Planning a trip from Australia to Vietnam? Whether you’re visiting Ha Long Bay, exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter, or traveling for business, you’ll need a Vietnam visa before you can enter the country.
This guide by AFS Travel explains exactly how to apply for a Vietnam visa for Australians, step by step. You’ll learn the fastest, safest, and most convenient ways to get your visa — plus expert advice on which method is best for you.
Understanding the Vietnam Visa for Australians — Why It Matters
For Australian citizens, a visa is mandatory to enter Vietnam, regardless of your purpose of visit. The process is straightforward, but it’s important to understand your options before applying.
There are two main visa types depending on your travel reason:
- Tourist Visa (DL): for short holidays, sightseeing, or family visits.
- Business Visa (DN): for conferences, meetings, or professional trips.
We recommend that Australians apply online whenever possible — it’s faster, safer, and avoids the hassle of mailing documents or visiting the embassy in person.
>>> Read more: Vietnam Visa on Arrival for Australians: Your Complete Guide
Apply Online for Maximum Convenience – The Smart Way to Get Your Vietnam Visa
If you’re wondering how to get a Vietnam visa in Australia without leaving your home, applying online is the most efficient choice. This process, called Visa on Arrival (VOA), is officially managed by the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Instead of sending your passport by mail, you’ll apply online and receive a Visa Approval Letter directly to your email — a convenient and reliable way to start your journey.
Why Australians Prefer the Online Vietnam Visa
Applying online isn’t just simple — it’s genuinely the smartest option for Australians. Here’s why travelers choose this route:
- Fast turnaround: Most online visa applications are processed within 1–2 business days. If you’re in a rush, expedited services can deliver approval within hours.
- No paperwork stress: You don’t need to post your passport or worry about lost mail — everything is done securely online.
- Flexible and safe: Avoid queues at embassies and handle everything from your laptop or phone.
- Extra convenience: When you apply online, you can also book Fast Track Airport Service, Airport Pick-up, or even Hotel Reservations to make your arrival in Vietnam smoother.
Step-by-Step: How Australians Can Apply Online
Getting your Vietnam visa for Australians online is straightforward if you follow these steps carefully:
- Visit the official Vietnam Immigration website: www.vietnam-immigration.org.vn.
- Complete the visa application form online and pay the processing fee.
- Wait for your Visa Approval Letter, which is emailed to you within 1–2 working days.
- Print the approval letter and prepare your:
- Passport (valid for at least six months)
- Two passport-sized photos
- Stamping fee (paid in cash upon arrival at the airport in Vietnam)
- Present these documents at the Visa on Arrival counter when you land in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang. You’ll receive your official visa stamp within minutes.
Tip: This method is ideal for Australians living far from Canberra or Sydney. It saves time, avoids delays, and lets you travel confidently knowing your visa is pre-approved before you board your flight.
Applying via the Vietnamese Embassy – The Traditional Route for Australians
If you prefer having your visa in your passport before you travel, you can apply directly through the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in Australia. Though slower, this option works well for travelers who value in-person processing.
Before visiting, make sure you understand what to expect in terms of timing, documents, and requirements.
Where to Apply in Australia
There are two official Vietnamese offices where Australians can apply for a visa.
Vietnamese Embassy in Canberra:
- Address: 6 Timbarra Crescent, O’Malley, ACT 2606, Australia
- Phone: +61-2-6286 6059
- Website: www.vietnamembassy.org.au
- Email: vembassy@webone.com.au
Vietnamese Consulate in New South Wales:
- Address: Suite 205, Level 2, Edgecliff Centre, 203–233 New South Head Road, Edgecliff, NSW 2027
- Phone: (02) 9327 1912 / 9327 2539
- Website: www.vietnamconsulate.org.au
- Email: vnconsul@ihug.com.au
What You’ll Need When Applying in Person
Unlike the online method, applying through the embassy requires physical documents. Here’s what you need to prepare:
- A valid passport (with at least six months remaining before expiry)
- A completed visa application form (available at the embassy or consulate)
- One passport-sized photo
- The required visa processing fee (confirm the amount beforehand)
- A prepaid return envelope if you apply by post
Processing usually takes three to five business days, depending on your visa type.
Note: While the embassy route gives you a physical visa before traveling, it involves extra steps and is less flexible than applying online. For most Australians, the online process is faster, cheaper, and safer.
>>> Read more: Apply for Vietnam Travel Visa – Everything You Need to Know for a Smooth Journey
Choosing the Right Method for Your Vietnam Visa
Both methods are valid and approved by the Vietnamese government. The key difference lies in your needs and location.
If you need speed, convenience, and flexibility — the online application (Visa on Arrival) is the best choice.
If you prefer a traditional approach and want your visa stamped before departure — the embassy application might suit you better.
AFS Travel has guided hundreds of Australians through both options. With expert knowledge of visa procedures, AFS ensures that your Vietnam visa for Australians is approved smoothly and on time.
Common Questions About the Vietnam Visa for Australians
Many travelers from Australia have similar questions before applying for their visa. Here are some quick answers from the AFS Travel team.
Do Australians need a visa to enter Vietnam?
Yes. Every Australian citizen must have a valid visa before entering Vietnam.
How long is the visa valid for?
Tourist visas are typically valid for 30 days. Business visas can last 1–3 months, depending on your purpose.
Can I extend my visa while in Vietnam?
Yes, visa extensions are available through AFS Travel or directly at immigration offices in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Can I get an urgent Vietnam visa?
Absolutely. When applying online, you can choose an expedited option — with approval in as little as 4 hours or even 30 minutes in emergencies.
Final Thoughts – Travel Confidently with AFS Travel
Getting a Vietnam visa for Australians doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you apply online or through the embassy, the process is straightforward when you know what to do.
And if you ever need guidance, AFS Travel is here to help. From visa processing to customized travel plans, AFS ensures every Australian traveler enjoys Vietnam with ease and confidence.
