Australians travelling to Vietnam for cosmetic surgery need a visa. The process is straightforward, inexpensive, and handled entirely online before you leave home.
At COS MEDCONNECT, we help coordinate the visa process for every client travelling to Ho Chi Minh City for surgery. This guide covers exactly what the e-visa involves, when to apply, what documents you need, and the two mistakes that catch people out.
Do Australians Need a Visa for Vietnam
Yes. Australia does not have a visa exemption arrangement with Vietnam, so all Australian passport holders need to obtain a visa before arrival. The e-visa is the simplest option and the one COS MEDCONNECT recommends for all clients.
How to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa
The application is completed through the official Vietnam Immigration Department portal online. You will need a valid passport, a passport-style photo, and your travel details, including your intended entry and exit dates.
Processing takes approximately three business days. The visa is issued digitally and you present it at immigration on arrival. The cost is approximately $40 AUD for a single-entry, 90-day visa.
A few things to have ready before you start the application:
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Vietnam
- You will need confirmed flight details before applying
- Your hotel booking confirmation is also required as part of the application
- Your photo must meet the portal’s specification: plain background, full face, no glasses
When to Apply and Why Timing Matters
The single most important thing COS MEDCONNECT tells clients about the visa is to apply at least four weeks before travel. That gives you enough buffer if the portal requests a resubmission or your photo is flagged.
There is also a sequencing issue that catches people out. You cannot complete the visa application without confirmed flights and accommodation. This means the visa application cannot be the first thing you organise. Book your flights and hotel first, then apply.
For clients who leave visa applications until two to three weeks before departure, the buffer disappears fast.
The Two Mistakes Clients Run Into
Based on COS MEDCONNECT’s coordination experience, two issues come up repeatedly.
The first is applying too late. Clients tend to focus on the surgery itself and treat the visa as a formality they will handle closer to departure. When the portal requests a resubmission or the photo is rejected, there is no longer enough time to resolve it without stress.
You also risk having to process your visa on arrival instead, which incurs a higher cost.
The second is submitting a non-compliant photo. The Vietnam e-visa portal has specific requirements: plain white or light background, full face visible, no glasses, taken within the last six months.
A photo taken on a phone in front of a patterned wall is the most common reason for a rejection. Use a photo booth or a proper passport photo service.
How Long Can Australians Stay in Vietnam?
The e-visa allows a single entry stay of up to 90 days. For a cosmetic surgery trip, most COS MEDCONNECT clients stay between nine and fourteen nights depending on their procedure. The 90-day visa gives you a significant buffer well beyond what a surgery trip requires.
How COS MEDCONNECT Supports Your Vietnam Visa Application
Visa guidance is included in all three recovery packages: Basic, Comfort, and Luxury. Your coordinator answers questions, tells you exactly what documentation you need, and walks you through what to enter in the application.
Clients on the Luxury package receive a more hands-on service: COS MEDCONNECT manages the visa application on your behalf, so you do not need to navigate the portal yourself.
COS MEDCONNECT – Australia’s cosmetic surgery coordinator in Vietnam
COS MEDCONNECT is an Australian-founded medical tourism company that coordinates cosmetic surgery procedures in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The company connects Australian clients with qualified surgeons, managing the full journey from online consultation and travel logistics through to post-operative recovery support.
Website: cosmedconnect.com
Email: hello@cosmedconnect.com
Facebook: facebook.com/cosmedconnect
Instagram: @cos_medconnect
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a visa on arrival in Vietnam as an Australian?
Visa on arrival is still available, but it requires a pre-approved letter before you fly and costs more than the e-visa. For most clients, the e-visa applied for online before departure is the simpler and cheaper option.
How long does the Vietnam e-visa take to process?
Processing times vary and can take up to two weeks, especially during busy periods or if your application needs resubmission. Applying at least four weeks before you travel gives you plenty of room to handle any delay without stress..
Do I need to have my flights booked before applying for the visa?
Yes. The application requires confirmed flight and accommodation details. Book your flights and hotel first, then apply for the visa.
What happens if my visa application is rejected?
You can reapply. The most common reasons for rejection are a non-compliant photo or missing travel details. Fix the specific issue and resubmit. This is why applying with enough lead time matters.
Does COS MEDCONNECT help with the visa?
Yes. Visa guidance is included in all packages. Clients on the Luxury package have their application managed by COS MEDCONNECT directly.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Vietnam visa requirements for Australian travellers and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa policies and fees are subject to change. Verify current requirements through the official Vietnam Immigration Department portal before applying. COS MEDCONNECT coordinates access to surgical services but does not perform surgical procedures or provide medical or immigration advice.
Jane is the founder of COS MEDCONNECT. She enjoys sharing knowledge about cosmetic surgery and is passionate about helping people find trusted providers
