Do I need a Vietnam visa for a layover?

Do You Need a Vietnam Visa for a Layover?

When traveling through Vietnam, it’s essential to understand the visa requirements to avoid any potential issues or delays. For layovers, the visa policy can differ depending on your nationality and the duration of your stay.

Vietnam Transit Visa

For most nationalities, a Vietnam transit visa is not typically required for layover passengers who meet the following criteria:

• You have a connecting flight departing within 24 hours of your arrival in Vietnam.
• You remain within the designated international transit zone at the airport, without entering the main immigration area.

Exceptions

However, there are certain exceptions to this rule. Citizens of the following countries may require a transit visa, regardless of the duration of their layover:

• Afghanistan
• Algeria
• Bangladesh
• Cuba
• Egypt
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• India
• Iran
• Iraq
• Jordan
• Kosovo
• Lebanon
• Libya
• Morocco
• Nepal
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Palestine
• Saudi Arabia
• Somalia
• South Sudan
• Sri Lanka
• Sudan
• Syria
• Tunisia
• Yemen

Obtaining a Transit Visa

If you are a citizen of one of the countries listed above, you can apply for a transit visa through the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate. The process and requirements may vary depending on the specific embassy or consulate.

Important Notes

• It’s always advisable to check with your airline or the Vietnamese embassy/consulate to confirm the latest visa requirements and procedures.
• If you plan to leave the international transit zone or stay in Vietnam for more than 24 hours, you will need to obtain a regular tourist visa.
• Please note that these visa regulations are subject to change, so it’s highly recommended to verify the most up-to-date information before traveling.