Vietnam Visa RequirementsFor Qatar passport holders
Qatari nationals are eligible for Vietnam's 90-day e-Visa for $25, applied entirely online. Processing takes 3 business days. Vietnam is growing in popularity among Gulf travelers for its diverse landscapes, food culture, and affordability. Qatar Airways connects Doha to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Qatar passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to Vietnam.
Apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Upload passport photo and bio page scan. Pay $25 by Visa or Mastercard. Processing takes 3 business days. Print the approved e-Visa and present with passport at immigration. Entry must be via a designated e-Visa checkpoint.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Passport Photo
Digital photo uploaded during online application (portrait, white background, JPG format).
Payment Card
Credit or debit card for USD 25 e-Visa fee at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.
Required at Entry
Vietnam e-Visa Approval Letter
Printed or digital copy from evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Present at port of entry.
Valid Qatari Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond stay. Passport number must match e-Visa.
Return or Onward Ticket
Confirmed booking showing departure from Vietnam.
Current Travel Situation
Qatar to Vietnam: What You Need to Know
Vietnam's e-Visa now allows 90-day stays for most nationalities including Qatar, a significant improvement over the previous 30-day limit. The $25 e-Visa is processed online in 3 business days and covers major entry airports including Hanoi Noi Bai (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Da Nang (DAD), and Phu Quoc (PQC).
Vietnam has become an attractive Southeast Asian destination for Qatari tourists and Gulf families living in Qatar. Ha Long Bay, Hoi An's lantern-lit streets, Ho Chi Minh City's energy, and Phu Quoc's beaches are key draws. Vietnam's cuisine is world-renowned (pho, banh mi, fresh spring rolls). Gulf travelers are discovering Vietnam as an alternative to Thailand with comparable beauty at competitive prices.
How to Get There
Qatar Airways operates direct flights from Doha (DOH) to Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Flight time is approximately 7 to 8 hours. Da Nang (DAD) may require a short domestic connection from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Money & Banking
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). As of 2024, approximately 25,000 VND per USD. Vietnam is very affordable. Good hotels in Ho Chi Minh City run $50 to $150. Ha Long Bay cruises range from $100 to $400 per person for a 2-night trip. ATMs charge approximately VND 50,000 per transaction. Bring USD to exchange at favorable rates.
Practical Tips
Best time to visit varies by region: Ho Chi Minh City (south) is good November to April. Hanoi and northern Vietnam best October to April. Hoi An receives heavy rain October to November.
Ha Long Bay: UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a 2-night cruise from Hanoi (Halong or the less-crowded Lan Ha Bay near Cat Ba Island). Kayaking through limestone karsts and swimming in emerald water is the classic experience.
Halal options: Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 has halal restaurants. Phu Quoc island has Muslim-friendly resort options. Mosques are present in Ho Chi Minh City.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Qatari nationals get a Vietnam e-Visa?
Yes. Qatari passport holders are eligible for Vietnam's 90-day e-Visa for $25. Apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Processing takes 3 business days.
Qatar Airways flies to both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City - what are the differences?
Hanoi is Vietnam's capital, with a more traditional Vietnamese character: the Old Quarter with its 36 craft streets, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Ha Long Bay is 3.5 hours from Hanoi. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is more modern, energetic, and cosmopolitan, with French colonial architecture, excellent food, and a vibrant cafe culture. For a first visit, Ho Chi Minh City is more exciting; for culture, Hanoi.
What is the best cruise option for Ha Long Bay?
Ha Long Bay is best experienced on a 2-night cruise. Quality operators include Heritage Cruises (sustainable focus), Paradise Cruises, and Era Cruises. Standard activities include kayaking through limestone karsts, swimming, seafood dinners, and tai chi at sunrise on deck. The less-crowded Lan Ha Bay (adjacent to Ha Long, accessed from Cat Ba Island) is recommended for smaller groups.
How does Hoi An's tailoring work for Qatari visitors?
Hoi An has hundreds of tailoring shops that can produce custom suits, shirts, dresses, and garments in 24 to 48 hours. Quality varies; reputable recommended shops include Yaly Couture, Bebe Tailor, and A Dong Silk. Bring reference photos of styles you want. Prices: custom suit $100 to $200, dress $30 to $80. Allow 2 to 3 days in Hoi An for fittings and alterations.
What is Phu Quoc island like for Gulf families?
Phu Quoc is Vietnam's largest island in the Gulf of Thailand. It has transformed into a luxury resort destination with international hotels (JW Marriott, InterContinental, Fusion Resort). Beaches are cleaner than mainland Vietnam. The Vinpearl Safari and theme park complex is family-friendly. Qatar Airways connects Doha to Phu Quoc seasonally or via Ho Chi Minh City.
Is there a Ramadan consideration when visiting Vietnam?
Vietnam does not observe Ramadan broadly, though the Muslim Cham community in the south has Ramadan practices. Halal restaurants are available year-round in tourist areas but increase in visibility during Ramadan for international visitors. In general, Vietnam's seafood-heavy cuisine is more accommodating for Muslim travelers than pork-focused Vietnamese home cooking.