Email Us:
In the past 2020, the pandemic has made things change a lot, especially visas and immigration procedures. To limit the spread of Covid-19, many countries have closed their borders and stopped issuing visas, including Vietnam. Is there any change in 2021? Has Vietnam opened its border to foreign tourists? And how to apply for an entry visa?
During the epidemic in 2020, the Vietnamese government closed borders, restricted flights, and stopped issuing visas to all citizens from all countries of the world. Except for official passports and Vietnamese nationals returning home, all foreign visitors are not allowed to enter the country, including those who already hold a visa or hold a temporary resident card/ visa exemption.
However, the disease control is well underway. At the same time, for the purpose of economic development, the Vietnamese government has reopened international flight routes with a number of countries, and at the same time allows experts, businessmen, skilled workers, investors, managers, … to apply for a visa and enter for working purposes. Those who want to enter Vietnam must have a sponsor company and apply for a “visa approval letter” at least 1 month before the departure date.
So far, Vietnam has not allowed tourists to enter for tourism like before. Only those who come to work in Vietnam can apply for business visa and enter under the guarantee of a certain Vietnamese company.
Individuals / organizations who want to apply for a Vietnam visa must have a sponsor company in Vietnam. This company will guarantee the trip of the applicant, and sign written commitments to apply for visa at the authorities. The applicants must have a full “visa approval letter” from the Immigration Bureau and the “entry permit” from the People’s Committee of the province / city where the sponsoring company is located.
Each province / city will have its own specific paperwork requirements when applying for an “entry permit”. So, first of all, you have to determine which city/province the sponsor company is located in Vietnam. In most cases, you only need to provide passport photo and business license photo of the sponsoring company. The remaining necessary documents will be drafted by the visa agent, then sent to the sponsoring company for signature.
These documents usually include guarantee letter, entry approval application, company commitment letter, recommendation letter, visa application forms, etc. depending on the locality, the documents will be different. However, if you apply visa through a travel agent, all of these documents will be provided in full by this travel agent.
Processing time to get the “visa approval letter” and “entry permit” is from 30 – 40 days. Once approved, you can contact the airline to book flights, book hotels and other services.
Currently, all businessmen entering Vietnam are quarantined for 15 days at designated hotels. After having “visa approval letter”, you can contact the hotel to order quarantine services, including hotels, airport pick-ups, etc.
Before entering, you must have a negative test for the virus 3-5 days before the date of entry, and must also have a commitment to pay the cost of treatment if you are positive for the virus from the insurance company.
After arrival and medical examination, you will be transferred to the quarantine hotel as previously booked. At the hotel, you will be checked for virus at least 2 times, if you are not positive for the virus, you can leave the hotel after the quarantine period ends.
For more details, or need assistance in obtaining an entry visa or booking a quarantine hotel, you can contact us directly via email: info@vietnam-evisa.com
