Travelling to Vietnam? See the visa application process and fee comparison for Hong Kong residents.

In recent years, more and more Hong Kong people have been travelling to Vietnam, especially to destinations such as Da Nang, Phu Quoc Island and Ho Chi Minh City. With relatively cheap flights, as well as a wide range of food, beaches and resort options, Vietnam has become a popular short-haul travel destination.

However, many people only realise just before departure that Hong Kong residents require a visa to visit Vietnam. How do you apply for a Vietnam electronic visa (e-Visa)? Is a visa on arrival suitable for everyone? This time, 10Life has compiled the application methods, fees, procedures and common points to note for a Vietnam visa, so you can easily review everything at a glance.

Holders of HKSAR passports are currently not included in Vietnam’s visa-free list, so in general, a visa must be applied for in advance whether travelling for leisure, visiting relatives, or on business.

If you are only transiting at a Vietnamese airport, do not leave the transit area throughout, and depart within 24 hours, a visa is usually not required; however, if entry into Vietnam is necessary, the relevant visa must be arranged in advance.

In addition, you should also note the passport requirements before departure:

• The passport must have at least 6 months’ validity remaining from the date of entry
• The passport must have at least two blank pages

Otherwise, you may be refused boarding or entry.

Do BNO holders also need a visa? 

If you hold a BNO, you will also need to apply for a Vietnam visa.

However, please note that the support status for BNOs on Vietnam’s e-Visa system may be updated from time to time, and some travellers have reported that the system may not always provide a BNO nationality option.

If you are unable to use the e-Visa, you may need to apply for a traditional visa through the Vietnamese Consulate in Hong Kong, or first obtain a pre-approval letter and then enter on a Visa on Arrival basis.

If you hold both a Hong Kong SAR passport and a BNO, it is generally recommended to apply using your HKSAR passport directly, as the process is usually simpler and more convenient.

Tourist Visa 

A tourist visa is suitable for general travellers. Common validity periods include 30 days or 90 days, and you may choose single or multiple entry according to your travel plans.

At present, many Hong Kong residents choose to use an electronic visa (e-Visa), as the entire application can be completed online, making it relatively convenient.

Business Visa 

If you are travelling to Vietnam for work, meetings, exhibitions or business activities, you will need to apply for a business visa.

The permitted length of stay and number of entries for a business visa vary according to the actual purpose, and in some cases it may also be processed via e-Visa.

E-Visa 

An electronic visa (e-Visa) is currently the most common and convenient application method, as the entire process can be completed online.

At present, Vietnam e-Visas can be applied for for up to 90 days, with single or multiple entry options available. Fees generally start from USD25, while multiple-entry versions are usually more expensive.

It is recommended to apply at least 1 to 2 weeks before departure, and to use the official website wherever possible to avoid accidentally using a higher-priced third-party platform.

Visa on Arrival

Visa on arrival is more suitable for travellers who cannot use an e-Visa, or who have special/business entry requirements.

Please note that visa on arrival is not applied for directly upon landing. You must first obtain an Approval Letter before departure, and then complete the formal visa procedures and payment after arriving at a Vietnamese airport.

Generally speaking:

• Approval letter fee: approx. USD6–20

Airport visa fee:

• Single entry: approx. USD25
• Multiple entry: approx. USD50

Visa Validity and Entry Type Categories 

For general travellers, the most commonly applied-for visas are 30-day or 90-day visas, which are suitable for short trips or longer holidays.

At present, Vietnam e-Visas can be applied for for up to 90 days, with single or multiple entry options available, offering greater flexibility than before.

If you need to stay for a longer period, or travel frequently to and from Vietnam, you may wish to consider a traditional business visa.

Required documents

Before applying for an e-Visa, you will generally need to prepare:

• Electronic copy of the passport data page
• Passport photo
• Credit card or electronic payment method
• Border crossing point details

In addition, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Application steps and processing time

Applicants may complete the application, upload documents and make payment on the official Vietnam website.

Processing normally takes around 3 to 5 working days, but it may take longer during peak seasons or if there are issues with the information provided. Once approved, remember to print the e-Visa document, as you will need to present it upon entry.

