
Are you a UAE resident seeking a holiday packed with green mountains, bustling street markets, and mouth-watering pho? Vietnam should be on your mind. With its rich heritage, friendly populace, and affordable luxury, it’s one of the top destinations to visit for travelers from the United Arab Emirates.
Yet before you can begin packing your suitcase and reserving that flight to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, there’s something you must do first — get your Vietnam tourist visa.
The good news? It’s easier than ever for UAE residents to do. Regardless of whether you’re an Emirates citizen or expat resident of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, the process is easy, fast, and mostly online.
In this comprehensive guide, Global Sky Visa discusses how UAE residents can obtain a Vietnam tourist visa in a step-by-step manner, along with practical tips, requirements, and insider information to ensure your trip is hassle-free.
1. Why Vietnam Is the Perfect Destination for UAE Travelers
Vietnam has emerged as a top choice for UAE tourists — and for good reason. It’s a place that achieves the ideal mix of adventure, relaxation, and culture.
Here’s why Vietnam tops the list of UAE tourists:
- Short Travel Time: Only 6–7 hours from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
- Budget-Friendly: The UAE dirham goes far in Vietnam. Luxury is accessible without the hefty price tag.
- Variety of Experiences: Halong Bay cruises, Da Nang beaches, and more – there’s something for everyone.
- Food Paradise: Traditional Vietnamese food like pho, spring rolls, and banh mi is a must-try.
- Visa Accessibility: The Vietnam visa for UAE residents is simple and online.
- Planning a honeymoon with your spouse, a family trip, or a solo backpacking trip, Vietnam has unforgettable moments for every type of traveler.
2. Do UAE Residents Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Yes — residents of UAE (both Emirati citizens and expats) need a visa to travel to Vietnam for tourism purposes.
That being said, the process is very straightforward and can be completed online or upon arrival. You don’t need to visit an embassy or wait for months — it can all be arranged digitally through official channels or with the help of a visa consultant like Global Sky Visa.
3. Types of Vietnam Visas for UAE Residents
It’s necessary to determine which type of visa is most suitable for your travel plans prior to applying. Here are the most popular types of Vietnam visas for UAE residents and passport holders:
1. e-Visa (Electronic Visa)
Validity: 90 days (single or multiple entry)
Processing Time: 3–5 business days
How to Apply: Online through Vietnam’s official immigration website or approved agencies
Best For: Short to medium trips for tourists
This is the most preferred choice for UAE residents as it’s quick, cheap, and all online.
2. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Validity: 30 days or 90 days (single or multiple entry)
Processing Time: 2–3 working days for pre-approval letter
Where It’s Issued: At international airports — Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang
Best For: Tourists who didn’t apply online beforehand or require flexibility
You must obtain the visa approval letter before you arrive in Vietnam — you cannot just show up without it.
3. Embassy Visa
Where to Apply: At the Vietnam Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Vietnam Consulate in Dubai
Processing Time: 3–5 working days
Best For: People who prefer the traditional stamp visa on their passport
While e-Visas and VOA are more trending now, the embassy channel is ideal for longer stays or business visits.
4. Vietnam Embassy & Consulate in the UAE
For UAE residents who would prefer to apply in person, here are the official addresses:
Embassy of Vietnam in Abu Dhabi
Villa No. 012, Street No. 02, Sector 02, Al Mushrif Area, Abu Dhabi, UAE
☎️ Phone: +971 2 449 6760Office Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Sunday–Thursday)
Consulate General of Vietnam in Dubai
Villa 123, Street 25, Community 369, Jumeirah 2, Dubai
☎️ Phone: +971 4 394 2050
Both offices provide visa stamping, legalization of documents, and general consular services.
5. Vietnam Tourist Visa Requirements for UAE Residents
For a successful application, make sure you have the following documents ready:
✅ Valid Passport: Minimum 6 months of validity from your date of entry.
✅ Passport-Sized Photos: Two recent photographs (4×6 cm).
✅ Visa Application Form: Completed online or offline (depending on your process).
✅ Flight Booking Details: Not necessary but sometimes requested.
✅ Hotel Reservation or Travel Itinerary: Handy to present your intended stay.
✅ Visa Fee Payment: Typically between USD $25–$50 depending on the visa type.
In case you’re applying through Global Sky Visa, we’ll help you prepare all documents correctly to avoid delays or rejection.
6. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a Vietnam Tourist Visa from the UAE
Let’s break it down into simple steps.
Option 1: Applying for a Vietnam e-Visa (Recommended)
Step 1: Visit the Official Website or a Trusted Agency
Access the official e-Visa website of the Vietnam Immigration Department or contact Global Sky Visa to apply on your behalf.
Step 2: Fill Out the Online Application Form
Provide your details — full name, passport number, nationality, travel dates, and entry points (airport or border).
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Upload a passport photo and one recent photo.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
Payment is done online via credit or debit card. The fee is between USD $25 (single entry) and USD $50 (multiple entry).
Step 5: Get Your e-Visa via Email
After approval (in 3–5 working days), your visa will be sent in PDF form. Print and bring it along.
