Table of Contents
A simple decision guide to determine whether you need a visa for Vietnam based on your nationality and length of stay.
The Quick Answer
Whether you need a visa depends on two things: your nationality and how long you plan to stay.
• If you hold a passport from one of 25 visa-free countries AND you're staying 45 days or less → No visa needed • If you are not visa-free → Apply for an eVisa online ($25-$50). The eVisa is open to all nationalities. • Only in rare exceptional cases (e.g., some specific passport types) do you need to contact a Vietnamese embassy.
Step 1: Check if You're Visa-Free
Citizens of 25 countries enjoy visa-free entry for 14-45 days. Key examples:
- UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Belarus → 45 days free
- Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Brunei → 30 days free
- If your country is on this list and your stay is within the free period → you don't need a visa
Step 2: Apply for an eVisa
If your country is not visa-free, you will need an eVisa. Vietnam's eVisa is now open to ALL nationalities, including:
• United States, Canada, Australia, India, Brazil, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, UAE, and everyone else.
You can simply apply online at entryvietnam.com. The process takes 10 minutes and approval arrives in about 3-5 working days.
Important Passport Requirements
Regardless of whether you need a visa or are visa-free, border control requires standard travel documents.
You must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from your date of arrival and at least 2 blank pages. Check your passport expiry date before booking your trip.
Special Cases
Some situations require extra attention:
- Staying longer than your visa-free period (up to 90 days)? You need an eVisa — apply before departure.
- Making side trips to Cambodia/Laos and returning? Get a multiple-entry eVisa ($50).
- Traveling for work? A tourist eVisa or visa-free entry does not permit employment.
- Visiting Phu Quoc only? All nationalities can get 30 days visa-free on Phu Quoc Island if arriving via direct international flights.