The introduction of a new e-visa will allow travellers to slow down and stay longer when visiting this diverse and culturally rich Southeast Asian country...
Whether you’re looking to explore the intoxicating capital of Hanoi, roam the historic yellow streets of Hoi An, chill out on the never-ending beaches of Mui Ne, or venture into the north's mountains and rice terraces to meet the locals, travelling to Vietnam has just been made a whole lot easier.
The Southeast Asian country has recently made changes to its visa requirements for visitors around the world, meaning travel will be made much more convenient for those wanting to slow down and stay longer.
From 15 August, a new electronic visa (e-visa) system has been implemented for people from all nationalities and territories wanting to stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days, allowing both single and multiple entry. It was previously only valid for 30 days, with just 80 countries eligible to apply.
Ho Chi Minh is a modern city with plenty of hidden history (Shutterstock)
Visit one of the Mekong Delta's floating markets (Shuttersotck)
International visitors granted with an e-visa will be able to enter the country through multiple points, including 13 airports, 16 land border gates and 13 sea border gates.
Furthermore, Vietnam has also extended its visa-free privilege from 15 to 45 days for select countries, including the UK. So, if you want to stay for less than a month and a half, you won’t even need a visa.
You can apply for an electronic visa on the Vietnam government’s online portal. It costs around £20 (25 USD) and you will need to allow at least three working days for the process to be completed.
You’ll also need a high-resolution passport photograph and a scan of your passport ID pages to apply. Make sure to keep hold of your registration code so you can access your downloadable PDF e-visa.
Travellers are asked to print their e-visas in order to enter and exit Vietnam.
Get the very best of Wanderlust by signing up to our newsletters, full of travel inspiration, fun quizzes, exciting competitions and exclusive offers.