As part of its initiatives to control the rapid spread of the coronavirus, also known as Covid 19, Vietnam has suspended issuing new visas to all foreign nationals. Not only that, but Vietnam has also stopped the visa-free entry of those foreigners who are part of the visa waiver policy. Under this policy, Vietnam will allow certain nationalities to enter Vietnam even if they don’t possess any visa. Among those who are qualified for a visa-free entry are the citizens of Japan.

The Vietnam Visa Waiver Program

There are more than 20 nationalities that are exempted from the Vietnam visa under the visa waiver policy. Among these are the Japanese, who are among the top International visitors of Vietnam. In 2019, there were more than 900,000 Japanese tourists who came to Vietnam for a holiday. The visa waiver policy was put in place in order to encourage more Japanese visitors to visit the country.

So if you are holding a Japan passport, you don’t need to worry about getting a visa to Vietnam. Just book your flight and take your passport with you. When you arrive at Passport Control, they will immediately let you in just by giving them your Japanese passport. But take note that this visa waiver policy will only allow you to stay in Vietnam for a maximum of 15 days. If you will stay for more than 15 days, then a visa must be presented.

Temporary Suspension of Visa-free Entry Due to Covid 19

Vietnam has fought real hard to control the spread of the coronavirus disease, which has killed thousands around the world. The country has implemented several strict measures in order to protect its citizens. One of these is by preventing the entry of foreign tourists. Most of the coronavirus cases in Vietnam are due to International transmissions. By stopping the entry of foreign visitors, Vietnam was able to restrict the spread of the virus.

And now, the country is opening its borders again and is inviting foreign tourists back into the country. The Vietnam government is hoping to revive its thriving tourism economy by asking foreign visitors to visit the country once again.  So if you’re a Japanese national, take advantage of the visa-free entry now and book a ticket to Vietnam!

Vietnam Visa-free Entry Requirements for Citizens of Japan

Although you no longer need to show a visa to enter Vietnam, you are, however, required to present certain documents. Here’s what you should show the Immigration Officer in order to enjoy a visa-free holiday.

• Valid Japanese passport – your passport is the most important travel document that you need to bring on your holiday to Vietnam. It should remain valid for six months from your entry date. The passport should also have two blank pages for the entry stamps.
• Proof of onward travel – you are required to present a document that shows you will be out of the country before the 15-day period ends. As mentioned, you’re only allowed to stay for 15 days in Vietnam under the visa waiver program.

Applying for a Vietnam Visa for Citizens of Japan

If you find that 15 days are not enough to enjoy your holiday in Vietnam, then you better apply for a visa that will let you stay longer. As a Japanese citizen, applying for a visa to Vietnam should be easy for you. You’re eligible for the e-visa and the visa on arrival.

The e-visa or electronic visa will let you stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days. This is the easiest Vietnam visa to apply because everything is done online. You just need to fill out the visa application form with your name and other relevant details. After a few days, you will get a response to your email informing you of the status of your e-visa application. If they have approved the visa, they will give it to you in PDF format. You just need to print that file and present it at the Immigration of Vietnam.

If you want a visa that will grant you multiple entries with a maximum stay of 90 days, then go for the visa on arrival. You just need to apply for this visa ahead of time. Fill out the form online and wait for a pre-approval letter. Show the letter at the Visa Landing Counter of Vietnam’s airport and they will give you a visa sticker. The visa will be attached to your passport so you can then proceed to Passport Control.