Vietnam Transit Visa
A Vietnam transit visa is a visa that permits travelers to pass through Vietnam on their way to another destination.
When flying from one country to another, one or more stops at an international border gate before going to the third country are called a transit. Passengers can rest on the plane during transit or move to the transit area to wait for the next flight. Depending on particular circumstances, foreigners are required to obtain a transit visa for Vietnam.
What is a transit visa?
Transit visa is a visa issued for foreigners who are not exempted from a visa for Vietnam, have a connecting flight and a stopover in Vietnam, and are listed in one of the following cases:
- Foreigners who stay in Vietnam airport for over 24 hours and plan to leave the airport to sightsee around Vietnam.
- Foreigners who stay in Vietnam airport within 24 hours but must leave the transit area for a while due to compulsory reasons (such as collecting luggage to transfer to the next flight, exploring Vietnam, personal reasons, etc.).
Who does not need a transit visa?
A visa transit is not required when you are transiting through a Vietnam airport in some cases:
- You have a Vietnam visa exemption
- You have a connecting flight within 24 hours
- You are not going to leave the transit area prescribed by the competent agency of the international border gates
- You have proof of your trip to the final destination such as a visa, passport.
In these cases, foreigners must comply with some conditions to transit in Vietnam without a transit visa:
- Having a valid passport (6 months valid at least ) or international travel documents
- Having a ticket showing the journey to the third country
- A valid visa to the third country, except for visa exemption cases
How to apply?
Like many other visa types to Vietnam, you can opt for one of 3 ways to get a transit visa.
- Transit visa at Embassy: This is the most common way in which you submit documents to the Vietnam Embassy/Consulate in your residing country and get a transit visa in advance of your trip. The cost varies on the policy of the Embassy in each country.
- Transit visa online (e-visa): More convenient and time-saving, an e-visa requires all information and documents submitted online. It takes 3 working days for the review process but only applies to citizens of 81 countries accepted for e-visa issuing. The fee is US25 per time.
- Transit visa on arrival: This is the easiest way to get a visa thanks to the help of a third party (a visa agency) but only available for air-way travelers. You can fill out the information online to apply for a pre-approved visa letter and prepare some other documents (visa application form, photos, passport), and get the visa stamp at the airport in Vietnam. The approval letter fee varies based on time (urgent or regular), and the agency’s policy. The stamping fee is US$25 and must be in cash.
Important notes when traveling with a transit visa
- Important notes when traveling with a transit visa
- Due to the time zone difference among different countries, you should adjust the clock to Vietnam time to avoid missing flights.
- Make sure you follow the Transit Gate instead of the Immigration Gate.
- Remember or frequently check your flight time and number on the electronic board in case of any change in boarding gate or flight time.
- Check your luggage carefully and reduce hand luggage if possible to avoid luggage loss.
- Although there are lots of food options at the port, the price could be a bit higher than outside so you can prepare some snacks if you have a long transit time.
Questions and Answers (21)
Heya, I am flying from Melbourne to Frankfurt and will have a 13 hour stop over in Ho Chi Minh and would like to explore the city while I am there. Do I need an e visa? Thank you, Danny
@Daniela OKeefe, Yes, if you exit the airport and visit Ho Chi Minh City, you will require a visa for entry.
I have a flight from Bali to Delhi , which lands at Ho Chi Min City on 7th Oct and has a layover for 22 hours and 55 min then the connecting flight is on 8th Oct from Ho Chi Min City to Delhi. I have a layover of 23 hrs (approx) , Do I need a visa to go out of the airport and visit the city as the layover is less than 24 hours ?
@Avi Kanchan, Yes, you will need a visa to exit the airport and explore the city regardless of how long your stay is.
Frequently asked questions
1. I am a Japanese passport holder, do I need a Vietnam transit visa if I stay in the airport for only 5 hours and do not leave the airport?
If you stay in the airport for less than 24 hours but still leave the transit area for collecting luggage, you still need a transit visa to pass the Immigration gate. You should check your flight to know whether your luggage is automatically transferred to the next flight or not.
2. How much is a transit visa on arrival?
A transit visa on arrival costs US25 for the stamping fee. Besides, you need to pay a fee to the Vietnamese visa agency to get a visa approval letter before traveling to Vietnam.
3. Where should I go after landing in Vietnam for a transit?
When getting off the plane at the transit airport, follow the direction of the Transit Gate to exit the security gate and check your luggage before boarding the plane for the next flight. Find the correct terminal for the next flight.
4. Can I transit through Vietnam without a visa?
Yes. You can transit through Vietnam without a visa if
- You have nationality exempted from a Vietnam visa
- You stay at Vietnam International border gate for no more than 24 hours and do not leave the transit area
- You have all documents: a 6-month valid passport, an onward ticket to the 3rd country, a visa to the 3rd country (except for visa exemption cases)
Contact sales if you have additional questions.
Contact support if you already submitted your visa application on our website.
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