Do Moroccans Need a Visa for Vietnam?
The answer is clear: yes. Moroccan citizens must obtain a visa to enter Vietnam. Unlike the French, Germans, or Italians, Morocco is not among the visa-exempt countries.
This requirement applies regardless of the purpose of travel: tourism, business, family visit, or transit with airport exit.
| Situation | Visa Required? |
|---|---|
| Tourism in Vietnam | Yes |
| Business | Yes |
| Transit without leaving the airport | No |
| Transit with airport exit | Yes |
| Stay in Phu Quoc (strict conditions) | No |
Visa Exemption: Myth or Reality?
There is only one exception: Phu Quoc Island. Moroccans can stay there for up to 30 days without a visa, provided they arrive directly on an international flight. A stopover in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City cancels this exemption.
What Does Vietnamese Law Say?
Since Resolution 127/NQ-CP of August 14, 2023, Vietnam has expanded eVisa access to all countries, including Morocco. This measure has simplified procedures for Moroccan travelers, who previously had to go through the embassy or an agency.
Three Options to Get a Vietnam Visa from Morocco
Three methods are available to you. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Option 1: Online eVisa (Recommended)
The eVisa is the simplest solution for Moroccans. You do everything from home, without any travel.
Procedure:
- Go to the official website: https://evisa.gov.vn
- Fill out the online form
- Upload your photo and passport copy
- Pay the fee by credit card
- Receive your eVisa by email within 3 to 7 working days
Advantages: No travel, online processing, 90-day validity, single or multiple entry.
Disadvantages: Frequent errors on the form, no customer service to help you.
Option 2: Visa at the Vietnamese Embassy in Rabat
For those who prefer direct contact or encounter problems with the eVisa.
Contact Information:
- Address: No. 27, rue Mezzouda, Souissi, Rabat
- Phone: +212 5 37 75 69 29
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Documents Required:
- Original passport valid for at least 6 months
- Completed application form
- Two passport photos (4×6 cm, white background)
- Round-trip flight ticket
- Hotel reservation
- Travel insurance
Processing Time: 5 to 10 working days. Expect 7 to 14 days during peak periods.
Costs: Vary depending on visa type. Budget between 50 and 100 USD, payable in dirhams at the daily rate.
Option 3: Visa via an Online Agency
Specialized agencies apply on your behalf. They charge service fees.
Advantages: Assistance filling out the form, document verification, urgent options (24 to 48 hours).
Disadvantages: Higher cost (service fees of 20 to 100 USD), risk of scams.
Pro tip: If you use an agency, check reviews on Trustpilot or travel forums. Beware of sites promising visas in 1 hour.
eVisa Vietnam for Moroccans: Step-by-Step Guide
This section details the procedure for those choosing the eVisa.
Required Documents
- Passport: valid at least 6 months from entry date, with at least 2 blank pages
- Digital passport photo: JPG format, maximum size 2 MB, white background, clear face, no glasses or hat
- Copy of passport identity page: in JPG or PDF, legible
- Valid email address: to receive the eVisa
- International credit card: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
- Address in Vietnam: name and address of your hotel or accommodation
Filling Out the Online Form
The form is in English. Here are pitfalls to avoid:
- Last name and first name: follow the order on your passport. Surname first, then given name.
- Country code: select MAR (Morocco).
- Dates: use day/month/year format (DD/MM/YYYY).
- Passport number: check twice, an error invalidates the visa.
- Address in Vietnam: indicate the name and address of your hotel. No need to be precise with the street number, but the hotel must exist.
Photos: Rules to Follow Absolutely
Photos are the leading cause of eVisa rejection.
- JPG format, maximum size 2 MB
- Plain white background
- Centered face, neutral expression
- No sunglasses, no hat, no scarf covering the face
- No photo retouching
- Recent photo (less than 6 months)
Warning: If your photo is rejected, your application is denied and the fees are not refunded. Have it taken by a professional photographer.
