Vietnam Visa for Saudi Arabian Citizens: How to Apply (2026)

At present, Vietnam does not offer visa-free entry for Saudi Arabian passport holders. Therefore, obtaining a visa before departure is mandatory, regardless of the purpose of travel, including tourism, business, family visits, or investment. Depending on travel needs and length of stay, visitors may choose among common options such as the Vietnam e-Visa, visa on arrival, or applying directly through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

The guide below by Your Vietnam Travel provides a comprehensive, up-to-date, and easy-to-follow guide on how Saudi Arabian citizens can apply for a Vietnam visa, helping you select the most suitable option and prepare your application quickly and accurately.

Do Saudi Arabian citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam?

Yes. Saudi Arabian citizens must obtain a visa before entering Vietnam. This requirement applies to all travel purposes, including tourism, business, family visits, investment, and journalism. There are no visa-free arrangements for Saudi passport holders.

Saudi travelers can choose from several visa options, with the Vietnam e-Visa being the most convenient and widely used. The e-Visa allows applicants to complete the entire process online, receive approval by email, and enter Vietnam through designated international airports, land border crossings, or seaports. Other available options include visa on arrival (with prior approval) and embassy-issued visas, which may be suitable for longer stays or specific travel needs.

In summary, securing a valid visa in advance is mandatory for Saudi Arabian passport holders planning to visit Vietnam, and the e-Visa offers the fastest and most straightforward solution for most travelers.

Saudi citizens must obtain a visa to enter Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Vietnam Visa exemption cases for Saudi Arabian citizens

Vietnam does not currently grant general visa exemptions to Saudi Arabian passport holders. Saudi citizens are required to obtain a valid visa before entering Vietnam under standard immigration regulations.

However, a special visa exemption category applies to overseas Vietnamese residing in Saudi Arabia, along with their spouses and children. Eligible individuals can apply for a 5-year Vietnam visa exemption certificate, which allows multiple entries without the need for a regular visa during its validity period.

This visa exemption certificate is not part of Vietnam’s standard visa-free programs and is issued only to qualified overseas Vietnamese and their immediate family members. Applications must be submitted through the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate, where applicants can receive official guidance on eligibility criteria, required documents, and processing timelines.

For Saudi citizens without Vietnamese origin or family ties, a Vietnam visa remains mandatory for all travel purposes.

Learn more: Vietnam Multiple Entry Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

How to apply for a Vietnam e-Visa for Saudi Arabian citizens

Vietnam offers a streamlined e-Visa system that enables Saudi Arabian citizens to apply entirely online, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate.

Vietnam e-Visa Overview for Saudi Citizens:

• Validity: Up to 90 days
• Entries: Single or multiple
• Processing Time: 3-7 business days
• Official Fees:
  • $25 for single-entry
  • $50 for multiple-entry

The Vietnam e-Visa is suitable for tourism, business, and short-term visits.

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents:

Before starting the application, gather the following:

• A Saudi passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date
• Minimum of 2 blank visa pages in the passport
• A digital passport photo (white background)
• A clear scanned copy of the passport information page
• Travel itinerary (optional but recommended)

Step 2: Submit the Application Online:

You can submit your Vietnam e-Visa application through:

• The official Vietnam e-Visa portal: https://evisa.gov.vn
• A reputable visa agency, which may offer faster service, application review, and support in correcting mistakes

Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee:

Fees depend on your chosen type of entry:

• $25 for a single-entry visa
• $50 for a multiple-entry visa
• Agency service fees may apply based on processing speed or additional support

Payment is made online via secure payment gateways.

Step 4: Receive Your e-Visa by Email:

Once approved, your e-Visa will be sent to the email address provided in the application.

• Standard processing: 5 - 7 business days
• In urgent cases, agencies may expedite this process (additional charges apply)

Step 5: Print and Present the e-Visa Upon Arrival:

Bring the following when entering Vietnam:

• A printed copy of your approved e-Visa
• Your valid Saudi passport

At the border, immigration officers will verify your e-Visa, allowing direct entry without queuing for visa-on-arrival procedures.

