Planning a trip or business visit to Vietnam? Before you finalize your itinerary, be sure to understand the latest visa regulations. Currently, there are two primary visa options for Hong Kong citizens: the E-visa and the Visa on Arrival. Business travelers with specific documents may also qualify for a visa exemption. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the latest requirements and procedures for Hong Kong citizens applying for a Vietnam visa in 2026, helping you smoothly handle all your pre-trip preparations.

Choosing Your Vietnam Visa: E-visa vs. Visa on Arrival

Since August 15, 2023, Vietnam has expanded its E-visa application scope for holders of Hong Kong passports. If you are traveling to Vietnam for tourism, the E-visa is the most convenient and highly recommended option. You can apply directly online, the process is simple, and it can save you money.

If you plan to apply for a Visa on Arrival, you must first apply for an “Approval Letter” through a local travel agency in Vietnam. Upon arrival at a Vietnamese airport, you can then process your visa using this letter and other required documents. This type of visa is usually for urgent or special situations, but the overall process is more complex. The E-visa is highly recommended as the first choice.

Vietnam E-visa Application Guide

The Vietnam E-visa is valid for up to 90 days and allows for multiple entries, which is very practical for travelers who want to explore Vietnam in depth.

Online Application Steps:

  1. Go to the official or agency website to apply (select E-visa): For example, https://www.vietnam-visa.tw/apply/ (an agency website that offers urgent services).
  2. Upload Documents: Upload a two-inch passport-style photo and a photo of your passport’s personal data page.
  3. Fill in Information: Complete your personal details and travel plan in English.
  4. Online Payment: Pay the visa fee online.
  5. Track Progress: After payment, it usually takes four working days to receive your visa, while an urgent service can deliver it within two working hours. You can use your registration code to check the status on the website or monitor your email for notifications.
  6. Print Visa: Once your application is successful, please print out the E-visa document and present it upon entry.

Visa on Arrival Application Process

While the E-visa is very convenient, if you need to apply for a Visa on Arrival for any reason, be sure to follow these steps.

  1. Obtain an Approval Letter: Apply through a travel agency (select Visa on Arrival): https://www.vietnam-visa.tw/apply/. The travel agency will apply for an “Approval Letter” on your behalf from the Vietnam Immigration Department.
  2. Confirm the Letter’s Content: After receiving the letter, carefully check your personal information to ensure it is identical to the details on your passport.
  3. Prepare Entry Documents: Before flying to Vietnam, prepare your original passport, the Approval Letter, the visa application form (available from the travel agency), a two-inch passport-style photo, and cash (approx. 25 USD) for the stamping fee.
  4. Arrive in Vietnam: Upon arrival at a Vietnamese airport, go to the Visa on Arrival counter and submit all the documents listed above.
  5. Complete the Procedure: After the officer verifies your information and collects the fee, a visa will be stamped in your passport. Please double-check that the stamp’s content and visa validity are correct.

Special Visa Exemption: APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)

If you are a businessperson who frequently travels within the Asia-Pacific region, you may consider applying for an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC). With this card, you can enjoy multiple visa-free entries to Vietnam for a period of five years and use a dedicated fast-track lane at immigration, saving a significant amount of time.

Recommended Vietnam Airport Transfer Service

After a long flight, navigating with luggage and looking for transportation can be tiring. To ensure your trip to Vietnam gets off to a relaxing start, we recommend booking an airport transfer service in advance. These services offer various vehicle options, so whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or in a large group, you can find a suitable vehicle.

By pre-booking in Hong Kong, a driver will be waiting for you in the airport lobby. This eliminates any language barriers and allows you to go directly to your hotel upon arrival, saving you the hassle of figuring out transportation and ensuring a perfect start to your Vietnam journey!

Are you ready to go? The convenience of the Vietnam E-visa makes travel planning much more flexible. Whether you want to explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, stroll through the ancient town of Hoi An, or enjoy the beaches of Nha Trang, now is the perfect time to visit Vietnam.