Australians have always been among the top foreign visitors of Vietnam. Last year, there were almost 400.000 Australians who came to Vietnam. Most of these are tourists who came to the country for a relaxing holiday. Vietnam is home to breathtaking natural landscapes, stunning beaches, and several historical attractions. Australian visitors are also attracted to Vietnam’s cheap and delicious cuisines.
If you are an Australian and you are thinking of visiting Vietnam, the first thing that you need to think about is your visa. So if you’re wondering where to get a Vietnam visa in Australia, here’s everything you need to know.
Do Australians Need Visa to Vietnam?
Not all foreign tourists need a visa to enter Vietnam. There are several nationalities that can enter Vietnam visa-free. Unfortunately, Australians are not among them. Therefore, as an Australian visiting Vietnam, you need to apply for a visa ahead of your trip.
Thankfully, applying for a Vietnam visa for Australians is easy. In fact, there are lots of options to choose from. As a citizen of Australia, you are eligible for the Vietnam E-visa. This is an electronic visa that’s issued online and will grant you a stay of Vietnam for up to 30 days.
Aside from the Vietnam E–visa, Australians are also eligible for the Visa on Arrival. This is a visa that they can collect at the airport of Vietnam, although this would require them to register in advance.
Where to Get Vietnam Visa in Australia?
If you are currently in Australia and you want to apply for a Vietnam visa, all you need to do is to go online. You don’t need to visit the Vietnam embassy in Australia for your visa. As mentioned, you are eligible for the Vietnam e-visa and Visa on Arrival.
To apply for the Vietnam e-visa, just go to the website of a Vietnam local agency and send in your application from there. You will find plenty of local agencies in Vietnam that offer assistance for your Vietnam e-visa application. Make sure you choose the agency that you can trust. Once you’re on the website, fill out the application form with your personal details. Upload the requirements needed and make a payment. After 5 – 7 business days, you will get an email with a copy of your visa.
The e-visa will let you stay in Vietnam for only 30 days. If you need a visa that will let you stay for a much longer time in Vietnam, you can apply for the Visa on Arrival. This visa will let you stay in Vietnam for up to 60 days and you even have a choice to apply for multiple entries.
To apply for the Visa on Arrival, you have to go online and register for this visa in advance. When it’s approved, you will be given a pre-approval letter. You must bring this letter on your trip to Vietnam because this is what you will present at the Immigration counter in order to be given a visa.
What Visa Should Australian Citizens Apply?
The type of visa that you should apply will depend on the purpose of visit to Vietnam. If you are visiting as a tourist, then you can apply for the Vietnam e-visa and Visa on Arrival online.
For business visas and other types of visas, you can also apply for this online. There are local agencies in Vietnam that assist foreign visitors with their visa applications. All you need to do is to submit the requirements, such as your passport and photos. Make sure that your passport will remain valid for six months from your date of entry in Vietnam.
Tips for Australians Visiting Vietnam
After you have taken care of your Vietnam visa, the next thing to do is to plan for your Vietnam trip. Here are some tips to help with your planning:
- Consider the weather of the places you plan on visiting in Vietnam. The weather in Vietnam will vary from north to south. Usually, the northern part of Vietnam where Hanoi is located is colder. So if you are visiting this part of the country, consider packing clothes that will keep you warm. But if you are going to the south, such as in Ho Chi Minh, you should pack lighter clothes since the weather in this area is warm.
- It is a good idea to book your accommodations in advance. This is especially true if you are visiting during the peak season. You will find lots of budget hotels in Vietnam with decent rooms. They are usually cheaper if you book in advance.
- Vietnam has plenty of delicious and affordable dishes. Learn about the popular dishes in the place that you plan to visit so you will know what to eat when you get there.
Vietnam is a truly wonderful place for Australians to visit. Just make sure you plan your trip well and don’t forget to apply for your visa in advance.
