Vietnam Transit Visa

You need a transit visa for Vietnam if you stay in the country for more than 24 hours or leave the airport’s transit area. If your layover is under 24 hours and you remain within the transit area, you likely don’t need a visa.

Do I need a visa if I have a layover in Vietnam?

If your journey includes connecting flights with a stopover (Layover) in Vietnam, you might wonder if a Vietnam transit visa is required. The answer varies depending on your specific circumstances.

This guide explains the situations where a transit visa for Vietnam is necessary and outlines the steps to obtain one if needed.

Check: If you’ll need a visa to enter Vietnam

Do You Need a Transit Visa for Vietnam? Requirements & Process

A Vietnam transit visa allows you to pass through immigration and enter the country temporarily during your layover. You’ll need a transit visa if your stopover in Vietnam lasts more than 24 hours or if you plan to exit the airport. For shorter layovers—like 12 hours—no visa is required, as long as you remain inside the transit area and do not clear immigration.

According to Vietnam’s Law No. 47/2014/QH13, effective January 1, 2015, travelers may transit through Vietnam without a visa under certain conditions. To do so, you must stay within the airport transit area, hold a valid onward ticket, and depart within the permitted time frame.

• Your passport is valid for at least six months.

• You hold a ticket allowing you to fly to a third country.

• You have a visa for the third country, unless you qualify for visa exemption.

If you’re eligible for a visa exemption, you can transit through Vietnam without a visa—provided both of the following conditions are met:

• Your layover in Vietnam is under 24 hours.
• You remain within the designated transit area during your stay.

Transit areas are defined by the agencies managing Vietnam’s international border gates. If you’re flying, the transit area is located inside the international airport. For cruise passengers, it’s at the international seaport where your ship docks.

• Check out Vietnam excursions for cruise passengers for more information.

If your layover lasts longer than 24 hours, or if you leave the transit area—for example, to collect luggage or take a short city tour—you must apply for a Vietnam visa in advance.

To avoid any issues, confirm with your airline whether you’ll need to exit the transit area to retrieve your checked baggage or recheck it for your next flight.

How to Get a Transit Visa for Vietnam

You need a transit visa if your layover in Vietnam lasts more than 24 hours or if you plan to exit the airport’s transit area.

Also, make sure the following:

• You are eligible for Vietnam visa exemption

• Your luggage does not transfer directly to your final destination, requiring you to leave the transit area to collect it and check in for your next flight.

Obtaining an e-visa for layover in Vietnam is simple and hassle-free. If you have time, we can get your e-visa within 2-4 working days. if you are in rush and about to board your flight in a day or less, we are also able to get you an e-visa urgently.

FAQ: TRANSIT VISA