Vietnam Visa Guide: E-Visa, Entry Rules & Fees 2026

Planning a trip to Vietnam starts with one key question: do you need a visa? The answer depends on your nationality, passport type, length of stay and travel purpose. Some travelers can enter visa-free, while others need to apply through Vietnam’s official e-visa system.

This Vietnam visa guide explains the main visa options, e-visa validity, fees, entry points and common mistakes to avoid. Since visa rules can change, always check the official Vietnam e-visa portal or a Vietnamese embassy before booking flights, hotels or tours.

Do You Need a Visa for Vietnam?

Whether you need a visa for Vietnam depends on your nationality, passport type, length of stay and travel purpose. Some travelers can enter Vietnam visa-free for a limited period, while others need to apply for an e-visa or arrange a purpose-specific visa through an embassy, consulate or sponsor in Vietnam. Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains an official visa exemption list, and Vietnam’s e-visa system is available to citizens of all countries and territories.

For most short tourist trips, there are three main entry options to check:

Vietnam e-visas can be valid for up to 90 days and may be issued for single or multiple entry. They are commonly used for tourism and short visits, but travelers must still enter for the correct stated purpose. For work, study, investment, journalism, religious activities or other regulated purposes, extra documents or approval from a competent authority may be required.

Do not check visa rules by nationality alone. An ordinary passport, diplomatic passport or official passport may follow different rules. Before booking flights or hotels, confirm your entry option through Vietnam’s official e-visa portal, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the nearest Vietnamese embassy.

Vietnam Visa-Free Entry

Vietnam allows citizens of some countries to enter without a visa for a limited stay. The allowed period depends on nationality, passport type and the agreement applied to that country.

Do not assume all visa-free travelers get 45 days. Some nationalities receive 90 days, 45 days, 30 days, 21 days or 14 days.

Which Nationalities Can Enter Vietnam Without a Visa?

Important Notes

Visa-free entry is best for short tourist trips. If your stay is longer than the visa-free limit, apply for a Vietnam e-visa before arrival.

Check your passport type carefully. Ordinary, diplomatic, official and special passports may follow different rules.

For work, study, investment, journalism, religious activities or long-term stays, you may need a sponsored or purpose-specific visa.

Before booking, confirm three things: your nationality, passport type and exact number of days in Vietnam.

Conditions for Visa-Free Entry

A visa-free passport does not guarantee entry. You still need to meet Vietnam’s general entry requirements at the border.

Before traveling, check that:

• Your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
• Your passport has at least 2 blank pages and is not damaged.
• Your stay does not exceed the visa-free limit for your nationality.
• Your travel purpose matches short-term entry, such as tourism, visiting family or eligible business travel.
• You can show return or onward travel details if asked.
• You have no previous immigration issues that could affect entry.

Always check the entry stamp before leaving immigration control. The date written or stamped in your passport is the legal deadline for leaving Vietnam. Some government travel advice also notes that visitors should confirm the date immediately, as it may not be changed after leaving the airport or border checkpoint. gov.uk

What If You Want to Stay Longer?

If your trip is longer than the visa-free limit, apply for a Vietnam e-visa before arrival when eligible. Vietnam e-visas can allow stays of up to 90 days and may be issued for single or multiple entry. evisa.immigration.gov.vn

Do not assume you can extend visa-free entry after arriving in Vietnam. Extension rules can vary by case, and tourists often need to leave Vietnam and re-enter with a valid visa or new entry permission.

Before trying a border run, check official advice or speak with a licensed travel agency. Repeated short exits and re-entries may raise questions about your real travel purpose.

For work, study, long-term stay or other regulated purposes, arrange the correct visa before traveling. A tourist visa-free stay is not a substitute for a work or residence visa.

What Is the Vietnam E-Visa?

The Vietnam e-visa is an official travel authorization issued online by the Vietnam Immigration Department. It is separate from Vietnam’s visa-free entry policy, so travellers who are not eligible for visa exemption, or who want to stay longer, may need to apply for an e-visa before travelling.

Vietnam e-visas are available to citizens of all countries and territories. They can be issued for stays of up to 90 days and may allow either single entry or multiple entries, depending on the option selected during the application.

A Vietnam e-visa must be approved before departure. Travellers should print or save the approved e-visa and check that all details are correct, including full name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, entry date and exit date.

The validity period shown on the e-visa is fixed. For example, if the visa is valid from October 1 to December 29, it will still expire on December 29 even if the traveller enters Vietnam later than October 1. Arriving late does not extend the visa.

Single-Entry vs Multiple-Entry Vietnam E-Visa

A single-entry e-visa is enough for travellers who plan to enter Vietnam once and stay until departure. Once they leave Vietnam, the visa can no longer be used.

