Vietnam is one of the prime destinations in Southeast Asia that has been attracting a large number of tourists each year. The country is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural wonders. As a German citizen, if you are planning to visit Vietnam, you will need a visa to enter the country. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about getting a Vietnam visa as a German citizen.
Do German passport holders need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, German passport holders need a visa to enter Vietnam. However, there are some exceptions for a short-stay visa-free entry to Vietnam. If you are a German citizen and planning to stay in Vietnam for less than 45 days, you can enjoy visa exemption under the Vietnam Visa Waiver program. Also, if you are traveling to Phu Quoc Island, you can stay there for up to 30 days without a visa.
For longer stays, you will have to apply for a visa to Vietnam. There are different types of visas available, depending on the purpose and duration of your stay. The most common types of visas that are issued to foreign visitors are tourist visas, business visas, and e-Visas.
Requirements for German citizens to apply visa
To apply for a Vietnam visa, German citizens need to meet certain requirements. These requirements are:
- A valid German passport with at least six months validity from the date of arrival in Vietnam.
- A recent passport-sized photo (4×6 cm).
- A completed visa application form.
- Payment of visa fees.
Apart from the above requirements, you might need additional documents based on the type of visa you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a business visa, you may need to submit a letter of invitation from a Vietnamese company or organization that you will be dealing with during your stay.
How can apply for a Vietnam visa?
There are three ways to apply for a Vietnam visa as a German citizen:
1. Embassy or Consulate
You can apply for a Vietnam visa at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in Germany. You will need to submit your application form, passport, photo, and visa fee at the embassy or consulate. The processing time for a visa application through the embassy/consulate is usually around 5-7 business days.
2. Visa on Arrival
Visa on arrival is another option available to German citizens who are planning to visit Vietnam. Under this option, you can apply for a visa online before arriving in Vietnam. Once you arrive at the airport in Vietnam, you will have to show your approval letter (that you received via email) along with your passport, photo, and visa fee to get your visa stamped. The processing time for a visa on arrival is usually 2-3 business days.
3. E-Visa
E-Visa is the most popular option among German citizens who are applying for a Vietnam visa. With an e-Visa, you can apply for a visa online from anywhere in the world, without having to visit the embassy or consulate. The application process is simple, and you will receive your visa approval letter via email within 3-5 business days. Once you arrive in Vietnam, you will have to show your e-Visa approval letter along with your passport, photo, and visa fee to get your visa stamped.
How long can German citizens stay in Vietnam?
The duration of your stay in Vietnam depends on the type of visa you have. As mentioned earlier, if you are planning to stay in Vietnam for less than 45 days, you can enjoy visa exemption under the Vietnam Visa Waiver program.
If you are planning to stay longer than 45 days, you can choose between two types of visas:
1. Visa-free entry – maximum 45 days
Under the Vietnam visa waiver program, German citizens can stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days without a visa. However, you must meet certain conditions to qualify for this exemption. Some of these conditions are:
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
You must have a return ticket or a ticket to travel to a third country after your stay in Vietnam.
You must not have been expelled from Vietnam before.
2. E-Visa – maximum 90 days
If you are planning to stay in Vietnam for more than 45 days but less than 90 days, you can apply for an e-Visa. With an e-Visa, you can enter Vietnam through any of the following ports:
Landport: Bo Y, Cha Lo, Huu Nghi, Cau Treo, Lao Bao, Lao Cai, Mong Cai, Nam Can, Song Tien, Tay Trang, Xa Mat, Tinh Bien
Seaport: Chan May , Cam Pha, Da Nang, Duong Dong, Dung Quat, Hai Phong, Hon Gai, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Ho Chi Minh City, Nghi Son, Vung Ang, Vung Tau.
Airport: Can Tho, Cat Bi, Cam Ranh, Da Nang, Noi Bai, Phu Bai, Phu Quoc, Tan Son Nhat, Van Don, Lien Khuong, Tho Xuan, Dong Hoi, Phu Cat.
The processing time for an e-Visa application is usually 3-5 working days. Once your visa is approved, you will receive an e-Visa approval letter via email. You will have to show this letter along with your passport to get your visa stamped upon arrival in Vietnam.
Tips and guide faster processing of Vietnam Visa for German citizens
If you are planning to apply for a Vietnam visa, here are some tips that can help you speed up the process:
- Apply for an e-Visa: Applying for an e-Visa is the easiest and fastest way to get a Vietnam visa as a German citizen. The application process is simple, and you will receive your visa approval letter within 4-6 business days.
- Submit all required documents: Make sure you submit all the required documents along with your visa application. Incomplete applications or missing documents can delay the processing of your visa.
- Apply well in advance: It’s always a good idea to apply for a visa well in advance of your travel dates. This will give you enough time to handle any unforeseen delays or issues that may arise during the visa processing.
- Check entry requirements: Before applying for a visa, make sure you check the entry requirements for Germany citizens. This will help you avoid any surprises or complications when you arrive in Vietnam.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Vietnam visa cost for German citizens?
The cost of a Vietnam visa depends on the type of visa you are applying for and the processing time. Generally, the visa fee for a single-entry visa is around 25 USD, while the fee for a multiple-entryis 50 USD.
How long does it take to get a Vietnam visa as a German citizen?
The processing time for a Vietnam visa depends on the type of visa you are applying for and the method of application. Embassy/consulate applications usually take around 5-7 business days, while e-Visa applications take 3-5 business days.
Can I extend my stay in Vietnam if my visa expires?
Yes, you can extend your stay in Vietnam if your visa expires. However, you will have to apply for a visa extension at least 7 days before your current visa expires.
What documents do I need to show when entering Vietnam with a visa?
When entering Vietnam with a visa, you will have to show your passport, photo, visa approval letter (for e-Visas), and visa fee.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting a Vietnam visa as a German citizen is a straightforward process. You can choose between different types of visas depending on the purpose and duration of your stay. Applying for an e-Visa is the easiest and fastest way to get a Vietnam visa. Make sure you submit all the required documents and apply well in advance of your travel dates to avoid any complications. With this information, you should be able to plan your trip to Vietnam with ease.