Is a visa required for travel to Vietnam?

Whether you're eager to relax on sandy shores, explore lush jungles, wander through historic towns, or live as a digital nomad in vibrant Hanoi, you'll likely need a visa to enter Vietnam, unless your stay is under 15 days.

The good news is that despite some bureaucratic hurdles, numerous nationalities can easily apply for an E-Visa online, streamlining the process.

Vietnam had strict COVID measures during the pandemic, but now you can travel without needing a Covid test or vaccination proof. Acquiring a visa has also become simpler, with a special government portal for E-Visa applications. Here’s what you should know about Vietnam's entry requirements.

Who requires a visa to enter Vietnam?

Your need for a visa to visit Vietnam depends on your country of residence and the duration of your visit. Citizens from nearby Southeast Asian countries, such as Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Laos, can enjoy visa-free access for up to 30 days. Filipino travelers can stay for 21 days without a visa, while South Korean and Japanese citizens can visit for 15 days visa-free. Brunei and Myanmar citizens have a 14-day visa exemption.

What about visitors from Europe?

European travelers have good news – citizens from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland can enter without a visa for 15 days, acknowledging their historical recognition of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. British, German, French, Spanish, and Russian nationals can also visit without a visa for 15 days.

What about others?

Travelers from other European countries and around the globe will require a visa to enter Vietnam. This includes visitors from visa-exempt nations who plan to stay beyond the allowed duration, as well as those arriving for business or other non-tourist reasons.

How can I obtain a visa?

There are three methods to secure a visa. You can choose the traditional route by applying at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country (either in person or by mail); opt for a Visa on Arrival through a Vietnamese visa agency; or request an E-Visa online before your trip.

What is the duration of validity for Vietnam visas?

Standard tourist visas are available for either 30 or 90 days. You can choose between single-entry or multiple-entry options, and extensions can be arranged within Vietnam for an extra fee. For business visa inquiries, reach out to your local Vietnamese embassy or consulate; you can find a list of overseas missions on the Ministry for Foreign Affairs website. Digital nomads typically use tourist visas.

What are the specific visa regulations for Phu Quoc Island?

Visitors to Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s most popular tropical getaway, can enjoy a visa-free stay of up to 30 days. This is applicable even for those from non-visa-exempt countries, provided you arrive in Phu Quoc by air. Upon arrival, you can apply for a visa to enter the rest of Vietnam or for longer stays exceeding 30 days.

What is the process to apply for an E-Visa?

To obtain an electronic visa, you must navigate the government’s somewhat perplexing E-Visa portal. These visas are valid for 30 days with a single entry option. You can enter through any designated air, land, or sea border, but the entry point must match what you listed on your application. The application process takes three working days and is available to citizens of 80 countries, including most European nations, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

When applying, ensure you submit a high-resolution digital passport photo along with a scanned copy of your passport ID pages. Don't forget to note your application’s registration number; you’ll need this to download the PDF of your visa, and it’s wise to print and carry two copies during your travels.

What steps should I follow to apply for a Visa on Arrival?

If you arrive in Vietnam by flying into Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, or Da Nang International Airport in Da Nang, you can secure a Visa on Arrival through an online visa agency like Vietnam Visa Center or Vietnam Visa. However, this option tends to be more costly.

This involves a two-step process. You will need to pay an initial fee for the online application, followed by a second fee upon arrival in Vietnam for the visa to be officially stamped in your passport. The standard online processing time is two working days, but you can opt for a quicker service for an additional charge, either in one day or just four hours.

What is the cost of a Vietnam visa?

The cost of a visa can differ based on where you apply. Travelers using the online application process will face different fees compared to those applying in person or by mail at embassies and consulates. A standard 30-day E-Visa costs US$25. For details on fees for in-person or postal applications, reach out to your local embassy or consulate.

To obtain a Visa on Arrival, you'll first need to pay a visa agency for a 'visa pre-approval letter.' The cost for a single-entry visa is approximately US$17 for 30 days and US$25 for 90 days. For a multiple-entry visa, expect to pay around US$20 for 30 days and US$65 for 90 days.

Upon arriving in Vietnam, you'll incur a second fee known as the 'Stamping Fee,' which must be paid in foreign currency. This fee is US$25 for a single-entry visa and US$50 for a multiple-entry visa. Different rates apply for visitors from many African and Middle Eastern nations, as well as some Asian countries.

Practical steps for applying for a visa

Regardless of whether you apply online or at your local embassy or consulate, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended exit date from Vietnam. You can enter on or after the date specified in your application, but you must leave by the expiry date on your visa.

If applying in person or by mail, you’ll need to include passport photos with your application. For online applications, high-quality digital passport photos are required; if you’re going for a Visa on Arrival, bring two 4cm by 6cm photos to submit when paying the stamping fee.

Is it possible to extend my visa while in Vietnam?

Extending a tourist visa in Vietnam is relatively straightforward, but you will need assistance from a local visa agency. The process can take up to a week, so be sure to apply before your original visa expires. Extensions of 15, 30, or 60 days may be available, depending on the type of visa you hold.

Fees for extensions vary by agency and depend on how long you want to extend your stay. Generally, it is easiest to arrange extensions in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Danang, and Hue. Keep in mind that additional fees may apply if you seek an extension in a different location from where you initially entered Vietnam.