Do You Need a Visa for Vietnam?

Good news! Vietnam has made entry easier than ever in 2026:
✅ 45-day visa-free entry for 25+ countries
✅ 90-day e-visa available online for most nationalities
✅ Simple process - approved in 3 days
✅ No embassy visit required

Visa-Free Entry: The Easy Option

Valid passport (6+ months)
That's it!

E-Visa: For Everyone Else

Who Needs an E-Visa?
If your country isn't listed above, you'll need an e-visa:
🇺🇸 USA | 🇨🇦 Canada | 🇮🇳 India | 🇿🇦 South Africa | 🇲🇽 Mexico | 🇧🇷 Brazil | 🇦🇷 Argentina | 🇨🇳 China + 80 more countries
E-Visa Benefits
✅ Valid for 90 days
✅ Single or multiple entry options
✅ Use at all airports and borders
✅ 100% online application
✅ Approved in 3 business days

How to Apply: 5 Simple Steps

Step 1: Visit Official Website
Go to: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
⚠️ Warning: Only use the official .gov.vn website. Third-party sites charge extra.
Step 2: Complete the Form (10 minutes)
Required information:

Full name (as in passport)
Passport number & expiry
Entry date & point (airport/border)
Email address
First hotel name in Vietnam

Step 3: Upload Documents
Two files needed:
1. Passport information page

Clear photo or scan
JPEG format, under 2MB

2. Your passport photo

White background
4x6cm size
Recent photo (last 6 months)
No glasses or hats

Step 4: Pay Online

Credit/debit card accepted
Secure payment gateway
Official government fee

Step 5: Receive & Print

Check email in 3 days
Download PDF e-visa
Print it out (required at immigration!)
Keep digital backup on phone

Requirements Checklist

Before applying, ensure you have:
✅ Requirement
✅ Passport valid 6+ months
✅ 2 blank passport pages
✅ Digital passport photo
✅ Passport scan/photo
✅ Working email address
✅ Credit/debit card
✅ Travel dates decided
✅ First hotel name

Single vs Multiple Entry
Single Entry

Enter once during 90-day validity
Exit = visa expires
Good for: One continuous trip

Multiple Entry

Unlimited entries in 90 days
Perfect for side trips to Cambodia/Laos
Same price as single entry!

Pro Tip: Always choose multiple entry for flexibility.

Where Can You Enter?

Your e-visa works at ALL entry points:
✈️ Airports:

Hanoi (HAN)
Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)
Da Nang (DAD)
Nha Trang (CXR)
Phu Quoc (PQC)

🚗 Land Borders:

From Cambodia: Moc Bai, Ha Tien, Xa Mat + 5 more
From Laos: Lao Bao, Nam Can, Cau Treo + 6 more
From China: Lao Cai, Mong Cai, Friendship Pass + 5 more

🚢 Seaports: Hai Phong, Da Nang, HCMC, Nha Trang

Important Entry Rules

1. Passport Validity
Must be valid 6+ months from arrival date.
❌ Expires in 5 months = Denied entry ✅ Expires in 7 months = OK
2. Proof of Onward Travel
Immigration may ask for:

Return flight ticket
Bus ticket to next country
Screenshot on phone usually sufficient

3. Accommodation Proof

First night hotel booking
Rarely checked but good to have

4. Travel Insurance

Not mandatory for entry
Highly recommended for safety

5. Vaccinations

No vaccinations required
Exception: Yellow Fever certificate if from endemic areas

Common Questions

Can I extend my visa in Vietnam? Yes, but complicated. Better to plan trip length carefully or exit and re-enter.
What if I overstay? Don't! Heavy fines, possible ban from re-entry. If you need more time, exit to Cambodia and return.
Do children need visas? Yes, same requirements as adults.
Can I work on tourist visa? No, strictly for tourism only.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using fake websites (only .gov.vn is official)
❌ Poor quality photos (main rejection reason)
❌ Wrong travel dates
❌ Forgetting to print e-visa
❌ Applying too late (apply 2 weeks before)
❌ Passport expiring within 6 months
❌ Typos in name (must match passport exactly)

Pro Tips

💡 Apply 2 weeks before travel for peace of mind
💡 Choose multiple entry - same price, more flexibility
💡 Save e-visa everywhere - email, phone, cloud, printed
💡 Check passport expiry today - many forget the 6-month rule
💡 Screenshot your e-visa - backup if you can't print
💡 Use official website only - avoid paying extra to middlemen

At Immigration: What to Expect

The Process:

Get off plane/bus
Follow "Immigration" signs
Join foreign passport queue
Present: passport + printed e-visa + arrival card
Officer stamps passport
Collect baggage
Welcome to Vietnam!

Wait time: Usually 15-45 minutes

Last Updated: December 2025 | Verified with Vietnam Immigration Department
Visa regulations can change. Always check official sources before traveling.

Vietnam Visa Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Know