Guidelines for Tourist Visa Application Procedures, Costs & Latest Tips 2025

Overview of a Tourist Visa

A tourist visa is an entry permit issued by a country’s consulate or embassy, allowing foreigners to stay for a short period for purposes such as sightseeing, leisure, visiting relatives, or attending short-term events. This type of visa is entirely different from a work visa (for legal employment) or a student visa (for long-term study).

In most cases, visa applications can be submitted at embassies, visa application centers, or through trusted services like iVISA for full support. To avoid entry refusals and ensure smooth travel plans, it is advisable to apply around 4–6 weeks before departure. Typical applicants include independent travelers, short-term business visitors, or participants in international conferences. The basic process involves preparing the required documents (passport, photos, proof of finances, employment documents, travel itinerary), submitting them through the appropriate channel, and tracking the result until the visa is issued.

Currently, Vietnamese travelers often apply for tourist visas to countries such as South Korea, China, Taiwan, Dubai (UAE), Japan, and Hong Kong. Each destination has its own requirements and policies, so thorough research before applying will save time, reduce costs, and increase the chances of approval.

General Procedure for Applying for a Tourist Visa

Each country has its own regulations, but the basic process usually includes 5 steps:

Step 1: Prepare personal documents

• Passport valid for at least 6 months

• White-background ID photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm)

• National ID card / Citizen ID

Step 2: Provide proof of financial status

• Savings book or bank statements from the last 3–6 months

• Property ownership documents (house, car, etc., if available)

Step 3: Provide work-related documents

• For employees: Employment contract, leave approval letter

• For business owners: Business license, tax reports

Step 4: Prepare your travel itinerary

• Round-trip flight booking

• Hotel reservation confirmation or an invitation letter

Step 5: Submit your application

• At the Embassy/Consulate: Best for those familiar with procedures and prefer doing it themselves

• Through a Visa Application Center: Offers support with printing, translations, and submissions

• Through iVISA: The most convenient option for busy applicants, first-timers, or those wanting to increase approval chances. iVISA provides end-to-end support, including consultation, document preparation, translation, notarization, form filling, submission, interview practice (if required), and result tracking.

General List of Required Documents (for reference):

Type of Document	Mandatory for Most Countries	Depending on Country Requirements & Specific Cases
Passport, ID photos	✅
Proof of financial status	✅
Work/Study documents	✅
Travel itinerary	✅
Invitation letter (for family/friend visits)		✅
Travel insurance		✅
Proof of family relationship (if traveling with relatives)		✅

Visa Processing Time:

Tourist visa applications are generally processed within 5 to 30 working days, depending on the destination country, type of tourist visa, and the time of application (peak seasons may take longer). To minimize risks and avoid delays, it is strongly recommended to submit your application well in advance.

Detailed Tourist Visa Procedures by Country

Each country has its own specific requirements and application process. Below is a detailed guide for popular destinations frequently chosen by Vietnamese travelers.

Please note that the requirements listed below apply generally to all applicants. When you start preparing your application, the iVISA team will review your individual case and provide tailored consultation and optimal solutions to ensure your documents meet all requirements and maximize your chances of visa approval.

South Korea Tourist Visa Application Procedure

Required documents when applying for a South Korea tourist visa:

• Visa application form: Fully completed according to the Embassy/Consulate’s template, signed by the applicant.

• Passport: Original passport valid for at least 6 months, signed by the applicant.

• Photos: Two (2) recent passport-sized photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months).

• Personal identification: Copy of National ID/ Citizen ID, and notarized copy of household registration book (all pages, including blank ones).

Proof of financial status:

• Savings account with a minimum balance of USD 5,000 (or approx. 120–130 million VND), deposited at least 3 months prior.

• Bank-issued certificate confirming savings account balance with official stamp.

• If personal finances are insufficient, applicants may provide proof through family members (parents, spouse), along with documents verifying the relationship and a sponsorship letter.

• Property ownership documents (real estate, car, stocks, etc., if available) to strengthen the application.

