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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, remember to apply early once you have your new passport.
This 6-month rule is based on your ARRIVAL DATE in Vietnam, not the date you apply for your visa. Your visa will only be issued up to 30 days before your passport's expiration date, but you will not be allowed to board your flight or enter the country if the remaining validity is under 6 months.
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 face severe consequences. You can learn more about general entry issues in our eVisa mistakes guide.
- Denied Boarding: Airlines check passport validity before you board. If it's under 6 months, they will deny you boarding to avoid hefty fines from the Vietnamese government.
- Denied Entry at the Border: Even if you manage to fly, Immigration Officers at Vietnamese airports or land borders will deny you entry and force you to return on the next available flight.
- Visa Rejection: When applying for an eVisa, your application will likely be rejected outright 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 33 entry ports (airports, land crossings, and seaports) 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. Be sure to check the general visa guide for more context.
How to Calculate Your Passport Validity
To ensure a smooth trip, calculate your validity accurately. If you plan to enter Vietnam on October 1, 2026, your passport must be valid until at least April 1, 2027. We highly recommend renewing your passport if it is anywhere close to the 6-month mark before your travel date, as unexpected delays or extended trips can push you past the legal limit.
Always check your passport's expiration date before booking flights or applying for an eVisa. If you need a new passport, wait until you receive it before submitting your visa application, as visas are electronically linked to your specific passport number.