Vietnam Visa for Dutch (Netherlands) – How to apply

Do Dutch people need a visa for Vietnam?

Yes, Dutch citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam! Without a valid visa, you won’t even be allowed to board your flight. Airlines are required to check your visa status at check-in. Since visa applications can take several days to process, make sure to apply well in advance of your departure.

Visa-free entry not available for Dutch citizens

Vietnam has introduced a visa exemption program for travelers from several countries, mainly in Europe and Southeast Asia, allowing stays of 30 to 45 days without a visa. Unfortunately, this program does not currently include the Netherlands. Dutch travelers must apply for a visa before visiting Vietnam.

Vietnam e-visa: Best option for Dutch citizens

Fortunately, applying for a visa to Vietnam is not as complicated as it may seem. Vietnam offers an e-visa system, replacing the outdated visa-on-arrival process. In the past, Dutch travelers had to request an approval letter through a local travel agency, pay fees upon arrival, and provide passport photos. Now, everything can be done conveniently online via the official Vietnamese Immigration website.

Important to know:

• Validity: The e-visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. However, it is not automatically valid for 90 days. The visa will cover the exact number of days you specify in your application, up to the maximum.
• Processing time: Applications take 3 to 5 working days to process. Note that weekends, Vietnamese holidays, and time differences may affect the timeline. Apply well in advance to avoid delays, especially if you need to correct mistakes, as corrections restart the 3-5 day process.

Steps to Apply for a Vietnam e-visa

Step 1: Use the official website of the Vietnamese Immigration Department

There are many third-party visa services offering Vietnam visas, but using them means paying the standard fee plus their additional charges. You’ll also need to provide the same information and wait for their specific processing times, which could take longer.

For the most straightforward and cost-effective process, apply directly via the official Vietnamese Immigration website: https://evisa.gov.vn.

Step 2: Fill in all the information correctly

You will need to upload the following:

• A passport-sized photo.
• A clear scan or photo of your passport’s biographical page.

Double-check all your information before submitting. If there is a mistake, you’ll receive a notification to correct it, but this will restart the 3-5 working day processing time. If your name is incorrect and your e-visa is issued with the wrong details, it will be invalid, and you could be denied entry.

Tip: Read our complete guide, “Applying for a Vietnam e-visa,” to ensure your application is error-free and processed smoothly.

Step 3: Pay and wait

Pay the $25 USD application fee online. After payment, your application will be processed within 3 to 5 working days. Note that processing does not occur on weekends or official Vietnamese holidays.

Keep in mind:

• Allow for potential delays due to time zone differences.
• If you don’t receive a notification after a week, check your spam folder.

Step 4: Receive and print your e-visa

Although it’s acceptable to show your e-visa on your phone, it’s highly recommended to print a physical copy. This ensures you can present it anytime, even in areas with limited phone access or technical issues.

Vietnam Visa via embassy: Netherlands

For Dutch citizens, it is not possible to apply for a Vietnam visa through the Vietnamese embassy in The Hague. However, this depends on the specific embassy, as some have completely stopped processing visas and now direct travelers to the online e-visa platform, other Vietnamese embassies might still assist you. To avoid unnecessary trips, it’s best to contact the embassy beforehand to confirm whether they still handle visa applications.

Keep in mind that the costs through the embassy can be higher than applying online. However, if you prefer personal assistance or find it easier to visit an embassy, this might still be a good option for you.

Vietnam visa via third-party agencies

Dutch travelers can easily arrange an e-visa themselves, but some choose to use third-party agencies. These agencies often apply for your e-visa through the exact same official website, meaning you’ll pay the standard visa fee plus their service charges. Additionally, using an agency may introduce extra processing time depending on their workflow.

This can still be a valid option for those who want to avoid the stress of handling the process themselves. However, it’s essential to decide if the extra cost and time are worth the convenience.

Emergency visa request

Did you just realize you need a visa to travel to Vietnam as a Dutch citizen and your departure is fast approaching? Or are you still waiting for your e-visa approval? In these cases, a visa agency might be able to assist with an emergency application. This option isn’t available via the official e-visa website and is handled offline. While the costs are significantly higher, this service could mean the difference between catching your flight or being denied boarding.

At Local Vietnam, we can arrange emergency visas for Dutch travelers. Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure we are honest about the chances of success.

Vietnam Visa extensions

If you’re a Dutch traveler who wants to stay in Vietnam longer than your e-visa dates or the maximum 90-day limit, you’ll need to explore other options. In most cases, e-visas cannot be extended unless there’s a valid reason, such as losing your passport or a medical emergency. In such situations, you must visit an immigration office, and the process can take several days.

For travelers who simply want more time to explore Vietnam, another option is to leave the country and re-enter. Keep in mind that you cannot apply for a new e-visa yourself while still in Vietnam. However, visa agents can handle this process for you, including arranging visa runs where you cross the border and return with a new visa.

FAQ about Vietnam visas