Work-related documents:

• For employees: Employment contract, appointment decision (if applicable), company-approved leave letter, and last 3 months’ bank salary statements (if salary paid via bank).

• For business owners: Business license, latest tax receipts, or financial reports from the past 3 months.

Detailed travel itinerary:
Must include travel dates, cities to be visited, planned attractions, hotel names and addresses, and flight details (reservation code).

Type of South Korea Visa	Fee	Estimated Processing Time
Tourist Visa (C3-9)	2,190,000 VND	8–10 working days

China Tourist Visa Application Procedure (2025 Update)

Application Process:

1. Online registration: Complete the visa application form online via the official Chinese consular system. This is the first and mandatory step.

2. Biometric appointment: After submitting the online form, schedule an appointment at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) to provide fingerprints and have your photo taken (biometrics).

3. Submit original documents & interview (if required): After biometrics, submit your original documents. Some applicants may be required to attend an in-person interview.

Required documents (for Tourist Visa Type L):

• Online visa application form: Printed and signed.

• Passport: Original, valid for at least 6 months, with at least 2 blank pages.

• Photos: Two (2) recent photos (4.8 x 3.3 cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months, clear face, no glasses or only thin-rimmed glasses that don’t cover the eyes, no hats, formal attire).

• Proof of financial status:

  • Bank statements for the past 3–6 months.

  • Bank balance confirmation with a minimum of 50 million VND.

  • Savings book (if available, the more the better).

• Round-trip flight booking: Reservation confirmation.

• Hotel reservation confirmation: Covering the entire stay in China.

• Detailed travel itinerary: Including destinations, activities, and means of transportation.

China Visa Fees & Processing Time

Type of Visa	Fee	Estimated Processing Time
Tourist Visa (L30)	2,790,000 VND	5–15 working days

Taiwan Tourist Visa Application Procedure

Basic documents required:

• Visa application form: Fully completed and signed.
• Passport: Original, valid for at least 6 months.
• Photos: Two (2) passport-sized photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months).
• Proof of financial status: Savings book and bank balance confirmation (recommended minimum: 100 million VND).
• Work-related documents: Employment contract and leave approval letter, or business license.
• Travel itinerary: Detailed plan including sightseeing spots, round-trip flight tickets, and hotel booking confirmations.

Taiwan Visa Fees & Processing Time:

Type of Visa	Fee	Estimated Processing Time
Tourist Visa	2,990,000 VND	5–7 working days

Note: Taiwan offers a conditional visa exemption for Vietnamese citizens. You may be eligible if you hold a valid visa (or one expired within the last 10 years) from the U.S., Canada, U.K., Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Schengen countries, or South Korea (including permanent residence permits and long-term residence cards).

In this case, you must register for an “Online Entry Permit” before your trip.

Dubai (UAE) Tourist Visa Application Procedure

Required documents:

• Passport: Personal information page, valid for at least 6 months.

• Photo: One (1) passport photo (4.5 x 6 cm, white background, clear face, digital file required).

Visa Fees & Processing Time:

Type of Visa	Fee	Estimated Processing Time
30-Day Visa	3,790,000 VND	1–3 working days (urgent: within 24h)
60-Day Tourist Visa (Single Entry)	4,890,000 VND	—
60-Day Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)	6,890,000 VND	—
Dubai Visa Extension	8,190,000 VND	—

Japan & Hong Kong Tourist Visa Procedures

Japan Tourist Visa:

• High financial proof requirement: Savings account of at least 100–200 million VND, deposited for at least 3 months. Financial sources must be transparent.

• Thorough documentation: All documents — personal, employment, financial, and travel itinerary — must be prepared in a very detailed, clear, and logical manner. Even small inconsistencies or missing documents may lead to rejection.

• Specific travel itinerary: A detailed and reasonable plan of destinations, length of stay at each place, transportation, and planned activities is required.

Hong Kong Tourist Visa (e-Visa):

• Basic requirements: Personal, employment, financial documents, plus confirmed bookings (round-trip flight tickets and hotel reservations) are extremely important.

• Invitation letter: If you have relatives or friends in Hong Kong providing an invitation, this will significantly strengthen your application.

