Vietnam visa for Sri Lanka citizens
Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining a Vietnam Visa for Sri Lankan Citizens
For Sri Lankan passport holders planning a visit to the vibrant country of Vietnam, securing a valid visa is a mandatory step. The good news is that Vietnam offers an eVisa option, simplifying the application process for many travelers. This guide provides essential information to help you navigate the requirements and procedures.
Do Sri Lankan Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Yes, all Sri Lankan citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Vietnam, regardless of whether their purpose of travel is tourism, business, or visiting relatives. There are no visa-free entry arrangements for Sri Lankan passport holders at this time.
Understanding the Vietnam eVisa
The Vietnam eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that allows eligible foreign nationals to apply for a visa entirely online. For Sri Lankan citizens, this is generally the most convenient way to obtain permission to enter Vietnam. The eVisa is valid for a maximum stay of 90 days and can be issued for single or multiple entries.
How to Apply for Your Vietnam eVisa
The process for applying for a Vietnam eVisa is straightforward and can be completed online through the official government portal. Here are the general steps:
- Complete the Online Application Form: Visit the official Vietnam eVisa website and fill out the application form with accurate personal details, passport information, and travel plans.
- Upload Required Documents: You will need to upload a digital copy of your passport's personal details page and a recent passport-style photograph that meets the specified criteria.
- Pay the eVisa Fee: Submit the required government visa fee using a valid credit or debit card.
- Receive Your eVisa: Once your application is processed and approved, your eVisa will be sent to your registered email address. This typically takes a few working days, but processing times can vary.
- Print and Present: Download and print your eVisa letter. You must present this document to immigration officers upon your arrival in Vietnam.
It is crucial to ensure all information provided is accurate and matches your passport details exactly to avoid any issues or delays.
Designated Ports of Entry for eVisa Holders
When applying for your eVisa, you must specify your intended port of entry. It is essential to enter Vietnam through this exact port, as entry may be refused if you arrive at a different location. Below is a list of common international checkpoints that accept Vietnam eVisas:
Airports:
- Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi)
- Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Cam Ranh Airport (Khanh Hoa)
- Da Nang Airport (Da Nang)
- Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong)
- Can Tho Airport (Can Tho)
- Phu Quoc Airport (Kien Giang)
- Phu Bai Airport (Thua Thien Hue)
- Van Don Airport (Quang Ninh)
- Tho Xuan Airport (Thanh Hoa)
- Dong Hoi Airport (Quang Binh)
- Phu Cat Airport (Binh Dinh)
- Lien Khuong Airport (Lam Dong)
- Vinh Airport
- Chu Lai Airport
Landports:
- Tay Trang Border Gate (Dien Bien)
- Mong Cai Border Gate (Quang Ninh)
- Huu Nghi Border Gate (Lang Son)
- Lao Cai Border Gate (Lao Cai)
- Na Meo Border Gate (Thanh Hoa)
- Nam Can Border Gate (Nghe An)
- Cau Treo Border Gate (Ha Tinh)
- Cha Lo Border Gate (Quang Binh)
- La Lay Border Gate (Quang Tri)
- Lao Bao Border Gate (Quang Tri)
- Bo Y Border Gate (Kon Tum)
- Moc Bai Border Gate (Tay Ninh)
- Xa Mat Border Gate (Tay Ninh)
- Tinh Bien Border Gate (An Giang)
- Vinh Xuong Land and Waterway Border Gate (An Giang)
- Ha Tien Border Gate (Kien Giang)
- Dong Dang (Railway) Border Gate (Lang Son)
- Lao Cai (Railway) Border Gate (Lao Cai)
- Tra Tinh Border Gate (Cao Bang)
- Long Sap Border Gate (Son La)
- Nam Giang Border Gate (Da Nang)
- Le Thanh Border Gate (Gia Lai)
- Binh Hiep Border Gate (Tay Ninh)
- Thuong Phuoc Border Gate (Dong Thap)
- Dinh Ba Border Gate (Dong Thap)
- Tan Nam Border Gate (Tay Ninh)
- Thanh Thuy Border Gate (Tuyen Quang)
Seaports:
- Chan May Seaport (Thua Thien Hue)
- Cam Pha Seaport (Quang Ninh)
- Da Nang Seaport (Da Nang)
- Duong Dong Seaport (Kien Giang)
- Vung Ang Seaport (Ha Tinh)
- Dung Quat Seaport (Quang Ngai)
- Hai Phong Seaport
- Nghi Son Seaport (Thanh Hoa)
- Nha Trang Seaport (Khanh Hoa)
- Ho Chi Minh Seaport (HCMC)
- Vung Tau Seaport
- Van Gia Seaport (Quang Ninh)
- Diem Dien Seaport (Thai Binh)
- Hai Thinh Seaport (Nam Dinh)
- Cua Lo Seaport (Nghe An)
- Ninh Binh Seaport (Ninh Binh)
- Son Duong Seaport (Ha Tinh)
- Giang Seaport (Quang Tri)
- Hon La Seaport (Quang Binh)
- Cua Viet Seaport (Quang Tri)
- Thuan An Seaport (Thua Thien Hue)
- Ky Ha Seaport (Quang Nam)
- Sa Ky Seaport (Quang Ngai)
- Vung Ro Seaport (Phu Yen)
- Ca Na Seaport (Ninh Thuan)
- Ninh Chu Seaport (Ninh Thuan)
- Phu Quy Seaport (Binh Thuan)
- Lien Huong Seaport (Binh Thuan)
- Ben Luc Seaport (Long An)
- Dong Thap Seaport (Dong Thap)
- Soai Rap Seaport (Tien Giang)
- My Thoi Seaport (An Giang)
- Hon Chong Seaport (Kien Giang)
- An Thoi Seaport (Kien Giang)
- Truong Long Hoa Seaport (Tra Vinh)
- Giao Long Seaport (Ben Tre)
- Nam Can Seaport (Ca Mau)
- Hon Gai Seaport (Quang Ninh)
Important Considerations for Sri Lankan Travelers
- Apply in Advance: To avoid last-minute stress, it is highly recommended to apply for your eVisa at least two weeks before your intended travel date.
