Many people traveling from Singapore find that flying directly to Vietnam takes only a few hours, with very budget-friendly ticket prices. Because of this, Vietnam has become one of the most popular weekend getaway or business destinations for Chinese citizens living and working in Singapore. However, the most important task before departure is securing your visa. This article provides a detailed summary of the three main ways for Chinese passport holders in Singapore to apply for a Vietnam visa, comparing costs, processing times, and suitable scenarios to help you choose the smoothest option.
1. Why is traveling from Singapore to Vietnam so convenient?
Singapore Changi Airport offers multiple daily direct flights to major Vietnamese cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, with flight times ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Due to the short distance and high frequency of flights, fares are often below SGD 150 (inclusive of tax). Whether for short-term tourism, business meetings, or urgent matters, departing from Singapore is effortless. The only hurdle is the visa—Chinese citizens must hold a valid visa to enter Vietnam. The following three methods are all legal and available.
2. Three Ways to Apply for a Vietnam Visa (Applicable in Singapore)
| Method | Target Audience | Location | Speed | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Vietnam Embassy in Singapore | Traditionalists; prefer physical sticker visas; don’t mind traveling to the embassy. | Singapore Embassy | Approx. 3-5 working days | Approx. 80-120 USD (depends on type) |
| 2. Visa on Arrival (VOA) | Air travelers; want to save effort; need urgent processing. | Online Apply → Collect at Vietnam Airport | 1-3 working days (Urgent available) | Service fee 45-50 USD + Stamping fee 25-50 USD |
| 3. e-Visa (E-Visa) | Want documents in advance; don’t want to queue at the airport. | Completely Online | 1-10 working days (Urgent available) | Official 25 USD (Non-refundable) / Agency 70-250 USD (Guaranteed) |
3. Method 1: Apply in Person at the Vietnam Embassy in Singapore
This is the traditional “Sticker Visa” method where a physical visa is pasted into your passport. Suitable for those unfamiliar with online operations or who prefer face-to-face confirmation.
Embassy Information
- Address: 10 Leedon Park, Singapore 267887
- Phone: (+65) 6462 5938
- Email: vnemb.sg@mofa.gov.vn
- Website: vnmembassy-leedonpark.mofa.gov.vn
Steps
- Prepare materials: Passport (valid for 6+ months), 2 passport-sized photos, completed application form (downloadable from the website).
- Submit the application at the embassy and pay the visa fee (confirm amount and payment method via phone first).
- Wait approx. 3-5 working days, then return to the embassy to collect your passport and visa.
- Pros: Visa is already in the passport; no need to queue for payment upon arrival.
- Cons: Requires two trips; longer processing time; price is usually higher than the VOA service fee.
4. Method 2: Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) — The Most Popular Choice
VOA is the most common method for Chinese travelers departing from Singapore. You obtain a “Visa Approval Letter” online first, then pay the stamping fee at the VOA counter upon arrival at a Vietnam international airport to receive your visa.
Important Restriction: VOA is only applicable for entry by air (Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, etc.). It is not applicable for land or sea entry.
Application Process (via Agency)
- Fill out the personal information form on the agency website: 👉 https://www.yuenanyuenan.com/apply/
- Select visa type (Tourist/Business), duration (1 month/3 months), and entries (Single/Multiple).
- Pay the service fee (Online Credit Card or PayPal).
- After 1-3 working days, you will receive the Approval Letter in PDF (must be printed out).
- Upon arrival at the Vietnam airport, go to the “Landing Visa” counter and present:
- Passport
- Approval Letter
- 2 photos (2-inch)
- Stamping fee (USD Cash only, exact change recommended)
- The officer attaches the visa, and you can enter.
VOA Fee Table (Service Fee + Airport Stamping Fee) Service Fee (Paid online to agency)
| Visa Type | Validity | Service Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist – Single | 1 Month | 45 USD |
| Tourist – Multiple | 1 Month | 50 USD |
| Business – Single | 3 Months | Contact Agency (Approx. 60-80 USD) |
| Business – Multiple | 3 Months | Contact Agency (Approx. 80-100 USD) |
Airport Stamping Fee (Paid in USD cash to Vietnam Customs upon arrival)
| Visa Type | Stamping Fee |
|---|---|
| Single Entry (1-3 months) | 25 USD |
| Multiple Entry (1-3 months) | 50 USD |
| 6-Month Multiple Entry | 95 USD |
| 1-Year Multiple Entry (US Passports only) | 135 USD |
💡 Total Cost Example: 1-month Single Tourist VOA = 45 USD (Service) + 25 USD (Stamping) = 70 USD.
