Quick Answer: Do I Need a Visa for Vietnam?
- USA, UK, Australia, Canada, most EU: E-visa required. Apply online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn ($25, 90 days, multiple entry).
- Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain + 8 more: Visa-free 45 days for European countries.
- Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand: Visa-free 15-45 days (varies by country).
- China, India: E-visa available. No visa on arrival for individuals (groups only).
- Processing time: E-visa typically approved in 3 business days.
Vietnam Visa Overview 2026
Vietnam has dramatically simplified its visa system in recent years. The e-visa program now covers 80+ countries with generous 90-day stays and multiple entries - a massive upgrade from the previous 30-day single entry. Combined with expanded visa-free arrangements for key markets, Vietnam is now one of Southeast Asia's most accessible destinations.
The Vietnam Immigration Department offers four main entry options:
- E-Visa (90 days): Online application, $25, covers 80+ countries - the easiest option for most travelers
- Visa Exemption (15-45 days): No visa needed for 25 countries - just arrive with passport
- Visa on Arrival: Only for organized tour groups with pre-approved invitation letter
- Embassy Visa: Traditional application at Vietnamese consulate - rarely needed now
Vietnam E-Visa (90 Days, Multiple Entry)
The Vietnam e-visa is the recommended option for most international travelers. It's available for citizens of 80+ countries and offers incredible flexibility with 90-day stays and unlimited entries within that period.
Vietnam E-Visa Details
- Validity: 90 days from entry date
- Entries: Multiple entries allowed
- Fee: $25 USD (paid online)
- Processing: 3 business days (up to 5 during peak times)
- Entry Points: All international airports, land borders, and sea ports
- Purpose: Tourism, business, visiting relatives
How to Apply for Vietnam E-Visa
Step-by-Step E-Visa Application
- Visit Official Portal: Go to evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (the ONLY official site)
- Select Application Type: Click "E-visa issuance" and choose single or multiple entry
- Fill Personal Details: Enter passport info exactly as shown in your passport
- Upload Documents: Passport photo page scan + recent passport photo (4x6cm)
- Select Entry Point: Choose your arrival airport/border crossing
- Pay Online: $25 via credit card, debit card, or PayPal
- Receive Registration Code: Save this to check your application status
- Download E-Visa: Print the approved e-visa and carry with passport
Countries Eligible for Vietnam E-Visa (2026)
| Region | Eligible Countries |
|---|---|
| Europe | All EU countries, UK, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Serbia, Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan |
| Americas | United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Panama, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and more |
| Asia-Pacific | Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and more |
| Middle East | UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Israel, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt |
| Africa | South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and more |
Vietnam Visa-Free Entry (45 Days Max)
Citizens of 25 countries can enter Vietnam without any visa for stays of 15 to 45 days, depending on nationality. This is the simplest option - just show up with your passport and return ticket.
Countries with Vietnam Visa Exemption (2026)
| Duration | Countries | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 45 Days | Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Poland, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Russia | European countries, unlimited entries with 30-day gap |
| 30 Days | Japan, South Korea | East Asian markets, single entry |
| 21 Days | Philippines | ASEAN country |
| 15 Days | Belarus, Kyrgyzstan | Limited duration |
| 30 Days | Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Brunei | ASEAN members - passport-free under certain conditions |
Visa-Free Entry Requirements
Valid Passport
Minimum 6 months validity from entry date with 2+ blank pages.
Onward Ticket
Confirmed departure within your visa-free period. Airlines check this.
30-Day Rule
For visa exemption reuse, you must wait 30 days before re-entering Vietnam.
Extension Options
Can extend at Immigration or exit and re-enter with e-visa for longer stay.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival (Tour Groups Only)
Vietnam's visa on arrival (VOA) is no longer available for individual travelers. Since 2023, VOA is restricted to organized tour groups that have pre-approved invitation letters from licensed Vietnamese travel agencies.
