Got your backpack ready and flights to Vietnam booked? If you’re travelling from Canada to Hanoi, there’s just one important detail you need to sort out before you jet off—your …
Vietnam has long been a favourite getaway for Canadians seeking a rich cultural experience without breaking the bank. From the ancient alleys of Hanoi to the tropical islands of the south, it’s a destination full of adventure, history, and flavour. But before you book your flight and pack your bags, it’s crucial to understand how to obtain your Vietnam holiday visa. This guide explains everything Canadians need to know about applying for a holiday visa to Vietnam in 2025—what options are available, how to apply, and how to ensure your visa is approved without hassle.
Yes. If you’re a Canadian citizen planning to vacation in Vietnam, you’ll need a valid holiday visa before you arrive. Vietnam does not currently offer visa-free access for Canadian passport holders, regardless of your trip’s duration.
The good news is that the process has become much easier in recent years. Vietnam’s government has expanded its electronic visa (e-visa) system, allowing Canadians to apply for a holiday visa online without visiting a consulate. You can choose either single-entry or multiple-entry options, with stays of up to 90 days permitted.
Holiday visas issued through the e-visa system are accepted at most major international airports, land borders, and seaports throughout Vietnam. This gives travellers more flexibility when planning their route.
If you prefer not to apply online, you may still request a visa on arrival, but that also requires pre-approval through an official holiday visa request letter. Without this approval, you won’t be able to board your flight to Vietnam.
The Vietnam holiday visa—also known as the tourist visa—is designed specifically for those visiting for leisure. Whether you’re looking to explore Vietnam’s history, indulge in street food, or relax on the beach, this is the visa you’ll need.
Vietnam offers several types of visas, and choosing the correct one is important. For tourism purposes, you should not apply for a business or work visa. Immigration officers may deny entry if the visa category doesn’t match your trip’s intention.
Canadians can apply for 30-day or 90-day holiday visas, and decide between single-entry (enter once and leave) or multiple-entry (enter and re-enter) based on their travel plans. If you’re doing a Southeast Asia loop and plan to return to Vietnam, the multiple-entry visa is the smarter choice.
Make sure you provide accurate personal details when applying—passport number, name, and travel dates must all match your documents exactly. Even a small error can delay your visa or cause issues when entering the country.
There are three primary ways for Canadians to apply for a Vietnam holiday visa in 2025, and each offers its own advantages depending on your needs.
The e-visa system is the fastest and most convenient way to apply for a holiday visa. You fill out the application on Vietnam’s official immigration portal or via a reputable visa service, upload a scan of your passport and a photo, and pay the fee online.
Approval usually arrives within three to five business days, and you’ll receive a PDF version of your visa via email. Just print it and present it along with your passport when entering Vietnam.
E-visas are accepted at airports like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and more than 30 entry points overall. It’s the preferred option for most Canadian holidaymakers.
If you don’t apply in advance, visa on arrival is still available—but it requires that you first obtain an approval letter from a licensed provider. Without this document, you cannot board your flight.
Once in Vietnam, present the letter at the visa desk, along with your passport and passport-sized photos, and pay the visa stamping fee (usually in USD). The visa is then added to your passport on the spot.
This option is generally limited to short stays (15–30 days) and applies only to travellers arriving by air. It’s useful for urgent travel plans or those who missed the e-visa deadline.
If you prefer a traditional process or need a specialised holiday visa, you can apply directly at the Vietnamese Embassy in Ottawa or Consulate in Vancouver.
You’ll need to fill out a paper form, provide passport photos, a copy of your travel itinerary, and your passport. Processing usually takes 5–7 working days, and your visa will be physically affixed to your passport.
This method is often used by travellers who are planning longer stays, entering Vietnam via land, or simply prefer in-person service.
Although the Vietnam holiday visa process is straightforward, mistakes can cost you time—or even prevent your entry. Incorrect passport details, wrong photo format, or misunderstanding visa types are common reasons for delays.
That’s why many Canadians choose to use a professional visa service like Vietnam Visa Services. Their team helps travellers avoid errors and ensures fast, stress-free processing.
Here’s what makes their service stand out:
If you want to ensure your holiday visa is done right the first time, especially for a family trip or a tight schedule, using a trusted service is the best way to go.
After receiving your Vietnam holiday visa, there are still a few key things to keep in mind before you travel.
First, the visa validity period and the length of stay may differ. Just because your visa is valid for 90 days doesn’t mean you’re allowed to stay for 90 days—check the “permitted stay” indicated on your visa or entry stamp.
Second, always print your visa or approval letter before leaving for the airport. Some airlines won’t let you board without a hard copy.
Third, verify all the details on your visa—including your name, passport number, and arrival date. Even minor discrepancies can cause issues when you land.
Finally, it’s wise to keep digital and physical copies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance, just in case you lose any documents or experience unexpected problems.
Vietnam is a spectacular destination for Canadians seeking unique cultural experiences and breathtaking scenery. But before you take off, it’s important to take care of your holiday visa early and correctly.
Whether you choose an e-visa, visa on arrival, or embassy application, make sure everything is filled out properly. And if you want to save time and avoid headaches, a trusted service like Vietnam Visa Services is a convenient and reliable solution.
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