Vietnam Transit Visa – Short Stops and Long Layovers

When it comes to international travel, layovers and stopovers are an integral part of the journey. During international travel, you may have a layover in Vietnam between your origin and destination. In such cases, understanding Vietnam Transit visa requirements is essential to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

 

 

What exactly does a Transit Visa entail?

A transit visa is a temporary visa issued to travelers who are not exempt from Vietnam’s visa requirements. It’s intended for travelers with connecting flights and layovers in Vietnam, who fall into the following categories:

1. Travelers staying in Vietnam airport for over 24 hours
2. Travelers with a stay in the airport under 24 hours but must leave the transit area

Who is exempt from requiring a Transit Visa?

In some cases, you may not need a transit visa if you:

• Are from a country with a visa exemption agreement with Vietnam.
• Have a layover of less than 24 hours.
• Stay within the designated transit area as directed by border authorities.
• Want to pass through Vietnam on your way to your last stop

But you still have to meet some specific requirements to do this:

• Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
• Proof of Onward Travel: Have a ticket indicating your journey to the third country.
• You usually need a valid visa for your destination, unless you don’t need one because of an exemption.

What is the procedure for requesting a Vietnam Transit Visa?

You can obtain a Vietnam transit visa through one of these three methods:

1. Transit Visa at Embassy: Submit your paperwork to the Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in your home country. The cost may vary depending on the policies of the specific Embassy.
2. Transit Visa Online (E-visa): For added convenience and time-saving, you can opt for an e-visa. This method requires you to complete all the necessary information and documents online. The review process takes around three business days and is for citizens of 81 eligible countries for e-visas. The fee for an E Visa is $25.
3. Transit Visa on Arrival: The most convenient choice for air travelers. You can only get a pre-approved visa letter online through a third party, like a visa agency, for air arrivals. The approval letter cost depends on the processing speed and agency’s rules. At the airport, there’s a visa fee of $25 for stamping

Transit Vietnam visa conditions

This section clarifies whether you require a transit visa for Vietnam. According to Law No. 47/2014/QH13, effective from January 1, 2015, travelers who meet these conditions can transit through Vietnam:

1. Must have a passport valid for at least 6 months.
2. Must possess a ticket suitable for their journey to a third country.
3. Must have a visa for the third country, unless they are visa-exempt.

Please note that the specific transit areas are determined by the authorities overseeing international border gates. Air travelers stay in the airport’s transit area, while cruise passengers remain near the seaports where ships are docked.

If your stopover in Vietnam is longer than 24 hours or you wish to leave the transit area, you must get a visa.

Documents required for obtaining a Transit Vietnam visa

To apply for a Transit visa for Vietnam, you will need specific travel documents. These necessary documents comprise the following:

1. A scanned copy of the identification page of your passport. Your passport should have a validity of at least 6 months from your intended travel dates.
2. A passport photo sized at 4 cm x 6 cm.
3. Evidence of your flight tickets to your final destination.
4. Proof of your accommodation, such as hotel reservations. If you plan to stay with friends or family, you must provide an invitation letter.

Please keep in mind that it’s not mandatory to submit all of these documents. However, they can be helpful in ensuring the accuracy and completeness of your visa application

Important tips for traveling with a Transit Visa

When you’re traveling with a transit visa through Vietnam, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

• Adjust your watch to Vietnam’s time zone to avoid missing your connecting flight.
• Make sure to follow the Transit Gate instead of the Immigration Gate.
• Stay updated on your flight time and gate changes by checking the electronic boards.
• Keep a close eye on your luggage to prevent loss or mishandling.
• While there are dining options in the airport, prices can be higher than outside. Consider packing some snacks if you have a long layover.

Conclusion

Understanding Vietnam’s transit visa requirements is crucial for international travelers with layovers in Vietnam. Transit visas are for travelers who can’t skip visa requirements and must meet conditions. You can get them through different methods like embassy applications, e-visas, or visa on arrival for air travelers. You need a visa if your Vietnam layover is over 24 hours or if you’re leaving the transit area.

To ensure a pleasant trip, there are a few things you should remember. First, don’t forget to change your watch to the correct time zone. Secondly, make sure you go to the correct gate for your flight. It’s important to stay updated on flight changes and keep an eye on your bags for safety.