How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide for Australians

How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide for Australians

G’day travel enthusiasts! Planning a trip to Vietnam, are we? Brilliant choice!

My wife and I ventured there last year, and I’ve got to tell you, the bustling streets of Hanoi, the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay, and those mouth-watering bowls of phở had us absolutely chuffed. But before you can soak up all that Vietnamese charm, there’s one little hurdle to jump – getting your visa sorted.

Now, don’t you worry! The process isn’t as daunting as it might seem. As a fellow Aussie who’s been through it (admittedly with a few hiccups along the way), I’m here to walk you through everything you need to know about securing your Vietnam visa. Whether you’re headed there for a quick jaunt or planning an extended stay to really sink your teeth into the local culture, this guide has got you covered.

So, pop the kettle on, settle in with a cuppa, and let’s get cracking on making your Vietnam adventure a reality!

Understanding Vietnam Visa Options for Australians

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s get our heads around what options are available to us Aussies. Vietnam offers several types of visas, and choosing the right one depends on how long you’re staying and what you’ll be getting up to.

As of my last visit, Australian passport holders aren’t eligible for visa exemptions, which means we definitely need to sort out a visa before touching down in Vietnam. Here are your main options:

• E-visa: Applied for online, this digital visa is perfect for most tourists. It’s available for single-entry stays of up to 30 days.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA): Despite the name, this still requires pre-approval before you travel. You’ll get the actual visa stamp when you land in Vietnam.
• Embassy/Consulate Visa: The traditional route of applying directly through Vietnamese diplomatic missions in Australia.

Now, Barry was dead-set on the embassy route (he’s old-school like that), but I convinced him to try the e-visa option for our trip. Spoiler alert: it was a piece of cake and saved us a trek to the embassy in Canberra!

The E-Visa Application Process: Your Easiest Bet

For most of us planning a holiday in Vietnam, the e-visa is the way to go. It’s straightforward, doesn’t require sending your passport anywhere, and you can do it from the comfort of your living room. Here’s my step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Visit the Official Government Website

First things first – head to the official Vietnamese Immigration website (https://evisa.gov.vn/). Be careful not to fall for look-alike websites that charge extra fees. I nearly got caught out by one of those dodgy sites that looked official but wanted to charge three times the normal fee!

The site might not look as flash as your online banking portal, but it’s the genuine article, I promise.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

Click on “E-visa Issuance” and then “For Foreigners.” You’ll need to provide:

• Personal information (full name, date of birth, passport details)
• Your intended entry and exit dates
• The purpose of your visit (tourism, business, etc.)
• Your address in Vietnam (hotel or accommodation details)
• Points of entry and exit (which airports or border crossings you’ll use)

Pro tip from yours truly: Have your first accommodation booking confirmation handy before starting this process. When we applied, Barry had forgotten to write down the address of our Hanoi hotel, and we had to start all over again!

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

You’ll need to upload:

• A digital passport-sized photo (4×6 cm with a white background)
• A scan of your passport’s information page

For the passport photo, you don’t need to spend money at a photo booth. I just had Barry take a photo of me against our white kitchen wall (after making sure my hair looked presentable, of course), cropped it to size, and it worked a treat!

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

The standard e-visa fee is USD $25 (about AUD $38, depending on the exchange rate). You’ll pay online using a credit or debit card. The system accepts Visa, MasterCard, and a few other payment methods.

Make sure you keep the payment confirmation – I like to take a screenshot, just to be safe. We had a minor panic when we couldn’t find our confirmation email right away, but thankfully I had that screenshot tucked away in my photos!

Step 5: Note Your Application Code

After submission, you’ll receive an application code. Jot this down somewhere safe or, better yet, take a screenshot. You’ll need this to check your visa status later.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

Processing typically takes 3-5 working days, but I’d recommend applying at least two weeks before your trip. Our application was approved in just 3 days, but I’ve heard stories of it taking longer during peak tourist seasons.

Step 7: Check Your Application Status

Use your application code to check the status on the same website. Once approved, you can download and print your e-visa. Print at least two copies – one for entry and one for your records.

I cannot stress this enough: PRINT YOUR E-VISA! Don’t just rely on having it on your phone. Technology has a way of failing at the most inconvenient times, like when you’re standing in the immigration queue after a long flight!

Visa on Arrival: A Viable Alternative

While the e-visa is my recommended option, some travellers prefer Visa on Arrival. This two-step process involves:

Step 1: Obtain an Approval Letter

Apply through a travel agency or online service (not the official government website) to get an approval letter. This typically costs between USD $15-25, depending on the service provider and processing time.

You’ll need to provide:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Passport number and expiry date
• Intended dates of travel

Processing usually takes 2-3 working days, after which you’ll receive your approval letter via email.

Step 2: Get Your Visa at the Airport

Upon arrival in Vietnam, head to the “Visa on Arrival” counter before proceeding to immigration. You’ll need:

• Your printed approval letter
• Your passport
• A passport photo (4×6 cm)
• The stamping fee (USD $25 for single-entry, USD $50 for multiple-entry, paid in cash)

Now, a word of caution from someone who’s seen the VOA queues: they can be lengthy, especially at busy airports like Ho Chi Minh City. After a long flight from Oz, the last thing you want is to spend another hour queuing for your visa stamp. That’s why Barry and I opted for the e-visa – we breezed straight through to immigration!

Applying Through the Embassy or Consulate

If you’re old-school or need a specialised visa (like a work or business visa), applying through the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate might be your best bet.

