Vietnam Visa Guide

Everything you need to know about entering Vietnam -- from e-visa applications to visa exemptions. Updated regularly with the latest immigration policy changes.

📋

E-Visa

90 days, single entry

Most Common

🛂

Visa Exemption

15-45 days, no visa needed

Easiest

✈️

Visa on Arrival

Pre-approved letter required

Alternative

E-Visa (Electronic Visa)

The Vietnam e-visa is the most popular option for international travelers. Since August 2023, Vietnam extended the e-visa validity to 90 days with single entry, making it significantly more convenient for longer stays.

How to Apply

Visit the official Vietnam Immigration Portal at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
Click "Outside Vietnam > E-visa Issuance" and select "For foreigners"
Fill in personal information exactly as it appears on your passport
Upload a passport-style photo (4x6cm, white background) and your passport data page
Pay the $25 USD processing fee online (Visa/Mastercard accepted)
Receive your e-visa via email within 3 working days
Print the e-visa and present it at immigration upon arrival

Key Details

Cost: $25 USD (non-refundable)
Validity: Up to 90 days
Entry type: Single entry
Processing time: 3 working days (apply at least 1 week before travel)
Eligible ports of entry: All international airports, 16 land border crossings, and 13 seaports

Important: Only use the official government website (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn). Many scam websites charge higher fees for the same service. The official fee is exactly $25.

Visa Exemption Countries

Citizens of certain countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for a limited period. As of 2024, Vietnam has expanded its visa exemption list significantly to boost tourism.

45 Days

Extended Exemption

United Kingdom
France
Germany
Italy
Spain
Japan
South Korea
Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland
Russia
Belarus

14-30 Days

ASEAN & Other Countries

Thailand -- 30 days
Singapore -- 30 days
Malaysia -- 30 days
Indonesia -- 30 days
Philippines -- 21 days
Cambodia -- 30 days
Laos -- 30 days
Myanmar -- 14 days
Brunei -- 14 days
Chile -- 90 days (bilateral agreement)

Note: Visa exemption periods are counted from entry date. You must have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport. Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, and most other countries not listed above need an e-visa or visa on arrival.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Visa on Arrival is available at Vietnam's international airports (not land borders). You need a pre-approved letter from a Vietnamese travel agency before you fly.

VOA Process

Apply for a pre-approval letter through a licensed Vietnamese travel agency (typically $20-45 for the letter)
Receive the approval letter by email (1-2 working days, or same-day for rush processing)
Print the approval letter and bring 2 passport-sized photos
Upon arrival at the airport, go to the "Landing Visa" counter before immigration
Submit your approval letter, photos, and passport
Pay the stamping fee in cash: $25 for single entry, $50 for multiple entry
Wait 15-30 minutes for your visa to be stamped into your passport

When to Use VOA Instead of E-Visa

If you need multiple entry (e-visa is single entry only)
If you need a stay longer than 90 days
If your e-visa application was rejected

Tip: For most travelers, the e-visa is simpler and cheaper. Only choose VOA if you specifically need multiple entry or a longer stay.

Visa Extension & Renewal

If you want to stay longer than your visa allows, you can extend your visa while in Vietnam. Extensions are handled through travel agencies or directly at the Immigration Department.

Extension Options

Tourist visa extension: Up to 30 additional days, costs around $50-100 through an agency
Visa run: Exit to a neighboring country (Cambodia or Laos are popular) and re-enter with a new e-visa
Visa conversion: Convert a tourist visa to a business visa if you have a sponsor

Processing Time

Extensions typically take 5-7 working days. Apply at least 1 week before your current visa expires. Overstaying your visa results in a fine of approximately $25 per day and can cause problems at the airport when departing.

Required Documents

For E-Visa

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date
Digital passport photo (4x6cm, white background, no glasses)
Scan of passport data page (clear, no glare)
Credit/debit card for $25 payment
Accommodation address in Vietnam (hotel name is sufficient)

For Visa on Arrival

Everything listed for e-visa, plus:
Printed pre-approval letter from a travel agency
2 passport-sized photos (4x6cm, white background)
Completed NA1 form (available at the airport counter)
Cash for stamping fee ($25 single / $50 multiple entry)

Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do

Apply at least 7-10 days before your flight
Triple-check your passport number and personal details
Use the official e-visa website only
Keep a printed copy plus a digital backup of your visa
Check your visa entry/exit dates carefully
Ensure passport has 6+ months validity and 2+ blank pages

Avoid

Do not use third-party websites charging $50+ for the same e-visa
Do not arrive without a printed visa (some airlines require it at check-in)
Do not overstay your visa -- fines are $25/day and it goes on your record
Do not submit blurry passport photos (number one cause of rejection)
Do not assume you are visa-exempt -- always verify current rules
Do not enter through a land border with a VOA letter (airports only)

Processing Times at a Glance

Visa Type	Processing Time	Cost	Max Stay
E-Visa	3 working days	$25	90 days (single entry)
Visa on Arrival	1-2 days (letter) + 30 min at airport	$20-45 (letter) + $25-50 (stamp)	30-90 days (single/multiple)
Visa Exemption	None (automatic at border)	Free	14-45 days (country-dependent)
Visa Extension	5-7 working days	$50-100 (via agency)	+30 days

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my e-visa without leaving Vietnam?

Yes, you can extend an e-visa once for an additional 30 days through a travel agency or the Immigration Department in major cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang). Start the process at least one week before your visa expires.

Do I need a return ticket to enter Vietnam?

Technically yes -- immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. Airlines are more likely to check this at boarding. Having a return or onward flight ticket (even a cheap one to a neighboring country) is recommended.

What if my e-visa application is rejected?

E-visa rejections are rare but usually caused by poor-quality photos, mismatched passport information, or applicants from restricted countries. If rejected, the $25 fee is not refunded. Double-check all details and reapply, or consider visa on arrival as an alternative.

Can Americans get a visa exemption?

No. US citizens currently need either an e-visa or visa on arrival. The e-visa ($25, 90 days) is the simplest option for American travelers.