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Planning a trip to Vietnam? Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. Read our 2026 guide on passport validity rules and avoid being denied entry.
What is the 6-Month Passport Validity Rule?
Vietnam, like many other countries, strictly enforces a passport validity requirement for all foreign visitors. As of 2026, to enter Vietnam via any visa type (including the eVisa, Visa on Arrival, Embassy Visa, or Visa-Free Entry), your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into the country. Additionally, it must have at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps. If you are applying for an eVisa, you may submit your application once you have your new passport.
Immigration regulations mandate that travelers cannot board flights or pass border checkpoints if their passport validity falls below the 6-month threshold upon arrival. This 6-month rule is based on your ARRIVAL DATE in Vietnam, not the date you apply for your visa.
What Happens If My Passport Expires Sooner?
If your passport has less than 6 months of validity remaining when you attempt to enter Vietnam, you will be subject to entry refusal. Further details on entry issues are available in the eVisa mistakes guide.
- Denied Boarding: Airlines check passport validity before boarding. If the validity is under 6 months, boarding will be denied to comply with Vietnamese immigration regulations.
- Denied Entry at the Border: Immigration officers at Vietnamese entry points will deny entry and mandate a return on the next available flight.
- Visa Rejection: When applying for an eVisa, the application may be rejected if the uploaded passport data page shows insufficient validity.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Generally, there are no exceptions to this rule for tourists and short-term business travelers. It applies uniformly across all 83 entry ports accepting the eVisa. The only rare exceptions apply to certain diplomats or specific bilateral agreements, but regular travelers must comply strictly with the 6-month requirement. Refer to the general visa guide for additional context.
How to Calculate Your Passport Validity
Calculate the validity period accurately. For an entry on October 1, 2026, the passport must remain valid until at least April 1, 2027. It is advised to renew the passport if the validity period approaches the 6-month minimum prior to the travel date, as travel delays or extended stays may result in a violation of entry requirements.
Verify the passport expiration date prior to booking flights or submitting an eVisa application. If a passport renewal is necessary, wait until the new document is received before applying, as visas are electronically linked to the specific passport number.