If you are a Thai passport holder planning a trip to Vietnam, understanding vietnam visa for thailand passport requirements is the first step to avoid confusion and delays. Vietnam offers visa exemptions and visa options depending on the purpose and length of your stay. In this guide, we will explain the Vietnam visa rules for Thai citizens. We will do this clearly and simply, so you can prepare for your trip with confidence.
Do Thai citizens need a Vietnam visa?
The first thing to address is whether a Vietnam visa for Thailand passport is mandatory for all trips. The answer depends entirely on the duration and purpose of your stay.
Vietnam visa exemption for Thai nationals 30 days
Thailand is on the list of countries with a bilateral visa exemption agreement with Vietnam.
No visa required for Thai citizens 30 days: Thai citizens carrying a valid ordinary passport are exempt from Vietnam visa requirements for a stay of up to 30 days.
To qualify for this exemption, you must ensure:
- Your Thai passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date of entry.
- You have a return ticket or a ticket to a third country.
- You are not on the list of individuals prohibited from entering Vietnam by the Vietnam Immigration Department.
This is perfect for short vacations or brief business trips. However, if your itinerary exceeds 30 days, or if you plan to work in Vietnam, you must apply for a visa.
Is a Thai passport exempt from the Vietnam visa for 30 days for re-entry?
Previously, there was a regulation requiring a gap of 30 days between two visa-free entries. However, under the new Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (updated in recent years and valid in 2025), this restriction has been removed. Thai citizens can exit and re-enter Vietnam using the exemption status immediately, provided they still meet the requirements.
However, if you wish to stay longer than the exempted period without leaving the country, obtaining a visa for Vietnam from Thailand in advance is highly recommended.
Common types of Vietnam visas for Thai citizens
If the 30-day exemption does not cover your needs, you will need to apply for a visa. Here are the most common types of Vietnam visa for Thailand passport holders:
- Tourist Visa (DL): This is the most popular type for travelers who want to explore Vietnam for more than 30 days. Currently, the Vietnam e-Visa allows for stays of up to 90 days (single or multiple entries), which is a significant improvement for tourists wanting a long holiday.
- Business Visa (DN1, DN2): This applies to Thai citizens entering Vietnam to work with Vietnamese enterprises, attend conferences, or sign contracts. While an e-visa can be used for business purposes, longer-term business visas may require sponsorship from a company in Vietnam.
- Investment Visa (DT): Designed for foreign investors who contribute capital to businesses in Vietnam. The duration and validity depend on the value of the investment.
- Family Visit Visa (TT): Issued to foreigners who are spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens, or spouses/children of foreigners holding valid temporary residence cards in Vietnam.
Detailed guide on applying for a Vietnam visa
There are three main methods to obtain a Vietnam visa for Thailand passport holders. We will break down how to apply for the Vietnam e-Visa from Thailand, how to use the Visa on Arrival, and the traditional Embassy method.
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- Processing time and fees for Vietnam visa on arrival
- Vietnam Visa Approval Letter – Requirements & Fees
Applying for a visa at the Embassy/Consulate
This is the traditional way to get a visa. It involves visiting the diplomatic mission of Vietnam in Thailand.
Location:
- Embassy of Vietnam in Bangkok: 83/1 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330.
- Consulate General of Vietnam in Khon Kaen: 65/6 Chatapadung Road, Muang District, Khon Kaen 40000.
Procedure:
- Prepare your Thai passport (original), completed application form, passport-sized photos, and visa fee.
- If applying for a business visa, a letter of sponsorship from a Vietnamese company is usually required.
- Submit the documents and wait for processing (usually 5-7 working days).
- Return to collect your passport with the visa stamped on it.
Pros: You have the visa sticker before you travel.
Cons: Time-consuming travel to the Embassy; specific working hours.
Applying for an electronic visa (E-visa)
The Vietnam e-Visa is currently the most convenient method for Thai citizens who want to stay longer than 30 days. It is a fully online process.
How to apply Vietnam e-Visa from Thailand:
- Visit the official website: Go to the National Web Portal on Immigration (operated by the Vietnam Immigration Department).
- Upload information: Upload a portrait photo (4x6cm, white background, no glasses) and a scan of your passport data page.
- Fill in the form: Enter your personal details, intended date of entry, and port of entry.
- Pay the fee: Pay the non-refundable government fee online (approx. 25 USD for single entry, 50 USD for multiple entries).
