Published:  15:55 Friday - November 03, 2023

Great news for Mongolian travelers planning a trip to Vietnam! Vietnam has recently waived visa requirements for citizens of Mongolia, making it hassle-free for Mongolian tourists to explore the beauty of Vietnam.

1. What is visa-free ?

Visa exemption, also known as visa-free policy, is an international policy established by a country to allow citizens of one or more specific nations to enter that country without the need for a visa or prior entry permit. In the case of Vietnam, visa exemption means that citizens from certain countries are permitted to enter and stay in Vietnam for a specified period without having to go through the visa application process beforehand.

2. Do you need a visa to visit Vietnam ?

Absolutely, as of November 1, 2023 (Vietnam time), any individual holding a Mongolian passport can enter Vietnam without the need for a visa. This favorable development was officially declared through a comprehensive agreement that includes diplomatic passports, official passports, as well as ordinary passports issued by both nations.

The President of Vietnam, Mr. Vo Van Thuong, personally made the formal announcement during a crucial meeting, underlining its significance by stating, 'The productive dialogue between the Presidents has ushered in a new era of cooperation between Vietnam and Mongolia.

Beyond the immediate convenience for travelers, this visa exemption pact holds profound implications for the bilateral relationship. It not only represents a major milestone in the ties between the two nations but also serves as a catalyst for enhanced collaboration in various sectors, including trade, tourism, and interpersonal interactions. This newfound ease of travel is set to foster stronger cultural understanding and forge lasting friendships between the amicable people of Vietnam and Mongolia. 

3. Advantages of Entering Vietnam Without a Visa

The visa exemption policy for Mongolian citizens offers several valuable advantages, ensuring a convenient and hassle-free travel experience. Here are the benefits of Vietnam's visa exemption policy:

Time and Cost Savings: By eliminating the need for visa applications, travelers from Mongolia save time and money that would typically be spent on preparing documents and paying visa fees.

Ease of Travel Planning: Without the burden of visa procedures, Mongolian tourists can easily plan their trips without waiting in long queues or dealing with visa-related issues.

Expanded Travel Itineraries: The freedom from visa restrictions allows travelers to explore various destinations in Vietnam more flexibly, fully enjoying the country's beauty and diverse culture.

Encouragement of Tourism and Cultural Exchange: The visa exemption policy encourages Mongolian citizens to visit Vietnam, facilitating seamless cultural exchanges, skill sharing, and preservation of traditions between the two nations.

Boost to Tourism and Economy: Enhanced travel convenience can increase tourism revenue for Vietnam, promoting the growth of the local tourism sector and the overall economy.

With these advantages, Vietnam's visa exemption policy not only provides convenience for Mongolian travelers but also contributes significantly to strengthening cultural and economic ties between these friendly nations.

4. Countries Exempted from Visa Requirements for Vietnam

Starting from August 2023, Vietnam has implemented a visa exemption policy for 25 countries globally, offering favorable conditions for tourists interested in exploring the country. The following is a list of 25 countries with visa exemption to Vietnam: Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Chile, Panama, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Brunei, Myanmar.

This extensive list showcases Vietnam's commitment to promoting international tourism and fostering cultural exchanges with a wide array of nations. Travelers from these countries can now enjoy an enriching and stress-free journey, immersing themselves in Vietnam's vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unique traditions without the hassle of visa applications.

5. Can the visa-free period in Vietnam be extended?

For citizens of Mongolia and other countries benefiting from Vietnam's visa exemption policy, extending the visa-free period is not an option. Travelers are permitted to remain in the country for the specified duration based on the type of visa exemption granted for each nation, which ranges from 14 to 45 days. Once this period expires, visitors must depart Vietnam before their visa becomes invalid. Should travelers wish to extend their stay or stay beyond the visa-free period, they must initiate a visa application process. This can be done either by directly visiting the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in their home country or by applying for an online visa through the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.

6.  A Detailed Guide to Vietnam Visa Application Process

When it comes to obtaining a visa for Vietnam, travelers have two primary methods at their disposal: applying through the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate or opting for convenient online visa registration. Here's a detailed breakdown of both processes:

Applying for a Visa at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate:

Visa Application Form: Travelers are required to complete a visa application form available at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate. The form necessitates personal details, the purpose of the visa application, and the intended duration of stay.

Photographs: Applicants must provide passport-sized photos adhering to the specifications outlined by the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate.

Passport or National Identity Card: A valid passport or national identity card is a mandatory document for the application process.

Purpose Verification: If the purpose of the visit is study, work, or other specific reasons, applicants need to submit relevant documents verifying their intent.

Online Visa Registration for Vietnam:

Visit the Official Website: Travelers can access the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department to complete the online visa application form. This form requires basic personal information and details regarding the purpose of the visa application. Travelers need to fill in the necessary information and proceed to pay the visa fee.

Receive eVisa Approval Letter: After the application submission and payment confirmation, travelers will receive an eVisa approval letter via their registered email. This letter contains comprehensive information about the visa, including the duration of stay, conditions, and regulations to abide by.

Present the Visa Approval Letter at the Entry Point: Upon arrival at the Vietnamese immigration checkpoint, travelers are required to download and print the visa approval letter received via email. This eVisa letter must be presented to immigration officers for verification and confirmation, completing the entry process into Vietnam.

By following these meticulous procedures, travelers can secure their visa for Vietnam hassle-free, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience while exploring this captivating country.

It's essential for travelers to plan their visit carefully, ensuring they adhere to the stipulated visa-free period to avoid any legal complications during their stay in Vietnam. Additionally, obtaining the necessary visa documentation well in advance is advisable to prevent any inconveniences related to travel arrangements.

7. How long does it take to process a Vietnam visa application?

The processing time for Vietnam visa applications depends on the type of visa required. Currently, Vietnam primarily offers two main types of visas: paper visas and electronic visas (e-visas for Vietnam). Here are the detailed processing times for each type of visa:

Paper Visas

Short-term Visas: The processing time for short-term visas typically ranges from 5 to 10 working days. After submitting all the necessary documents, travelers can expect to receive their short-term visas within this period.

Long-term Visas: For long-term visas in Vietnam, the processing time usually takes from 10 to 15 working days. This duration allows the authorities to thoroughly review and confirm all information before issuing the visa.

Electronic Visas (E-visas)

The processing time for electronic visas is usually swift and efficient, taking approximately 3 working days. This includes submitting the online application, making relevant payments, and receiving the e-visa approval letter via email. Vietnam's e-visa option is a convenient choice for those looking to explore the country quickly without dealing with complex procedures.

This article has provided detailed information about Vietnam's visa exemption policies for citizens of Mongolia and other countries. Additionally, we have elaborated on the procedures and processing times for visas for travelers who wish to extend their stay in Vietnam after their visa-free period has expired. Through this information, we hope readers will gain a better understanding of the Vietnam visa application process and be able to plan their trips effectively and conveniently.