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Cruising to Vietnam? Navigating the visa requirements can be confusing. Here is a definitive guide on how to use the Vietnam eVisa for cruise ship arrivals, including multi-port stops.
Do Cruise Ship Passengers Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Yes, unless you hold a passport from a visa-exempt country, you must have a valid visa to disembark from your cruise ship in Vietnam. While some cruise lines offer to arrange 'loose-leaf' visas upon arrival, an alternative method is to apply for a Vietnam eVisa before your departure.
As of 2026, the Vietnam eVisa is available to citizens of all countries. It is valid for up to 90 days and costs $25 for a single-entry or $50 for a multiple-entry visa.
Eligible Seaports for Vietnam eVisa
Vietnam's eVisa system currently supports entry and exit through 39 designated seaports. Key seaports where eVisa entry is permitted include:
- Hon Gai Seaport (Quang Ninh / Ha Long Bay)
- Cam Pha Seaport (Quang Ninh)
- Hai Phong Seaport
- Chan May Seaport (Hue / Da Nang)
- Da Nang Seaport
- Nha Trang Seaport (Khanh Hoa)
- Quy Nhon Seaport (Binh Dinh)
- Ho Chi Minh City Seaport (Phu My / Hiep Phuoc / Cat Lai)
- Vung Tau Seaport
- Duong Dong Seaport (Phu Quoc)
- Nghi Son Seaport (Thanh Hoa)
- Vung Ang Seaport (Ha Tinh)
- Dung Quat Seaport (Quang Ngai)
Cruises with Multiple Stops in Vietnam
A common source of confusion is how the eVisa works if your cruise stops at several Vietnamese ports (e.g., Da Nang, then Nha Trang, then Ho Chi Minh City).
Here is the rule: You only need a Single-Entry eVisa.
When applying, you must select the VERY FIRST seaport your ship will arrive at in Vietnam as your "Allowed to enter through checkpoint". Immigration officials will process your entry at this first port. For subsequent Vietnamese ports on the same itinerary, you are considered domestic transit and do not need a multiple-entry visa, provided you do not leave the country (e.g., cross a land border) in between.
Selecting the wrong initial entry port on your eVisa application can lead to boarding denial by the cruise line or entry refusal by Vietnamese immigration.
How to Apply for the eVisa
- Access the National Web Portal on Immigration.
- Upload the passport data page and a portrait photo (without glasses).
- Enter the required personal and itinerary information. The cruise ship name may be used as the address in Vietnam.
- Pay the required visa fee ($25 for single-entry or $50 for multiple-entry) via the online gateway.
- Standard processing time is 3-5 working days. Once approved, download and print the eVisa.
It is required to print a physical copy of the eVisa. Port authorities typically mandate a paper copy for disembarkation processing.
Submit an eVisa application prior to departure. For more details, check our guide on Vietnam eVisa requirements or read about the approved entry ports.