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Navigating immigration with two passports requires adherence to specific guidelines. This guide outlines the requirements for traveling to Vietnam with dual citizenship.
Understanding Dual Citizenship Rules for Vietnam
Vietnam allows dual citizenship in specific cases, primarily for individuals of Vietnamese descent (Viet Kieu). However, many travelers to Vietnam hold dual citizenship from two other countries. As of 2026, Vietnam's eVisa system is open to all nationalities, allowing stays of up to 90 days. If an individual holds two passports, they have the flexibility to choose which passport to use for the journey, but strict consistency rules must be followed to avoid delays at immigration.
The EXACT SAME passport must be used for the Vietnam eVisa application via the National Web Portal on Immigration, the flight booking, and entry/exit at Vietnamese immigration.
Choosing Which Passport to Use
When deciding which passport to travel on, consider the following factors:
- Visa Exemption: Does one passport grant a visa exemption? For instance, citizens of the UK, France, Germany, Japan, and South Korea are eligible for 45 days visa-free, while ASEAN citizens are eligible for up to 30 days. Utilizing an exempt passport negates the need for an eVisa and the associated processing fee ($25 for single-entry, $50 for multiple-entry).
- Passport Validity: The selected passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Vietnam and possess at least two blank pages.
- Travel History: If visiting multiple countries, consider the visa requirements for onward destinations.
Consistency is Key: Flights and Immigration
A common issue for dual citizens is presenting different passports during the journey. When applying for a Vietnam eVisa, the approval is electronically linked to the specific passport number provided.
When checking in for a flight to Vietnam, airline staff verify the visa status. The passport that holds the eVisa (or visa exemption) must be presented. Similarly, upon arrival at one of the 83 approved entry ports in Vietnam, the same passport must be handed to the immigration officer. Presenting a different passport will result in denied entry, as the officer will not find a valid visa associated with it.
Do not present both passports to the immigration officer unless explicitly requested. Present only the document associated with the visa or exemption.
Vietnamese Overseas (Viet Kieu) and Dual Nationals
If one of the citizenships held is Vietnamese, the individual can enter Vietnam using a valid Vietnamese passport without requiring a visa. If the Vietnamese passport has expired and travel is planned on a foreign passport, the individual must apply for a 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate or a standard 90-day eVisa. Names must match across all travel documents to prevent airline boarding issues.