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

You’ll need:

• Your passport (with at least six months’ validity and blank pages)
• A completed visa application form (available on the embassy website)
• Passport-sized photos
• Visa fee payment
• A self-addressed return envelope if applying by post

Step 2: Submit Your Application

You can apply in person or by mail to the Vietnamese Embassy in Canberra or Consulates in Sydney or Melbourne. Processing time is usually 3-5 working days.

Embassy address: 6 Timbarra Crescent, O’Malley, ACT 2606

Sydney Consulate: Level 5, 261 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

Melbourne Consulate: Suite 704, 15 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

When Barry’s sister Deb needed a multiple-entry visa for her volunteer work in Vietnam, she went the embassy route and said the staff were lovely and helpful. So if you have special requirements or just prefer talking to a real person, don’t rule this option out.

Special Considerations for Longer Stays

If you’re planning to stay longer than 30 days (maybe you’re taking that extended trip you’ve been dreaming about since retirement), you have a few options:

• Apply for a 3-month tourist visa through the embassy or a Visa on Arrival
• Get a 30-day e-visa and extend it within Vietnam
• Exit Vietnam before your visa expires and re-enter with a new visa (known as a visa run)

Extending your visa in Vietnam is possible but can be a bit of a palaver. You’ll need to visit the Immigration Office or use a local travel agency, which will charge a fee on top of the official extension cost.

Barry and I met a lovely couple from Perth who had extended their stay. They used a travel agency in Hoi An and paid about USD $60 each for a 30-day extension. They said it was worth every penny to avoid the bureaucracy!

Essential Tips from a Seasoned Traveller

After my own experience (and listening to plenty of travel tales at our local club), I’ve compiled these essential tips to make your visa application process as smooth as possible:

Timing Is Everything

Apply early, but not too early. The sweet spot is 2-3 weeks before your trip. Vietnamese visas typically become valid from the date of issue, not the date of entry, so don’t apply months in advance!

Double-Check Everything

I can’t stress this enough – check and double-check all your information before submitting. One wrong digit in your passport number or a misspelled name can cause major headaches later.

When our neighbours tried to enter Vietnam, they discovered that Mr. Thompson had accidentally entered “Thomson” (without the ‘p’) on his application. This tiny error meant paying for an urgent visa correction at the airport. Not the ideal way to start a holiday!

Keep Copies of Everything

Save digital copies of all documents on your phone AND print hard copies. When travelling, redundancy is your friend. I keep a special travel folder with all our documents, and it’s saved us more than once.

Check Visa Requirements for Side Trips

If you’re planning to visit neighbouring countries like Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand before returning to Vietnam, check if you need a multiple-entry visa or separate visas for each country.

Have Your Return Flight Information Handy

Immigration officers sometimes ask for proof of onward travel. Keep your return flight details accessible, just in case.

Bring USD for Unexpected Fees

Having a small amount of US dollars in cash is always wise when travelling in Southeast Asia. If there are any unexpected fees or issues with your visa, USD is widely accepted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let me save you from making the same blunders that I’ve either made myself or witnessed others make:

• Using unofficial websites: Always use the official government website for e-visas to avoid extra fees and potential scams.
• Cutting it too close: Don’t apply just days before your trip – visa processing doesn’t operate on Australian time!
• Ignoring entry/exit points: Your visa will specify which points of entry and exit you can use. If you enter or leave through a different point, you might face problems.
• Assuming visa-free travel: Unlike some Asian countries, Vietnam doesn’t offer visa-free entry for Australians, so always check the current requirements.
• Not checking your passport validity: Vietnam requires at least six months’ validity on your passport from the date of entry.

A couple we met in Hue had planned to exit Vietnam by land into Cambodia, but their e-visa only permitted exit through airports. They had to change their entire itinerary last-minute! Don’t let that be you.

Costs Summary: Budgeting for Your Visa

For us budget-conscious travellers, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay:

• E-visa: USD $25 (approximately AUD $38)
• Visa on Arrival: USD $15-25 for the approval letter + USD $25-50 for the stamping fee
• Embassy/Consulate Visa: AUD $80-120, depending on the type and processing time
• Visa extension within Vietnam: USD $50-70, depending on duration and whether you use an agency

Remember, these prices can change, so always check the current fees before applying.

When Things Go Wrong: Troubleshooting

Even with the best planning, things can go pear-shaped. Here’s what to do in common sticky situations:

Your E-Visa Application Is Rejected

This is rare but can happen due to incorrect information or unclear documents. You’ll need to submit a new application with corrected information. Unfortunately, the application fee is non-refundable.

You Need to Change Your Travel Dates

If your plans change after receiving your visa, you generally cannot amend the existing visa. You’ll need to apply for a new one. That’s why it’s best to have firm travel plans before applying.

You Lose Your Printed Visa

If you’ve saved your e-visa as a digital file, you can simply print it again. This is why I always email important documents to myself as well as saving them on my phone.

You Overstay Your Visa

This is a serious matter. Overstaying can result in fines of USD $80-100 per day or even more severe consequences. If you think you might need to stay longer, arrange an extension before your visa expires.

COVID-19 Considerations

The pandemic changed many travel procedures, and while most restrictions have eased, it’s always good to stay informed about current requirements. As of my recent experience:

• Vietnam has lifted most COVID-related entry restrictions
• Travel insurance covering COVID-19 treatment is highly recommended
• Keep an eye on both Australian and Vietnamese government advisories