- Accuracy is Key: Double-check all information entered on your application form to ensure it precisely matches the details in your passport. Even minor discrepancies can lead to delays or rejection.
- Stay Duration: Your eVisa specifies an entry and exit date. You can enter Vietnam on any day within this validity period, but not before the stated arrival date.
- No Extension: Currently, Vietnam eVisas generally cannot be extended once you are in Vietnam. If you wish to stay longer, you might need to depart and re-apply for a new visa to re-enter. Be aware that frequent re-entries could be viewed with suspicion by immigration authorities.
Always consult the official website of the Vietnamese government or the Embassy of Vietnam for the most current and authoritative information regarding visa policies and requirements.
Tourist visa — Sri Lanka
Vietnam eVisa Options for Tourists from Sri Lanka
For Sri Lankan citizens planning a tourist visit to Vietnam, the eVisa is a popular and convenient option. This electronic visa allows for stays of up to 90 days and can be obtained for either single or multiple entries, depending on your travel plans.
Types of eVisa based on duration and entry:
- 30-day Single Entry: Ideal for short trips with one entry into Vietnam.
- 30-day Multiple Entry: Suitable if you plan to enter and exit Vietnam more than once within a 30-day period.
- 90-day Single Entry: For longer single visits up to three months.
- 90-day Multiple Entry: Best for extended stays with multiple entries and exits within a 90-day timeframe.
When applying, ensure you select the visa type that best matches your itinerary to avoid any complications during your trip.
Business visa — Sri Lanka
Vietnam Visa for Business Travelers from Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan citizens traveling to Vietnam for business purposes are also required to obtain a visa. The Vietnam eVisa can facilitate business trips, offering flexibility with its 30-day or 90-day validity options for both single and multiple entries.
When applying for a business eVisa, the general requirements regarding passport validity, digital documents, and payment methods remain the same as for tourist visas. However, applicants should be prepared to provide additional documentation if requested, such as an invitation letter from a Vietnamese company or a business registration certificate, though these are not always mandatory for the initial eVisa application.
It is advisable for business travelers to clearly state their purpose of visit during the application process and ensure their chosen visa type covers the full duration and number of entries required for their business activities.
Vietnam visa fees & costs
Vietnam eVisa Fees and Processing Times for Sri Lankan Citizens
The cost and processing time for a Vietnam eVisa for Sri Lankan citizens depend on whether you apply directly through the official Vietnamese government portal or use an authorized visa service provider. The fees listed below are the standard government charges and estimated processing times. These are subject to change, and travelers should always confirm the latest information on the official government website.
Official Government eVisa Fees:
- Single Entry eVisa: US $25
- Multiple Entry eVisa: US $50
Estimated Government eVisa Processing Times:
| Processing Time | Approximate Percentage of Applications |
|---|---|
| Less than 3 working days | 5% |
| 3 to 5 working days | 75% |
| More than 5 working days | 20% |
Please note that these processing times are estimates and are not guaranteed. It is highly recommended to apply for your eVisa well in advance of your planned travel date to account for any potential delays. Fees paid for the eVisa are typically non-refundable.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnam Visas for Sri Lankan Citizens
Can Sri Lankan citizens apply for a Vietnam eVisa?
Yes, Sri Lankan citizens are eligible to apply for the Vietnam eVisa online through the official government portal. This is generally the most convenient method for obtaining a visa.
What types of Vietnam visas are available for Sri Lankan citizens?
Sri Lankan citizens can typically apply for an eVisa, which is available for tourism, business, or relative visits. These eVisas can be for 30 or 90 days, with options for single or multiple entries.
What documents are required for a Vietnam eVisa application?
You will generally need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your entry date with two blank pages, a digital scan of your passport's personal details page, a digital passport-style photo, an active email address, and a method for online payment.
Can I enter Vietnam at any port of entry with an eVisa?
No, you must enter Vietnam through the specific port of entry that you selected during your eVisa application. Entry at an undesignated port may result in refusal.
Is it possible to extend my stay in Vietnam beyond the eVisa duration?
Generally, Vietnam eVisas cannot be extended. If you wish to stay longer, you might need to exit Vietnam and apply for a new eVisa to re-enter. However, frequent re-entries might raise suspicion and could lead to entry refusal.
Do I have to enter Vietnam on the exact date specified on my eVisa?
You can enter Vietnam on any date between the specified arrival and exit dates on your eVisa. However, entry before the stated arrival date is not permitted.
What are some tips for a smooth eVisa application process?
Apply well in advance (at least two weeks before travel), carefully review all requirements, double-check all information on your application form against your passport, submit all necessary documents, and ensure your visa fee is paid. Regularly check the status of your application.