Additional Services (Highly recommended for groups or those in a hurry)
- Private Approval Letter: +6~8 USD per person (Avoids your data being seen by others in a group letter).
- Urgent Processing (During office hours):
- 1 working day: +60 USD
- 2 working days: +40 USD
- 3 working days: +20 USD
- Super Urgent (within hours): Please contact LINE / WeChat: vietnam-visa
- VIP Airport Fast Track: +45 USD per person (Staff will meet you with a sign, assist with all procedures, and skip the 1-2 hour queue).
5. Method 3: Vietnam e-Visa (E-Visa) — No Airport Queuing
E-Visa is a completely online process. You receive a PDF file, print it, and use the “E-Visa Lane” upon arrival. No stamping fee or VOA counter queue is required.
Applicable Passports
- Chinese Passport (Number starting with E)
- Hong Kong SAR Passport (Number starting with H, K)
- Macau SAR Passport
- Taiwanese Passport (Select “Taiwan” nationality)
Comparison of Two Application Channels
| Channel | Official Website | Agency (Recommended) |
|---|---|---|
| URL | https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn | https://www.yuenanyuenan.com/apply/ (Select “e-Visa”) |
| Cost | 25 USD (Non-refundable) | 70~250 USD (Guaranteed/Urgent) |
| Time | 3-10 working days | 1-4 working days (Urgent within hours) |
| Refund | ❌ No refund if failed | ✅ Full refund if failed |
Agency e-Visa Fee Table (100% Success Guaranteed) Tourist e-Visa
| Processing Time | 1M Single | 1M Multiple | 3M Single | 3M Multiple |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Working Days | 70 USD | 100 USD | 90 USD | 120 USD |
| 3 Working Days | 90 USD | 120 USD | 110 USD | 140 USD |
| 2 Working Days | 110 USD | 140 USD | 130 USD | 160 USD |
| 1 Working Day | 150 USD | 180 USD | 170 USD | 200 USD |
| 4 Working Hours | 180 USD | 220 USD | 210 USD | 240 USD |
Business e-Visa fees are generally 10 USD higher than tourist fees for each category.
6. Which one should I choose? Quick Decision Table
| Your Situation | Recommended Method |
|---|---|
| In Singapore, not in a hurry, want a physical sticker. | Vietnam Embassy in Singapore |
| Flying, want lowest cost, okay with airport queues. | VOA – Standard |
| Decided to go last minute, need visa in 1-2 days. | VOA + Urgent Service |
| Extremely urgent (flying in a few hours). | e-Visa + 4-Hour Super Urgent |
| Don’t want to queue for stamping, want direct entry. | e-Visa (E-Visa) |
| Business trip, need 3-month multiple entries. | VOA or Business e-Visa |
| Seek 100% success rate, willing to pay for peace of mind. | Agency e-Visa (Guaranteed) |
7. FAQ
Q1: Can I fly from Singapore after applying for VOA? Yes. You must obtain and print the Approval Letter first. Airlines will check this during check-in.
Q2: Which is faster for entry, e-Visa or VOA? Generally, e-Visa is faster as it bypasses the stamping counter. However, VOA with VIP Fast Track can be just as quick.
Q3: Can I use an e-Visa for land entry? Yes. e-Visas are valid at 28 international checkpoints, including land borders and seaports. VOA is limited to airports.
Q4: My passport has less than 6 months validity, can I apply? No. Vietnam officially requires at least 6 months of passport validity.
Q5: Do I need an invitation letter for a business visa? When applying through an agency for VOA or e-Visa, they handle the sponsorship; you usually do not need to provide your own invitation.
8. Final Reminder
Regardless of the method, ensure your passport has blank pages, the names match your passport exactly, and you have sufficient USD cash (if choosing VOA). It is recommended to start the process at least one week before departure.
Enjoy the food, scenery, and culture of Vietnam!
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