Payment and Confirmation
Exact Amounts:
- Single entry: 25 USD (approximately 5,625,000 VND)
- Multiple entries: 50 USD (approximately 11,250,000 VND)
Payment is made by credit card. If payment fails, wait 24 hours before trying again. Do not multiply attempts, your card could be blocked.
Receiving and Checking the eVisa
You receive the eVisa by email in PDF format. Check immediately:
- Your first and last name
- Your passport number
- The validity dates
- The visa type (single or multiple entry)
If an error has slipped in, you must submit a new application. The erroneous eVisa cannot be modified.
Visa at the Vietnamese Embassy in Morocco
For those who prefer direct contact.
Contact Information and Hours
- Address: No. 27, rue Mezzouda, Souissi, Rabat
- Phone: +212 5 37 75 69 29
- Email: [email protected]
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
- Holidays: closed on Moroccan and Vietnamese public holidays
Documents Required
- Original passport (validity at least 6 months)
- Application form (available on-site or online)
- Two passport photos (4×6 cm, white background)
- Copy of round-trip flight ticket
- Hotel reservation
- Travel insurance
- For a business visa: invitation letter from a Vietnamese company
Processing Times and Costs
Announced processing times are 5 to 7 working days. In reality, expect 7 to 10 days, or even more during peak periods (Tet, summer holidays).
Costs vary depending on visa type and duration. Budget between 50 and 100 USD. Payment is made in Moroccan dirhams at the daily rate.
Visa on Arrival (VOA): Is It Still Possible?
The Visa on Arrival (VOA) was the historical method for Moroccans. You obtained an approval letter before departure, then the visa was issued at the Vietnamese airport.
Today, this method is less relevant since the introduction of the eVisa. It remains possible via agencies, but it is more expensive and riskier. We do not recommend it.
How Much Does a Vietnam Visa Cost for a Moroccan?
Here is a comparative table of total costs for each option.
| Option | Government Fees | Service Fees | Bank Fees | Total USD | Total MAD (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa single entry | 25 USD | 0 USD | 1-2 USD | 26-27 USD | 260-270 MAD |
| eVisa multiple entries | 50 USD | 0 USD | 1-2 USD | 51-52 USD | 510-520 MAD |
| Rabat Embassy | 50-100 USD | 0 USD | 0 USD | 50-100 USD | 500-1000 MAD |
| Online Agency | 25-50 USD | 20-100 USD | 1-2 USD | 46-152 USD | 460-1520 MAD |
Hidden Fees to Know
- International bank fees: your bank may charge fees for foreign currency payments.
- Exchange fees: if you pay in dirhams, the applied exchange rate may be unfavorable.
- Photo fees: a professional passport photo costs about 20-30 MAD.
- Processing fees: the embassy may charge additional fees for urgent applications.
Processing Times: What to Expect
| Method | Normal Time | Urgent Time | Recommended Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct eVisa | 3-5 working days | Not available | 2 weeks before departure |
| eVisa via agency | 3-5 working days | 1-2 working days | 1-2 weeks before departure |
| Rabat Embassy | 5-10 working days | 3-5 working days | 3-4 weeks before departure |
Pro tip: Submit your application at least 2 weeks before departure. For peak periods (Vietnamese Tet in January-February, summer holidays), allow 3 to 4 weeks.
Common Problems and Solutions
Errors on the Form
If you made an error on the form (misspelled name, wrong dates, incorrect passport number), you cannot modify the submitted application. You must submit a new application and pay the fees again.
Solution: Check each field twice before submitting. Have someone else proofread it if possible.
Visa Refusal
Most frequent causes of refusal:
- Non-compliant photo (background, size, expression)
- Damaged or illegible passport
- Inconsistent information (name different from passport)
- Passport expiring in less than 6 months
What to do? Check the reason for refusal in the email received. Correct the error and submit a new application. The fees from the first application are not refunded.