A multiple-entry e-visa is better for travellers who plan to leave Vietnam and return during the same visa period, such as a Vietnam – Cambodia – Vietnam itinerary or a regional trip using Vietnam as a travel base.

Vietnam E-Visa Requirements

Before applying for a Vietnam e-visa, travellers should prepare the required documents and check every detail carefully. The e-visa is linked directly to the passport used in the application, so even a small mistake in the name, passport number, date of birth, or entry information can cause delays or refusal at the border.

Documents and Information to Prepare

Travellers should prepare the following before starting the application:

• A clear image of the passport information page.
• A recent passport-style portrait photo.
• A valid email address to receive the registration code and updates.
• Intended entry and departure dates.
• The selected entry checkpoint, such as an airport, land border, or seaport.
• A temporary address in Vietnam, usually the first hotel or accommodation.
• Travel purpose, such as tourism or business.
• A valid credit or debit card for payment.
• Contact or employment details if the form requests them.

Passport Requirements

The passport used for the e-visa application must be the same passport the traveller will use to enter Vietnam. The name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, and other details must match the passport exactly.

Travellers should check the passport number carefully, especially letters and numbers that may look similar. The passport should also be valid for at least six months from the arrival date. If the passport is renewed, replaced, or changed after the e-visa is issued, a new e-visa application is usually required.

Photo Requirements

The portrait photo should be clear, recent, front-facing, and taken against a plain white background. The traveller should not wear glasses, hats, or anything that covers the face, except for religious reasons.

The passport page image must show the full information page clearly, including all text and the machine-readable lines at the bottom. Avoid glare, blur, shadows, cropped edges, or fingers covering any part of the page.

Applicants should also follow the current file format and size requirements shown on the official application portal before uploading their documents.

How to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa

Applying for a Vietnam e-visa is fairly simple, but travellers need to enter every detail carefully. The information on the application must match the passport exactly, especially the full name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, entry date and exit date.

Step 1: Use the Official E-Visa Website

Travellers should apply through the official Vietnam e-visa portals:

• evisa.gov.vn
• thithucdientu.gov.vn

Be careful with unofficial websites that look similar to government portals. These sites may charge extra service fees on top of the official visa fee.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Fill in the required personal, passport and travel details. This includes full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, visa validity dates, entry type, entry checkpoint and temporary address in Vietnam.

Step 3: Upload the Required Images

Upload a clear portrait photo and a full image of the passport information page. Make sure the images are not blurry, sideways, cropped or covered by glare.

Step 4: Review Before Payment

Check the entire application carefully before paying. A small mistake in the name, passport number, date or entry checkpoint can delay the application or cause problems when entering Vietnam.

Step 5: Pay the E-Visa Fee

Pay the official e-visa fee online. The fee is USD 25 for a single-entry e-visa and USD 50 for a multiple-entry e-visa. Government fees are generally non-refundable, even if the application is refused or submitted with incorrect information.

Step 6: Save the Registration Code

After payment, save the registration code shown on the system. This code is needed to check the application status and download the e-visa result.

Step 7: Check and Print the E-Visa

When the e-visa is approved, download the document and check all details again. Travellers should carry both a printed copy and a digital backup, as airlines and immigration officers may ask to see the approved e-visa before boarding or entry.

How Long Does a Vietnam E-Visa Take?

Vietnam e-visa applications are usually processed within **3 working days** after the Immigration Department receives the complete application and fee. Weekends and Vietnamese public holidays are not counted, so approval can take longer during busy periods such as Tet. ([immigration.gov.vn](https://immigration.gov.vn/en_US/web/guest/khai-thi-thuc-dien-tu/cap-thi-thuc-dien-tu))

Apply well before your flight. Missing details, unclear photos or incorrect passport information can delay the result. If you are asked to update your application, processing time may restart after the new information is submitted.

Do not book non-refundable flights or hotels based only on a pending e-visa application. Wait until your e-visa is approved, then check every detail carefully before traveling.

Vietnam E-Visa Entry and Exit Checkpoints

A Vietnam e-visa can only be used at approved entry and exit checkpoints. Travellers should check the selected airport, land border, or seaport carefully before applying, because not every border gate accepts e-visas.

Vietnam’s approved e-visa checkpoint network has been expanded to cover more airports, land borders, and seaports across the country. Still, the checkpoint chosen on the application should match the traveller’s real arrival and departure plan.

International Airports

Most major international airports in Vietnam accept e-visas, including:

• Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi
• Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City
• Da Nang International Airport
• Cam Ranh International Airport near Nha Trang
• Phu Quoc International Airport

Travellers flying into Vietnam should make sure their arrival airport is listed as an approved e-visa checkpoint before submitting the application.

Land Border Crossings

E-visas can also be used at many land border crossings with Cambodia, Laos, and China. However, travellers should not assume every border gate accepts e-visas.

