1. Do Canadians Need a Visa for Vietnam?

Yes, Canadian citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Vietnam, regardless of the purpose or duration of their visit. According to the Government of Canada's official travel advisory, from tourist visa to work visa are required.

Unlike some nationalities that enjoy visa-free entry to Vietnam, Canada is not included in Vietnam's visa exemption program. However, there are special exemptions available for certain individuals, including spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens who may be eligible for a 5-year visa exemption certificate.

Good news is Vietnam offers multiple convenient visa options for Canadian travelers, making the application process straightforward and accessible.

All Canadians are required to apply for visa to Vietnam (Source: Vietnam Embassy in Singapore)

2. Types of Visas Available for Canadian Travelers

Canadian travelers have several visa options to choose from, each designed to meet different travel needs and preferences. Understanding these options will help you select the most suitable visa type for your Vietnam adventure.

2.1. E-Visa (Electronic Visa)

The Vietnam e-visa has become the preferred option for most Canadian travelers due to its convenience and efficiency. Canadian travelers MUST have a valid visa to enter Vietnam and can apply for a single or multiple entry visa for Vietnam valid for up to 90 days.

Key Features:

• Validity: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry)
• Visa fee: Single entry visa: USD 25, Multiple entry visa: USD 50
• Processing Time: 3 - 5 working days for 75% of applicants
• Entry Points: 42 designated ports of entry including major airports, land borders, and seaports

The official website to obtain e-visa to Vietnam is evisa.gov.vn (Source: evisa.gov.vn)

2.2. Visa on Arrival (VOA)

While still available, this option requires pre-approval and has become less popular since the introduction of e-visas. VOA is actually an approval letter for a visa, which is then stamped upon arrival at the airport, particularly suitable for travelers who need urgent visa processing or prefer to handle final visa formalities upon arrival, including:

• Travelers needing last-minute visa processing
• Group tours with pre-arranged approval letters
• Business travelers with tight schedules
• Those who prefer physical visa stamps in their passport

A demo of an approval letter sent by agencies to obtain VOA to Vietnam at the border (Source: My Vietnam Visa)

Documents that applicants need to prepare beforehand:

• Pre-approved visa letter obtained before departure
• Valid passport with 6+ months validity
• Passport-sized photos (2 copies)
• Completed arrival form
• Cash for stamping fees (USD recommended)

Cost Structure:

• Approval letter fee: This is a compulsory fee in order to get the visa on arrival, with fees varying depending on the service provider.
• Airport stamping fee: This is the fee paid directly to the Vietnamese immigration authorities upon arrival at the airport. USD 25 for single entry and USD 50 for multiple-entry.

2.3. Embassy Visa

Traditional visa applications through the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in Canada remain an option for travelers who prefer in-person service or require longer-term visas.

You can apply by mail or in person at the Embassy, following their specific instructions which includes submitting application forms and required documents.

The visa will be stamped on your passport and marked by customs to keep track of your entry

Here is how you can apply for Vietnam visa at the embassy:

• Complete application form provided by the embassy, refer to the official website of Vietnam Embassy in Canada: https://vietnamembassy-canada.ca/consular-services/visas/
• Prepare required documents, similar to those required to apply for VOA
• Submit the application to the embassy in person or by email
• Pay the fee: USD 25 for single entry and USD 50 for multiple-entry.
• Wait for document processing, which can take several business days

2.4. 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate

Canadian spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens may be eligible for a visa exemption certificate, which provides the most convenient long-term entry solution to Vietnam. This special provision recognizes family connections and significantly simplifies travel for eligible individuals.

Eligibility criteria:

• Canadian citizens of Vietnamese origin (overseas Vietnamese)
• Spouses of Vietnamese citizens (married to Vietnamese nationals)
• Children of Vietnamese citizens (biological or legally adopted)
• Must provide documented proof of relationship to Vietnamese citizens.

Key benefits of the certificate holder:

• Duration: Valid for 5 years from issue date. However, the certificate's validity cannot exceed the validity of the holder's passport or equivalent document, and it must expire at least 6 months before the passport's expiry date.
• Entry Freedom: Multiple entries with no restrictions on frequency
• Stay Period: Up to 180 days per entry (extendable)

You will receive either a booklet or a stamp physically in the passport (Source: Reddit)

In order to apply, applicants must provide all required documents. These documents must be notarized and translated if not in Vietnamese or English. They can apply directly at the Vietnamese Embassy with processing taking 15-30 business days. Note that an interview may be required to verify the family relationship.

3. How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa From Canada

Canadian travelers have two primary application methods to obtain their Vietnam visa, each offering distinct advantages depending on your travel timeline, preferences, and visa requirements. This comprehensive guide will walk you through both processes step-by-step.

