All Canadians must obtain a Visa to enter Vietnam. A visa is needed for visitors who come for business, tourism or as a student. Failure to obtain one will result in being barred access to the country. Most tourist visas are obtained for a single entry and exit.
Canadian nationals have several options for applying for a visa. One is to visit the Vietnam embassy in Canada, in Ottawa, to apply for a visa. If that is a too far to travel, you can apply by mail with the embassy of Vietnam as early as six months prior to travel.
If you apply by mail, there are several items to include with your application. You must include your original passport, or a copy of the passport in certain situations where urgency is required. You must also include a 2-by-2-inch headshot photo, a self-addressed stamped envelope and the appropriate fees. Visit the Vietnamese embassy's website for current information.
You must also have a valid passport to travel in Vietnam. No other document, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, is valid. The passport must be valid for at least one month beyond your expected departure from the country.
Always check with the Vietnamese embassy before traveling to see if guidelines have changed. Rules and regulations are constantly changing. It is the responsibility of the traveller to stay informed of these changes and to make the proper arrangements.