Common land entry points include checkpoints such as Moc Bai, Lao Bao and Huu Nghi. Anyone travelling overland should select the correct checkpoint on the application and confirm that it is currently approved for e-visa entry.

Seaports

Vietnam e-visas are accepted at many approved seaports, which is useful for cruise passengers and travellers arriving by sea. Major ports may include Hon Gai, Da Nang Port and Ho Chi Minh City Port.

Cruise travellers should check their exact itinerary before applying, especially if the ship stops at more than one Vietnamese port or leaves and returns to Vietnamese waters.

Because the list of approved checkpoints can change, travellers should always check the latest official list before applying for a Vietnam e-visa.

Vietnam Visa Costs

Vietnam visa costs depend on the type of visa and how the traveller applies. For e-visas, the official government fee is fixed:

Travellers should understand that paying a private agency does not guarantee visa approval. Agencies can help prepare or submit the application, but the final decision is still made by the Vietnam Immigration Department.

To reduce costs and protect personal data, travellers who are comfortable applying on their own should use the official government e-visa portal.

Common Vietnam E-Visa Mistakes

Small mistakes on a Vietnam e-visa application can lead to delays, rejection, or problems at the airport or border. Travellers should check every detail carefully before paying the fee.

Common mistakes include:

• Entering the name in the wrong order or not matching the passport.
• Misspelling the full name.
• Typing the wrong passport number.
• Confusing similar characters, such as O and 0.
• Choosing single entry when the trip requires leaving and returning to Vietnam.
• Selecting the wrong entry or exit checkpoint.
• Uploading a blurry, cropped, shadowed, or unclear passport image.
• Choosing travel dates that do not match passport validity requirements.
• Applying with a passport that will soon be renewed or replaced.
• Forgetting to save the registration code.
• Booking flights or hotels before the e-visa is approved.
• Using an unofficial website that charges extra fees or may misuse personal data.

Before submitting the application, travellers should compare the form with their passport line by line and make sure the visa type, dates and checkpoints match the real travel plan.

What to Check After Your E-Visa Is Approved

After your e-visa is approved and you receive the final PDF file, take time to check every detail before you travel. The information on the e-visa must match your physical passport exactly.

You should review the following details carefully:

• Full name
• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Passport number
• Visa number
• Valid-from date
• Valid-until date
• Single-entry or multiple-entry status
• Permitted checkpoint or any other stated conditions

Even a small mistake can cause trouble at the airport or border checkpoint. If you find any incorrect information, contact the official immigration support channel before departure.

Do not try to edit the e-visa PDF yourself. Changing the file can be treated as document forgery and may lead to serious legal problems at the border.

If the error cannot be corrected through the official support process, you may need to submit a new application. This is the legal way to fix the issue before travelling.

Documents to Carry When Entering Vietnam

An approved e-visa allows you to travel to Vietnam, but it does not guarantee automatic entry. At the border, the immigration officer still has the authority to review your documents and decide whether you meet the entry conditions.

Before departure, prepare the documents you may need for inspection:

• Original passport used for the e-visa application: Make sure it is the same passport listed on your e-visa. It should be valid for at least six months and have blank pages for entry stamps.
• Printed e-visa, when required: Carry a clear printed copy so the officer can check it quickly and use it for manual processing if needed.
• Digital backup: Save the e-visa PDF on your phone or another device. Make sure the device is charged and the file can be opened without internet access.
• Return or onward ticket: This may be used to show that you plan to leave Vietnam within your permitted stay.
• Accommodation details: Keep your hotel booking or address for the first days of your trip ready for review.
• Travel insurance documents: These can help show that you have coverage for medical or emergency costs during your stay.
• Supporting documents for your travel purpose, if needed: For business trips, conferences, or similar purposes, carry invitation letters, event registrations, or related paperwork.

If your documents are unclear, incomplete, or do not match your stated travel purpose, the officer may ask more questions. In some cases, entry can be refused. Checking your documents before travel helps reduce avoidable problems at the checkpoint.

Vietnam Visa Rules for Special Travel Situations

Some Vietnam trips need extra visa checks, especially when the route includes Phu Quoc, nearby countries, cruise ports, airport transit, children, or long-term stay. Travellers should confirm the correct visa type before departure because airline check-in staff and immigration officers may refuse travel when documents do not match the trip.

Travelling to Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc has a separate visa-free policy allowing foreign passport holders to stay on the island for up to 30 days. This usually applies when travellers go directly to Phu Quoc or transit through another Vietnamese international border gate before going onward to the island.

The exemption is for Phu Quoc. If travellers plan to continue to mainland Vietnam, such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang, they should check whether an e-visa is needed before travel.

Entering Vietnam More Than Once

A single-entry visa ends once the traveller leaves Vietnam. Anyone planning to enter Vietnam, visit Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Singapore, or another country, then return to Vietnam should apply for a multiple-entry visa.

