Are you planning to visit Vietnam by land or border crossing? If yes, then you need to obtain a Vietnam visa. The process of getting a visa for Vietnam can be daunting, especially if you are not familiar with the regulations and requirements. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about how to get a Vietnam visa for land/border crossing.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Types of Vietnam Visas
Before we delve into the process of obtaining a visa for Vietnam, it is essential to understand the different types of visas available. Depending on your travel purpose, you can apply for one of the following visas:
- Tourist Visa: This type of visa is suitable for those visiting Vietnam for tourism purposes. It allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days.
- Business Visa: If you are traveling to Vietnam for business purposes, you need to apply for a business visa. This visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 1 year.
- Transit Visa: If you are only transiting through Vietnam and staying for less than 24 hours, you do not need a transit visa.
- Work Visa: If you plan to work in Vietnam, you need to obtain a work visa. This type of visa is valid for up to 2 years.
Vietnam international overland crossings
| Country | Borders | City | E-visa acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laos | Sop Hun – Tay Trang | Dien Bien province | Yes |
| Na Maew – Nam Xoi | Thanh Hoa province | Yes | |
| Nam Khan – Nam Can | Nghe An province | Yes | |
| Nam Phao – Cau Treo | Ha Tinh province | Yes | |
| Dansavanh – Lao Bao | Quang Tri province | Yes | |
| Bo Y – Ngoc Hoi | Kom Tum province | Yes | |
| Cambodia | Ba Vet – Moc Bai | Tay Ninh province | Yes |
| Kaam Samnor – Vinh Xuong | An Giang province | Pre-arranged visa | |
| Phnom Den – Tinh Bien | An Giang province | Yes | |
| Prek Chak – Ha Tien | Kien Giang province | Yes | |
| O Yadao – Le Thanh | Gia Lai province | Pre-arranged visa | |
| China | Dong Xing – Mong Cai | Quang Ninh province | Yes |
| Hekou – Lao Cai | Lao Cai province | Yes | |
| Ping Xian – Huu Nghi | Lang Son province | Yes |
Vietnam visa requirements for land/border crossings
Please be advised that while visa on arrival is available at Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh city, and Da Nang international airports, it is not applicable for land border crossings.
If you plan to enter Vietnam through land border crossings, you can apply for an Vietnam E-visa, which allows for a single entry of up to 30 days. However, E-visa is currently only available for citizens of 80 countries. Therefore, be sure that you check whether you are eligible before applying for one.
Requirements for Getting a Vietnam Visa for Land/Border Crossing
The requirements for obtaining a Vietnam visa for land/border crossing are similar to other types of visas. Here are the necessary documents you need to prepare:
- A valid passport with at least six-month validity from the date of entry.
- Completed visa application form.
- Two passport-sized photos (4cm x 6cm).
- Visa fee payment.
It is important to note that the requirements may vary depending on your country of origin and the Vietnamese embassy’s regulations.
Applying for a Vietnam Visa for Land/Border Crossing
Once you have all the necessary documents, you can proceed to apply for a Vietnam visa. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Find your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate: The first step is to locate your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate. You can find this information on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Fill out the visa application form: After locating the embassy, the next step is to fill out the visa application form. The form must be completed in English and signed by the applicant.
- Submit the required documents: Once you have completed the application form, you need to submit it along with the required documents, including your passport, photos, and visa fee payment.
- Wait for the visa processing: After submitting your application, the embassy will process your visa within five working days. In some cases, it may take longer if further verification is required.
- Collect your visa: Once your visa is approved, you can collect it from the embassy. It is essential to ensure that all details on the visa are correct before leaving the embassy.
Getting a Visa On Arrival for Land/Border Crossing
If you are unable to obtain a visa from the Vietnamese embassy or consulate, you can opt for a visa on arrival (VOA). Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Apply for a VOA online: You can apply for a VOA through a reputable travel agent or an online service provider.
- Provide the necessary information: You need to provide your personal information, including your name, date of birth, and nationality.
- Pay the visa fee: You can pay the visa fee online using a credit card or PayPal.
- Receive the approval letter: After submitting your application and paying the fee, you will receive an approval letter via email within two working days.
- Get your visa stamped on arrival: Upon arrival in Vietnam, you need to present your approval letter and passport at the visa on arrival counter. You will be issued with a visa stamp for land/border crossing.
Tips for Getting a Vietnam Visa for Land/Border Crossing
- Apply for your visa well in advance of your travel date to avoid any delays or complications.
- Ensure that all details on your visa are correct before leaving the embassy or airport.
- Keep a copy of your visa and important documents with you at all times during your stay in Vietnam.
- If you are unsure about anything related to your visa application, seek assistance from a reputable travel agent or the Vietnamese embassy.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Vietnam visa for land/border crossing may seem like a daunting process, but it is relatively straightforward if you follow the right steps. Ensure that you have all the necessary documents and information before applying for your visa. Remember to apply well in advance of your travel date and double-check all details on your visa before leaving the embassy or airport.
FAQs
- Who can apply for a Vietnam visa for land/border crossing?
- Anyone who plans to enter Vietnam byland or crossing the border needs to obtain a Vietnam visa.
- Can I extend my Vietnam visa for land/border crossing?
- Yes, you can extend your visa by visiting the Vietnamese Immigration Department.
- Is it possible to get a visa for Vietnam on arrival at the land/border crossing?
- No, you cannot obtain a visa on arrival at a land/border crossing. You need to apply for a visa in advance at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate or opt for a visa on arrival.
- How long does it take to process a Vietnam visa application for land/border crossing?
- It takes approximately five working days to process a visa application for land/border crossing. However, in some cases, it may take longer if additional verification is required.
- What should I do if I lose my passport with my Vietnam visa?
- If you lose your passport that contains your Vietnam visa, you need to report the loss to the local police and contact your embassy in Vietnam immediately. They will provide you with a new passport and help you obtain a replacement visa.