A clear guide to the Vietnam visa for Filipino citizens: who needs one, documents, fees, processing time, and how to apply online.
Good news for travellers from the Philippines: thanks to regional agreements, the Vietnam visa for Filipino citizens is often simpler than for many other nationalities — and for the times you do need one, it's usually a quick online application from home in Manila, Cebu, or Davao.
At MyVietVisa we help plenty of Filipino tourists, OFWs on holiday, and business travellers, so we know the questions that come up. This guide explains who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes, and how to apply online.
Do Filipino citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
As ASEAN neighbours, Vietnam and the Philippines have a visa-exemption arrangement that lets Filipino passport holders enter for short stays without a visa — but it comes with limits on how many days you can stay, and the conditions can change. If your trip runs longer than the exempt period, or you want to be sure, you'll need an e-visa or a visa arranged in advance. Always confirm the current rules and the exact number of exempt days before you book, because going over your allowance is the most common problem we help travellers avoid.
If you have Vietnamese heritage, you may also qualify for a multi-year visa exemption certificate. Our Viet Kieu exemption guide explains who's eligible.
Your Vietnam visa options
When you do need a visa, the Vietnam visa for Filipino citizens generally comes down to three routes:
- E-visa (most common for longer stays): Applied for entirely online and emailed as a PDF. Accepted at major airports and many land and sea borders.
- Visa on arrival (VOA): Requires a pre-arranged approval letter, then you collect the visa at a Vietnamese airport. Air arrivals only.
- Embassy/consulate visa: Arranged through the Embassy of Vietnam in Manila. Best for longer stays, work, or special categories.
Not sure whether you even need one? Our visa checker tells you in about a minute.
Requirements and documents
If you're applying for a visa, the list is short. You'll typically need:
- A Philippine passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, with a couple of blank pages.
- A clear colour scan of your passport bio page — flat, no glare, all corners visible.
- A recent passport-style photo on a plain background (no glasses, no hats).
- Your travel dates and intended port of entry, such as Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City or Noi Bai in Hanoi.
- A Vietnam address — a hotel booking or a relative's home is fine.
Watch your stay limit
If you enter visa-free, count your days carefully and keep your return ticket handy — overstaying even by a day can mean fines and headaches at departure. When in doubt, an e-visa gives you a clearer, longer window.
Cost and processing time
If you apply for an e-visa, the total is the government fee — which depends on single or multiple entry — plus any service fee if you use an agent. Government fees change from time to time, so treat any figure online as an estimate and confirm the current rate before paying. Our clear pricing shows what we charge to handle everything for you.
A standard e-visa usually processes in a few business days, but these are estimates, not guarantees. Flying soon? An expedited Vietnamese visa can shorten the wait considerably.
How to apply online, step by step
- Confirm whether your trip needs a visa or fits within the exemption window.
- If you need one, choose your visa type and entry option.
- Enter your details exactly as printed on your passport.
- Upload your bio-page scan and photo.
- Add your arrival date and port of entry, then pay and submit.
- Receive your approval, print a copy, and carry it with you.
Apply through us and a real person reviews every field before submission. For the finer points, our FAQ answers what Filipino travellers ask most.
A few tips for Filipino travellers heading to Vietnam
If you're flying out of Manila or Cebu, keep proof of onward travel handy — airline and immigration staff sometimes ask for it. If you carry an e-visa, print it before you fly. And remember everyone travelling needs their own visa or exemption, children and infants included.
Ready to sort your Vietnam visa the easy way? Start your application and we'll take it from here, or book a free consultation if you'd like to check your options first.
📌Start here: The complete Vietnam e-visa guideFrequently asked questions
Do Filipino citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
As ASEAN neighbours, Vietnam and the Philippines have a visa-exemption arrangement that lets Filipino passport holders enter for short stays without a visa — but it comes with limits on how many days you can stay, and the conditions can change. If your trip runs longer than the exempt period, or you want to be...
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General information to help you plan, not legal advice; visa and travel rules change. Contact us for your specific situation.