eVisa, Visa on Arrival, Embassy Route, and Everything You Need Before You Fly
Vietnam is one of those countries that stays with you long after you leave. The morning pho steaming on a Hanoi sidewalk at 6am. The chaos of Ho Chi Minh City’s motorbike traffic that somehow, magically, never crashes. Ha Long Bay’s limestone towers rising out of emerald water. Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets at dusk. The coffee that is stronger than anything you have ever tasted. And prices that make Dubai look like another planet.
From the UAE, Vietnam is about a 6 to 7 hour flight. Direct flights from Dubai land in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi regularly. And the visa process? It changed dramatically in August 2023 when Vietnam opened its eVisa to all nationalities worldwide, valid for up to 90 days with multiple entries. That single policy change turned Vietnam into one of the most accessible countries in Asia for UAE residents.
The Vietnam tourist visa for UAE residents process is now simpler than ever. You can apply online in 15 minutes from your phone, pay USD 25, and have your visa in your inbox within a few days. No embassy visit. No appointment. No interview. Just an online form and a PDF in your email.
This guide covers everything. The eVisa. Visa on arrival. Embassy route. Documents. Fees. Processing times. Common mistakes. And what to do when you land.
Do UAE Residents Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Yes. Vietnam does not currently offer visa-free entry to UAE passport holders or to most expat nationalities living in the UAE. Every traveller from the UAE needs a valid visa before boarding their flight.
There are a few exceptions. Citizens of certain countries have bilateral visa-free agreements with Vietnam for short stays. These include some ASEAN nations, Japan, South Korea, and several European countries for stays up to 45 days. But these are based on passport nationality, not UAE residency.
For the vast majority of UAE residents, including Emirati, Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, British, and American passport holders, a visa is required. The good news is that since August 2023, every nationality in the world can apply for Vietnam’s eVisa online. That is the route most people should take.
Vietnam Tourist Visa Types for UAE Residents
| Visa Type | Entry | Stay | Fee | How to Get It |
| eVisa (single entry) | 1 entry | Up to 90 days | USD 25 (~AED 92) | Apply online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn |
| eVisa (multiple entry) | Multiple entries | Up to 90 days | USD 50 (~AED 184) | Apply online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn |
| Visa on Arrival | Single or multiple | 30 to 90 days | USD 25 stamping fee + approval letter fee | Pre-arranged through agency + stamped at airport |
| Embassy Visa | Single or multiple | As per approval | Varies | Apply at Vietnam Embassy in Abu Dhabi |
For most UAE residents planning a holiday, the single-entry eVisa at USD 25 is all you need. If you plan to visit neighbouring countries like Cambodia or Laos and then return to Vietnam, go for the multiple-entry eVisa at USD 50.
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Vietnam eVisa for UAE Residents
The eVisa is the fastest, cheapest, and easiest route. It was expanded to all nationalities worldwide in August 2023, and since then it has become the default option for most travellers from the UAE.
Since December 2025, eVisa holders can enter Vietnam through any of the 83 approved ports, including all international airports, land borders, and seaports. You no longer need to enter through the specific port you selected during your application.
One very important thing. The eVisa cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you must exit Vietnam and apply for a new eVisa, or convert to a different visa category from inside the country through a sponsor.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Visa on Arrival still exists, but it is no longer the recommended route for most travellers. The eVisa has made it somewhat redundant. That said, VOA can be useful if you are a last-minute traveller or if the eVisa portal has technical issues.
You cannot just show up at the airport and get a visa. You need a pre-approved approval letter first. This letter is arranged through a Vietnamese travel agency or visa service provider before your trip. You submit your passport details, pay a service fee (usually USD 15 to USD 30), and receive the approval letter by email within 2 to 5 working days.
When you land at a Vietnamese international airport (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Cam Ranh, or Phu Quoc), you go to the Visa on Arrival counter, present your passport, the approval letter, two passport photos, and pay a stamping fee of USD 25 in cash. The officer then stamps the visa into your passport.
The downside is the queue. During busy periods, the VOA counter can get crowded. And unlike the eVisa, which is already approved before you fly, the VOA adds an extra step on arrival when all you want to do is get to your hotel.
VOA only works at international airports. If you plan to enter Vietnam by land (from Cambodia or Laos) or by sea, you must have an eVisa or embassy visa. VOA is not available at land or sea borders.
Vietnam Embassy Visa Application
In case you want to go the traditional way, or you have to get a visa that is not issued via the eVisa option such as a business visa, work visa, or a family visit visa, then you may do so from the Vietnam Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
The embassy deals with visa applications for all UAE residents. As there is no Vietnamese consulate in Dubai, Dubai residents must apply for the visa at the Abu Dhabi embassy, physically or through a licensed travel agency.
This means you will have to provide your original passport, application form, photographs, and other necessary documents. The processing period is 3 to 7 working days, and the visa will be stamped on your passport.
It is not necessary for tourists to take the embassy route due to the eVisa facility. But for business travellers, long-term visitors, and those with complex visa requirements, the embassy is the right channel.
Documents Required
For eVisa (online application)
| Document | Details |
| Passport data page scan | Clear, colour image. JPEG or PNG. Under 2 MB. |
| Personal photo (4×6 cm) | White background. No glasses. No hat. Recent. JPEG or PNG. Under 2 MB. |
| Travel details | Intended arrival date, entry port, and accommodation address in Vietnam. |
| Payment method | Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, or bank transfer. |
That is it. Four things for the eVisa. No bank statements. No employment letters. No hotel bookings. No return tickets. The eVisa application is remarkably simple compared to most other countries.
For Visa on Arrival
| Document | Details |
| Passport | Valid for at least 6 months from entry date. At least 2 blank pages. |
| Approval letter | Pre-arranged through a Vietnamese travel agency. |
| Passport photos | 2 photos. 4×6 cm. White background. |
| Stamping fee | USD 25 cash at the airport counter. |
| Entry/exit form | Filled out at the airport or on the plane. |
For Embassy Visa
| Document | Details |
| Original passport | 6+ months validity. 2 blank pages. |
| Application form | Completed and signed. |
| Passport photos | 2 photos. 4×6 cm. White background. |
| UAE residence visa | Coloured copy. Valid for at least 3 months. |
| Supporting documents | Varies by visa type (invitation letter for business, etc.). |
Visa Fees
| Visa Route | Fee |
| eVisa (single entry, 90 days) | USD 25 (~AED 92) |
| eVisa (multiple entry, 90 days) | USD 50 (~AED 184) |
| Visa on Arrival stamping fee | USD 25 at the airport |
| VOA approval letter (agency fee) | USD 15 to USD 30 |
| Embassy visa | Varies by type and nationality |
| Travel agency full service (Dubai) | AED 300 to AED 600 depending on agency and speed |
All eVisa fees are paid online and are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. Pay only through the official portal. Third-party websites charge inflated fees and offer no additional value.
Processing Time
| Route | Time |
| eVisa (standard) | 3 working days |
| eVisa (express via facilitator) | 1 to 2 working days |
| Visa on Arrival approval letter | 2 to 5 working days |
| Embassy visa (standard) | 3 to 7 working days |
Apply at least 7 to 10 working days before your flight. During peak periods like January to April, August to September, and November to December, allow up to 15 days. The eVisa system does not process during Vietnamese public holidays, including Tết (Lunar New Year), which usually falls in late January or February.
How to Apply for a Vietnam eVisa (Step by Step)
The eVisa is the route most UAE residents should take. Here is exactly how to do it.
- Visit the official eVisa portal at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. This is the only legitimate government website. Do not use any other portal.
- Click on “Apply for eVisa” and select your nationality.
- Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport. Name, date of birth, passport number, and nationality must match your passport perfectly. A single typo can void your visa.
- Enter your travel details. Your intended arrival date, the entry port (airport or land border), and your accommodation address in Vietnam.
- Upload a clear scan of your passport data page in JPEG or PNG format, under 2 MB.
- Upload a recent personal photo with a white background, no glasses, no hat, in 4×6 cm format.
- Pay USD 25 for single entry or USD 50 for multiple entry by credit card, PayPal, or bank transfer.
- Save your application code. Use it to check your application status on the same portal.
- Once approved, download the eVisa PDF. Print at least two copies. Carry one in your hand luggage and keep a backup in your checked bag. Some airlines require a printed copy at check-in.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Most eVisa rejections are caused by avoidable mistakes made during the application.
- Typing the wrong passport number or misspelling your name. The details must match your passport exactly.
- Uploading a blurry or unclear passport scan or personal photo. Use a well-lit, high-resolution image.
- Choosing the wrong entry port during the application. Since December 2025, this is less critical as eVisas now work at all 83 ports, but errors in the application can still cause delays.