Common mistakes and important notes

Many travellers are affected by the following issues:

• Photo format does not meet the requirements
• Passport validity is insufficient
• Incorrect border crossing point selected
• Incorrect information entered
• System payment failure

It is advisable to apply at least 1 to 2 weeks in advance to avoid affecting your travel plans.

Applicable Conditions and Available Airports

Visa on arrival is mainly applicable to:

• Travellers who are unable to use e-Visa
• Individuals entering for special or business purposes
• Only applicable to those entering Vietnam by air.

Airports supporting visa on arrival services:

• Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport – SGN)
• Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi (Noi Bai International Airport – HAN)
• Da Nang International Airport (Da Nang International Airport – DAD)
• Cam Ranh International Airport, Nha Trang (Cam Ranh International Airport – CXR)
• Phu Quoc International Airport (Phu Quoc International Airport – PQC)
• Cat Bi International Airport, Hai Phong (Cat Bi International Airport – HPH)

Online Application Process

Before applying for a visa on arrival, you must first apply online for an Approval Letter.

The Approval Letter is generally issued within 1 to 2 working days. Once approved, it must be printed and taken to the Vietnamese airport for use.

Visa Procedure on Arrival

Upon arrival in Vietnam, you must first go to the visa counter to submit the Approval Letter, passport and photo, and pay the stamping fee. After the review process is completed, the official visa will be issued. 

Before travelling, we are often busy arranging itineraries, booking flights, finding accommodation and applying for visas, but sometimes we overlook the importance of travel insurance. Although a trip to Vietnam may be relaxed and carefree, you are still abroad, and should flight delays, lost luggage, or feeling unwell and needing to see a doctor locally occur, the costs and arrangements may be more troublesome than expected. The right travel insurance can provide immediate support in these unexpected situations, making your journey more secure and worry-free.

If you are still unsure which one to buy, 10Life has already compared over 70 travel insurance plans for everyone, clearly setting out the scope of cover, premium levels, and actuarial professional ratings, so you can see the differences at a glance and easily choose the option that best suits you and offers great value for money.

Further reading
【Overseas Water Sports Insurance】How is a high-risk activity defined? Does travel insurance cover water activities?
【Must-read for travellers】A simple risk assessment before departure to help you enjoy your trip with greater peace of mind 

Ho Chi Minh City 胡志明市

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest city, blending French colonial architecture, authentic local markets and stylish cafés. The city has many sightseeing spots, such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, the Central Post Office and Ben Thanh Market, making it ideal for a relaxed, leisurely trip. If you want to sample authentic Vietnamese flavours, pho, Vietnamese coffee and spring rolls are absolutely not to be missed.

Da Nang 峴港

Da Nang has become an increasingly popular choice among Hong Kong travellers in recent years, with the charming My Khe Beach, relaxed resort hotels, and excellent value for money for food, accommodation and activities. It is equally suitable whether you want to unwind or take photos for social media. You can also take the cable car up to Ba Na Hills to admire the world-famous Golden Bridge, then make a detour to stroll around Hoi An Ancient Town for a truly pleasant experience.

Phu Quoc 富國島

If you want to enjoy tranquil beaches, snorkelling or a seaside resort stay, Phu Quoc will certainly not disappoint. Phu Quoc is currently the only region in Vietnam offering a 30-day visa exemption for HKSAR passport holders. As long as you meet the entry requirements — such as arriving directly by flight or boat to Phu Quoc, holding a return ticket or a ticket to a third country, and not leaving the transit area — you can enter visa-free and travel at short notice. However, please note that if your itinerary transits through another Vietnamese city, such as Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, you will no longer be eligible for the visa exemption and must apply for an e-Visa or a traditional visa under the normal procedure.

Hoi An Ancient Town 會安古城

About a 40-minute drive from Da Nang, Hoi An is one of the world’s cultural heritage sites. The well-preserved century-old buildings, wooden shophouses and canals give the whole ancient town a particularly relaxed charm. By day, you can wander the narrow streets and explore craft shops; by night, when the lanterns are lit, you can further feel Vietnam’s enchanting atmosphere. 

This English version of this article has been generated by machine translation powered by AI. It is provided solely for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this translation and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.