Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam with a population of over 8 million people. It is also the country’s most visited city.

Before planning your trip, it is important to check the entry requirements for Ho Chi Minh City to know if you need a visa.

This page explains who needs a visa to visit Ho Chi Minh City and whether they are eligible to apply for the eVisa for Vietnam.

Vietnam is currently launching a pilot e-Visa system for citizens from 80 countries.

APPLY FOR EVISA NOW=> CLICK HERE!

Do You Need a Visa for Ho Chi Minh City?

The visa policy to travel to Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam depends on your nationality. There are only 25 nationalities who do not need a visa to visit Ho Chi Minh for short stays, depending on their passport. All other foreigners need a visa for Ho Chi Minh City. Nationals from over 80 countries can obtain a Vietnamese electronic visa (eVisa) online, making it even easier to visit the country and its largest city.

How to get an eVisa for Ho Chi Minh City

The application form for the Vietnam eVisa can be completed online in just a few minutes with basic personal and passport. Once submitted, an eVisa is usually approved within 4- 6 days.

An online tourist visa for Vietnam will permit the holder a total stay of 30 days in Ho Chi Minh City and the rest of Vietnam. It is valid for a variety of purposes, including tourism, business, visiting friends or family, or studying.

Vietnam eVisa Requirements for Ho Chi Minh City

To apply for an eVisa for Ho Chi Minh City, you must meet the Vietnam online visa requirements. All applicants are required to have:

• Eligible passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the expected date of arrival in Ho Chi Minh
• Digital image of the biographical page of the same passport
• Recent photograph which meets the eVisa photo requirements
• Valid debit or credit card to pay the Vietnam online visa fee
• Address of accommodation in Ho Chi Minh

You must also supply a current email address that you frequently check. Once processed, the approved electronic visa for Vietnam will be sent to this email inbox. You can then print a copy to present to border control upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City alongside your passport.

Travelers with dual nationality should ensure they use the same passport to travel to Ho Chi Minh City that they used to complete the eVisa application. If the passport details do not match those on the eVisa, the traveler may be denied entry.

Vietnam visa extension in Ho Chi Minh City

If you wish to stay in Vietnam for longer than the 30 days that your eVisa allows, it’s possible to extend or renew your travel permit.

You can apply for a Vietnam visa extension or renewal at the immigration office in Ho Chi Minh City. The office is located at the following address:

196 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai
Ward 6
District 3
Ho Chi Minh City

If you’re outside of Vietnam, you can simply apply for a new eVisa using the online application form. It may be easier to leave the country and apply for a new Vietnam eVisa than visiting an immigration office and waiting.

Can I apply for a visa on arrival in Ho Chi Minh?

It is possible to obtain a visa on arrival in Vietnam at a select number of International airports in the country, including at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.

However, like the eVisa, obtaining a visa on arrival for Hon Chi Minh still requires the traveler to submit an online form in advance of departure. The applicant is then sent an Approval Letter which must be printed and presented upon arrival in Vietnam before the visa can be issued.

This application process also involves having to wait in long queues to submit the Approval Letter and pay a visa on arrival fee. An approved eVisa removes this need and speeds up the process of entering Vietnam.

Best Districts to Visit in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is divided into 24 districts, with the layout of the city dating back to Colonial times. Some of the most appealing districts for visitors include:

• District 1 – The pulsating heart of the city, this wealthy district boasts some of the city’s best-known and most impressive buildings. These include the iconic Reunification Palace where the Vietnam War came to a dramatic end, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office, a classic example of French Colonial architecture.
• District 2 – Located just across the Saigon River from District 1, this modern area has undergone massive redevelopment in recent years. A thriving restaurant scene has developed in the district, offering a wealth of opportunities to try the local gastronomy.
• District 3 – This leafy suburb’s appeal lies in the colonial houses that date back to the French rubber plantations of the 18th century. The Archbishop’s Palace, Jade Pagoda, and Ky Dong Church are just some of the impressive buildings worth visiting.
• Phu Nhuan – Full of majestic religious buildings such as the green mosque of Jamiul Muslimin and the Van Hanh Zen Buddhist Temple. Other attractions include the Gia Dinh Park, one of the largest and lushest in the city.

Finally, District 5 is home to the city’s vibrant Chinatown. The noisy and colorful markets of Binh Tay and An Dong are great for bargain-hunters, and the area is also great for sampling local delicacy Dim Sum.

Is It Safe to Travel to Ho Chi Minh City?

Vietnam is considered safe to visit in general, and Ho Chi Minh is widely thought to be one of the safest large cities in the world. The rate of violent crime is low compared to many other metropolitan centers, although pickpocketing and bag snatching has been known to occur in busy touristic spaces.

As when traveling to any new destination, travelers are advised to remain vigilant and take care of their belongings in public spaces to avoid issues and fully enjoy their stay in Ho Chi Minh.