- Submitting multiple applications under the same passport before the first one is processed. Wait for the result before reapplying.
- Using a third-party website that adds errors or inflated fees. Apply only through the official government portal.
- Passport validity under 6 months from the entry date. Renew your passport before applying if it is close to expiring.
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Entry Rules and Immigration Tips
When you land in Vietnam, immigration is generally quick and straightforward if you have your documents ready. Here is what to keep in mind.
Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity and 2 blank pages. The immigration officer will check both. If you used the eVisa, have the printed PDF ready to show. Some officers still ask for a physical copy even if they can scan the barcode.
Vietnam does not legally require proof of travel insurance for entry. But having it is strongly recommended, especially for longer stays. Medical care in Vietnam is affordable but insurance covers emergencies, evacuations, and unexpected situations.
A return or onward ticket is not always checked, but it is good to have a booking confirmation ready. Immigration can ask for it.
If you are entering by land from Cambodia or Laos, make sure you have an eVisa or embassy visa. Visa on Arrival does not work at land or sea borders.
Carry a pen for the arrival and departure card that may be distributed on your flight or at the airport. Fill it out before you reach the immigration queue to save time.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Vietnam stretches over 1,600 kilometres from north to south, so the weather varies depending on where you are going.
The best time for Hanoi and northern Vietnam is October to December and March to April. The weather is cool and dry. Summer from June to August is hot and humid with heavy rain. Ha Long Bay is best visited in the same October to December window for clear skies.
Central Vietnam around Da Nang and Hoi An is best from February to May. The weather is warm and dry. September to November brings the rainy season and occasional typhoons.
Ho Chi Minh City and the south are warm year-round. The dry season from December to April is the most popular time. The rainy season from May to November brings short, heavy afternoon showers, but it is still very travel-friendly.
For UAE residents, the best overall window is November to March. The weather is pleasant across most of the country, and it aligns well with Dubai’s cooler season and school holidays.
Top Places to Visit in Vietnam
Vietnam has a way of surprising you at every turn. Here are the five destinations that most first-time visitors should not miss.
- Hanoi is the capital and the soul of Vietnam. The Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets where every corner has a different smell, sound, and flavour. Street food here is legendary. Pho, bun cha, egg coffee, and banh mi that costs less than a dirham. The Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and Hoan Kiem Lake are all within walking distance. Hanoi is not polished or pristine. It is loud, messy, and absolutely alive. And that is exactly what makes it unforgettable.
- Ho Chi Minh City (still called Saigon by locals) is the economic heart of the country. Faster, more modern, and more commercial than Hanoi. The War Remnants Museum is powerful and sobering. The Cu Chi Tunnels just outside the city show you a side of history you will not forget. Ben Thanh Market is a sensory overload of food, fabrics, and souvenirs. Bui Vien Street is the backpacker party strip. And the rooftop bars overlooking the city skyline are some of the best in Southeast Asia.
- Ha Long Bay is one of the natural wonders of the world. Over 1,600 limestone islands and islets rising out of emerald green water. Overnight cruises on traditional junks are the best way to experience it. Kayaking through hidden caves. Swimming in calm bays. Watching the sunrise from the deck of your boat with nothing but water and stone in every direction. It is one of those places that looks even better in real life than in photos.
- Da Nang is a modern beach city on the central coast. My Khe Beach is one of the best urban beaches in Asia. The Golden Bridge held up by giant stone hands has become one of the most photographed spots in Vietnam. Ba Na Hills is a French colonial-style mountain resort. The Marble Mountains have caves and pagodas carved into the rock. Da Nang is clean, easy to navigate, and a great base for exploring central Vietnam.
- Hoi An is about 30 minutes from Da Nang and it is pure magic. A UNESCO World Heritage town with yellow-walled buildings, lantern-lit streets, and tailor shops that can make you a custom suit in 24 hours. The Ancient Town is pedestrian-only in the evenings. The food market is incredible. An Bang Beach is 4 kilometres away for a quieter beach day. Hoi An is the town that makes everyone say “I could live here.” And many people do.
Travel Tips for UAE Residents
The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. The exchange rate makes everything feel extremely cheap compared to Dubai. A bowl of pho costs about AED 4. A hotel room in a nice guesthouse costs AED 50 to AED 100. ATMs are everywhere and give good rates. Cards are accepted at hotels and bigger restaurants, but carry cash for street food, taxis, and smaller shops.
