Traveling to Vietnam with children is an exciting adventure, but understanding the visa requirements for minors can be confusing. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, visiting relatives, or exploring Hanoi’s bustling streets and Ha Long Bay’s serene waters, this guide will walk you through every step of obtaining a Vietnam visa for children. We cover visa types, application processes, required documents, costs, and expert tips to ensure a smooth journey for your little ones.
Do Children Need a Visa to Enter Vietnam?
Yes, all foreign children, including infants and newborns, require a valid visa to enter Vietnam unless they are citizens of a visa-exempt country. The visa rules for children are similar to adults, but the application process may require additional documents such as birth certificates and parental consent letters. Vietnam offers several visa options for children, including e-visas, visa on arrival, and embassy visas. The choice depends on your nationality, travel plans, and how far in advance you apply.
Types of Vietnam Visas for Children
Parents can choose from three main visa types for their children. Each has its own requirements, processing times, and costs. Below is a detailed breakdown to help you decide.
- Vietnam E-Visa (Electronic Visa): Available for citizens of 80+ countries. Children can apply independently on the official e-visa portal. Valid for single entry, up to 30 or 90 days. Processing time: 3-5 working days. Cost: $25-$50 depending on duration.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): Ideal for families arriving by air. Requires a pre-approval letter from a travel agency (like NamVisa.com). Children are added to the same letter as parents. Valid for multiple entries, up to 30 or 90 days. Processing time: 2-3 working days. Cost: $15-$25 for the letter, plus stamping fee at airport ($25 single entry, $50 multiple entry).
- Embassy Visa: Suitable for those who prefer to apply in person at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. Children need a separate application form and passport photos. Processing time: 5-7 working days. Cost: $50-$100 depending on nationality.
Important: Children under 14 years old traveling with parents may be included on the parents’ visa letter for Visa on Arrival. However, each child over 14 must have their own visa. Always check the latest regulations as policies can change.
Required Documents for a Vietnam Visa for Children
The exact documents depend on the visa type and the child’s age. However, the following are commonly required:
- Child’s passport with at least 6 months validity and two blank pages.
- Two recent passport-sized photos (4x6 cm, white background) for visa on arrival or embassy visa.
- Copy of child’s birth certificate (to prove relationship with parents).
- Parental consent letter if the child is traveling with only one parent or with a guardian (notarized if possible).
- Completed visa application form (for e-visa or embassy visa).
- Copy of parents’ visas or passports if applying together.
- Travel itinerary or flight booking confirmation (sometimes requested).
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa for Children
Follow these steps to ensure a hassle-free visa application for your child. We recommend starting at least 2-3 weeks before your trip.
- Step 1: Check visa exemption. Citizens of countries like Japan, South Korea, Russia, and some European nations may enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 15-45 days. Verify your child’s nationality on the Vietnam Immigration Department website.
- Step 2: Choose the visa type. For short stays (under 30 days) and single entry, e-visa is fastest. For longer stays or multiple entries, Visa on Arrival is more flexible.
- Step 3: Prepare documents. Gather the child’s passport, photos, birth certificate, and any consent letters. Scan or photocopy everything.
- Step 4: Apply online or at embassy. For e-visa, visit the official Vietnam e-visa portal (https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn). For VOA, use a trusted agency like NamVisa.com to get pre-approval letter. For embassy visa, book an appointment.
- Step 5: Pay the fee. E-visa fees are paid online. VOA: pay for the letter online, then stamping fee in cash at the airport (USD only). Embassy: pay at counter.
- Step 6: Receive the visa. E-visa is sent via email. Print a copy. VOA letter is emailed; print and bring to airport. Embassy visa is stamped in passport.
- Step 7: Travel. At immigration, present the child’s passport, visa (or letter), and supporting documents if asked.
Pro Tip: For families, applying for Visa on Arrival is often the easiest. You can add multiple children to one application letter, saving time and money. NamVisa.com offers a family-friendly service with quick processing and support for special cases.
Vietnam Visa Exemption for Children: Which Countries Qualify?
