Travelers holding “difficult” nationalities can still get a Vietnam visa by choosing the right visa type and preparing a solid application. Since 15 August 2023, the Vietnam e-visa has been available to citizens of all countries (valid for up to 90 days), but applications from certain nationalities are often scrutinized more closely, asked for additional information, or refused if details are missing. In those cases, the safer route is a visa based on an entry approval letter sponsored by a company or organization in Vietnam. Info Travel offers free consulting on the right visa type, reviews your application before submission and handles the entry approval letter. Send your nationality and the purpose of your trip via WhatsApp +84327828822 for advice and a quote.
What counts as a “difficult nationality” for a Vietnam visa?
Vietnamese law does not publish any list of “difficult nationalities”. In practice, the term describes cases with a higher rate of requests for additional documents or refusals, because the immigration authorities look more closely at the purpose of entry, financial means and the risk of overstaying or working illegally. Every application is assessed individually, so applicants of the same nationality may be approved quickly or refused.
Common situations that cause difficulties:
- Citizens of countries that are usually reviewed more strictly (see the list below).
- People who have previously been refused an e-visa, overstayed a visa or been fined in Vietnam.
- Solo travelers visiting Vietnam for the first time without a clear itinerary, hotel booking or return ticket.
- People who declare tourism as their purpose but actually intend to look for work, work or stay long-term.
- Newly issued passports, photos that do not meet requirements, or declared information that does not match the passport.
Which nationalities are usually considered “difficult”?
Based on Info Travel’s hands-on experience with real applications, citizens of the following countries tend to be reviewed more closely when applying for a Vietnam visa:
- Africa: most African countries, such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Congo, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Ethiopia…
- Middle East: Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Israel…
- South Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan…
- Some other countries: Albania, Ecuador…
This list is for reference only; it is not an official government list and may change over time. Being on it does not mean you cannot get a visa: many travelers are approved when their application is clear, matches the real purpose of the trip and has an appropriate sponsor. If your nationality is not listed but you have been refused before, contact us for a review.
Ways to get a Vietnam visa for difficult nationalities
1. E-visa (electronic visa)
Citizens of every country can apply online for a Vietnam e-visa, valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry. For difficult nationalities, an e-visa can still be approved if the information is complete and consistent: a clear portrait photo and passport data page, a specific address of stay and a reasonable purpose. However, if the application is refused, the fee is not refunded and the refusal history may affect your next application. See also: how to check your e-visa status and common reasons for refusal.
2. Visa on an entry approval letter (sponsored)
This is the recommended option for difficult nationalities. A company, organization or relative in Vietnam acts as your sponsor and files a visa request with the Immigration Department. Once approved, you collect your visa at a Vietnamese diplomatic mission abroad, or at an international border gate where the law allows. With a sponsor, the purpose of the trip is clearer, so the chance of approval is usually higher. Learn more: entry approval letter service.
3. Applying in person at a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate
Some travelers choose to apply directly at the Vietnamese mission in their home country. This suits applicants who have documents clearly proving their purpose and prefer to be interviewed and explain their case in person.
Documents to prepare to improve your chances of approval
- A passport valid for at least 6 months with blank pages; a portrait photo with a white background and a clearly visible face.
- Declared information that matches your passport exactly (full name, date of birth, passport number).
- Trip itinerary, hotel booking or address of stay, and a return ticket or onward ticket out of Vietnam.
- For business trips: an invitation letter from a Vietnamese company and the inviting company’s business license.
- For family visits: documents proving your relationship with your sponsor in Vietnam.
- When requested: proof of funds and an employment confirmation letter from your home country.
Info Travel only handles genuine documents that reflect the real purpose of entry. We do not prepare fake documents or misstate the purpose of travel, as this can lead to refused entry or penalties.
Info Travel’s visa consulting service for difficult nationalities
- Free consulting based on your nationality, purpose and length of stay: whether to choose an e-visa, a visa on an approval letter or an embassy application.
- Application review before submission: photo, passport details, itinerary and documents proving your purpose.
- Entry approval letters for the correct visa type: tourist (DL), business (DN), family visit (TT), investment (ĐT), work (LĐ).
- Result tracking, handling requests for additional documents and guidance on collecting your visa at the embassy or border gate.
- Support after arrival: visa extension, temporary residence card, exit procedures.
- Urgent cases: see our urgent Vietnam visa service.
Visa decisions are made by the immigration authorities. Info Travel makes sure your application is complete, compliant and on the most suitable route, but we cannot guarantee approval. Service fees depend on nationality, visa type and processing time – message us on WhatsApp +84327828822 for a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Can my nationality apply for a Vietnam e-visa?
Yes. Since 15 August 2023, the Vietnam e-visa has been available to citizens of all countries and territories. However, being eligible to apply does not guarantee approval.
My e-visa was refused. Can I apply again?
Yes, but do not resubmit exactly the same application. Identify the likely reason for refusal, add the missing information, or switch to a visa sponsored by an approval letter.
I don’t know anyone in Vietnam. Who can sponsor me?
A company or organization inviting you for work, a conference or business partnership can act as your sponsor. Info Travel advises on the type of approval letter that matches the real purpose of your trip.
Does having a visa guarantee entry into Vietnam?
A visa is a necessary condition. At the border gate, immigration officers still have the right to inspect and refuse entry if they find a problem. Bring documents proving your purpose, your hotel booking and a return ticket.
Info Travel – visa solutions for foreigners in Vietnam
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