The Vietnam visa application form is the standard document foreign visitors must complete to apply for permission to enter the country. This guide explains what information the form requires, the photo and passport details to prepare, and where to present the completed form when applying.
What the Vietnam visa application form is and when you need it
The Vietnam visa application form records personal, travel and contact details that immigration authorities use to assess entry requests. Applicants must submit the completed form together with a valid passport or international travel document when applying at a Vietnamese diplomatic mission abroad or when presenting an approval letter at an international border checkpoint.
In general, visitors who plan to stay in Vietnam for more than 15 days usually require a specific visa category rather than short-stay exemptions. Because rules and visa types change over time, applicants should confirm current entry requirements with official sources before travel; this article focuses on completing the form itself rather than on visa eligibility or fees.
Key sections and required details on the form
The standard form is divided into numbered parts; most applicants will complete parts 1 through 11 with basic personal information. These sections ask for a full name (often requested in capital letters), sex, date and place of birth, nationality, current citizenship, religion, occupation, business address, permanent address, and contact details such as telephone and email.
Part 12 collects passport information: the passport or international travel document number, the document type (for example: ordinary, official, diplomatic or named travel document), the issuing authority and the expiry date. It is important that the passport number you enter matches the number shown on any visa approval letter you may receive.
- Parts 1–11: personal and contact information.
- Part 12: passport number, type, issuing body and expiry date.
- Part 13: previous entries into Vietnam (dates) if applicable.
- Parts 14 & 16: intended date of entry, length of stay and temporary address in Vietnam.
- Part 17: name of hosting organization or individual (complete either the organization or individual field).
- Part 18: child information and photos for accompanying children under 14.
- Part 19: indicate single or multiple entry and the requested validity period.
- Part 20: any special requests or notes.
Practical tips for completing and submitting the form
At the top left corner of the physical form paste a recent 4 x 6 cm photograph showing a frontal view with a plain white background, uncovered head and no sunglasses. The form typically also requests an additional separate photograph; prepare two identical recent passport-style photos to avoid delays.
When you apply at a diplomatic mission or present an approval letter at a border checkpoint, bring the printed application form, your passport, the visa approval letter if you have one, and money to pay the stamp fee. Applicants report that having the approval letter printed and the passport number matching exactly reduces processing friction at the checkpoint.
- Use block letters where the form requests capitalisation to keep entries legible.
- Double-check the passport number and expiry date against the passport and any approval letter.
- If staying with friends, use the friend’s full temporary address; if in a hotel, use the hotel address.
- Sign and date the form at the bottom right, and print the place name where you completed the form.
Cultural and administrative context to be aware of
Vietnamese immigration procedures place emphasis on clear documentation: accurate passport details, legible signatures and the correct photographs. Visitors have found that preparing the required papers in advance helps reduce time spent at embassies or arrival counters, particularly during busy travel periods.
Seasonal travel patterns can affect queues and processing times at entry points. If your travel dates are flexible, consider quieter months and avoid major national holidays. For planning around weather-driven travel choices, see guidance on when to visit Hanoi, which can help with trip timing if your itinerary includes northern Vietnam.
Who the form and process suit (and common scenarios)
The application form is intended for foreign nationals seeking a visa to enter Vietnam. It is the standard paperwork used by tourists, business travellers and any others who need a visa and who apply either at an embassy/consulate or using an approval letter at a border entry point.
Families travelling with children should note the separate requirements: children under 14 normally need their own photograph and the parent or guardian must provide the child’s full name, sex and date of birth in the designated section. Group or corporate travellers may use the organisation field in part 17 to name the hosting company or agent.
- Solo travellers: ensure passport details match any electronic approval documents exactly.
- Families: prepare photos and basic details for each child under 14.
- Visitors staying with friends: provide the friend’s full temporary address as requested.
Comparisons and submission options
There are two common submission approaches to consider: applying directly at a Vietnamese diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) or presenting a printed approval letter and the completed form at an international border checkpoint. Both methods require a completed form and a valid passport, but the route you choose affects where you hand in the documents and how you obtain permission in advance.
Applicants who use an approval letter generally receive that letter from a sponsor or agent before travel; they then present the letter and the completed form at the airport or land border for stamping. Those applying at a diplomatic mission submit the form and passport to embassy staff for processing and receive a visa sticker or document before departure.
| Application route | Where you submit | Key documents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diplomatic mission | Embassy or consulate abroad | Completed form, passport | Submit in person or by authorised channel; receive visa before travel |
| Border checkpoint with approval letter | International arrival point | Completed form, passport, printed approval letter, stamp fee | Approval letter must match passport number; pay stamp fee on arrival |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special photo for the visa form?
Yes. The form requests a recent 4 x 6 cm photo with a white background, showing a frontal view and an uncovered head without sunglasses. Prepare an additional identical photo if the form asks for one.
Where should I write my passport number on the form?
Enter the passport or international travel document number in the section designated for passport details (often labelled part 12). Also indicate the document type (ordinary, official, diplomatic, etc.) and include the issuing authority and expiry date as requested.
What address should I put for my stay in Vietnam?
Provide the temporary residential address you will use while in Vietnam. This can be a hotel address or the full address of a friend or host if you are staying with them. Parts of the form ask specifically for the intended temporary residential address.
How do I indicate whether I want a single or multiple entry visa?
Use the section of the form that asks about entry type (often part 19) to mark Single or Multiple entry and to state the requested validity period. If you have specific requests, include them in the part of the form reserved for additional notes.
Can children be included on an adult’s application?
Children under 14 normally require their own photo and basic details entered in the child-specific section (commonly part 18). Ensure each child’s name, sex and date of birth are recorded as the form indicates.
For broader travel planning in Vietnam, including local food customs, see our guide to Vietnamese noodles, which outlines common dishes and where visitors often try them.