Children holding passports from the following countries may enter Vietnam without a visa for a limited stay (usually 15-45 days). Always confirm duration before travel.
- ASEAN countries: Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Brunei.
- East Asia: Japan, South Korea (15 days, extended to 45 days until 2025).
- Europe: United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia (15 days, extended to 45 days for some).
- Others: Chile, Panama, Peru, Kyrgyzstan (varies).
- Note: Visa exemption is for tourism only. For longer stays or other purposes, a visa is required.
Processing Times and Costs for Vietnam Visa for Children
Understanding timelines and fees helps you plan better. Below are typical processing times and costs in USD for each visa type.
- E-Visa: 3-5 working days. Cost: $25 (30-day single entry), $50 (90-day single entry). No extra fees for children.
- Visa on Arrival (via agency): 2-3 working days for approval letter. Cost: $15-$25 per child (depending on agency). Stamping fee at airport: $25 single entry, $50 multiple entry.
- Embassy Visa: 5-7 working days. Cost: $50-$100 per child (varies by embassy).
- Expedited service (emergency): Additional $10-$30 for 1-2 working days (available for VOA and e-visa).
Vietnam Visa Comparison for Children
| Visa Type | Validity | Entry Type | Processing Time | Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-Visa | 30 or 90 days | Single entry | 3-5 days | $25-$50 | Short trips, single entry |
| Visa on Arrival | 30 or 90 days | Single or multiple | 2-3 days (letter) | $15-$25 (letter) + $25-$50 (stamp) | Families, multiple entries |
| Embassy Visa | Up to 1 year | Single or multiple | 5-7 days | $50-$100 | Long stays, work/study |
Common Questions About Vietnam Visa for Children
Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions parents have when applying for a Vietnam visa for their children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a child be included on a parent’s visa?
For Visa on Arrival, children under 14 can be added to the same pre-approval letter as the parents if they are traveling together. For e-visa, each person (including infants) needs a separate application. Embassy visas require separate applications for each child.
What if the child is traveling with only one parent?
A notarized consent letter from the absent parent is highly recommended. Some immigration officers may request it. The letter should include travel dates, destination, and contact information. Having it in Vietnamese or English is best.
Do infants need a visa?
Yes, infants and newborns must have their own visa or be included on a parent’s VOA letter. They cannot enter Vietnam without a valid visa or visa exemption.
How long does it take to get a Vietnam visa for a child?
E-visa: 3-5 days. VOA: 2-3 days for the letter (plus stamping at airport). Embassy visa: 5-7 days. Expedited options are available for an extra fee.
What documents are needed for a child’s e-visa?
You need a scanned copy of the child’s passport data page, a recent digital photo (4x6 cm, white background), and a valid email address. No birth certificate is required for e-visa, but carry it during travel.
Can I apply for a Vietnam visa for my child online?
Yes, e-visa applications are fully online. For VOA, you apply through a travel agency website. Embassy visas require in-person or mail-in applications.
Is there a visa on arrival for children at land borders?
Visa on Arrival is only valid for air travel. If entering via land or sea, you need an e-visa or embassy visa.
Tips for a Smooth Visa Application for Children
Avoid common mistakes with these practical tips from our experts at NamVisa.com.
- Apply early: Start the process at least 2-3 weeks before your trip to allow for delays.
- Double-check passport validity: Ensure the child’s passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
- Use a reliable agency: For VOA, choose a trusted provider like NamVisa.com to avoid scams and ensure proper documentation.
- Carry copies: Keep printed copies of the visa, passport, birth certificate, and consent letters in your carry-on luggage.
- Check visa exemption: Some children may not need a visa if their country has a bilateral agreement with Vietnam. Verify on the official immigration website.
- Prepare for stamping: At the airport, have the exact stamping fee in USD (cash only) for VOA. Small bills are appreciated.
Get Your Child’s Vietnam Visa Hassle-Free
Don’t let visa paperwork stress your family vacation. NamVisa.com offers fast, reliable visa services for children and families. Our team handles the details so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories in Vietnam. Apply now and receive your visa in 2-3 working days!
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