Whether it’s the lantern-filled alleys of Hội An or the lush emerald cliffs of Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam has a way of capturing hearts. For Aussies craving culture, flavour, adventure—or just a beach escape—it’s all waiting. But before you pack your swimmers and hop on that flight, there’s one thing to sort first: your Vietnam leisure visa. Here’s everything you need to know to get started in 2025.
Vietnam has fast become one of the most-loved destinations for Australian holidaymakers—and it’s not hard to see why. The flight is relatively short, the exchange rate is kind to the Aussie dollar, and the range of experiences is simply unbeatable.
You can sip Vietnamese coffee in the bustling streets of Hanoi, kayak through the limestone karsts of Hạ Long Bay, or relax on the golden beaches of Da Nang. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, nature lover, or just after a tropical getaway, Vietnam ticks all the boxes.
For many Australians, Vietnam offers the perfect balance of adventure and affordability. Accommodation options range from luxury resorts to quirky boutique stays, and street food is not only cheap but famously delicious.
On top of that, Vietnamese hospitality is warm and genuine. Locals are often keen to chat, help with directions, or recommend a good pho spot—making it easy to feel at home, even thousands of kilometres away.
Yes, Australian passport holders need a visa to enter Vietnam for leisure or tourism, regardless of how long you’re staying. Currently, there’s no visa exemption for Australian citizens.
There is one exception: if you’re flying directly to Phu Quoc Island and plan to stay on the island for less than 30 days without visiting the mainland, you may qualify for visa-free entry. However, this is only applicable under strict conditions and won’t cover the majority of typical travel plans.
So, if you’re planning to visit cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hoi An, or anywhere else on the mainland, applying for a leisure visa in advance is essential.
Thankfully, Vietnam’s visa process is now streamlined and accessible online. It’s quick, straightforward, and saves you the hassle of embassy visits or postal applications.
The documentation for a Vietnam leisure visa is minimal, making it easy for Australians to apply without needing an agent or middleman. In most cases, all you need are two key digital files.
The first is a scanned copy of your passport, showing the biodata page. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended arrival in Vietnam. The second is a passport-style photo with a plain white background. It should be recent and clearly show your face.
You’ll also be required to fill out a short online visa application form, which includes basic details such as your full name, birth date, travel dates, and expected entry port. Make sure the information matches your passport exactly to avoid delays or errors.
In some cases, you may be asked to submit additional documents like a copy of your return flight itinerary or hotel booking confirmation. While not always required, having these ready can help speed things up, especially during busy travel periods.
Applying for your visa is easy and can be done entirely online from the comfort of your home. No need to visit the consulate or queue up at the airport—just follow these steps.
Start by heading to the visa application website: https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/. Upload your passport scan and digital photo, then complete the online form with your personal and travel information.
Next, choose your visa type (single or multiple entry) and pick your processing speed. You can opt for standard processing (3–5 business days), urgent (1–2 days), or super urgent (2–4 hours) depending on your schedule.
After submitting your details and payment securely online, you’ll receive your visa via email. Be sure to print a copy to carry with you, as immigration officers will need to see it upon arrival. Keeping a digital copy on your phone is also a smart backup.
Fast track services are a great option for travellers wanting a stress-free airport experience. These services can include airport pickup, priority visa stamping, and assistance through immigration—saving time and avoiding long queues.
For families with young kids, elderly travellers, or anyone arriving late at night or during peak periods, it can be well worth the extra fee. You get off the plane and are guided through the arrival process by a local staff member—easy and convenient.
Even solo travellers might appreciate the simplicity and speed this service offers, especially after a long-haul flight from Australia. The cost varies depending on the airport and service level, but it’s often considered good value.
You can usually select and pay for this service during your visa application. Just be sure to check if the service is offered at your arrival airport and confirm the meet-up instructions in advance.
While the visa process is simple, it still requires attention to detail. Aussies who apply at the last minute sometimes face unexpected issues that could have been avoided with better planning.
Take Sarah from Brisbane, for example—she submitted her application two days before departure but uploaded a blurry passport photo. The result? Her visa approval was delayed and she had to reschedule her flight.
On the flip side, James and Mia from Sydney applied two weeks in advance and opted for urgent processing. Their visas arrived in just one day, and they breezed through immigration in Ho Chi Minh City with the fast track service. “It was one of the easiest arrivals we’ve ever had,” they said.
The bottom line? Give yourself plenty of time to apply, double-check your documents, and consider extra services that make travel easier. It’s a small investment for a much smoother start to your adventure.
Vietnam offers Australian travellers an irresistible mix of adventure, culture, food, and natural beauty. Whether you’re planning a beach escape, a foodie tour, or a journey through history, Vietnam delivers—without blowing the budget.
With the 2025 leisure visa process now fully online, applying is easier than ever. Just get your documents together, apply early, and you’ll be ready to explore everything from vibrant cities to sleepy villages and everything in between.
So don’t leave it to the last minute. Sort your visa, pack your bags, and get ready to fall in love with Vietnam—one bowl of pho at a time.
