Vietnam - Immigration
Vietnam has a visa exemption policy for 13 countries for between 15 and 30 days (depending on nationality) regardless of the purpose of entry. See the Vietnam Embassy website for details.
If a longer stay is required, a visa must be obtained in advance.
Visa Types:
Currently it is only possible to apply for a 1 month visa (for tourists), or 3 month visa (for business). It does appear, however, that no supporting documents are required, therefore if you want to tour the country and stay longer than a month, a business visa can be applied for. If you wish to stay longer than 3 months, then you will need to try and renew a 3 month visa before it expires while in the country.
E-visa:
An electronic visa (E-visa) is one of the visa types issued to foreigners by the Vietnamese Immigration Department. The E-visa is valid for a maximum of 30 days and for a single entry and costs approx. USD $25.
See the E-Visa Government Website link for more details, including a list of countries that allow E-visa issuing and a list of ports that allow entry and exit from Vietnam by E-visa.
Regular or multi-entry visa:
This allows more flexibility but must be obtained through a Vietnamese Embassy and is valid for 3 months. The Vietnamese Embassy in Bangkok is reputed to be the easiest to deal with.
Visa Notes:
- Extensions may be available but must be applied for before the expiry of the existing visa.
- The visa or entry permit must be accompanied by a photograph, and extra passport photos for each crew member may be required when clearing in.
- Visas are normally issued with the points of both entry and exit from the country specified. This can be altered at an Immigration office in the country.
- Overstaying your Vietnamese visa without authority is a serious matter and you will be fined.
- For security reasons, it is advisable to carry copies of documents rather than originals when in Vietnam.
Last updated: July 2023
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Hi, I am Reinhard. We (my wife and myself) sail our Ovni 435, named “Exit Strategy” under Flag of Austria and would like to visit Vietnam in March/April 2020, furthermore we would like to pick up 2 friends in Vietnam and sail later to Malaysian Islands. What authority issues we have to prepare?
Hi Reinhard,
Sadly Vietnam still seems very much “off limits” to foreign yachts. The latest information we have on formalities is in the Vietnam formalities section – https://www.noonsite.com/place/vietnam/formalities/. It appears using a clearance agent can ease the process, however, we don’t have any contacts in that area. Even the new South China Sea pilot says “make absolutely certain that all your paperwork is in places. Yachts without the correct paperwork have been impounded and crew have spent several days in prison.” It however does not indicate exactly what paperwork is required.
Quite possibly the simplest option is to leave the boat in Malaysia and travel overland to Vietnam.
I will however put some feelers out and see if we can get some more up to date information for you.
I’m in Vietnam. If I can help (and I’m quite sure I can) please let me know.
Hi Michael. I am buying a Seawind1260 and the plan was to pick it up from Vietnam but that will be delayed now. I have some questions about purchasing items from a chandlery in Vietnam but can’t really see too much information on line. Would you be able to give me some advice?
Frances
Ruurd van Putten is a Dutch guy providing several yachting services. Contact him at info@sailing.vn
It’s spectacular cruising grounds, to be sure. We are working daily to open things up and simplify the process.
It’s a grind, but we are making slow and steady progress.
Ana Marina plans to open in Q-4 2019, and hopefully that will create a little momentum in the ministry offices.
If I can be of any help, feel free to get in touch
Michael Aumock
GM@AnaMarina.com
Hi this is Josef..I have a 43 Gulfstar presently in Philippines verry interested to sail Vietnam
Taking my Philipiena along ..how would I proceed??
Gm@anamarina.com
Realistically you are looking at Q2 2020 for relatively easy access, unless you want to flag it as Vietnamese
Hi Michael, it appears that the email address is not working. Is there another email address?
Thank You.
Johnathan G.A.Bravo
Am keen to cruise Vietnam but it still seems a bit of a struggle.
Any advice appreciated.
Apart from the new “Ana Marina” in Nha Trang – are there any other marinas in Vietnam?
Are there any other marinas planned or mooted??
Is it still a nightmare to cruise in Vietnam?