The e-Visa is the most efficient and predictable method for Saudi nationals to visit Vietnam. Applying through the official government website or a trusted agency ensures a hassle-free experience from application to arrival.

Vietnam e-Visa offers Saudi travelers a fast, reliable entry (Source: Collected)

How to get a Vietnam visa on arrival for Saudi Arabian citizens

Vietnam visa on arrival (VOA) is an option for Saudi Arabian citizens traveling to Vietnam by air. This method requires obtaining a pre-approved visa letter before departure. Without this letter, airlines will deny boarding.

Vietnam Visa on Arrival Overview:

• Validity: Up to 30 days
• Entries: Single or multiple
• Applicable entry points: International airports in Vietnam only
• Travel purpose: Tourism or business
• Processing time: 3-5 business days
• Government stamping fee (paid at arrival):
  • USD 25 for single entry
  • USD 50 for multiple entry
• Visa approval letter fee: Charged by the visa agency and varies by processing speed

Step 1: Apply Online for a Visa Approval Letter:

Submit an online application through a licensed visa agency. The application includes personal details, passport information, travel dates, and entry airport. After submission, pay the required service fee.

Important requirements:

• Saudi passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date
• Minimum of 2 blank passport pages

Step 2: Receive the Visa Approval Letter by Email:

Once approved, the visa agency will email you the official visa approval letter issued by Vietnamese Immigration. Print this document and keep it with your travel papers.

You must present this letter to the airline at check-in.

Step 3: Get the Visa Stamped Upon Arrival in Vietnam:

At the Vietnamese airport, proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter and present:

• Printed visa approval letter
• Original passport
• Completed entry/exit form
• Passport-sized photos (as required)
• Cash payment for visa stamping fee (USD recommended)
• After stamping, you can proceed through immigration and enter Vietnam.

Important notes for Saudi travelers:

• Visa on arrival is only available for air travel
• Land and sea entry points do not accept VOA
• The approval letter is mandatory before boarding
• Incomplete documents may result in denied entry

Vietnam visa on arrival offers flexibility for Saudi Arabian citizens flying to Vietnam, especially for short stays. However, it involves more steps and on-arrival procedures compared to the e-Visa. Travelers seeking a faster and more straightforward experience typically prefer the Vietnam e-Visa, while VOA remains a practical alternative for air travelers who secure the approval letter in advance.

Vietnam visa application process at the local Vietnamese embassy

Saudi Arabian citizens may choose to apply for a Vietnam visa through the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate. Although this is a traditional method, it remains a valid option for those who prefer in-person processing or need visa types not supported by the e-Visa system.

Visa applications are handled directly by the Vietnamese Embassy in Saudi Arabia, located in Riyadh:

• Address: Villa No. 23, Al-Dhiyafah Street, Al-Nuzha District, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Phone: +966-1-454-7887 | +966-1-456-9756
• Fax: +966-1-454-8844
• Website: www.vietnamembassy-arabsaudi.org
• Email: [email protected] | [email protected]

Required documents

Applicants should prepare the following before visiting or mailing their application:

• A Saudi passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended entry date
• Two recent passport-sized photos
• A completed visa application form (available at the embassy or its website)
• Visa stamping fee, which varies based on visa type and embassy guidelines
• Additional documents, such as invitation letters or travel itineraries, may be required depending on the visa purpose

Processing time and considerations

• Estimated processing time: 5-7 working days
• Delays may occur if documents are incomplete or require further verification

Unlike the e-Visa route, the embassy process is less predictable and typically takes more time. Applicants must ensure all documents meet current requirements, which can change without notice. Contacting the embassy in advance is highly recommended.

Key considerations:

• Applications can be submitted in person or by post
• Embassy staff may request interviews or additional paperwork
• This method is suitable for applicants who prefer traditional processing or need special visa types (e.g., long-term stays, work permits) not available via e-Visa
• Incomplete or inaccurate submissions may result in rejection or extended processing

The embassy application process requires careful preparation, attention to detail, and proactive communication with the embassy. For travelers prioritizing speed and convenience, the online e-Visa system remains the more efficient choice. However, applying through the Vietnamese Embassy remains a dependable alternative for those requiring personalized visa solutions or in-person support.

