Planning a trip to Vietnam from Mexico? Understanding the requirements for a vietnam visa for mexican citizens is the first important step to ensure a smooth, hassle-free journey, helping you prepare the right documents and choose the most suitable visa option before departure.
Do Mexican Citizens Need a Visa to Enter Vietnam?
For Mexican passport holders, the answer is YES.
Unlike some Southeast Asian neighbors or select European nations, Mexico is not currently on Vietnam’s list of countries eligible for a unilateral visa waiver for general tourism. Therefore, regardless of whether you are visiting for tourism, business, or family purposes, obtaining a valid Vietnam visa for Mexican citizens is mandatory before you arrive at the border.
The Phu Quoc Island Exception:
There is one notable exception to this rule. If you plan to visit only Phu Quoc Island, you may be eligible for a 30-day visa exemption. However, the conditions are strict:
- You must fly directly to Phu Quoc from an international country (transit in a Vietnamese international airport is allowed if you do not leave the transit area).
- You must stay on the island for the entire duration.
- You must have a return ticket leaving Phu Quoc within 30 days.
If your itinerary involves visiting Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, or crossing into the mainland at any point, the exemption does not apply, and you must secure a full visa. For the vast majority of Mexican travelers who want to explore the country, applying for a visa is an unavoidable requirement.
Can Mexican Citizens Apply for a Vietnam e-Visa?
In fact, applying for a Vietnam e-visa for Mexican citizens is currently the most recommended, convenient, and cost-effective method to obtain entry permission.
Since August 15, 2023, the Vietnamese government has revolutionized its immigration policy by opening the E-visa system to citizens of all countries and territories, including Mexico. This digital leap means you no longer need to visit an embassy or send your passport away via mail.
Key Features of the Vietnam E-Visa:
- Validity: Up to 90 days.
- Entry Type: Single entry or Multiple entries (allowing you to leave and re-enter Vietnam, perfect for combining trips to Cambodia or Laos).
- Purpose: Tourism, Business, Visiting Relatives, etc.
- Entry Points: Valid at 33 international checkpoints, including all major international airports (Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai, Da Nang, Cam Ranh), land borders, and seaports.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.
- Upload Documents: You will need to upload a scan of your passport data page (must be clear, no glare) and a portrait photo (4x6cm ratio, white background, no glasses, looking straight).
- Fill in the Form: Enter your personal details, travel dates, and intended entry/exit points accurately. Note: The information must match your passport exactly. A typo in your name or passport number will result in denied entry.
- Pay the Fee:
- Single entry: 25 USD.
- Multiple entry: 50 USD.
- Note: This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
- Receive the Result: The standard processing time is 3 working days. Once approved, you will receive an email with a code to download and print your E-visa.
See more>> How to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa?
Can Mexican Travelers Get Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Vietnam?
This is a common point of confusion. Many travelers search for a Vietnam visa on arrival in Mexico, assuming they can simply fly to Vietnam and get a visa stamp at the immigration counter like in Thailand or Singapore.
The answer is YES, you can get a Visa on Arrival, BUT only if you have a pre-approved Visa Approval Letter. You cannot board the plane without this letter.
See more>> How to apply for Vietnam visa on arrival?
How the Visa on Arrival Works:
The “Visa on Arrival” (VOA) is actually a pick-up service. You arrange the visa permission beforehand through a travel agency, and you pick up the physical sticker when you land.
- Apply Online via an Agent: You cannot apply for the Approval Letter directly with the Immigration Department; you must use a private visa agency or travel company.
- Submit Details: Provide your name, passport number, date of birth, and travel dates to the agent.
- Pay Service Fee: You pay a service fee to the agent for processing the letter.
- Receive Approval Letter: Within 2-4 working days (or mere hours for Vietnam urgent services), you receive a scanned letter via email.
- Departure: Print the letter to show the airline at the check-in counter in Mexico.
- Arrival in Vietnam: At the “Visa Landing” or “VOA” counter at the airport in Vietnam, you submit:
- Your Passport.
- The printed Approval Letter.
- A completed Entry/Exit form (Form NA1).
- Two passport-sized photos.
- Stamping Fee: Paid in cash (USD). $25 for single entry, $50 for multiple entry.
When should Mexican citizens use VOA
While the E-visa is superior for standard travel, Vietnam visa on arrival for Mexican citizens remains relevant in specific scenarios:
- Emergency: E-visas take 3+ days. VOA agents can sometimes get you an approval letter in 2-4 hours for urgent flights.
- Assistance: If you are not tech-savvy or fear making mistakes on the government E-visa portal, agents handling VOA often provide better customer support and form-checking.