Buy a local SIM card at the airport when you arrive. Viettel, Mobifone, and VinaPhone all have counters. Data is extremely cheap. A month of unlimited data costs about AED 15. Coverage is strong in cities and decent in rural areas. Download Grab before you land. It is the Southeast Asian equivalent of Careem and works in every major Vietnamese city for taxis, motorbike rides, and food delivery.
Vietnamese food is one of the greatest cuisines in the world and most of the best food is on the street, not in restaurants. Pho (noodle soup), banh mi (baguette sandwiches), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), com tam (broken rice), and ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) are the essentials. Eat where the locals eat. If a street stall has plastic stools and a queue, that is where the good food is.
Traffic in Vietnam is intense. Motorbikes rule the roads. Crossing the street in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City for the first time is an experience in itself. The trick is to walk slowly and steadily. Do not stop. Do not run. The motorbikes will flow around you. It sounds terrifying. It works perfectly.
Vietnam is a safe country for tourists. Petty theft like phone snatching happens in busy areas, so keep your belongings secure. Use a money belt or a cross-body bag. Violent crime against tourists is very rare.
Pack light, breathable clothing. Sunscreen. A rain jacket for unexpected showers. Comfortable walking shoes. And mosquito repellent for evenings, especially in rural and coastal areas.
Vietnam Embassy in the UAE
Vietnam has one embassy in the UAE, located in Abu Dhabi. There is no Vietnamese consulate in Dubai. All consular visa applications from UAE residents go through this single office.
Embassy of Vietnam in Abu Dhabi
The embassy handles all visa applications, consular services, and diplomatic matters for UAE residents. If you need an embassy visa instead of the eVisa, this is where you apply. Dubai residents can submit documents in person or through a licensed travel agency that handles the Abu Dhabi submission on their behalf.
- Address: Villa 101 and 102, Street 27, Sector 24, Al Mushrif Area, Abu Dhabi
- Phone: +971 2 449 6710
- Email: dsqvn_uae@mofa.gov.vn
- Website: vnembassy-abu-dhabi.mofa.gov.vn
For most tourists, you will not need to visit the embassy at all. The eVisa handles everything online. But if your situation requires a different visa type or consular assistance, the Abu Dhabi embassy is the only official channel in the UAE.
Your Vietnam Adventure Starts Here
Vietnam is the kind of country that turns first-time visitors into lifelong fans. The food alone is worth the flight. The scenery is world-class. The history is powerful. The people are warm. And the prices make it one of the most affordable travel destinations you can reach from Dubai.
The Vietnam tourist visa for UAE residents process is now one of the simplest in Asia thanks to the eVisa system. USD 25. An online form. A 3-day wait. And you are in. No embassy visit. No interview. No stack of documents. Just your passport, a photo, and 15 minutes on the official portal.
Check the portal. Apply. Print your visa. And go discover a country that will change the way you think about travel. Vietnam does not just meet your expectations. It quietly, beautifully, completely exceeds them.
FAQs
1. Do UAE residents need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes. All UAE residents, including Emirati passport holders, need a visa. The eVisa is available to all nationalities and is the easiest route. Apply online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.
2. How much does the Vietnam eVisa cost?
USD 25 for single entry and USD 50 for multiple entry. Both are valid for up to 90 days. Fees are paid online and are non-refundable.
3. How long does the Vietnam eVisa take?
Officially 3 working days. Many applicants receive theirs in 1 to 2 days. Apply at least 7 to 10 days before your trip to account for weekends and holidays.
4. Can I get a visa on arrival in Vietnam?
Technically yes, but you need a pre-arranged approval letter from a Vietnamese travel agency before you fly. The eVisa is simpler, cheaper, and does not involve any airport queue. It is the better option for most people.
5. How long can I stay in Vietnam on a tourist visa?
Up to 90 days on an eVisa. Up to 30 or 90 days on a visa on arrival depending on the type approved. The eVisa cannot be extended. If you need more time, you must exit Vietnam and reapply.
6. Where is the Vietnam Embassy in the UAE?
Villa 101 and 102, Street 27, Sector 24, Al Mushrif Area, Abu Dhabi. Phone: +971 2 449 6710. There is no Vietnamese consulate in Dubai.
7. What is the best time to visit Vietnam from Dubai?
November to March is the best overall window. The weather is pleasant across most of Vietnam and it aligns with Dubai’s cooler season and school holidays.
8. Can I extend my Vietnam eVisa?
No, the eVisa cannot be extended inside Vietnam.
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