Visas

Except for nationals of countries having exemption agreement with Vietnam, all foreign tourists need a visa to enter Vietnam. Tourist visas are available for 30 or 90 days. It’s recommended you organise your visa well ahead of time, though, in case you encounter any problems.

Before arriving at any of Vietnam’s borders, you should choose one of the following ways of getting a visa for Vietnam and check its requirements.

1. Getting a Vietnam Visa on Arrival (eligible for all passport holders, only for traveling by air)

2. Getting a Vietnam e-Visa (eligible for only 46 countries and supported at only 28 entry gates including 8 international airports, 13 international border gates, and 7 seaports across Vietnam)

3. Getting a Vietnam Embassy visa

• Get a visa approval code by email and then visit Vietnam Embassy/Consulate to collect your visa stamp.
• Apply by post or in person at the local Vietnam Embassy or nearby.

To get Vietnam visa, the only requirement is that your passport must have at least one empty page and 6 months’ validity from your arrival date.

For visa on arrival, you’ll need your passport with at least one month’s validity after the expiry of the visa (although six months is recommended as some airlines may refuse to fly you with less)

For the visa application form, fees, embassy/consulate addresses and full instructions, go to Govietnamvisa.com.

Vaccinations

Recommended vaccinations depend on your health status, which part of Vietnam you’re travelling to, and how long you plan to stay.

The Travel Doctor recommends you make sure your standard vaccinations are up to date, and consider shots for rabies, Japanese encephalitis, typhoid and hepatitis A and B, as well as a malaria prophylactic. See their Vietnam travel health planner for advice, and speak to your doctor.

Tip: Some vaccinations need to be given four to six weeks before departure, so get in early.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is essential – don’t leave it until the last minute. Buy insurance at the same time as you book your trip, that way you’ll be covered if you have to cancel for some reason before you go. For more information read our buying guide, and to choose the best cover, see CHOICE’s travel insurance reviews and comparisons.

Common exclusions:

› Most travel insurance policies won’t pay out if you make a claim for something that happened while you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

› Standard travel insurance policies are unlikely to cover you for motorbike or scooter accidents – and that includes if you’re a passenger on the back of a motorcycle taxi. Check with your insurer.

Tips:

› Keep a printout of your travel insurance details with you at all times while on your trip. Some hospitals may refuse to treat you if you can’t pay up-front or show proof that you’re insured.

› Share your insurance details with family or friends before you leave.