Vietnam visa for Canadians
Do Canadians need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, it’s necessary to obtain a Vietnamese visa for Canadian citizens who wish to explore this wonderful country.
Thankfully, Canadians are eligible for the online visa, which saves you the time and trouble of having to go in person to an embassy or consulate.
There are two different types of Vietnam e Visa for Canadian citizens: the single entry visa (which allows for stays of 30 days) and the multiple entry visa (you can enter and leave as many times as you like, but you can only stay for up to 90 days per entry).
What are the requirements to apply for a visa for Vietnam from Canada?
These are the visa requirements to obtain the Vietnamese visa for Canadian citizens:
- A passport with at least six months of validity remaining after traveling. It must also be free of damage and have at least 2 empty pages. You’ll also need to provide a scanned copy of the biodata page of the passport.
- A digital, color and passport-size photo. For an in depth guide on how to upload the correct photograph, head to our section about the Vietnam visa requirements.
Besides these essential requirements, you’ll need an email address to receive the approved document and a bank card to pay for the visa fees.
How to get a Vietnam e Visa for Canadian citizens
Canadians are eligible to apply for the electronic visa for Vietnam, which is the quickest and easiest application method. Since the entire process is carried out online, you’ll be able to proceed from anywhere you like as long as you have an internet connection.
To apply for the visa for Vietnam from Canada, you only need to follow these simple steps:
- Choose the visa type that best fits your needs
- Fill out the application form with personal and travel-related information
- Send in the form and pay for the fees using a bank card
And that’s it! Once your payment has been confirmed, you’ll have to wait less than a week for your visa, which will be sent directly to the email address you provided. The processing time is usually 3 working days.
Where do you go if you need assistance in Vietnam?
Embassy (Hanoi)
Address: 31 Hùng Vương, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Phone: 84 (24) 3734-5000
Fax: 84 (24) 3734-5049
Email: hanoi@international.gc.ca
To visit the Embassy’s website, click here.
Consulate General (Ho Chi Minh City)
Address: 9th Floor, The Metropolitan, 235 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Phone: 84 (28) 3827-9899
Fax: 84 (28) 3827-9936
Email: hochi@international.gc.ca
Click here to visit their website.
Advisory to travel to Vietnam from Canada
Cultural guidelines
It’s important to note that it’s forbidden to take photographs of military personnel and buildings. Border crossings are also off limits. You can also run into trouble for posting negative messages about Vietnam’s government on social media, or for participating in political/social protests. Try to avoid all manifestations and always carry your ID with you.
Also, it’s illegal to gamble outside of licensed casinos. You’ll need to present your passport to be allowed into these casinos.
If you’re caught using or holding illegal drugs, you can face jail time.
For more information, visit our guide to Vietnamese culture.
Do you need travel insurance?
Having travel insurance isn’t mandatory for Vietnam, but it’s always recommended.
For more information about diseases prevalent and more advice to take care of yourself abroad, read about healthcare in Vietnam.
Dual citizenship
Vietnam doesn’t recognize dual citizenship. If you’re a citizen of Canada and Vietnam, check which country’s diplomatic representation you’re supposed to visit on your trip.
Diplomatic representations of Vietnam in Canada
Embassy (Ottawa)
Address: 55 Mackay Street, Ottawa, ON K1M 2B2
Telephone: 613-236-0772
Fax: 613-236-2704
Email: info@vietnamembassy.ca
Email for visa and consular enquiries: visa@vietnamembassy.ca
Go to their website here.
Emergency contacts
It’s important to be aware of the emergency phone numbers for every country you visit. That way, you’ll always be prepared for unexpected issues. In the case of Vietnam, you should add these numbers to your contact list (or save them as a note on your phone):
- Police: 113
- Fire: 114
- Ambulance: 115
Additionally, the government offers emergency assistance to Canadians abroad. Carry these contacts with you when you leave for a day of sightseeing:
- Email: sos@international.gc.ca
- Phone: +1 613 996 8885
- SMS: +1-613-686-3658
- Whatsapp: +1-613-909-8881
- Telegram channel: Canada Emergency Abroad
- If you or your companions suffer from hearing loss: 613-944-1310
General tips before you travel to Vietnam from Canada
Country code
+84
Power plugs and sockets
The most used types of power plugs in Vietnam are A and C. Type A is common in Canada, so you might not need a travel adaptor.
In terms of voltage, the standard is 220 V with a 50 Hz frequency.
Official language
Vietnamese. English is widely used in tourist areas, so travelers aren’t likely to run into communication issues.
Average temperature
The weather changes drastically from season to season and according to the region you visit. Read our detailed guide to the weather in Vietnam for more information.
Internet connectivity
Free WiFi is widely available in public or tourist spaces such as restaurants, hotels, cafes, airports, shops and restaurants. If you need to buy a local SIM card, you can choose amongst the data plans of Vinaphone, Viettel and Mobiphone.
Can you drink tap water in Vietnam?
No, make sure you only drink water from sealed bottles.