Technical Problems
- Official site not loading: wait a few hours and try again. Use an updated browser (Chrome, Firefox).
- Payment declined: check that your card is activated for international payments. Contact your bank.
- Confirmation email not received: check your spam. If nothing after 24 hours, contact support via the official site.
Transit and Stopovers in Vietnam Without a Visa
This information is crucial for Moroccans traveling to other Asian destinations.
Stopover Without Leaving the Airport
If you stay in the international zone (you do not go through customs), you do not need a visa. Conditions:
- Checked baggage to the final destination
- No airport change
- Stopover of less than 24 hours
Stopover with Airport Exit
If you wish to leave the airport to visit the city during your stopover, you need a visa. Even for a few hours. The eVisa is the simplest solution in this case.
Visa Exemption for Phu Quoc Island
The little-known but real exception.
Strict Conditions
- Direct arrival at Phu Quoc International Airport on an international flight
- Maximum stay of 30 days
- No visit elsewhere in Vietnam
- Proof of departure (return or onward ticket)
How to Take Advantage of It?
Recommended itinerary: Casablanca – Bangkok – Phu Quoc flight, or via Kuala Lumpur. Caution: a stopover in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City cancels the exemption. You must arrive directly in Phu Quoc.
Practical Tips for Moroccan Travelers
Flights and Airlines
No direct flights connect Morocco to Vietnam. The best connection hubs are:
- Doha (Qatar Airways)
- Dubai (Emirates)
- Istanbul (Turkish Airlines)
- Bangkok (Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines)
Allow 12 to 18 hours total flight time, depending on the stopover.
Halal Food in Vietnam
Vietnam has a small Muslim community, mainly in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. You will find halal restaurants in these cities, especially in the Bui Vien area in Saigon and in the old quarter of Hanoi.
Tip: Use the HalalTrip app or ask your hotel. Seafood and vegetable dishes are generally safe.
Cultural Differences
- Dress code: Dress modestly in temples and pagodas (shoulders and knees covered).
- Public behavior: Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Avoid kissing and hugging on the street.
- Photography: Always ask permission before taking photos of people.
- Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in restaurants and for guides.
Health and Safety
- Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus. Consult your doctor 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
- Travel insurance: Mandatory to obtain the visa. Check that it covers medical expenses and repatriation.
- Drinking water: Do not drink tap water. Buy bottled water.
- Mosquitoes: Use repellent, especially in tropical regions.
- Emergency numbers: Police: 113, Fire: 114, Ambulance: 115.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnam Visa for Moroccans
Q: Can I extend my eVisa in Vietnam?
No, the eVisa cannot be extended. If you wish to stay longer, you must leave Vietnam and submit a new application. A trip to a neighboring country (Cambodia, Laos) followed by a new entry is possible.
Q: Can I enter Vietnam through any entry point?
No, only those listed on your eVisa. The 42 entry points accepting the eVisa include international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Phu Quoc), land border crossings (Moc Bai, Lao Bao), and seaports.
Q: My passport expires in 5 months, can I travel?
No. Vietnam requires a passport validity of at least 6 months from the entry date. If your passport expires in 5 months, you must renew it before applying for your visa.
Q: Do Moroccan children need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, every traveler must have their own visa, including infants and children. An application must be submitted separately for each family member, with the same required documents.
Q: Can I work in Vietnam with a tourist eVisa?
No, the tourist visa does not authorize work. You must obtain a business visa or work visa, which requires an invitation letter from a Vietnamese company.
Q: What if my flight is delayed and my visa expires?
Contact Vietnamese immigration as soon as possible. You can request an extension or a new visa at the embassy. In urgent cases, authorities may grant a short-term extension.
Q: Can I use my eVisa to enter Vietnam by land?
Yes, if the land border crossing is on the list of entry points accepting the eVisa. The main ones are Moc Bai (Cambodia border), Lao Bao (Laos border), and Mong Cai (China border).