Vietnam visa requirements for tourists

Visa-free entry and exemptions

A small number of countries benefit from visa exemptions for Vietnam. These typically include fellow ASEAN member states (citizens of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand), plus Japan and South Korea for stays up to 90 days. Citizens of these nations can enter on a valid passport without a visa. However, the exemption period varies—some countries receive 30 days, others up to 90 days. Non-exempt nationalities cannot use this pathway. Verify your specific country's status with the Vietnamese embassy before booking travel, as agreements may change.

ASEAN citizens typically allowed

Visa-free entry (30–90 days depending on country)

Non-exempt nationalities

Require visa, e-visa, or visa-on-arrival

E-visa and online application

Vietnam offers an electronic visa (e-visa) system for eligible nationalities, available through the official government portal (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn). The e-visa typically permits a single entry and applies for tourism purposes. Processing time is usually around three business days. Applicants must provide a digital passport photo, a scan of the passport bio page, and a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay. The e-visa is emailed as a PDF document and must be printed and carried upon entry. Fees vary and change regularly; check the official portal for current rates. Some travel agents also offer e-visa services, though these may charge a markup.

Official e-visa portal

evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn

Processing time

Approximately 3 business days

Validity requirement

Passport valid 6+ months beyond departure

Visa-on-arrival service

Visa-on-arrival (VoA) is a common pathway for tourists from nations ineligible for e-visa. The process requires a letter of invitation from a Vietnamese sponsor (typically a tour operator, hotel, or visa service), which is submitted to immigration authorities before arrival. Once approved, the visa grant letter is emailed to you. You must then pay the visa fee at the immigration desk upon arrival at your entry port. Processing times for the grant letter typically span 2–4 business days. This method is popular with travelers who prefer not to visit an embassy but should be arranged well in advance. Reputable tour operators and travel services offer this service throughout Southeast Asia.

Processing time for grant letter

2–4 business days

Payment location

Collected upon arrival at immigration

Typical validity

Single entry, 30–90 days (varies by request)

Embassy and consulate visas

Traditional embassy or consulate visas remain available in many countries. You apply in person or by post at the Vietnamese diplomatic mission in your home country or nearest residence. Standard tourist visas typically permit single or multiple entries; durations and fees vary by embassy and visa type. Processing times are generally 3–7 business days for standard service, though expedited options may be available at additional cost. This pathway is reliable for travelers who prefer direct government channels or those ineligible for e-visa systems. Contact your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate for specific requirements and current fees.

Processing time

3–7 business days (varies by embassy)

Application location

Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country

Passport strength and entry requirements

All visitors must hold a passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond their intended departure from Vietnam. Passport strength (the list of countries whose citizens can enter visa-free or with simplified processes) affects entry pathways: ASEAN citizens and citizens of select other nations enjoy exemptions or simplified e-visa access, while holders of other passports typically require one of the paid visa pathways. No specific G7 vs. ASEAN preference exists in Vietnamese law, but individual countries' agreements determine entry terms. Travelers should verify their passport's specific status and plan accordingly, as processing times and required documentation vary.

Minimum passport validity

6 months beyond intended departure

Exemption status

Determined by country of citizenship

Frequently asked

What is the fastest way to get a Vietnam visa for a tourist?

The e-visa system is typically fastest, with processing in approximately 3 business days if your nationality is eligible. Visa-on-arrival can also be arranged quickly (2–4 days for the grant letter) but requires payment upon arrival. If time is very short, some Vietnamese embassies offer expedited service, usually at higher cost. Check eligibility for your passport first.

Can I enter Vietnam without a visa?

Only citizens of ASEAN countries, Japan, and South Korea receive visa-free or visa-exempt entry, and only for specified durations (typically 30–90 days). Most other nationalities must obtain a visa through e-visa, visa-on-arrival, or an embassy before entering. Verify your country's status with the Vietnamese embassy.

How long can a tourist visa allow me to stay?

Standard tourist visas typically permit 30 or 90 days of continuous stay, though this varies depending on which visa pathway you use and any agreements your country has with Vietnam. Visa-on-arrival and e-visa both usually offer 30 or 90-day single-entry options. Always confirm the specific duration when applying or before arriving.

Do I need a visa invitation letter to apply for a Vietnam visa?

An invitation letter is required for visa-on-arrival and embassy applications in some cases. The e-visa system does not require one. When applying at an embassy or using visa-on-arrival, contact the embassy or a tour operator to learn whether an invitation is needed, as this varies by location and passport nationality.

How much does a Vietnam tourist visa cost?

Fees vary by visa type, nationality, and processing speed. E-visa fees fluctuate and are set by the government portal; embassy fees vary by country; visa-on-arrival fees are collected upon arrival. Check the official e-visa portal and your nearest Vietnamese embassy for current rates, as visa policy and fees change periodically.