Introduction:
Prepare to rev your engines and explore the enchanting beauty of Vietnam on a motorcycle adventure tour. But before you hit the road, it’s essential to understand the ins and outs of visa requirements. In this guide, we’ll simplify the process, ensuring smooth sailing for your Vietnam motorcycle adventure. So, let’s kickstart your journey with the vital essentials you need to know.
New Visa Regulations in Vietnam
As of August 15, 2023, Vietnam has implemented significant changes to its visa policies, aiming to facilitate tourism and streamline immigration procedures for foreign visitors. These revisions, outlined in the Law amending and supplementing certain articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, introduce several notable adjustments.
Extended Visa Duration: One of the key updates pertains to the duration of tourist visa (DL) and tourist E-Visas. Previously, tourists were granted shorter stays, but under the new regulations, the validity period has been extended to a generous three months (90 days). This enhancement offers visitors more flexibility and ample time to explore the wonders of Vietnam at their leisure.
Visa Exemption Extension: Additionally, the revisions include an extension of the visa exemption period for tourism purposes. Some countries now enjoy an extended visa-free stay of up to 45 days. This extension not only encourages tourism but also fosters stronger cultural and economic ties between Vietnam and these nations.
List of Countries eligible for Visa Exemption from Vietnam according to the Visa Exemption Policy.
No | Countries | Duration of Exemption | Form |
1 | Brunei | 14 | Bilateral |
2 | Myanmar | 14 | Bilateral |
3 | Philippines | 30 | Bilateral |
4 | Campuchia | 30 | Bilateral |
5 | Thailand | 30 | Bilateral |
6 | Malaysia | 30 | Bilateral |
7 | Singapore | 30 | Bilateral |
8 | Indonesia | 30 | Bilateral |
9 | Laos | 30 | Bilateral |
10 | Russia | 15 | Unilateral |
11 | Japan | 45 | Unilateral |
12 | South Korea | 45 | Unilateral |
13 | Norway | 45 | Unilateral |
14 | Finland | 45 | Unilateral |
15 | Denmark | 45 | Unilateral |
16 | Sweden | 45 | Unilateral |
17 | United Kingdom | 45 | Unilateral |
18 | France | 45 | Unilateral |
19 | Germany | 45 | Unilateral |
20 | Spain | 45 | Unilateral |
21 | Italia | 45 | Unilateral |
22 | Belarus | 45 | Unilateral |
What is Vietnam E-Visa?
Vietnam’s electronic visa is a digital visa issued online for tourists entering the country. Initially valid for 30 days and single-entry, it’s now available for up to 90 days with multiple entries, effective from 15/8/2023. This e-visa is exclusively for tourism purposes and cannot be used for commercial or business activities.
Who Can Apply for Vietnam E-Visa?
From 15/8/2023, citizens from all countries and territories worldwide can apply for Vietnam e-visa, regardless of their purpose of visit. Whether it’s from tourism, family visits, business, or work, travelers can enjoy stays of up to 90 days under the e-visa program.
Applying for a Vietnam Tourist Visa:
Foreigners planning to visit Vietnam for tourism purposes can follow these procedures to obtain a tourist visa:
Conditions for Entering Vietnam for Tourism Purposes:
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
- Confirm that you are not subject to any entry bans or restrictions on entry into Vietnam.
Temporary Residence Procedures for Visa-Exempt Foreigners:
For citizens of countries exempted from Vietnam visa requirements, there’s no need to apply for a tourist visa beforehand. Upon arrival at the border gate (international airport, land, or sea border gate), the border police will stamp temporary residence for foreigners after completing entry procedures.
Procedures for Issuing Electronic Visa (E-Visa) to Foreigners:
The simplest method to obtain a Vietnam visa is through the electronic visa (E-visa Vietnam) system. Foreigners can access the website of Vietnam Immigration Department to complete online visa registration procedures. This involves filling in required information and paying fees (USD 25) as per regulations. The Immigration Department will then provide the visa results online. Foreigners can either print out the visa or save it on their electronic devices. Upon arrival at the border gate, present your passport along with the visa document for inspection and permission to enter.
Factors Affecting Visa Approval Time
The time it takes to process a visa application can vary depending on several factors:
Visa-Issuing Country: Different countries have varying levels of efficiency in their visa approval processes. Some countries may have streamlined procedures that result in faster approvals, while others may have more complex systems that take longer to navigate.
Type of Visa: The type of visa being applied for can impact the processing time. Generally tourist visas tend to have shorter processing times compared to business visa or immigrant visas, as they often involve fewer documentation requirements and background checks.
Tourist Season: During peak tourist seasons, such as holidays or summer vacations, immigration offices may experience a higher volume of visa applications. As a result, processing times may be longer due to the increased workload and demand for visas.
Application Status: The completeness and accuracy of the visa application play a crucial role in determining the processing time. Applications that are submitted with all required documents and information, and are free from errors or discrepancies, are more likely to be processed quickly. In contrast, incomplete or inaccurate applications may face delays as immigration officials seek additional information or clarification.
By considering these factors, applicants can better understand the timeline involved in obtaining their visa and plan their travel arrangements accordingly. It’s essential to apply for a visa well in advance of the intended travel dates to account for any potential delays in processing.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Vietnam
Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) offers an efficient and convenient option for travelers to obtain their visas upon arrival at Vietnam’s international airports. Here’s how the VOA process works:
Online Application: Travelers can apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival by completing an online application form and paying the processing fee. The application typically requires basic personal information, passport details, and travel itinerary.
Approval Letter Issuance: Upon successful submission of the online application and payment applicants will receive an Approval Letter via email. The processing time for the Approval Letter can vary, ranging from one hour to two business days, depending on the selected processing option.
Forwarding to Immigration Checkpoints: Copies of the Approval Letter are forwarded to Vietnam Immigration checkpoints at the country’s three major international airports: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang. It’s important to note that the VOA option is only applicable to air travelers arriving at these airports. Travelers arriving by land or sea must apply for a visa through the Vietnam Embassy.
Visa Issuance at Arrival: Upon arrival at the designated international airport in Vietnam, travelers present their Approval Letter, passport, completed immigration form, and any required documents (such as passport photos). Immigration officers will have the necessary documents ready and will quickly issue the entry visa, allowing travelers to proceed with their journey without delay.
Important Considerations:
- VOA is only applicable to air travelers arriving at designated international airports.
- Travelers must have all required documents ready upon arrival to facilitate visa issuance.
By utilizing the Visa on Arrival option, travelers can streamline their visa application process and enjoy a hassle-free entry into Vietnam, making it an attractive choice for those planning their visit to this captivating destination.
Conclusion
Understanding Vietnam’s visa requirements is crucial for a seamless motorcycle adventure tour. Recent updates have made the process more flexible and convenient. Whether you choose an E-visa, traditional application, or Visa on Arrival, thorough planning ensures a smooth journey. If you have any questions about Vietnam motorcycle adventure tours or visas, reach out to Frontier Travel Vietnam. We’re here to assist you with your one-of-a-lifetime journey.