Embassy visas need more steps; e-Visa is faster and more convenient (Source: Collected)

Tips to apply for a Vietnam visa for Saudi Arabian citizens quickly and smoothly

A well-prepared visa application significantly reduces processing time and the risk of delays. Saudi Arabian citizens can improve approval speed and accuracy by following these practical recommendations.

• Apply early: Submit your Vietnam visa application at least two weeks before departure. Early submission allows sufficient time to handle corrections, public holidays, or unexpected processing delays.
• Review visa requirements carefully: Confirm the latest visa requirements before applying. Requirements may vary by visa type and application method, and outdated information often leads to rejection or extended processing.
• Ensure absolute accuracy: All details in the application form must match your passport exactly, including full name, passport number, date of birth, and nationality. Even minor discrepancies can result in refusal.
• Prepare complete documentation: Upload or submit all required documents in the correct format and quality. Missing files, unclear scans, or incorrect photo specifications are common causes of delay.
• Pay fees promptly: For Vietnam e-Visas, complete the online payment immediately after submission. Unpaid or failed transactions can pause or invalidate the application.
• Monitor application status: Track your application regularly and respond quickly if authorities request additional information. Delayed responses often extend processing times unnecessarily.

Using the appropriate visa type and submitting a complete, accurate application from the start is the most effective way for Saudi Arabian citizens to obtain a Vietnam visa efficiently and without complications.

FAQs about Vietnam visas for Saudi Arabian citizens

Can Saudi Arabian citizens extend or renew a Vietnam visa while in Vietnam?

Yes, Saudi Arabian citizens may extend or renew a Vietnam visa while staying in Vietnam, depending on the visa type and current immigration regulations. Extensions are not guaranteed and are subject to approval by the Vietnam Immigration Department. Tourist e-Visas are generally more difficult to extend than business visas. Applications for extension or renewal must be submitted through a licensed visa agency or immigration office inside Vietnam, and processing times and fees may vary.

Do Saudi Arabian children need a separate Vietnam visa?

Yes. All Saudi Arabian passport holders, including children and infants, must obtain a separate Vietnam visa to enter the country. Children cannot be included in a parent’s visa and must have their own passport and approved visa, regardless of age.

Can Saudi Arabian citizens apply for a Vietnam visa through an agency or sponsor?

Yes. Saudi Arabian citizens are allowed to apply for a Vietnam visa through a licensed visa agency or, in some cases, a Vietnam-based sponsor. Agencies assist with application submission, document review, and expedited processing. For business or long-term visas, a Vietnamese company or organization may act as a sponsor and provide required invitation or approval documents.

Do Saudi Arabian citizens need proof of onward or return travel?

Vietnam immigration authorities may request proof of onward or return travel, especially for tourist visas. While not always checked, Saudi travelers are advised to carry a return ticket or onward flight confirmation to avoid issues at airline check-in or immigration control.

Can Saudi Arabian citizens work or conduct business in Vietnam with a tourist visa?

A tourist visa does not permit employment or income-generating activities in Vietnam. Saudi Arabian citizens who intend to work, sign contracts, or engage in long-term business activities must apply for the appropriate business visa, work permit, or investment visa in accordance with Vietnamese law.

Is travel insurance mandatory for Saudi Arabian citizens visiting Vietnam?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for obtaining a Vietnam visa. However, it is strongly recommended. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, emergencies, and trip disruptions provides essential protection during your stay in Vietnam.

Conclusion

Vietnam requires Saudi Arabian citizens to obtain a valid visa before entry, regardless of travel purpose. Among the available options, the Vietnam e-Visa remains the most practical choice for tourists thanks to its online application process, clear requirements, and predictable processing time. Visa on arrival and embassy-issued visas are suitable alternatives in specific cases, but they often involve more steps and longer processing.

For Saudi travelers planning a leisure trip to Vietnam, Your Vietnam Travel is ready to assist with fast, accurate, and hassle-free visa services. Our experienced team supports you from application review to approval, ensuring a smooth start to your journey. Contact Your Vietnam Travel today to get expert guidance and enjoy Vietnam with complete peace of mind.