With stunning countryside, buzzing cities and friendly people, Vietnam is a dream location for a holiday. If you’re planning a trip there are lots of things to prepare in advance and don’t forget to arrange your Vietnam visa in advance.
Apply for a Vietnam Visa
A Vietnam visa is a requirement for most people who wish to travel to Vietnam and this also includes children. Rather than the old way of getting a Vietnam visa on arrival, it’s much easier to apply for a Vietnam visa online. The visa on arrival system is essentially just buying an approval letter when you arrive in Vietnam and there are stamping fees associated with this approach.
Go Electronic for your Vietnam Visa
An e visa for Vietnam saves you time at the airport avoiding the queues for visa on arrival and you have the confidence that everything has been arranged in advance. It can also work out cheaper than having to pay for an approval letter and stamping fees.
You can apply for a Vietnam visa in advance any day or time online.
- Fill in the application form online
- Make payment
- The document will be emailed to you within a few days
- Print your document and bring it with you when you travel
Vietnam Visa Requirements
The Vietnamese Embassy only processes visa applications for holders of national passports. Any other travel documents such as documents issued for refugees are not acceptable.
Your passport must have a minimum of one month valid before to your planned date of departure.
Your photo must be recent and taken within the last 6 months. It should be standard passport size, in colour and with a white background and no distractions e.g sunglasses, hats etc should be removed.
Once you have your Vietnam visa it’s always a good idea to check through all the details to make sure the information is correct. You don’t want any hiccups on arrival that could spoil your holiday to this wonderful South East Asian destination.
Check through and make sure you’ve met all the requirements and then all you need to do is enjoy your holiday.
Recommended Vaccines for Vietnam
Before travelling to Vietnam, there are a number of vaccines recommended. Do plan well ahead to see how long you need to have the vaccines in advance.
Recommended vaccines include Hep A, Hep B, Tetanus, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies.
Packing for a Trip to Vietnam
We usually think of Vietnam has been hot jungly and steamy but they actually have a wide and varied climate. Check out the Vietnam climate for the areas you are visiting and time of year to work out what clothes you might need to bring. Layers, breathable light weight cotton clothes, a cashmere scarf and some sturdy shoes for walking in are all good ideas.
Like any country, there is crime in Vietnam and tourists will always stick out. Invest in a comfortable money belt to keep your cash, cards and passport close to you and avoid pick pocketing.
Mosquito repellent is always good to have with too. A handy travel size pack means you can take it out with you in the evening.
Planning a Vietnam Itinerary
There are lots of options for travelling around Vietnam. If you like independent travel, backpackers have been exploring for many years and there are lots of local travel agents where you can book internal travel when you arrive.
If you’d like to be more organised in advance and get the most out of each day, you could try one of the many Vietnam specialist travel agencies. A Vietnam holiday tour package often takes in all the best must see locations. As well as the big tourist attractions or a Halongbay cruise overnight, if you have a look around you’ll find travel packages that will meet your personal interests too. From yoga classes to creative lantern making or foodie tours.
Travelling to Vietnam
Being well prepared in advance means you’ll have the most wonderful experience in Vietnam. With your Vietnam visa arranged in advance, immunisations to look after your health and all the right things packed, all you need to do now is go and have a great time. Vietnam is incredibly scenic and so photogenic that you’ll come back with an unbelievable amount of photographs. Don’t leave them on your phone, you can design a photobook or print off the best ones for display.
