If you are planning a trip from the Philippines, understanding the vietnam visa for philippines citizens is the very first step to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. With different visa options and exemption rules depending on your length of stay, knowing the requirements in advance can save you both time and unnecessary costs before flying to Vietnam.
Do Philippine Citizens Need a Visa to Enter Vietnam?
If you are asking “do philippine citizens need a visa for Vietnam?”, the answer depends entirely on the duration of your stay and the purpose of your visit. The Vietnam visa policy Philippines is quite generous for short stays, but strict if you exceed the permitted time.
The 21-Day Visa Exemption (ASEAN Policy)
Under the bilateral agreement between the Vietnamese and Philippine governments, and within the framework of ASEAN cooperation, holders of Philippine passports are exempt from visas for stays of up to 21 days.
This means if you are planning a short holiday, a quick business trip, or visiting friends for less than three weeks, you do not need to apply for a visa. You simply need to present your passport at the immigration counter.
Conditions for the 21-day exemption:
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
- You must have a return ticket or a ticket to a third country showing departure within 21 days (Philippines to Vietnam travel visa requirements 21 days).
- You are not prohibited from entering Vietnam under local laws.
Important Note: While many ASEAN countries (like Thailand or Singapore) get 30 days visa-free, the Philippines gets 21 days. Please keep this distinction in mind to avoid overstay fines.
When is a Visa Required?
You are required to obtain a vietnam visa for philippines citizens in the following scenarios:
- Longer Stays: You plan to stay in Vietnam for more than 21 days.
- Special Purposes: You are entering for long-term employment, study, or diplomatic missions.
- Flexibility: You want a multiple-entry visa to travel in and out of Vietnam (e.g., crossing to Cambodia or Laos and returning).
If your itinerary exceeds the exemption period, you should apply for a 90-day Vietnamese e-visa or a traditional visa.
How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa for Philippine Citizens
If you are not eligible for the visa exemption, don’t worry. The process to obtain a visa is straightforward. Here is how to apply for a Vietnam visa from the Philippines using the three most common methods.
Vietnam e-Visa Application
Since August 2023, Vietnam has upgraded its e-visa system, making it available to all countries and extending validity up to 90 days. This is the most popular method for Philippines citizens Vietnam e-visa application steps.
Features of the E-visa:
- Validity: Up to 90 days.
- Entries: Single or Multiple entries.
- Purpose: Tourism, Business, Visiting Relatives.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Access the Official Portal: Visit the Vietnam Immigration Department’s website (ensure you are on the government .gov.vn domain).
- Upload Documents: Upload a scanned copy of your passport data page and a portrait photo (4x6cm, white background, no glasses).
- Fill Information: Enter your personal details, entry/exit checkpoints, and temporary address in Vietnam.
- Pay the Fee: Pay the non-refundable government fee online ($25 for single entry, $50 for multiple entry).
- Check Status: The e-visa Vietnam Philippines processing time is typically 3 business days. Use your registration code to check the status.
- Download & Print: Once approved, print the e-visa to show at the airport or land border.
See more>> Vietnam Visa photo Size and Requirements
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
This method is suitable if you are traveling by air and want to pick up your visa at a Vietnamese international airport (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, etc.).
Crucial Step: You cannot just show up at the airport. You must have a Vietnam visa on arrival for Philippine citizens pre-approval letter.
Process:
- Apply online through a private visa agency (like Entry Vietnam Visa).
- Pay the service fee to the agency.
- Receive the Visa Approval Letter via email (usually within 2 business days).
- Print the letter, the NA1 application form, and bring two passport-sized photos.
- Upon arrival in Vietnam, proceed to the “Landing Visa” counter, submit your documents, and pay the “Stamping Fee” in cash (USD) to get the visa sticker.
Applying at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate
For those who prefer having a visa sticker on their passport before leaving the Philippines, or for complex visa types (like diplomatic or long-term work visas), visiting the embassy is the best option.
Embassy of Vietnam in the Philippines:
- Address: 670 Pablo Ocampo St., Malate, Manila.
- Website: https://vnembassy-manila.mofa.gov.vn/
- Process: Submit your physical passport, application form, and photos. Processing usually takes 5-7 working days.
Requirements for Philippine Citizens to Get a Vietnam Visa
To ensure a high approval rate, you must prepare the correct documents. Below is the checklist for Vietnam visa requirements for Philippine citizens:
- Valid Passport: Must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date of entry and at least 2 blank pages for stamps.
- Portrait Photos:
- For E-visa: Digital file, white background, straight face, no glasses.
- For VOA/Embassy: 02 hard copies (4x6cm or 2×2 inches).
- Application Form:
- Online form for E-visa.
- Form NA1 for Visa on Arrival.
- Email Address: To receive notifications and the e-visa/approval letter.
- Payment Method: Credit card/Debit card for online payments, or cash (USD) for stamping fees at the airport.
- Proof of Onward Travel: Only strictly required for the 21-day visa exemption, but good to have for all travelers.
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Vietnam Visa Fees for Philippine Citizens
Understanding the Vietnam e-visa cost in the Philippines helps you budget effectively. Fees vary depending on the method and duration.
| Visa Type | Duration | Government/Stamping Fee | Service Fee (Agency) | Estimated Total Cost |
| Visa Exemption | 21 Days | $0 | $0 | FREE |
| E-Visa (Single Entry) | Up to 90 Days | $25 USD | Varies (if using assistance) | ~$25 – $45 USD |
| E-Visa (Multiple Entry) | Up to 90 Days | $50 USD | Varies (if using assistance) | ~$50 – $75 USD |
| Visa on Arrival | 1-3 Months | 25 USD (Single) <br> 50 USD (Multiple) | $15 – $30 USD (Letter fee) | ~$40 – $80 USD |
| Embassy Visa | Various | Contact Embassy | N/A | Contact Embassy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common queries regarding the Vietnam visa exemption list Philippines and other regulations.
Can I Extend My Vietnam Visa in Vietnam?
Currently, extending a tourist visa while inside Vietnam is extremely difficult and expensive. Most Filipino tourists who wish to stay longer perform a “Visa Run.” This involves exiting Vietnam (e.g., taking a bus to Cambodia or a flight to Thailand/Philippines) and re-entering with a new visa or under the exemption (if applicable).
Can I Enter Vietnam Multiple Times with a Single Visa?
No. If you hold a “Single Entry” visa, your visa becomes invalid the moment you exit Vietnam, even if the dates are still valid. If you plan to visit Indochina (Vietnam – Laos – Cambodia) and return to Vietnam to fly back to Manila, you must apply for a Multiple Entry E-visa or Visa on Arrival.
What Happens if My Visa Application Is Rejected?
Rejections are rare but can happen due to:
- Low-quality photos.
- Mismatching ICAO lines on the passport.
- Name misspellings.
- Being on a blacklist.
If your vietnam visa for philippines citizens application is rejected, you will not receive a refund. You must re-apply and pay again. To avoid this risk, many travelers opt to use a professional visa service to review their application before submission.
Staying updated on the latest requirements for the Vietnam visa for Philippines citizens is essential for avoiding delays or entry issues when traveling to Vietnam. By choosing the right visa type and preparing the correct documents in advance, Philippine passport holders can enjoy a smooth, legal, and worry-free trip to Vietnam.
Entry Vietnam Visa is your trusted partner for all Vietnam visa services. We specialize in assisting Philippine citizens with E-visa applications, ensuring 100% accuracy to avoid rejection. We also provide urgent services for those who need a visa in a hurry (Approval Letters for VOA) and business visa consulting. Let the Entry Vietnam Visa handle the paperwork so you can focus on packing your bags.