For example, a traveller who enters Hanoi, goes overland to Laos, then returns to central Vietnam by bus needs a multiple-entry visa. Vietnam’s e-visa can be issued for single or multiple entry, with validity up to 90 days.

Arriving by Cruise Ship

Cruise passengers should confirm visa requirements with the cruise line before boarding. Some operators arrange group or shore procedures, while others require each passenger to hold an individual Vietnam e-visa.

Travellers should check the exact Vietnamese port, the cruise operator’s instructions, and whether they will pass immigration separately.

Transiting Through Vietnam

A visa may not be needed if the traveller stays inside the international transit area and does not pass immigration. Vietnam’s rules define transit as staying in the transit area before continuing to a third country.

An e-visa is usually needed when the traveller must collect baggage, re-check bags, change airports, leave the airport, stay overnight outside the transit area, or connect to a domestic flight.

Children and Family Applications

Children need the correct entry permission. If a child has a separate passport, parents should prepare a separate e-visa application.

If a child under 14 is included in a parent’s passport, the e-visa form allows accompanying child information to be added to the same application.

All names, dates of birth, nationalities, and passport numbers should match the travel documents exactly.

Overseas Vietnamese and Their Families

Eligible overseas Vietnamese, spouses, and children may apply for a visa exemption certificate instead of a normal tourist e-visa. This certificate can be valid for up to five years and is used for family visits or personal matters.

Applicants usually need documents proving Vietnamese origin or family relationship and should apply through the relevant Vietnamese authority, embassy, or consulate.

Work, Study and Long-Term Stay

A tourist e-visa does not replace a work permit, temporary residence card, student procedure, or other purpose-specific process.

Vietnam’s e-visa guidance states that employment, study, investment, legal practice, journalism, healthcare, education, and similar purposes may require supporting documents or approval from the competent authority.

Anyone planning to work, study, or stay long term should arrange the correct sponsorship and immigration documents before entering Vietnam.

Can You Extend a Vietnam Visa?

Visa extension rules in Vietnam can change, so travellers should not assume that an extension is available. Eligibility depends on the visa type, travel purpose, sponsor, and current immigration rules.

For independent tourists using an e-visa, extending the stay from inside Vietnam is often difficult and may not be available in many cases. Some travellers may need to leave Vietnam and apply for a new visa before returning.

Do not wait until the visa is about to expire. Contact the Vietnam Immigration Department, an authorised travel company, or a qualified sponsor early to check the current option. The National Public Service Portal also refers e-visa travellers who want to stay longer for tourism to contact a travel company for the relevant tourist visa procedure.

Overstaying should never be treated as a way to extend a visa.

What Happens If You Overstay?

Overstaying a Vietnam visa is an immigration violation. The penalty depends on how long the traveller overstays and how the immigration authority assesses the case.

Common consequences may include:

• Administrative fines
• Extra questioning before departure
• Delayed exit from Vietnam
• Required paperwork or explanation
• Possible impact on future entry to Vietnam
• Deportation in more serious cases

Vietnam’s 2026 deportation rules apply to foreign nationals who commit administrative violations and are subject to deportation procedures. These rules also require affected foreigners to comply with immigration authorities and complete exit procedures within the stated timeframe.

A traveller with an expired visa should contact immigration authorities as soon as possible instead of waiting until departure day. Reporting the issue early may make the process easier, but approval or leniency is not guaranteed.

Vietnam Visa Checklist Before Booking Your Flight

Before booking your flight to Vietnam, check the visa rules against your full travel plan. This helps avoid problems at airline check-in, immigration control, or when re-entering Vietnam.

Use this checklist:

• Check whether your passport qualifies for visa-free entry.
• Confirm the allowed stay period matches your itinerary.
• Make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity and blank pages.
• Choose single entry or multiple entry based on your route.
• Check that your entry checkpoint matches your arrival plan.
• Apply only through the official Vietnam government portal using a .gov.vn domain.
• Allow extra time for weekends, public holidays, or processing delays.
• After approval, compare every e-visa detail with your passport.
• Print a clear copy of the e-visa before travelling.
• Recheck the rules shortly before departure, especially if your trip is planned weeks or months ahead.

A few minutes of checking before payment can help prevent costly changes later.

Choosing the right Vietnam visa depends on your route, nationality, and length of stay. Visa-free entry may be enough for short trips that meet the current rules. A single-entry e-visa works for one continuous visit. A multiple-entry e-visa is usually better if you plan to leave Vietnam and return during the same trip.

Before booking flights or hotels, check the latest rules on official Vietnam government channels. Triplory can help you plan your route, transfers, and regional itinerary, but visa approval always comes from Vietnamese immigration authorities.

Check early, apply through the official portal, and make sure every detail matches your passport before you travel.