Depending on your nationality and your current location, you can have different options in terms of visa and transportation.

If you are wondering how to apply for your Vietnam visa, you will find all the information here.

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Note that if you’re planning on moving to Vietnam, you should aim for a longer visa.


Planning your upcoming adventures? Travel by bus! (It's cheap!)

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Read more about Vietnam: Sleeper train from Hanoi to Sapa

Arriving in Vietnam by flight

If you’re heading to Vietnam by flight, you’ll have to get a visa (unless you are allowed to be there for 15 days visa-free).  You’ll have two options:

  1. Apply for a visa on arrival online;
  2. Apply for a visa at the Embassy.

The easiest option in my opinion is option 1. It’s much easier to handle a visa online than having to get out and sort out a visa via an embassy. So, unless, it’s necessary, I’d rather do it online.

Vietnam-visa.com is probably the website #1 to get your Vietnam visa sorted. Their system is simple (I love it that way!) and efficient. You can get your visa sorted in 4 hours if you need to or in two working days if you are not in a rush.

They have 4 easy steps:

  1. You fill out the online form.
  2. You confirm everything and you pay the processing fee (fees can vary regarding the length of your stay and the number of entries required).
  3. You’ll get the visa approval letter. (So jump on that plane!)
  4. Get your visa stamped at the airport! (Plus; you’ll have to pay a stamping fee which can be USD 25 for a single entry or USD 50 for multiple entries).

Does it sound too easy?

Arriving in Vietnam by land

As I was in Cambodia, flying wasn’t a great budget option for me as flights from Cambodia are quite pricy.  I didn’t manage to spot a great deal and I decided to cross the border by land.

That said, you need to know that you can’t apply for a visa online if you are planning to cross the border by land.

Again, you’ll have two options:

  1. Apply for a visa directly at the Embassy (which is the cheapest option in this case, but you’ll have to take a strong coffee with an extra dose of patience);
  2. Apply for a visa using an agency (which is as easy as if you were doing it online).

I chose the option 2 as I know myself and I’m not patient enough to handle the Embassy too often!

Getting a visa in Cambodia – Crossing by land

In Siem Reap: The cheapest option is to use an agency. My visa cost me USD 45 and was ready in 24 hours for 30 days with a single entry. If you are staying at the Mad Monkey Hostel, you can also get a visa for USD 55 without leaving the hostel.

In Pnom Penh: The cheapest option is to go directly to the Embassy, although; you could also go to an agency or stay at the Mad Monkey Hostel to sort out your visa.

Are you going to Cambodia next?

About Melissa Giroux

Melissa Giroux founded abrokenbackpack.com in 2015. She is been living abroad since 2014. Originally Canadian, she has been living and working online in many destinations around the world. She is passionate about traveling, technology, entrepreneurship, and CrossFit.

She has traveled extensively in Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. She is now living in Thailand.


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☑ Rent a car or an RV: Make your trip more comfortable by renting a car with DiscoverCars.com. This website allows you to compare car rentals around the world. If you're traveling in the United States, find an RV rental on RVshare.

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☑ Pack the essentials: Universal charger, check; power bank, check; passport, check! What else could you forget? I've put together this ultimate packing list just for you!

☑ Do you need a visa? If you aren't sure if you need a visa, it’s highly recommended for you to double-check. You can use iVisa - it's super useful and easy to use.

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