Group VOA Requirements
- Eligibility: Only organized tour groups (minimum 2 people)
- Invitation Letter: Must be arranged by Vietnamese travel agency in advance
- Processing: Travel agency applies 3-5 days before arrival
- Stamping Fee: $25 single entry / $50 multiple entry (paid at airport)
- Entry Points: Only at international airports (not land borders)
Vietnam Embassy/Consulate Visa
Traditional visa applications at Vietnamese embassies are still available but rarely necessary with the e-visa system. Embassy visas make sense for longer stays (over 90 days), work permits, or if you prefer having the visa stamped in your passport before travel.
Embassy Visa Types
- Tourist Visa (DL): 1-3 months, single or multiple entry
- Business Visa (DN): Up to 12 months, requires sponsorship
- Work Visa (LD): Requires work permit and employer sponsorship
- Student Visa (DH): For enrolled students at Vietnamese institutions
Embassy Visa Requirements
Application Form
NA1 form from Vietnamese embassy website
Passport
Original passport, 6+ months validity, 2 blank pages
Photos
2 passport photos, 4x6cm, white background
Fee
$50-200 depending on visa type and processing speed
Vietnam Visa Requirements by Nationality
Quick reference for specific nationalities frequently searching for Vietnam visa information:
US Citizens - Vietnam Visa Requirements
E-visa required ($25, 90 days, multiple entry). Americans are not eligible for visa-free entry. Apply online at the official e-visa portal. Processing takes 3 business days. No visa on arrival for individuals.
UK Citizens - Vietnam Visa 2026
Visa-free 45 days OR e-visa 90 days. British passport holders can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days. For longer stays, apply for e-visa online. Must wait 30 days between visa-free entries.
Australian Citizens - Vietnam Visa Requirements
E-visa required ($25, 90 days, multiple entry). Australians must apply for e-visa before travel. Not eligible for visa-free entry. Apply at least 5 days before departure.
Canadian Citizens - Vietnam Visa 2026
E-visa required ($25, 90 days, multiple entry). Canadians need e-visa for Vietnam entry. Simple online application. Embassy visa also available for longer stays.
German Citizens - Vietnam Visa Requirements
Visa-free 45 days OR e-visa 90 days. German passport holders enjoy visa-free entry for 45 days - one of the longest in Vietnam's program. E-visa available for stays over 45 days.
French Citizens - Vietnam Visa 2026
Visa-free 45 days OR e-visa 90 days. French passport holders get 45-day visa-free entry. For longer stays or to avoid the 30-day re-entry waiting period, use e-visa instead.
Indian Citizens - Vietnam Visa Requirements
E-visa required ($25, 90 days, multiple entry). Indian passport holders must apply for e-visa online. No visa-free entry or visa on arrival for individuals. E-visa is straightforward - apply 5 days before travel.
Chinese Citizens - Vietnam Visa 2026
E-visa available ($25, 90 days). Chinese passport holders can apply for Vietnam e-visa online. Special border crossing arrangements exist for residents of border provinces. Group tours may use VOA system.
Japanese Citizens - Vietnam Visa Requirements
Visa-free 30 days OR e-visa 90 days. Japanese passport holders get 30-day visa-free entry. For longer stays or multiple entries, apply for e-visa. Strong Japan-Vietnam relations mean easy entry.
South Korean Citizens - Vietnam Visa 2026
Visa-free 30 days OR e-visa 90 days. Korean passport holders enjoy 30-day visa-free entry. E-visa available for longer stays. Vietnam is one of the top destinations for Korean tourists.
Thai Citizens - Vietnam Visa Requirements
Visa-free 30 days (ASEAN). Thai passport holders can enter Vietnam without a visa under ASEAN agreements. E-visa available for stays over 30 days. Border crossings are straightforward.
Singapore Citizens - Vietnam Visa 2026
Visa-free 30 days (ASEAN). Singaporean passport holders enjoy visa-free entry under ASEAN agreements. One of the strongest passports for Vietnam entry. E-visa available for extended stays.
