
Visa-free travel. The second passport of Caribbean countries, for example, Grenada, allows visa-free entry to more than 140 states. European citizenship opens visa-free entry to more than 170 countries, such as Germany, France, Italy and others.
Better education. Second citizenship allows studying at the best universities without a student visa or extending the job search time abroad. As a rule, international students must find a job within a certain period of time to legally remain in the country. For example, it is limited to just four months in the UK. With a second passport, you have more time to get a better offer.
More choice and freedom. Multiple citizenships allow one to live in a country with a better ecology, a pleasant climate, and a better health care system. Those having a passport in the Caribbean, for example, in Saint Kitts and Nevis, can spend winter in a warmer place with attractive views. With access to European countries, traveling to the world’s best attractions like the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum will be easier.
4. Pitfalls
Legal jurisdiction. Some countries that allow having multiple citizenships do not legally recognise it. This means that when in the country, a person is treated as a citizen only of that particular country. For instance, in France, multiple citizens with French passports are not allowed to request consular help from another country of their citizenship.
Right to hold public offices. In many countries, nationals with multiple passports cannot be elected to governmental bodies such as the parliament, ministries, and local administrative bodies. This is relevant to Mexico, Australia, Colombia, Egypt, and others. Certain countries, for example, Israel, oblige dual citizens to renounce any other citizenships before taking a job as an official, for instance, in diplomatic service or the parliament.
Taxation restrictions. If there’s no double taxation avoidance agreement between the two countries, people holding citizenship might face double taxation or a tax rate increase. For example, foreigners with dual citizenship in the US must file US taxes.
5. Does Vietnam allow multiple citizenship?
The Law on Vietnamese Nationality states that Vietnamese citizens can hold only one citizenship which is Vietnamese. However, in special cases, the Vietnam Government may allow dual citizenship. These are:
1. Vietnamese residing abroad but still keep their Vietnamese nationality before 1st July, 2009.
2. Cases in which citizens obtain Vietnamese citizenship without losing their other citizenships, according to Clause 3, Article 19 of the Law on Vietnamese Nationality, and Article 9 of Decree No. 16/2020/ND-CP dated February 03, 2020 on elaborating to Law on Vietnamese Nationality.
3. Cases in which citizens are allowed to reclaim Vietnamese citizenship without losing their other citizenships, according to Clause 5, Article 23 of the Law on Vietnamese Nationality, and Article 14 of Decree No. 16/2020/ND-CP dated February 03, 2020 on elaborating to Law on Vietnamese Nationality.
4. Cases in which Vietnamese children are adopted by foreigners, according to article 37 of the Law on Vietnamese Nationality.
Source:
Thuvienphapluat.vn, henleyglobal.com, immigrantinvest.com; boundless.com
Hanoi will simultaneously surprise, charm and chew you up. Founded along the Red River, Hanoi was named Thang Long (soaring dragon) by Emperor Ly Thai To in 1010. Over a thousand years of war, natural disasters and new administrations, the city grew from swamplands into the charismatic capital it is today. Take in details of the ancient architecture, battle the barrage of millennials on motorbikes and drink fresh bia hơi in the Old Quarter. Here are 11 must-see stops in Hanoi.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Soldiers stand guard the entrance of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum.
This commanding construction was built from 1973 to 1975 to house the embalmed body of Vietnam’s greatest political leader, Hồ Chí Minh. Visitors and Vietnamese queue for hours every morning to pay their respects to the cadaver, dressed in a khaki wardrobe and encased in a glass sarcophagus.
Admission: 35,000 VND
Hours: 8am - 11am, Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun (December to September) last entry at 10:15am
Address: So 1, Hung Vuong, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh
One Pillar Pagoda
The unique one pillar pagoda in the middle of a lotus pond.
This Buddhist wooden pagoda was built in the middle of a lotus pond on a single stone pillar by the Emperor Ly Thai To in 1049. Archives suggest it was built in honor of the Goddess of Mercy, who answered the Emperor's prayers for a male heir. The structure is designed to resemble a lotus flower blossoming from muddy waters, a symbol of purity in Buddhist philosophy.
Admission: 25,000 VND
Hours: 8am - 11:30am everyday, and 2pm - 4pm, Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun
Address: Chua Mot Cot, Doi Can, Ba Dinh
The Old Quarter
At the top of Hoan Kiem Lake, Dinh Tien Hoang 'roundabout' is a great starting point for exploring the alleys of the Old Quarter.
Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter is a single square kilometre comprised of 36 streets. Since the 15th century, each street has been home to artisans and craftsmen who traded in the specific merchandise for which their street was named. Today, the charm of these streets still remains. Prepare to marvel as you wander from silver street to bamboo street, silk street to decoration street, all within a stone's throw of each other.
TIP: At night, head down to bia hơi corner (the intersection between Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen) to sample sensational street food and bargain brews.
