Citizens of the USA constitute a major part of the international travelers arriving in Vietnam. To make foreign tourists’ visits seamless, the government of Vietnam introduced an electronic travel authorization (eVisa), and Americans are eligible for the Vietnamese eVisa. 

American travelers can also get a regular tourist visa at the Vietnam embassy and a Visa on Arrival at the port of entry in Vietnam. For this, they have to apply for a visa pre-approval letter online. Read on to know more about that.  

What is an eVisa for Vietnam

An eVisa for Vietnam is an electronic travel authorization granted by the Vietnamese government to citizens of eligible foreign countries, thereby permitting them to visit this vibrant Southeast Asian nation. The eVisa for Vietnam is a versatile travel document that can be secured through a straightforward online application process. This streamlined mechanism allows qualified visitors to swiftly acquire a visa, eliminating the need for a personal visit to an embassy.  

American citizens interested in visiting Vietnam can conveniently initiate the eVisa application process. This involves logging onto the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department and starting with the eVisa application form. This process is typically segmented into three parts: completing the online application form, uploading the required documents, and paying the application fee. 

The form requires applicants to provide detailed information, which includes personal data, travel details, and a scan of their passport. Following the completion of these steps, applicants must then patiently wait for about three business days (for Americans, it can go up to 10 days) for the eVisa to be processed and granted by the Immigration Department. Upon receiving the eVisa via email, they must print it out, as it will need to be presented along with their valid passport upon their arrival at the Vietnamese port of entry. If the citizens of US need an expeditated eVisa, they can opt for urgent (in two days) or super urgent (in one day) eVisas.  

Main Features of Vietnam eVisa for Americans

The Vietnam eVisa is a remarkable digital innovation designed to facilitate travel for US citizens wishing to explore the culturally rich Southeast Asian nation. This electronically obtained authorization provides an effective and streamlined alternative to the traditional visa application process. Its primary features cater to specific travel criteria and purposes for American visitors, as articulated in Vietnam’s visa policy. 

The eVisa is a perfect fit for those who only need a single entry into Vietnam and a stay of up to 30 days. This makes it an ideal choice for tourists, individuals planning leisure trips, or those interested in immersing themselves in Vietnamese culture. Americans holding a Vietnamese eVisa are allowed to carry out the following activities:  

eVisa for tourism: Tourists can indulge in beautiful landscapes, iconic landmarks, vibrant local markets, and famous Vietnamese cuisine. Those on cultural visits can participate in traditional festivals, understand the country’s rich history, and interact with local communities. 

eVisa for meeting family: For Americans looking to reconnect with family and friends living in Vietnam, the eVisa offers a hassle-free travel option, eliminating the need for complex paperwork and extended waiting periods. 

eVisa for business: The eVisa is also beneficial for business enthusiasts exploring investment opportunities. Vietnam’s dynamic economy and favorable business environment offer a plethora of investment possibilities. 

eVisa for journalists: Journalists covering stories, events, or documentaries can avail themselves of the eVisa for their short-term professional needs. Similarly, temporary labor – such as short-term contractual work, internships, or voluntary services – is permitted under this travel authorization. 

eVisa for medical treatment: The eVisa even provides for those seeking short-term medical therapy in Vietnam, as the country is home to several world-class medical facilities. It also caters to travelers transiting through Vietnam on their way to a different destination. The Vietnam eVisa is valid for 30 days from issuance. If unused within this period, it becomes invalid, necessitating a fresh application. 

For Americans planning visits exceeding 30 days or engaging in activities not covered by the eVisa, a traditional visa obtained through the Vietnamese Embassy in Washington DC or the Consulate in San Francisco is recommended. These institutions provide detailed guidelines to assist travelers in obtaining the appropriate visa as per their specific needs. 

Requirements for Vietnam eVisa for Americans

Understanding the requirements for the Vietnamese eVisa for travelers from the United States is essential prior to initiating the application process. The prerequisites delineate the countries that US citizens can explore using an online visa and the appropriate application methodology. 

The Vietnamese eVisa is accessible to US applicants who comply with the following stipulations: 

• They must hold a valid American passport with at least 180 days remaining from their intended arrival date in Vietnam. 
• They are required to furnish a digital copy of their passport’s biographical page. 
• They must provide a passport-style digital photograph of themselves. 
• They should offer a current email address for registering their eVisa application. 
• Payment for the eVisa processing fee should be made using a debit or credit card. 
• Their travel itinerary should be prepared and readily available. 

For US citizens whose passports are due to expire within 6 months of their anticipated arrival in Vietnam, it is advisable to initiate passport renewal with their local authorities as soon as possible. Furthermore, it’s crucial for Americans with dual citizenship to remember that they must apply for the Vietnamese online visa using the same US passport they intend to use when traveling to Vietnam. If they enter Vietnam with a different passport, their eVisa will not be valid for use.  

Procedure for US Nationals to Obtain a Vietnam eVisa

The process of obtaining a Vietnam eVisa for US citizens involves completing a digital form. This online questionnaire, which usually takes about half an hour to complete, requires applicants to provide the following personal details: 

• Complete legal name 
• Birthdate 
• Citizenship 
• Gender 
• Religious affiliation 
• Home address 
• Email contact 
• Contact phone number 

In addition, they must also provide specific details about their planned visit to Vietnam. These details include:  

• Expected date of entry 
• Reason for the visit 
• Locations to be visited in Vietnam 
• Accommodation address in Vietnam 

US applicants are further required to provide their passport number and its date of expiration. It’s crucial to cross-check all the information entered on the form, as any discrepancies or errors could result in the rejection of the eVisa application. 

The final stage of the eVisa application procedure involves the payment of the processing fee through a secure online platform. It is imperative for US applicants to ensure that their bank cards have been enabled for online transactions prior to initiating this process. The cost of a Vietnamese eVisa is USD 51.  

Pre-registered Ports of Entry

Pre-Registered Ports of Entry are an important aspect of traveling with a Vietnam eVisa for American citizens. This refers to the specific airports, seaports, and land border crossings where individuals with eVisas are permitted entry into Vietnam. 

Vietnam has designated certain ports of entry where eVisa holders can enter. For air travel, these include international airports such as Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang in the central region, among others. For sea travel, ports like Hai Phong, Da Nang, and Nha Trang are included in the list. Additionally, land border crossings like Tay Trang, Na Meo, and Mong Cai are also designated for eVisa holders. 

Travelers must carefully plan their travel route to ensure they arrive at a port of entry where their eVisa will be recognized. Entering Vietnam from a non-designated port might lead to complications or denial of entry. 

Entry into Vietnam Using the Vietnamese eVisa for US Citizens

With the eVisa in hand, US citizens have the flexibility to access Vietnam through any international entry point, whether by air, land, or sea. Major international airports, such as those in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, are among the most frequently used entry points. 

Upon arrival at any of these international borders, travelers can streamline their entry process by joining the designated lines for eVisa holders. This helps to expedite the process significantly. To gain admission into the country, they need to present both their passport and a printed version of their eVisa to the border control authorities for verification and approval. 

Conclusion

The Vietnamese eVisa system facilitates a smooth, efficient, and expedited travel authorization process for American citizens planning to visit Vietnam. By streamlining the application process online and allowing various activities, the eVisa serves as an attractive alternative to traditional visa methods. However, understanding the specific requirements, pre-registered entry points, and the eVisa’s validity is critical to a seamless travel experience. It’s a promising digital innovation that embodies Vietnam’s progressive approach towards enhancing global tourism, business, and cultural exchange while ensuring the system’s accessibility and efficiency for potential American visitors.