Vietnam Entry Requirements (All Visitors)
Regardless of visa type, all travelers entering Vietnam must meet these requirements:
Valid Passport
Minimum 6 months validity from entry date. At least 2 blank pages required.
Return/Onward Ticket
Confirmed departure within your visa validity. Airlines check this at check-in.
Sufficient Funds
No specific amount, but be prepared to show means of support if asked.
Printed E-Visa
If using e-visa, print it out. Immigration may not accept phone screenshots.
Vietnam Customs Regulations
- Duty-Free: 400 cigarettes, 1.5 liters spirits, 2 liters wine, personal effects
- Currency: Declare amounts over $5,000 USD or 15 million VND
- Prohibited: Drugs (severe penalties including death), weapons, pornography
- Electronics: Laptops, phones, cameras allowed for personal use
- Drones: Require permits - contact authorities before bringing
Extending Your Stay in Vietnam
Visa Extension Options
Option 1: Extend at Immigration Office
- Where: Immigration offices in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang
- Cost: ~$10-50 depending on extension length
- Duration: Up to 30 days extension possible
- Processing: 3-7 business days
- Documents: Passport, current visa, extension application form
Option 2: Visa Run (Exit and Re-enter)
- How: Leave Vietnam, apply for new e-visa, re-enter
- Cost: $25 e-visa fee + transport
- Popular Destinations: Cambodia (Phnom Penh), Thailand (Bangkok), Laos (Vientiane)
- Time: Can be done in a day trip for land borders
Overstay Penalties
- Fine: ~$25 per day of overstay
- Detention: Possible for significant overstays
- Deportation: At your expense for serious violations
- Ban: Possible entry ban for repeat offenders
- Tip: If you realize you'll overstay, contact Immigration before your visa expires
Vietnam Visa FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of 25 countries (including UK, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea) can enter visa-free for 15-45 days. Most other nationalities (including USA, Australia, Canada, India) need an e-visa, which costs $25 and allows 90 days with multiple entries.
How much does a Vietnam e-visa cost?
$25 USD, paid online during application. This fee is non-refundable even if your application is denied. The e-visa is valid for 90 days with multiple entries - excellent value compared to other countries.
How long does Vietnam e-visa take to process?
Official processing time is 3 business days, but it can take up to 5 days during peak travel periods. Apply at least 1 week before your trip to be safe. You can check status using the registration code provided after application.
Is there visa on arrival in Vietnam?
Not for individual travelers. Vietnam discontinued individual visa on arrival in 2023. VOA is now only available for organized tour groups with pre-approved invitation letters from Vietnamese travel agencies. Independent travelers should use the e-visa system.
How long can I stay in Vietnam without a visa?
Depends on nationality: UK, Germany, France get 45 days. Japan, South Korea get 30 days. ASEAN countries get 30 days. Many other nationalities (USA, Australia, Canada) have no visa-free access and need an e-visa.
Can I extend my Vietnam visa?
Yes. Extensions of up to 30 days are possible at Vietnam Immigration offices (Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang). Alternatively, you can do a "visa run" - leave Vietnam and re-enter with a new e-visa. The 90-day e-visa provides plenty of time for most visits.
What is the Vietnam 30-day rule?
If you enter Vietnam using visa-free status, you must wait 30 days before entering again using the same exemption. This doesn't apply if you have an e-visa - you can exit and re-enter immediately with an e-visa.
Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes. American passport holders must apply for an e-visa ($25) before traveling to Vietnam. The e-visa allows 90 days with multiple entries. There is no visa-free option or visa on arrival for US citizens.
Can I work on a Vietnam tourist visa?
No. E-visas and visa-free entries are strictly for tourism, visiting family, or short business meetings. Working requires a work visa (LD category) with employer sponsorship and a work permit. Penalties for illegal work include fines and deportation.
What documents do I need for Vietnam e-visa?
You need: (1) Passport scan showing photo page, (2) Recent passport photo (4x6cm, white background), (3) Credit card for $25 payment, (4) Travel dates and entry point information. The online form takes about 15 minutes to complete.
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