Visa Fees & Processing Time:

Type of Visa	Fee	Estimated Processing Time
Japan Tourist Visa	2,490,000 VND	8–10 working days
Hong Kong Tourist Visa (e-Visa)	2,290,000 VND	8–10 working days

Comparison of Tourist Visa Costs & Services

Deciding whether to apply for a visa on your own or use a service depends on your time, experience, and budget. Below is a comparison table of fees and processing times for popular destinations. The table includes both the official embassy/consulate fees and reference service fees at iVISA (not including translation and notarization fees).

Tips for a Successful Visa Application

When applying for a tourist visa, you can either apply by yourself or use a professional visa service.

• Self-application:

  • Advantages: Saves service fees, suitable for those who have plenty of time, prior experience, or a strong and straightforward profile.

  • Disadvantages: Requires significant effort to research regulations, handle paperwork, and wait in long queues. Even a small mistake can result in visa rejection, and you won’t have expert support if unexpected issues arise.

• Using iVISA’s services:

  • Advantages:

    • Increases approval chances thanks to expert-reviewed and optimized applications.

    • Saves time and effort by avoiding multiple trips and long waits.

    • Professional consultation on document preparation, financial proof, and interview practice if required.

    • Transparent process with continuous updates.

    • Ability to handle weak or complex cases effectively.

  • Consideration: Service fees apply, but compared to the peace of mind and higher success rate, it’s a worthwhile investment to ensure a smooth trip and avoid unnecessary complications.

Special Regulations for Tourist Visa Applications

• A tourist visa does not allow employment under any circumstances. Violating this rule may result in visa cancellation and a ban on future entry.

• The 96-hour transit visa in Dubai is strictly for transit passengers only and also prohibits any form of work.

• In some cases, tourist visas can be extended, depending on each country’s regulations.

• If your application is rejected, you should reapply after 3–6 months, with a more thoroughly prepared set of documents.

• Using a professional visa service is recommended if you need quick results, want to increase approval chances, or do not have enough time to handle the process yourself.

FAQ

Can a tourist visa be extended?

Yes, but it depends on the country and your initial length of stay. Some countries allow extensions directly at the immigration office, while others require you to leave the territory and apply for a new visa.

What if my visa application is rejected?

You may reapply after 3–6 months. During that time, carefully review the reasons for rejection, prepare a more complete application, and provide stronger supporting evidence.

When should I use a visa service?

If you are not familiar with the procedures, need faster processing, or want to maximize your approval chances from the very first attempt. Trusted service providers can advise on the most suitable visa type, help you prepare a solid application, and track the result on your behalf.

Visa Difficulty Levels by Country

In terms of difficulty: countries like Dubai and Hong Kong are generally easier to obtain visas for; Taiwan and China fall into the medium range; while Japan and South Korea have stricter requirements. Since visa laws and policies change frequently, it is essential to regularly check updates from the Embassy or Ministry of Foreign Affairs to avoid mistakes during the application process.

The Importance of Policy Updates

Visa policies in each country are subject to frequent changes depending on security conditions, diplomatic relations, or immigration law adjustments. These directly affect document requirements, fees, processing times, and entry conditions. Staying updated through official sources such as embassies, consulates, ministries of foreign affairs, or government websites helps applicants avoid unnecessary mistakes, save time, and reduce costs.

The Value of Transparent Visa Services

A reliable and transparent visa service helps applicants save time, minimize errors, and maximize approval chances. Clear processes, upfront pricing, and a commitment to support until results are received are key factors in choosing a trusted provider. iVISA is a prime example, offering comprehensive solutions — from consulting on the right visa type, preparing documents according to each country’s requirements, to tracking applications and handling issues promptly. With a 24/7 dedicated team, iVISA ensures clients receive fast and effective support, providing peace of mind for every trip.

Contact Information:

iVISA Property & Citizenship

• Address: Số 99 Nguyễn Thị Nhung, phường Hiệp Bình, TPHCM
• Hotline: 0937 999 610
• Email: info.ivisatravel@gmail.com