Vietnam has streamlined its visa process in recent years. As of now, Vietnam visa requirements are quite clear and easy to understand. Vietnam offers visa exemption to quite a few nationalities. And those who require a visa can get an e-Visa online.
There are 2 different visa options available to enter Vietnam: visa exemption and e-Visa. Visa-exempt nationals are also eligible to apply e-Visa.
Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival (VOA) program is not available to tourists anymore. It is very limited and available only for emergency or sponsored trips.
Table of Contents
***
Vietnam Visa Policy
Vietnam offers visa exemption to several countries. Recently, it has been extended to 12 more countries, bringing the total to 39 countries.
All other countries must obtain an e-Visa before traveling to Vietnam. Visa-exempt nationalities wishing to stay longer than their allowed period of stay can also apply for an e-Visa.
All nationalities are visa EXEMPT for visiting Phú Quốc island, which is considered a special economic zone. Must arrive and depart from the island directly and cannot transit through the mainland.
Minimum passport validity required to enter Vietnam as a tourist
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival. You must also have at least one blank page (for visa exemption) and two blank pages (for e-Visa) in your passport.
***
Vietnam Visa Types
Currently, there are 2 different visa options available to enter Vietnam as a tourist.
- Visa exemption: 39 countries are visa-exempt for stays from 14 days to 90 days
- e-Visa: All nationalities can obtain an e-Visa for stays up to 90 days
***
Vietnam Visa Exemption (VISA-FREE)
Citizens of 39 countries do not require a visa to enter Vietnam as a tourist. The duration of stay varies from 14 days to 90 days.
Eligible countries
90-day entry
- Chile
- Panama
45-day entry (under Unilateral Visa Exemption, valid from 15 Mar 2025 to 14 Mar 2028)
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
- South Korea
- Norway
- Russia
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
45-day entry (under Tourism Development Stimulus Program, valid from 15 Aug 2025 to 14 Aug 2028)
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Hungary
- Louxembourg
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Switzerland
30-day entry
- Belarus
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Mongolia
- Myanmar
- Singapore
- Thailand
21-day entry
- Philippines
14-day entry
- Brunei
Documents to carry
You must carry the following documents to enter Vietnam on visa exemption.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
- Proof of return or onward travel (your return or onward flight/bus/train ticket)
- Proof of accommodation (a hotel reservation for the first few days)
If you are traveling on a one-way ticket, consider getting a proof of onward ticket from BestOnwardTicket.
***
Vietnam e-Visa
As of now, the Vietnam e-Visa is the only visa option available for tourists and visitors. All nationalities are eligible to apply for the Vietnam e-Visa.
Validity of Vietnam e-Visa
The validity of the Vietnam e-Visa is a maximum of 90 days from the day of issue. You must enter and exit Vietnam within the validity of the e-Visa.
When to apply for e-Visa
You can apply for your Vietnam e-Visa up to 1 year before your trip. The e-Visa processing takes 3 working days, so you must apply at least 3 working days prior to your trip.
In certain instances, it can take longer. I highly recommend applying at least two weeks before your trip.
How long can you stay in Vietnam on e-Visa
With an e-Visa, you can stay up to 90 days or until the expiry of your e-Visa, whichever is shorter. The immigration officer will write the date by which you must exit the country on the entry stamp in your passport. Usually, this exit date on your passport will match the expiration date of your e-Visa.
e-Visa application process
You can apply for the e-Visa on the official Vietnam e-Visa Portal. You would need a scan of your passport data/ID page, a digital photo and a credit/debit card.
You can refer to my step-by-step guide on applying for Vietnam e-Visa. Follow along the steps outlined in the guide. It only takes 10 minutes to complete the application.
Documents required
You will need the following documents.
- Original passport
- A digital portrait photo
- A scan of your passport data/ID page
Passport requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the intended day of arrival. It must also contain at least 2 blank pages.
Photo requirements
The digital photograph must meet the following specifications.
- Photo must show the entire face
- Photo must be straight-looking without glasses
- Photo must be about 4 x 6 cm in dimensions
- Photo must be in JPG format only
Visa fee
The visa fee is 25 USD for a single-entry and 50 USD for a multiple-entry e-Visa. You would need a credit or debit card to pay the visa fee.
Processing time
The e-Visa processing time is 3 working days, not including the day of application. If it’s taking longer than 3 working days, contact the e-Visa support.
Application tracking
You can track your application status from the Vietnam e-Visa portal application status page using your registration code, email and date of birth.
Your application can have any of the 2 statuses.
- Processing: This status means that your application is still in process.
- Acceptance: This status means your application is approved and ready for download
Customer service
In case of questions about your visa or visa status, you can contact the Vietnam Immigration Department at their support page, email or phone number.
WEB: e-Visa support page
EMAIL: foreigners@xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
PHONE: +84 2438264026 or 2839200365
***
Entry and Exit Procedure at the Airport
Entering Vietnam by air
After you get off your flight, walk towards immigration/passport control. If you are a visa-exempt national, present your passport and boarding pass. If you hold an e-Visa, present your passport, boarding pass and a print or soft copy of your Vietnam e-Visa to the immigration officer.
The immigration officer may ask a few questions, such as how long you plan to stay, what you would like to do in Vietnam, etc.
The immigration office may also ask to see your return ticket. If you are flying on a one-way ticket, make sure to carry proof of an onward flight ticket to avoid any trouble at immigration.
—
Leaving Vietnam by air
Vietnam employs manned passport control. You will go through passport control on your exit. Present your passport and boarding pass. The immigration officer will not ask any questions unless you have overstayed your visa.
***
Credit: Maps are made with mapchart.net
