Table of Contents
A comprehensive guide outlining Vietnam visa requirements, visa-free exemptions by nationality, and the official eVisa application process.
General Requirements
Whether a visa is required depends on the traveler's nationality and the intended duration of stay.
- Visa-exempt nationalities: Citizens of eligible countries may enter Vietnam without a visa for short stays (14 to 90 days, depending on nationality).
- Other nationalities: All other travelers must obtain an eVisa prior to travel. The eVisa is available to citizens of all countries and territories. Fees are $25 for a single-entry visa and $50 for a multiple-entry visa.
- Exceptions: Specific passport holders (such as those with diplomatic or official passports) may require different procedures and should contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
Step 1: Verify Visa Exemption Eligibility
Citizens of 25 visa-free countries are permitted to enter Vietnam without a visa for a specified duration. The standard exemption periods are:
- 45 days: Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
- 30 days: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
- 21 days: Philippines.
- 14 days: Brunei and Myanmar.
Travelers whose stay falls strictly within these permitted timeframes do not require a visa.
Step 2: Apply for an eVisa
Travelers who do not qualify for a visa exemption must obtain a visa prior to arrival. Vietnam’s eVisa system is accessible to citizens of all countries and territories, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and India.
Applications must be submitted online through the official National Web Portal on Immigration. For detailed guidance on navigating this system, you may refer to our application guide. Standard processing typically requires 3 to 5 working days. The approved eVisa is valid for entry at 83 authorized international entry ports across Vietnam.
Passport Requirements
All international travelers must present valid travel documents upon arrival, regardless of their visa status.
Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the intended date of arrival and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps. Travelers are advised to verify passport validity prior to confirming travel arrangements.
Additional Travel Conditions
Certain itineraries require specific visa arrangements:
- Extended stays: Travelers intending to remain in Vietnam beyond their visa-exempt duration (up to a maximum of 90 days) must secure an eVisa prior to entry.
- Multiple entries: Itineraries that include exiting and re-entering Vietnam (such as regional travel to neighboring countries) require a multiple-entry eVisa, which incurs a fee of $50.
- Employment: Tourist eVisas and visa exemptions strictly prohibit engaging in paid employment. Work-related travel requires appropriate authorization and sponsorship.
- Phu Quoc Island: Foreign nationals may be eligible for a 30-day visa exemption specific to Phu Quoc Island, provided they arrive via a direct international flight and do not transit through domestic terminals in Vietnam.