Can Mexican Passport Holders Apply for a Vietnam Visa at the Embassy?
For those who prefer traditional methods or have specific diplomatic/official requirements, applying for a Vietnam Embassy Mexico visa is the standard route. This involves obtaining the visa stamp into your passport before you leave Mexico.
Contact Details for the Embassy of Vietnam in Mexico:
- Address: Sierra Ventana No 255, Lomas de Chapultepec, Del. Miguel Hidalgo, CP. 11000, Mexico D.F.
- Phone: (+52) 55 5540 1632
- Email:[email protected]
The Application Process:
- Prepare Documents: Original passport (valid for at least 6 months), completed application form (available at the Embassy or their website), passport-sized photos, and supporting documents (flight bookings, hotel confirmation).
- Submit Application: Visit the Embassy in Mexico City in person or send documents via mail (contact the Embassy first to confirm if mail service is currently accepted).
- Pay Fees: The fee at the Embassy is not fixed like the E-visa; it varies depending on visa type and duration. You must pay in cash or bank transfer as instructed.
- Wait for Processing: Usually takes 5-7 working days.
- Collection: Pick up your passport with the visa sticker affixed.
Pros and Cons:
- Pros: You have the physical visa before you fly, which can be reassuring. It allows entry via any border (land, sea, air).
- Cons: Often the most expensive option. It requires travel to the Embassy or shipping risks. Paperwork can be more rigorous compared to the streamlined E-visa.
See more>>
Most Asked Questions by Mexican Travelers
Navigating Vietnam visa requirements for Mexican citizens can raise many specific questions. Below are the most frequently asked queries we receive.
Can I Work in Vietnam with a Tourist Visa?
No. It is strictly illegal to engage in employment in Vietnam while holding a tourist visa (DL). If you are caught working without a work permit and the correct visa type, you face heavy fines, deportation, and a potential ban from re-entering. If you intend to work, your employer in Vietnam must sponsor a Business Visa (DN) or a Work Visa (LD) and help you obtain a Work Permit.
What Should I Do If My e-Visa Gets Rejected?
E-visas are often rejected due to “low-quality photos,” “incorrect name format,” or “mismatched passport details.”
- Step 1: Check the reason for refusal on the E-visa portal.
- Step 2: Submit a new application with corrected information. You will have to pay the 25/50 USD fee again; the old fee is not refunded.
- Step 3: If you are unsure why it was rejected or are running out of time, contact a professional Vietnam visa processing Mexico service (like a VOA agent) to assist you, as they can often ensure the data is formatted exactly how the Immigration officers require.
Can I Change Travel Dates After Applying?
With an E-visa, the validity dates are printed clearly (e.g., Valid from Jan 1st to Jan 30th).
- Delayed Entry: You can enter Vietnam on any date after the “Valid From” date (e.g., enter on Jan 5th). You do not need to inform anyone.
- Early Entry: You cannot enter before the “Valid From” date.
- Extension: You generally cannot “extend” the dates on an issued E-visa. If your trip shifts to dates outside the approved window, you must apply for a brand new visa.
Is a Return Ticket Required for Entry?
Technically, Mexico to Vietnam visa requirements do not always demand you upload a return ticket during the E-visa application. However, immigration officers at the airport have the right to ask for it. Airlines in Mexico or transit hubs (like Japan or Korea) will almost certainly check for a return or onward ticket before allowing you to board the flight to Vietnam. It is highly recommended to have proof of exit (flight, bus, or cruise ticket) to avoid complications.
What Documents Must Mexicans Show at Immigration?
When you land at a Vietnamese airport (e.g., Tan Son Nhat or Noi Bai), have these ready to present to the officer:
- Original Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date, with at least 2 blank pages.
- Valid Visa: The printed E-visa OR the Visa Approval Letter (for VOA).
- Photos: Two 4x6cm photos (only required if using VOA).
- Entry/Exit Form: (Only required if using VOA).
- Cash: USD for the stamping fee (Only required if using VOA).
We hope this guide has provided you with a clear roadmap for obtaining a Vietnam visa for Mexican citizens. Whether you choose the convenience of the digital E-visa, the flexibility of the Visa on Arrival, or the traditional Embassy route, being prepared is the key to a wonderful experience. Remember to double-check your passport validity and apply at least 1-2 weeks before your trip to account for any processing delays.
If you find the process overwhelming or require urgent assistance to secure your travel documents, consider visiting the Entry Vietnam Visa. We are your trusted partner for all your Vietnam visa service needs! Our fast and reliable services ensure you can get your visa quickly and easily. With over twelve years of experience, we are proud to offer travelers from over 190 countries the most reliable, fastest, safest, and most economical visa services to visit Vietnam.
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