Vietnam visa for Switzerland citizens

Do Swiss citizens need a visa for Vietnam?

Swiss passport holders who currently reside in Switzerland and other countries will need a visa to visit Vietnam. Swiss nationals can apply for several types of visas to enter Vietnam:

• Tourist visa: The visa is used to enter Vietnam for tourism purposes and is valid for stays of up to 90 days, single entry only.
• Business visa: This type of visa is available for visiting Vietnam for business purposes. It is valid for stays of up to 90 days either single or multiple entry.
• Work visa: A work visa is needed if you intend to work in Vietnam and is issued for stays of up to 1 year.
• Transit visa: You need a transit visa if you want to transit through Vietnam to reach the final destination.

Visa requirements in brief:

How to apply for a Vietnamese visa on a Swiss passport

Swiss passport holders are required to apply for a visa to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, or other purposes. The visa can be obtained through several ways:

Apply for e-visa online

Swiss passports are eligible for an e-visa through the Vietnam Immigration Department's e-visa system. The e-visa is valid for up to 90 days and can only be used for both single/multiple-entry visits.

To obtain a Vietnam e-visa, you need to:

• Complete an online application form which is available at https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.
• Upload a passport photo and a scanned copy of your valid passport. 
• Finally, pay the visa fee online (25 USD ~ 22.95 CHF) and wait for 03 working days for an e-visa issued and sent to your email. 

Apply for a visa on arrival

Furthermore, you can also apply for a visa on arrival when you arrive at one of Vietnam's international airports.

• You need to apply online for a visa approval letter through a reputable travel agency or visa service company. 
• Pay the visa approval letter fee (depending on the types of visas you apply for).
• Once the approval letter is issued, print it out and bring it along with your passport and a passport photo to get a visa stamped at a Vietnam airport. 

How much is the visa fee for Swiss passports?

Fee comparison

Travel tips for Swiss citizens visiting Vietnam

How to get there

There are a number of airlines offering connected flights between major cities of Vietnam and Switzerland. All flights need transits over at least one stopover.  

Geneva - Ho Chi Minh City

Geneva - Hanoi

Zurich - Ho Chi Minh City

Weather information

Due to differences in geographic locations and topography, Vietnam and Switzerland have different climates and weather patterns changing according to seasons.

• Climate: While Vietnam features a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity, the climate in Switzerland is temperate with four distinct seasons.
• Temperature: The average temperature of Vietnam ranges from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius which is quite hot throughout the year. The north of Vietnam has a lower range of temperatures compared to the south. In contrast, Switzerland experiences a range of temperatures throughout the year due to its temperate climate. During the summer months (June to August), temperatures are from 18 to 28 degrees Celsius, while in the winter months (December to February), temperatures range from -2 to 7 degrees Celsius. 
• Rainfall: Vietnam’s rainy season starts from May to October with the Central Coast being more prone to typhoons and flooding. Switzerland, on the other hand, has a more consistent amount of rainfall.