Vietnam Travel Advice
Vietnam Guide
VIETNAM GUIDE
Know Before You Go:
Travel Prep for Vietnam
Booked your tickets but not sure what you need for your upcoming trip to Vietnam? Save this essential FAQ guide of resources and advice to help you with all of your Vietnam travel preparations.
Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Vietnam?
A: The short answer is, “it depends”. Currently, Vietnam offers 24 different countries visa exemptions between 15-90 days (shown in this handy infographic from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism) and 80 different countries 30-day e-visas.
The trusty “visa on arrival” can be processed at Noi Bai International Airport, Tan Son Nhat International Airport, and Da Nang International Airport. The last option is to apply online or in person at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate before entering Vietnam.
If you are only visiting Phu Quoc Island, regardless of nationality, you do not require a Vietnam travel visa as long as your stay is less than 30 days, your passport has 6 months validity, and your departure ticket is from Phu Quoc to an international destination.
Q: My nationality doesn’t qualify for a visa exemption, or I need longer than the visa extension gives me. How do I apply for a Vietnam Electronic Visa (e-visa)?
A: Applying for an e-visa is super simple! All you have to do is go to this website and follow the instructions. The e-visa costs USD25, takes 3 business days to process, and is valid for single-entry use up to 30 days. You’re also able to enter Vietnam from any of its 8 international airports as well as its 14 land crossings and 7 harbors. If you choose to go this route, no need to wait at the visa-on-arrival counter at the airport—just head straight to the immigration counters for entry.
Q: What if I need a Vietnam visa that is longer than 30 days or is valid for multiple entries? What should I do then?
A: No problem. In this case, apply for a Vietnam visa-on-arrival! This requires a few more steps but is relatively straightforward. First, you need an invitation letter from a governmentally-approved travel agency, like Topas Travel Vietnam, or Vietnamese embassy/consulate. Once you’ve paid the fee (around USD20), expect to receive the letter within 2-3 business days. Then, print out the invitation letter along with this 2-page application form. Fill it out, adding a passport photo to the top, and submit both documents along with your passport to the visa-on-arrival counter in any of Vietnam’s International Airports. Once your visa has been issued, you will have to pay the stamp fee (between USD25-50) directly at the counter, in either USD or VND, then proceed to the immigration counter for entry.
Q. Do I need a Vietnam travel adapter
for my electronics?
A: In Vietnam the power plugs and sockets usually are either the two-pronged flat or round type. If you have a plug with three pins, especially as the British rectangular pin style or Australian slanted three-prong, you will need an adapter as most electrical outlets throughout the country do not have the third grounding hole. The standard voltage is 220 V at 50Hz, so if you come from areas like North and Central America or Japan, you will likely need to convert the voltage from 110Hz to 220Hz if your devices don’t say “100-240, 50-60Hz” on the back.
Q. Do we need travel insurance while
visiting Vietnam?
A: It’s always recommended to book travel insurance, no matter the destination. Our favorite Vietnam travel insurance to recommend is from World Nomads. In addition to financial compensation for trip cancellations, interruptions, lost baggage, and more, policies include emergency overseas medical and dental expenses as well as evacuation, repatriation. And 24-hour assistance services. It is mandatory to have your own personal travel insurance when booking any travel package with Topas Travel.
Q. What Vietnam travel vaccinations should I get?
A: It’s best to speak with your personal health care specialist in your home country before traveling to know what kind of vaccinations are necessary for you and your family. According to the CDC and WHO, it is recommended to get the following vaccinations –
- Hepatitis A, B (recommended for most travelers)
- Rabies (high-risk country, recommended for most travelers, especially those working with animals or owning their own pets)
- Typhoid (minimum risk, depends on itinerary)
- Japanese Encephalitis (depends on itinerary, recommended if staying in rural areas and around livestock and other animals for longer than 3 months, especially between May and October)
- Meningitis (recommended for students)
- Polio (single adult booster recommended)
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) (Most people after 1957 have been vaccinated against this already)
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) (Adult booster once every 10 years)
Those who are elderly, young, or immunocompromised are at higher risk so should take more care in getting the right vaccinations.
Q. Are there any travel warnings for Vietnam and
how can I check them?
A: Vietnam travel warnings will be most up-to-date on your country’s bureau of consulate affairs website, such as these examples from the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia. Browsing your embassy’s page in Vietnam can also help you to prepare your holiday. In general, Vietnam is a safe country, however regular safety precautions such as not carrying too much cash or other valuables on your person while sightseeing, leaving valuables in a locked safe at your hotel, and being aware of your surroundings whilst enjoying nightlife opportunities or while using local transport are always advised.
Q. What’s the weather like in Vietnam?
A: Vietnam is considered a year-round destination do to its three different weather patterns in its three distinct regions (north, central, and south). Check out our detailed post here for more information.
Q. How much spending money should I
bring to Vietnam?
A: According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Vietnam is 7th on the list of fastest-growing tourism destinations in the world, meaning, the cost of travel rises a little bit each year. However, it’s still possible to travel through Vietnam from north to south on a budget of 30-40 USD per day, with a more comfortable trip ranging between 60-100 USD/day. For five-star experiences in world-class city hotels and beach resorts, a minimum of 200 USD/day is recommended. Bring along USD/EUR/GBP and exchange them for the local currency, Vietnamese Dong, within Vietnam. Just make sure to change it back to the currency you want at the end, as VND is notoriously difficult to exchange outside of Vietnam.
Does that answer all your questions?
If you have more, get in touch with us here – we are more than happy to answer. Looking forward to welcome you to our incredible country!