Do passengers need to get a Vietnam visa for cruises that stop in the country?

Many cruises traveling around the coast of Vietnam may stop at various port cities along the way. Travelers frequently want to know if they require a Vietnamese visa to leave the ship at these stops. Another concern is if each stop counts as a separate entry to the country. Are multiple visas required?

Find the answers to all your questions in this guide to Vietnam visas for cruise ship passengers.

Do I Need a Visa for Vietnam on a Cruise?

Most travelers will need a visa to enter Vietnam, whether they are arriving in the country by land, air, or cruise ship.

Nationals of a number of countries have the option of applying for a Vietnam e-Visa. This can be done online, avoiding the need to travel to an embassy or stand in line upon arrival.

Travelers with the following nationalities are eligible for the Vietnam eVisa and are advised to apply online before their departure:

Learn more about the requirements for the Vietnam eVisa.

Nationals of some countries are visa-exempt for certain lengths of time, which means that they will not need a visa during the short stops at Vietnamese ports while on a cruise.

Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa for the stated time:

The following nationalities can also enter Vietnam without a visa for 15 days, but cannot do so more than once within a 30-day period. If they plan to visit the country twice within 30 days, they must apply online for an eVisa.

Does It Count as Two Visits If a Cruise Stops at Two Cities in Vietnam?

Many cruises along the coast of Vietnam stop at more than one port.

The main port cities at which Vietnamese cruise lines stop include:

This can cause concern for travelers from the countries mentioned above. Many people ask if stopping at Da Nang and Halong Bay, for example, would count as multiple entries to the country (and therefore if a visa would be required).

However, if a cruise ship travels from one Vietnamese port to another, this only counts as one visit for the passengers. There is no need to apply for a multiple-entry visa.

Applying for a Vietnam Visa for a Cruise Excursion

There are 2 main options for obtaining a Vietnam visa for those arriving by cruise ship:

Depending on your nationality, it may be possible to fill out the application forms for a Vietnam visa on cruise ships with several companies. When the ships dock at a Vietnamese port, the passengers will be issued with loose leaf visa documents.

When returning to the ship for the final time before leaving Vietnam, the passengers must show their passport and loose leaf visa to border control, after which the visa will be deemed invalid.

Some cruise companies organize this process for the convenience of passengers bearing passports from eligible countries.

Please note that some cruise companies, such as Royal Caribbean, are not able to apply for a visa on behalf of passengers from the following countries:

Travelers sailing from these countries must apply for a visa before embarkation.

Passengers from Fiji are able to acquire a Vietnam eVisa online via a quick online application via a quick online application, while citizens of the other countries listed above must apply for a visa on arrival (VoA).

If the passenger does not have a valid Vietnam visa, they may be allowed to board the cruise ship, but they will not be able to disembark at any of the ports in Vietnam and will have to wait on board.

What Is A Loose Leaf Visa to Vietnam?

A loose leaf visa is a visa document issued by Vietnamese border authorities to allow arrivals to enter the country.

Unlike traditional visas, it is not stamped into the traveler’s passport. Instead, it is a separate sheet of paper that must be carried on the traveler’s person along with their passport.

The Vietnam eVisa for Cruise Ship Passengers

Not all cruise companies provide loose leaf visa application forms for their passengers and prices for this service can vary among the companies that do. Some companies have been known to be vague about the details regarding visas.

This is why many travelers prefer to set their minds at ease by choosing the more convenient option of applying for an eVisa before their trip.

Advice About Vietnam Visas for Cruise Ship Passengers

It is important to remember that the Vietnam visa proves that the foreign national carrying it has a right to be in the country. It is an essential document while visiting Vietnam.

Here are some key things to bear in mind when traveling to Vietnam on a cruise ship: