Complete guide to getting a Vietnam tourist visa, covering the e-Visa system, visa on arrival, visa exemptions, and all required documents for visiting Vietnam.
Check if your nationality qualifies for visa exemption
Citizens of 25 countries enjoy visa-free entry. EU citizens, UK, Japan, and South Korea get 45 days visa-free. ASEAN nationals get 14-30 days depending on country. This exemption was extended through 2026.
Verify e-Visa eligibility (citizens of 80+ countries)
The e-Visa costs $25 USD, allows stays of up to 90 days, and supports single or multiple entry. Citizens of over 80 countries including the US, Canada, Australia, India, and China are eligible.
Consider visa on arrival if traveling with an approved agency
Visa on arrival requires a pre-approved letter from an authorized Vietnamese travel agency, which costs $6-25 USD. At the airport, you pay an additional $25 USD (single entry) or $50 USD (multiple entry) stamping fee in cash.
Decide between single-entry and multiple-entry visa
If you plan side trips to Laos, Cambodia, or Thailand and want to re-enter Vietnam, choose multiple entry. The e-Visa multiple-entry option costs the same $25 but allows unlimited entries within 90 days.
Required Documents
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date
Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your planned arrival date and at least 2 blank pages. Vietnamese immigration is strict about the 6-month rule — they will deny boarding if you're short by even a day.
Digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background)
For the e-Visa, upload a JPEG photo no larger than 1MB. The photo must be 4x6 cm, front-facing, with a white background. Glasses are not permitted in the photo.
Scan of your passport data page
Upload a clear, color scan in JPEG or PDF format, under 2MB. The full data page including the machine-readable zone at the bottom must be visible and legible.
Confirmed accommodation details
You need the name and address of your first accommodation in Vietnam. Hotel booking confirmations work, or a host's address if staying privately. The address must match what you enter on the e-Visa form.
Entry and exit port information
The e-Visa form asks for your intended entry and exit points. You can enter through 33 checkpoints (13 airports, 16 land borders, 13 seaports). Your actual entry point must match what's on the e-Visa.
e-Visa Application Steps
Go to the official e-Visa portal (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn)
Only use the official government portal. Third-party visa services charge $40-80 for the same $25 e-Visa. The official site is available in English, French, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian.
Complete the online application form
Fill in all fields exactly matching your passport. Common rejection reasons include name mismatches, wrong passport number, and selecting the wrong entry port. Double-check every field before submitting.
Enter personal details and passport information
Specify entry/exit dates and ports
Enter accommodation address in Vietnam
Upload passport photo and passport data page scan
Photos that are blurry, cropped incorrectly, or have shadows will be rejected. Take the photo against a white wall with natural light. The upload process allows re-uploads if the first attempt fails.
Pay the $25 USD fee via credit/debit card
Payment is processed immediately and is non-refundable. You'll receive a confirmation email with a registration code — save this code to check your application status later.
Save your registration code and check status after 3 business days
Most e-Visas are approved within 3 business days, though it can take up to 5. Check your status at the same portal using your registration code. The approved e-Visa is a PDF you download and print.
Print the approved e-Visa (2 copies recommended)
Print in color on A4 paper. Carry 2 printed copies — one for immigration at arrival and a backup. Also save a PDF copy on your phone. The e-Visa shows your photo, passport details, and approved entry/exit dates.
Visa on Arrival Process
Obtain an approval letter from a Vietnamese travel agency
Apply 2-5 business days before travel. The agency submits your details to the immigration department for pre-approval. Rush processing (1-2 days) costs $10-20 extra. The approval letter is emailed as a PDF.
Print the approval letter and prepare 2 passport photos
Bring 2 passport photos (4x6 cm) and the printed approval letter. Also bring exact cash for the stamping fee: $25 USD (single entry) or $50 USD (multiple entry). ATMs are available but lines can be long.
Fill out the visa application form (NA1) at the airport
Forms are available at the "Landing Visa" counter before immigration. Fill it out completely — leaving fields blank causes delays. The form asks for your Vietnam address, purpose of visit, and planned length of stay.
Submit documents and pay the stamping fee at the counter
Hand over your passport, approval letter, photos, completed form, and cash payment. The stamping fee must be in USD cash — Vietnamese dong and credit cards are not accepted. Wait times range from 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on flight arrivals.
Extending Your Stay
Apply for a visa extension through a local travel agency
Extensions are processed through authorized travel agencies, not directly at immigration offices. A 30-day extension costs approximately $10-20 USD and takes 5-7 business days. Apply at least 7 days before your visa expires.
Provide your passport and current visa for processing
The agency keeps your passport for 5-7 days during processing. Carry a photocopy of your passport and visa as ID during this period. Some hotels require the original passport, so plan accommodation accordingly.
Consider a visa run to a neighboring country
Flying to Bangkok, Phnom Penh, or Vientiane and returning is often faster and cheaper than extending. Round-trip flights to Bangkok start at $60-80 USD. You can apply for a new e-Visa while abroad.
Understand overstay penalties
Overstaying costs approximately $25 USD per day for the first 5 days and can increase after that. Overstays longer than 30 days may result in a ban from re-entry for 1-5 years. Pay fines at the airport immigration desk on departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Citizens of 24 countries (including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, and South Korea) can enter Vietnam visa-free for 45 days. US, Canadian, and Australian citizens need a visa, available as an e-Visa ($25, single entry, 90 days) or traditional visa from a Vietnamese embassy. The e-Visa is the quickest option, typically processed within 3 business days. Vietnam also periodically extends its visa-exemption list, so check current policies before traveling.
How much does a Vietnam e-Visa cost?
The Vietnam e-Visa costs $25 for a single-entry visa valid for up to 90 days. Apply through the official government portal (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) 3-5 business days before travel. The e-Visa allows entry through 33 designated border gates, including all international airports. Multiple-entry options are available through embassy-issued visas at varying costs (typically $50-100 depending on your nationality and duration).
Can I extend my visa in Vietnam?
Tourist visa extensions are possible through a travel agency or directly at the Vietnam Immigration Department in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Extensions typically cost $10-40 depending on duration and processing speed, plus service fees if using an agency. Processing takes 5-7 business days for standard service. Overstaying results in fines of approximately $25 per day and potential deportation. Plan ahead if you anticipate needing more time.
What is the Visa on Arrival process for Vietnam?
Vietnam's Visa on Arrival (VOA) requires obtaining a pre-approved letter from a Vietnamese travel agency before departure, then picking up the actual visa stamp at the airport immigration counter. You need the approval letter, 2 passport photos, the visa application form, and the stamping fee ($25 for single entry, $50 for multiple entry) in cash (USD). The VOA is being phased out in favor of the e-Visa system, which is simpler and avoids airport queuing. Confirm current VOA availability before relying on this option.