Step 6: Present Your Visa upon Arrival
Present your printed e-Visa and passport at Vietnam’s immigration counter for entry.
✅ Processing Time: 3–5 working days
✅ Cost: USD $25–$50
✅ Validity: Up to 90 days
Option 2: Obtaining Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Step 1: Contact a trustworthy visa agency (like Global Sky Visa) to obtain your pre-approval letter.
Step 2: Receive the letter within 2–3 working days through email.
Step 3: Print the approval letter and carry it with you while traveling.
Step 4: When arriving at Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City airport, proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter.
Step 5: Present your approval letter, passport, photos, and stamping fee in cash (typically USD $25).
Step 6: Receive your visa stamped in your passport and enter Vietnam.
✅ Processing Time: 2–3 days for approval letter
✅ Stamping Fee: USD $25–$50
✅ Entry Points: Available only at airports
Option 3: Application at Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in the UAE
Step 1: Visit the nearest embassy or consulate (Abu Dhabi or Dubai).
Step 2: Fill up the visa application form and attach photos.
Step 3: Submit your passport and required documents.
Step 4: Pay the visa fee (in AED).
Step 5: Collect your passport with the visa stamp after 3–5 days.
✅ Processing Time: 3–5 working days
✅ Best For: Long-term stays or business purposes
7. Useful Tips to Avoid Visa Delays or Rejections
Even though the Vietnam visa process is simple, small mistakes can cause unnecessary delays. Here’s how to ensure a smooth experience:
- Double-check all details before submitting your form.
- Use the same passport information throughout.
- Monitor your email for visa approval updates.
- Pay only on official or authorized websites.
- Hire the services of a professional visa agency like Global Sky Visa for guaranteed accuracy.
Our experts review each application before submission, minimizing the likelihood of rejections.
8. UAE Resident Visa Fees for Vietnam (Approximate Charges)
Visa Type | Duration | Entry | Processing Time | Fee (USD) |
---|---|---|---|---|
e-Visa | 30–90 days | Single/Multiple | 3–5 days | $25–$50 |
Visa on Arrival | 30–90 days | Single/Multiple | 2–3 days | $25–$50 (plus stamping fee) |
Embassy Visa | Up to 3 months | Single/Multiple | 3–5 days | $60–$90 |
Note: Fees vary depending on your nationality and processing speed.
9. Entry Points for Travelers from UAE to Vietnam with Visas
Vietnam allows visa holders to enter via several international airports and border crossings.
Most UAE travelers choose to fly into:
Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
Da Nang International Airport
It’s also possible to make overland crossings from Laos and Cambodia if you’re already traveling in the region.
10. Top Destinations for UAE Citizens to Visit in Vietnam
Now that you have your visa sorted, let’s talk about where to go once you’re in Vietnam!
Below are the best cities and experiences that are UAE residents’ favorites:
Hanoi: Vietnam’s cultural capital with its scenic lakes and Old Quarter charm.
Ha Long Bay: UNESCO World Heritage Site with green waters and limestone islands.
Da Nang: Modern beach city ideal for couples and families.
Hoi An: Ancient town renowned for lanterns, riverside cafes, and tailored garments.
Ho Chi Minh City: Country’s business capital with lots of history, shopping, and nightlife.
Ninh Binh: Vietnam’s inland Halong Bay — peaceful and scenic.
There’s something unique each city has to offer, whether you’re into luxury resorts, nature trips, or cultural heritage.
11. Why Apply with Global Sky Visa
At Global Sky Visa, we make the Vietnam visa application process simple, secure, and 100% stress-free.
Our services:
Professional documentation and application checking
Quick visa approvals with tracking updates
Assistance for UAE residents and expats
✅ Visa services to different destinations (Schengen, Thailand, Singapore & others)
✅ Custom travel assistance
We offer geo-optimized visa services, which means we tailor each application for UAE residents for compliance and quick processing.
You can have a hassle-free and timely Vietnam holiday with our help.
12. FAQs: Vietnam Tourist Visa for UAE Residents
Q1: How long does it take to get a Vietnam visa from the UAE?
Normally 3–5 working days for e-Visas and 2–3 days for approval letters for Visa on Arrival.
Q2: Can UAE residents extend the Vietnam tourist visa?
Yes, extensions are possible at the Immigration Department of Vietnam or via tour agencies.
Q3: Can I enter Vietnam multiple times using a single visa?
Yes, if you opt for a multiple-entry option when applying.
Q4: Do Emirati citizens get visa-free entry?
No, Emiratis still need to have a valid visa or e-Visa before entry.
Q5: What happens if my visa is rejected?
Global Sky Visa helps re-check your application and re-submit it accordingly to get it accepted.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a Vietnam tourist visa from the UAE is now easier, faster, and more reliable than ever. With straightforward online processes and professional guidance from Global Sky Visa, your trip to Vietnam is just a click away.
From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the peaceful beaches of Da Nang, Vietnam has memories to last a lifetime. Don’t wait — apply for your visa today and let your next adventure begin.