Marking a significant step in simplifying travel procedures and promoting tourism and economic exchange, Turkey will begin offering electronic visas (e-visas) to Vietnamese citizens starting from September 1, 2025.
From that date, Vietnamese nationals holding ordinary passports will be eligible to apply for e-visas online for short-term travel or business purposes. This move is seen as an important milestone in enhancing people-to-people exchanges and strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries, especially amid rising demand for tourism and economic connectivity.
In an official announcement, the Turkish Embassy in Hanoi confirmed that Vietnamese citizens will no longer need a valid visa from the Schengen area, the United States, the United Kingdom, or Ireland to be eligible for a Turkish e-visa, as previously required. This change is expected to remove long-standing procedural barriers that have discouraged many Vietnamese travellers from visiting Turkey.
Applications can be completed entirely online through the official Turkish government portal. The e-visa will be valid for 180 days from the date of issue, allowing a maximum stay of 30 days per entry. The fully digital process shortens approval time, with most applications being processed within minutes or a few hours after submission and fee payment. With the new e-visa system, tour preparation time can be reduced to around 10 days.
To qualify for an e-visa, travellers must hold a valid visa or have previously entered one of the following: the US, the UK, the Schengen area, or Australia. They must also enter Turkey by air, have a return ticket, and show proof of accommodation. Those who do not meet these criteria may still apply via the traditional visa process at the Turkish Embassy in Hanoi.
Thanks to its unique geographic location at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, along with a rich cultural heritage and multiple UNESCO-recognised sites, Turkey is expected to attract more Vietnamese tourists under the streamlined visa process.
The new policy also opens doors to academic exchanges, educational partnerships, and cultural collaboration. As Vietnamese businesses show growing interest in markets across the Middle East and Europe, easier travel will support trade missions, investment forums, and business fairs involving Turkish partners.
Reinforcing bilateral ties, Turkish Airlines is also expanding its presence in Vietnam. According to its Winter 2025 schedule, the airline plans to increase its nonstop flights from Hanoi to Istanbul to 11 flights per week, and from Ho Chi Minh City to Istanbul to 10 flights per week. By the end of 2025, Turkish Airlines is expected to operate a total of 21 direct flights per week between the two countries.
These expanded flight routes will offer Vietnamese travellers greater access to cinematic experiences such as watching the sunrise from a hot air balloon over Cappadocia, exploring the East-meets-West architecture of the Hagia Sophia, walking through Topkapi Palace, or relaxing at the terraced travertine pools of Pamukkale.
Together, the enhanced flight network and favourable e-visa policy are expected to create a well-connected ecosystem supporting the development of tourism, aviation, cultural exchange, and strategic cooperation between Vietnam and Turkey in the years ahead.
Read the original Vietnamese article here.
Australian Hospitality Alumni Network Vietnam 