- Receive the code: You will get a registration code.
- Check and Print: After 3 working days (standard processing), check the status using your code. If approved, print the E-visa to show at the border.
Crucial Note on Vietnam border gates e-visa ports:
The E-visa is valid at 33 international checkpoints, including major airports (Suvarnabhumi to Noi Bai/Tan Son Nhat), land borders (like Moc Bai or Lao Bao), and seaports. Ensure you enter through the port you specified in your application.
Applying for a visa on arrival (Visa on Arrival)
Vietnam visa on arrival with pre-approval letter Thailand is another option, primarily used for those who want a guided service or have emergency travel needs by air.
Procedure:
- Apply Online: Contact a visa service agency (like Entry Vietnam Visa) to submit an application for an “Approval Letter”.
- Receive Letter: You will receive the Visa Approval Letter via email within 2-4 working days (or sooner for urgent services).
- Fly to Vietnam: This method works only for air travel.
- Get Stamped: Upon arrival at a Vietnamese international airport (Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang, Nha Trang, etc.), proceed to the “Landing Visa” counter. Present your passport, the printed Approval Letter, two photos, the entry/exit form, and pay the stamping fee (cash in USD).
Pros: Convenient for those who don’t want to navigate the government website themselves; allows for last-minute urgent processing.
Cons: Only applicable for entry via airports.
Processing time and fees for a Vietnam visa
Understanding the Vietnam visa for Thai citizens processing time and costs helps you plan your budget and schedule effectively.
Processing Time
- Visa Exemption: Instant at the border.
- E-visa: Typically 3 working days. However, during peak seasons or due to system maintenance, it can take 5-7 days.
- Visa on Arrival (Approval Letter): Standard is 2-3 working days. Urgent services can process this in 4-8 hours or even 1-2 hours.
- Embassy Visa: Usually 5-7 working days.
Fees (Estimated for 2025)
- Exemption:
- E-visa:
- Single entry (up to 90 days): ~25 USD (paid online).
- Multiple entry (up to 90 days): ~50 USD (paid online).
- Note: This fee is non-refundable if the application is refused due to errors.
- Visa on Arrival:
- Service fee (paid to agency): varies from $10 – $20 depending on the provider.
- Stamping fee (paid at airport): $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry).
Important notes when applying for a Vietnam visa
To ensure a successful application for a vietnam visa for thailand passport, pay attention to these critical details:
- Passport Validity: Your Thai passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. Airlines may deny boarding if your passport is expiring soon.
- Accuracy is Key: When applying for an E-visa, ensure every detail (Name, Date of Birth, Passport Number) matches your passport exactly. A single typo can lead to denied entry.
- Correct Port of Entry: For E-visas, you must enter via the checkpoint listed on your visa. If you change your flight from landing in Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, your E-visa might not be accepted if it specifically states Hanoi.
- Land Border Crossings: If you plan to travel from Thailand to Vietnam via Laos or Cambodia by bus (Land border), the E-visa is valid. However, Visa on Arrival is not valid at land borders. You must have your visa (E-visa or Embassy visa) ready before you reach the border.
- Proof of Funds/Return Ticket: While not always checked, immigration officers have the right to ask for proof of accommodation, a return ticket, or sufficient funds for your stay.
- Emergency Situations: If you realize you forgot your visa right before your flight, do not panic. Look for a Vietnam visa on arrival with pre-approval letter Thailand services that offer “Super Urgent” processing.
Getting a Vietnam visa for Thailand passport holders is a straightforward process in 2025, thanks to the flexible policies of the Vietnam Immigration Department. Whether you choose the 30-day exemption for a quick getaway or the 90-day E-visa for a deep exploration of Vietnam’s beauty, preparation is key.
Entry Vietnam Visa – Your Trusted Partner for Vietnam Entry
If navigating the government websites feels overwhelming, or if you require an urgent solution to save your trip, Entry Vietnam Visa is here to help.
- We specialize in expediting Vietnam visas for Thailand passport applications, ensuring accuracy and speed.
- Our Vietnam Visa on Arrival and Vietnam Airport Assistance services are designed to get you through immigration smoothly, avoiding long queues.
- Need it fast? Our Emergency Vietnam Visa service can process your Approval Letter in as little as 1-2 hours, ensuring your legal and smooth stay in Vietnam.
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