Vietnam Visa Guide: Requirements, e-Visa & Travel Info

Vietnam is a favorite travel spot for many Filipinos, offering a good mix of lively cities, natural beauty, and rich culture. You can visit famous places like Ha Long Bay, the ancient town of Hoi An, or the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. If you like a slower pace, walking around small towns, local markets, and old temples lets you feel the more traditional side of Vietnam. Getting around is quite easy too—buses, trains, and cheap ride apps help tourists move from place to place without too much hassle.

For food lovers, Vietnam feels like a long food trip. Street stalls and small restaurants serve local favorites like pho, banh mi, fresh spring rolls, and iced coffee—all simple, tasty, and often similar to Filipino flavors. Shopping is also fun here. You can explore night markets, buy souvenirs, or hunt for budget finds in places like Ben Thanh Market in Saigon or Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi. Safe, lively, and full of friendly locals, Vietnam is a great choice for Filipinos who want a fun, affordable, and comfortable vacation.

Do Filipinos Need a Visa for Vietnam?

Good news for Filipinos—you don’t need a visa to visit Vietnam for short stays! If you’re staying for 21 days or less, you can travel without a visa. Just book your flight, pack your things, and enjoy the trip.

Whether you want to explore Ha Long Bay, walk around the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, or try street food in Hanoi or Saigon, visiting Vietnam is easy for Philippine passport holders.

Here’s what you need to get ready:

• A passport that’s valid for at least 6 months
• A return or onward ticket (to show when you’re leaving)
• Hotel booking or address of where you’ll stay
• Sometimes, proof of enough money (just in case immigration asks)

When you arrive, you’ll go through immigration like in any other country. Just stay calm, smile, and answer their questions clearly. They might ask why you’re visiting, how long you’re staying, or where you’ll sleep. It’s all part of the normal process.

Visa Tips for Filipinos Staying in Vietnam Longer Than a Short Trip

Sometimes, what starts as a short vacation in Vietnam turns into a longer stay. Maybe you want to visit family, find a job, or study here. If you’re planning to stay in Vietnam beyond the usual 21 days allowed for Filipino tourists, here are some real ways to stay longer:

👉 Types of Visas You Can Apply for:

1. Visa Extension

If you’re already in Vietnam and want to stay longer as a tourist, you can apply for a visa extension. Many travel agencies in big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh can help you with the process. You’ll need to apply before your current visa-free stay ends. Extensions usually give you an extra 15 to 30 days, depending on your situation.

2. Tourist Visa (E-Visa)

If you want to plan a longer stay before your trip, you can apply for a 30-day tourist e-visa online. This is simple and done through the Vietnam Immigration website. You can also exit Vietnam and come back again using an e-visa to reset your stay.

3. Work Visa / Work Permit

If you find a job in Vietnam (like teaching English or working in a company), your employer can help you apply for a work visa and work permit. Once you have this, you’re allowed to live and work in Vietnam legally. Many Filipinos come as tourists and later apply for work permits after finding jobs.

4. Student Visa

Planning to study in Vietnam? Your school or training center will help process your student visa once you’re enrolled. This allows you to stay legally while studying.

5. Family Visit Visa

If you have close family living in Vietnam, you can apply for a visa that allows you to stay longer with them. The process is usually easier if a family member can help support your application.

Which Countries Can Enter Vietnam Without a Visa?

Visiting Vietnam is simple—you can enter visa-free and stay up to 21 days. But if your friends or family hold different passports, here’s a simple guide to help you plan.

Below is a list of countries whose citizens can visit Vietnam without a visa. This is useful if you’re traveling as a group.

Vietnam Visa Requirements for Filipinos

If you’re planning to apply for a work visa, student visa, or long-term stay in Vietnam, it’s important to prepare your documents properly to avoid delays.

Here’s a simple checklist to help you:

📌 Extra Documents Depending on Your Visa Type

How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa

1️⃣ Know What Visa You Need

• Tourist Visa / E-Visa – for short stays (up to 30 days).
• Work Visa / Work Permit – if you found a job.
• Student Visa – if you’ll study in Vietnam.
• Family Visit Visa – if you’re staying with relatives.
• Business Visa – if you’re visiting for work but not employed in Vietnam.

2️⃣ Prepare Your Documents

Common documents you’ll need:

• Valid Philippine passport (at least 6 months valid).
• Passport-sized photo (white background).
• Flight ticket (roundtrip or onward).
• Hotel booking or address of family/friend.
• Proof of funds (optional but good to have).
• Extra documents based on your visa type (job offer letter, school papers, etc.).

3️⃣ Choose How to Apply

Option A: E-Visa (Most Popular for Tourists)

• Go to the official Vietnam Immigration website.
• Fill out the e-visa application form online.
• Upload your photo and passport scan.
• Pay the visa fee using a card.
• Wait for approval (usually 3-5 working days).
• Once approved, download and print your e-visa.

Option B: Apply Through a Travel Agency

• Many agencies in the Philippines or Vietnam can help process your visa.
• This is common for work, business, or student visas.
• They help with paperwork and faster processing.

Option C: Apply at the Vietnam Embassy (if needed)

• Visit the Vietnam Embassy in Manila.
• Submit your documents and pay the fee.
• Wait for your visa to be processed (may take several days).

4️⃣ Wait for Approval

• Tourist e-visa: 3 to 5 working days.
• Work visa or student visa: depends on your employer/school (usually 2-4 weeks).

5️⃣ Get Your Visa and Travel

• Print your e-visa or collect your visa from the embassy or agency.
• Keep a copy of your visa ready when you land in Vietnam.

Vietnam Visa Fees for Filipinos

Here’s a simple fee guide to help you budget properly:

💰 Vietnam Visa / Pass Fees (Approximate for Filipinos)

Safe Trip and See You in Vietnam! ✈️

Vietnam is becoming a favorite destination for many Filipinos—whether for work, study, visiting family, or just exploring. From the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh to the peaceful temples of Hanoi, you’ll always meet friendly people, and many kababayan are working here too.

Before you go, here are some last reminders:

✅ Book your flight to Vietnam early – Promo fares from Manila to Vietnam (Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh) sell out fast, especially on holidays.

✅ Prepare your accommodation in Vietnam – Book a hotel, hostel, or get your relative/friend’s address ready. Immigration might ask where you’ll stay.

✅ Stay connected – Buy a Vietnam SIM card or rent pocket WiFi. This helps with maps, Grab rides, and keeping in touch with family.

Vietnam is simple but full of surprises—affordable food, busy markets, peaceful countryside, and friendly locals. Life here can feel new, but many Filipinos enjoy it once they settle in.

So, pack well, prepare your documents, and bring your good energy.

Ingat sa biyahe, kabayan! See you in Vietnam! 🇻🇳❤️