3.1. E-Visa Application

The e-visa system provides the most convenient and efficient way for Canadian citizens to obtain their Vietnam visa. This entirely digital process eliminates the need for embassy visits and allows you to apply from anywhere with an internet connection.

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

Before starting your e-visa application, ensure you have all necessary documents ready in digital format:

• Valid Canadian Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Vietnam
• Digital Passport Photo: High-quality JPEG format, white background, recent photo without glasses, hats, or head coverings
• Passport Information Page: Clear, high-resolution scan of your passport's bio-data page showing all personal details
• Payment Method: Valid international credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express)
• Travel Details: Confirmed flight itinerary and accommodation information for your visa application

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Visit the official Vietnam e-visa portal at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/web/guest/trang-chu-ttdt and follow these steps:

• Select "For outside Vietnam foreigners" and confirm reading carefully the instructions and having completed application
• Fill out the application form with information
• Pay for the application fee using a valid credit or debit international card - from USD 25, depending on your types of visa
• Submit the application and wait for the result.

A sample of required information when applying for e-visa

After completing these steps, here are some tips to remember:

• Save your application reference number for tracking purposes
• Receive email confirmation of successful submission
• Processing typically takes 3-5 business days for 75% of applications
• Receive your approved e-visa via email as a PDF document, and remember to print out a few copies for your trip
• Note that payments are non-refundable, so ensure all information is correct. False information can lead to entry denial.

3.2. Vietnam Embassy Visa Application

For travelers who prefer traditional visa processing, need longer-term visas, or require special visa categories, applying through the Vietnamese Embassy in Canada offers personalized service and comprehensive visa options.

Step 1: Determine Visa Type and Gather Documents

Identify the appropriate visa category for your travel purpose:

• Tourist Visa: For leisure travel, typically valid for 30-90 days
• Business Visa: For commercial activities, meetings, or conferences
• Work Visa: For employment purposes (requires additional documentation)
• Student visa: For educational purposes, requires a more complicated process and documentations.

Required documents for all visa types include:

• Original Canadian passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
• Completed visa application form (downloadable from embassy website)
• Two recent passport-sized photos (4cm x 6cm, white background)
• Proof of travel arrangements (flight bookings or travel itinerary)
• Accommodation confirmation in Vietnam
• Travel insurance documentation (recommended)
• For work or student visa, you will need a recommendation letter from a Vietnamese company or school directly to the passport holder.

Embassy of Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Canada (Source: Flickr)

Step 2: Submit Application to Embassy

Choose your preferred submission method:

• In-person submission: Bring all original documents plus photocopies to your nearest Vietnam Embassy or Consulate. You can pay visa fees in cash or certified cheque.
• Email submission: Digitize your documents and send to visa@vietnamembassy.ca. Remember to include a credit card charge form.

Processing will take about 5-7 working days.

4. Ports of Entry for Vietnam E-Visa

Your e-visa allows entry only through designated ports. It allows you to enter Vietnam via the port of entry indicated in the visa approval notice only. Key entry points include:

1 - Major international airports

• Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
• Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
• Da Nang International Airport
• Cam Ranh International Airport (Nha Trang)
• Phu Quoc International Airport

2 - Popular land border crossings

• Mong Cai Border Gate (from China)
• Moc Bai Border Gate (from Cambodia)
• Lao Bao Border Gate (from Laos)

3 - Major seaports

• Hai Phong Seaport
• Da Nang Seaport
• Ho Chi Minh City Seaport
• Nha Trang Seaport

Important: You must enter Vietnam through the exact port specified in your e-visa application. Entry through different ports will result in denial.

In order to update on the approved list by the Government of Vietnam, refer to: https://evisa.gov.vn/

5. Top Tips for a Smooth Visa Application Process

• Apply early: Submit your visa application at least 2-3 weeks before your departure date, especially during peak travel seasons or Vietnamese holidays like Tet (Lunar New Year). This buffer allows time to address any potential issues without affecting your travel plans.
• Ensure perfect accuracy: Make sure your application details match your passport exactly - this includes your full name, date of birth, and the order in which they appear. Even minor discrepancies can cause processing delays or entry denial.
• Use official sources only: Always apply through official government websites or reputable agencies to avoid scams. The official e-visa portal is evisa.gov.vn.
• Prepare supporting documents: Have your return flight ticket and accommodation bookings ready, as immigration officers may request proof of onward travel and accommodation plans.

Obtaining a Vietnam visa as a Canadian citizen is a straightforward process when you're properly prepared. The e-visa system offers the most convenient option for most travelers, providing up to 90 days of access to Vietnam's incredible destinations.

Ready to explore Vietnam? Read more on Vietnam Airlines' comprehensive travel guides to plan your perfect Vietnamese adventure. For more details on flights, baggage policies, and travel itineraries, contact Vietnam Airlines via their hotline at 1900 1100, or through Fanpage or Zalo for expert advice.