Vietnam is a stunning country, renowned for its delicious food, incredible scenery and friendly people – but getting there takes a little organisation!
For Australians, it’s not quite as simple as just booking the next flight over, you will need a visa. Here’s all you need to know about a Vietnam visa for Australian citizens.
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e-Visas for Australian Citizens
Since 1996, all Australian citizens travelling to Vietnam have been able to obtain a visa on arrival at the airport in Vietnam.
However, in 2018 Vietnam made it possible for a select number of countries to pick up their visas before they leave for Vietnam – including Australians!
An electronic visa (E-Visa) is one of the easiest ways for Australians to get permission to enter the country. These are single entry and last for just 30 days.
This means that you cannot enter and leave Vietnam repeatedly within those 30 days, you must stay in the country and if you leave, you won’t be allowed back in.
How to apply?
Australians can personally apply for their E-Visas through the Vietnamese government website or there’s a number of agencies that will do it for you at a cost.
It’s paid for online, and you will receive your E-Visa in just 72 hours, ideal if you’re travelling to the country last minute or have a sudden change of plans.
This online process requests you to fill out an online application form. You will then receive an application code and pay the fee.
Within 72 hours, your E-Visa will be available to print.
Present this visa at one of Vietnam’s 8 international airports or, if you are travelling in by boat or overland, at the port you arrive in at.
Your passport will then be stamped and you will be allowed to enter the country.
This is by far the simplest and most efficient way to obtain your Vietnam visa.
Multiple Entries
If you are planning to stay in Vietnam for longer than 30 days, or you wish to enter and then leave the country more than once, you will need to apply for a tourist visa directly from your 
Vietnamese embassy.
To do this, you first need to complete the visa application form online, and send it to the embassy or consulate. This must be done before you leave the country.
You will then be provided with a letter giving you permission for the visa to be issued when you arrive.
What to watch out for?
Ensure the information you provide when you apply for your E-Visa or tourist visa matches that of your passport. Many travellers get caught out when they make careless mistakes on their 
application, and have to pay large fines when they enter the country.
On your application form you will be asked for your temporary residential address in Vietnam. For this, it’s best just to put the address of the first place you will be staying.
Your passport should also be valid for 6 months beyond the date you leave the country, and make sure you don’t overstay your visa. Staying beyond the allowed 30 days (or beyond the number of days you have on your tourist visa) will delay your exit and you will face fines.
Finally, make sure you hang onto the piece of paper you are given when you enter the country! You will need this when you leave and if you lose it, you could also face delays.