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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, the most reliable, cost-effective, and independent 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 USD for a single entry.
Eligible Seaports for Vietnam eVisa
Vietnam's eVisa system currently supports entry and exit through 13 major designated seaports. If your cruise ship docks at any of these ports, you can use an eVisa:
- 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
1. Visit the official Vietnam National Web Portal on Immigration. 2. Upload your passport data page and a portrait photo (without glasses). 3. Fill in your personal information and cruise details. For the address in Vietnam, you can list the name of your cruise ship. 4. Pay the $25 USD fee via the online gateway. 5. Wait 3-5 working days for processing, then download and print your eVisa.
Always print a physical copy of your eVisa. Port authorities often require a paper copy to process your disembarkation quickly.