Admission: Free
Hours: 7am to midnight
Address: North of Hoan Kiem Lake
Hanoi Opera House
The Opera House is at the edge of Hanoi's French Quarter, where a few colonial buildings have been well preserved.
Constructed at the turn of the 20th century, this beautiful colonial building is the largest theater in Vietnam. After nearly 100 years of operation, the Opera House was carefully refurbished in 1997 and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Today the venue attracts renowned performers, productions and musicians.
TIP: Culture lovers should book tickets to see 'My Village' at the Opera House. This impressive showcase combines acrobatics, traditional dance and music.
Admission: 300,000 VND
Hours: Check the website for performances
Address: So 01, Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem
Vietnamese Women's Museum
This museum boasts a floor on textiles of ethnic groups, women's crucial role in wartimes and even their practices as mediums of the 'Mother Goddess' worship.
The Vietnamese Women’s Museum is one of the most modern museums in Vietnam. Housing a series of excellent exhibitions presenting artefacts, costumes, crafts, memoirs,and photographs from the past 100 years, the museum reveals the pivotal role of Vietnamese women in their country's history and society.
Admission: 30,000 VND
Hours: 8am - 5pm, Tue-Sun
Address: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hang Bai Ward, Hoan Kiem
The Water Puppet Theatre
Live music is always performed alongside the puppeteering with traditional instruments and delicate vocals.
Dating back to the 11th century, water puppet performances are ideal for light entertainment and insight into Vietnamese folklore. Wading around in waist-deep water holding bamboo poles, puppeteers operate the lacquered wooden characters from behind a screen, reenacting scenes from rural village life.
Admission: 100,000 VND
Hours: 3:30pm, 5pm, 6:30pm, 8pm, 9:15pm every day, and an additional performance on Sundays at 9:30pm
Address: 57b Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem
Hoan Kiem Lake
Turtle Tower rests at the centre of 'the Lake of the Restored Sword.
Legend says Emperor Ly Thai To was gifted a magical sword by a giant golden turtle who lived in the lake in order to defeat the Ming dynasty. Once victorious, Ly Thai To gave the sword back to the turtle who dove down to return the sword to the gods. Hoan Kiem Lake is admired for its beauty as well as insight into the daily life of Hanoians. Watch locals practicing their daily exercise and Tai Chi routines in the gardens by the water's edge.
Admission: Free to the general public
Hours: Open all day
Ngoc Son Temple
The Ngoc Son Temple, or The Temple of the Jade Mountain, is situated on a small tree-sheltered island on the north side of Hoan Kiem Lake. Connected by a stunning scarlet bridge, this classic Vietnamese structure was built in honour of the intellectual scholar Saint Van Xuong, and national hero General Tran Hung Dao. In 1884, the Confucian scholar made a series of renovations to the site, including adding parallel sentences (câu đối) or word puzzles to the walls.
Admission: 20,000 VND
Hours: 7:30am - 5:30pm, every day
Address: Hoan Kiem Lake
Temple of Literature
The main gate of the nation's oldest university, be sure to visit during lunch time to avoid crowds.
Built by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong during the Ly dynasty, the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu in Vietnamese) was erected in honour of the philosopher Confucius and his disciples in 1070. In 1076, it became home to Hanoi’s first university, Quốc Tử Giám. The site is one of the oldest in Hanoi and a national symbol of Vietnamese education and architecture. Today, the temple houses five court yards, records of Vietnamese scholars, and statues of turtles which are said to bring students good luck in their exams.
Admission: 30,000 VND
Hours: 8am - 5pm, from November until March; 7:30am - 6pm for the rest of the year, Tue-Sun
Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da
Museum of Ethnology
The gardens feature traditional structures, including the communal houses of the Bahnar or Giarai ethnic groups which can reach up to 30 metres high.
This amazing museum examines the everyday life of Vietnam's 54 ethnic minorities. Designed by ethnic Tay architect Ha Duc Linh and French architect Veronique Dolfus, the museum hosts three main exhibition areas. Exhibitions display cultural costumes, handicrafts, videos and artefacts; while the outdoor space showcases impressive life-size replicas of ethnic architecture.
Admission: 40,000 VND
Hours: 8:30am - 5:30pm, Tue-Sun
Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Nghia Do, Cau Giay
Saint Joseph's Cathedral
The cafes by the Cathedral are a perfect spot to watch the bustle of Hanoi.
Saint Joseph’s Cathedral (also known as Hanoi Cathedral), was built on the site of the Bao Thien Tower, which was the most famous landmark in the capital during the Ly Dynasty. The architect was inspired by the Neo-Gothic style of the Notre Dame de Paris. When visiting, expect to see a multicultural crowd of worshippers and plenty of Vietnamese newlyweds having romantic photo shoots.
Admission: Free
Hours: 8am - noon, 2pm - 6pm, every day
Address: 40 Nha Chung, Hoan Kiem
Source: Vietnam Tourism
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