If you are visiting Vietnam, you will need to apply for a visa. And Vietnam offers both single-entry and multiple-entry options. And which one you’d choose will depend on your travel itinerary.
Will your itinerary require you to travel regionally without the need to cross borders? Or are you planning to visit another country before returning to Vietnam? These are what would dictate the visa type you’d go for. And what that implies will be explored in this post.
How are Single and Multiple Entry Visas Different in Vietnam?
Vietnam, like many other countries, offers both single and multiple entry visa options. So, it’s important now to explore the differences between the Vietnam multiple-entry visa and the single-entry visa:
| Feature | Single-entry Visa | Multiple-entry Visa |
| Allowed number of entries | Only once | Multiple times within the validity period |
| Best suited for | Tourism | Frequent or business travel |
| Cost | Usually lower | Higher than single-entry |
| Validity length | A continuous stay up to 90 days is allowed | Multiple entries for up to 90 days |
Table: Vietnam Single vs. Multiple-entry visa
Therefore, if you are aiming to visit Vietnam for a visit that will not require more than 30 days and will not need you to leave the country temporarily, go for the single-entry option. This is because this visa expires once you cross the Vietnam border.
Alternatively, for your Vietnam eVisa application, when you’re considering a trip that will need you to temporarily cross the border, the multiple-entry visa will be more appropriate. This is because you are allowed to come back to Vietnam after you temporarily leave, with this visa.
Who Should Choose a Single-Entry Visa?
So, for whom is the single-entry eVisa ideal? Here is a list of possible options:
- If you are visiting Vietnam for tourism, and you only aim to stay in the country.
- If you are a first-time traveler on a tour of Southeast Asia with a straightforward itinerary.
- If you are transiting through Vietnam and will not need to return later on the journey. This is only valid if you wish to leave the airport and your transit lasts for a few days.
As a simple example, a traveler from London is visiting Vietnam with an itinerary that would take them from Hanoi to Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City. For them, the single-entry visa is sufficient.
When is the Multiple Entry Visa Right for You?
Here are some tour plans where you would need to apply for the Vietnam multiple-entry visa:
- If you have planned a trip to Vietnam with side trips to Laos, Cambodia, or Thailand, after which you’d need to return to Vietnam.
- If you are a businessman going on a business tour to attend regional meetings across Southeast Asia.
- If you’re on a digital nomadic lifestyle and you’re on a flexible tour of the Southeast Asian nations.
To consider an example here, a business traveler visiting from the US, who would need to fly to and from Hanoi and Bangkok twice, would require a multiple-entry visa.
Application Process and Cost Involved
The basic outline here is that the Vietnam eVisa will allow you to apply for either a single or multiple-entry visa. Both allow for a stay in the country for 90 days. However, is the application process any different in both cases? Or how exactly do the costs differ?
Here’s where the answers to these questions will be addressed:
How to Apply: Single-Entry vs. Multiple-Entry Visa
The Vietnam eVisa application process is uniform, irrespective of whether it is for a single-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa. So, what does the application process entail for an eVisa to Vietnam?
- First, you need to enter the Vietnam e-Visa portal or the e-Visa portal offered by a reputable vendor.
- Then you complete the online application form using relevant details such as personal information, passport information, travel details, and other necessary information.
- Upload the required documents. Here, you need to keep in mind that the multiple-entry eVisa portal might require you to provide some additional documentation.
- You have to pay the eVisa processing fee. The fee would be paid in US Dollars, and you can pay it using a valid debit or credit card. Here as well, you’d need to note that the fee will be
- different for single and multiple-entry visas (The multiple-entry visa usually costs more).
- After that, you will have to wait for the visa to be processed. The processing time for the Vietnam eVisa ranges from 3 to 7 days.
- And after the processing time is complete, your eVisa approval will be sent to you via Email.
- You need to print a copy of it, as based on this copy, the Visa will be stamped on your passport.
Differences in Costs
The visa fees are where the major differences between the Vietnam multiple-entry visa and the single-entry visa are the most pronounced.
The single-entry option is usually less expensive. And it is also important to note that there are several tiers of multiple-entry visas to Vietnam, and their prices differ based on the processing speed that you opt for. The processing speed further depends on your urgency.
Important Documents for a Vietnam Visa
When you are applying for a Vietnam single-entry or a multiple-entry eVisa, you’d need to have proof of eligibility. Here is a list of the important documents that ensure your eligibility:
- A passport with validity remaining for more than 6 months from the date of your departure from Vietnam. The passport must have at least one blank page.
- You need to upload scanned copies, both front and back, of your passport.
- You also require a recent passport-sized colored photograph that meets the visa requirements (4×6 cms, white background).
- You can also upload scanned copies of your flight tickets and proof of accommodation in Vietnam. These are, however, optional documents.
- If you are applying for a multiple-entry Business e-Visa, you will also need an invitation letter from a company in Vietnam.
Validity and Limitations to Keep in Mind
In the case of both single and multiple-entry visas, there are some basic rules that you should keep in mind. These rules can be stated as:
- Visa validity starts from the date of approval and not the entry date. This implies that if you are planning to complete the full 90-day tenure, you’ll have to start counting from the approval date.
- This is important as if you exceed the stay beyond the validity limitation, you’re liable for legal action. This legal action can range from fines to even a ban from traveling to Vietnam for a period.
- Make sure to keep printed copies of all necessary documents as well as the eVisa approval email, with you.
- There might be minor revisions to the visa rules depending on peak travel seasons. So, it will be ideal to keep track of that.
Summing Up
So, when you aim to visit Vietnam, you need to apply for an eVisa. So, do you choose a single-entry eVisa or a multiple-entry one? Essentially, it depends on your travel plan or even purpose.
Looking for a continuous stay in Vietnam? A single-entry visa will be sufficient. However, if your plan hinges on leaving and coming back to Vietnam along the trip, you’d need a multiple-entry visa.
Apply for a Suitable Vietnam eVisa Today!
Have a plan to visit Vietnam? What are you waiting for, then? Start planning for the trip today! And of course, start by applying for the eVisa. The earlier you apply, the less the chances of the visa getting stalled or cancelled. Thus, apply as early as possible and have the perfect trip.