Do you need a visa for airport layover?

Do You Need a Visa for an Airport Layover in Vietnam?

If you’re planning a layover at Vietnam’s international airport, you may be wondering if you need to obtain a visa. The answer depends on the duration of your layover and whether or not you plan to leave the transit area.

Layovers Within the Transit Area

For a brief layover that does not exceed 24 hours and during which you remain within the airport’s transit area, you do not need to obtain a visa. This means that you should stay within the secure zone and not exit the airport premises. Your sole focus should be on your onward flight, as you are not permitted to leave the transit area.

Layovers Outside the Transit Area

If your layover exceeds 24 hours or you intend to leave the transit area for any reason, you will need to obtain a visa. You can apply for a visa in advance through the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country or online through the official Vietnamese visa website.

Types of Visas

The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose and duration of your visit to Vietnam. The most common types of visas for airport layovers are:

• Transit visa: This visa is valid for 30 days and allows you to stay in the transit area of the airport during your layover.
• Tourist visa: This visa is valid for 30 days and allows you to leave the transit area and explore Vietnam during your layover.

Applying for a Visa

To apply for a visa, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport
• A completed visa application form
• A passport-sized photograph
• A visa fee (the fee varies depending on the type of visa and the country you are applying from)

Processing Time

The processing time for a visa can vary depending on the type of visa and the country you are applying from. Generally, it takes around 2-3 business days to process a visa application.

Important Notes

• It is important to note that visa requirements can change, so it is advisable to check the latest visa information from the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country or the official Vietnamese visa website.
• If you are not sure whether you need a visa for your airport layover in Vietnam, it is always best to contact the Vietnamese embassy or consulate or apply for a visa in advance to avoid any inconvenience.