Vietnam visa requirements: Entry options for travelers

Visa-on-arrival (VOA) and e-visa options

Vietnam issues visa-on-arrival at major airports and border crossings, allowing eligible tourists to obtain a visa upon arrival. An alternative is the electronic visa (e-visa), obtainable online prior to travel through the Vietnamese government's official immigration portal. Both pathways typically require a valid passport with at least six months validity, passport-sized photographs, and completed application forms. Processing times and associated fees vary; current details should be confirmed with official sources. The e-visa process generally takes several business days to process and can be completed remotely, while visa-on-arrival is issued immediately at the port of entry but may involve longer queuing times.

Passport validity required

Minimum 6 months from entry date

Processing method

E-visa online or on-arrival at airports

Visa-free entry for eligible nationalities

Citizens of several countries, primarily within ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), enjoy visa-free access to Vietnam for tourism purposes, typically for stays up to 90 days. These include Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and Brunei. Other nationalities with visa-free or visa-exemption agreements may include specific countries; eligibility varies and should be verified with the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate. Visa-free travelers must still carry valid passports and may be subject to immigration screening upon arrival.

ASEAN citizens

Typically 90-day visa-free access

Verification required

Check with Vietnamese embassy for your nationality

Passport class and G7 nationals

Citizens of major developed nations—including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Australia, and Japan—typically require a visa to enter Vietnam, whether obtained as e-visa or visa-on-arrival. No special visa category exists exclusively for G7 passport holders; they follow standard tourist visa procedures. Processing times, fees, and allowable stay durations are generally equivalent across nationalities using the same visa channel. Specific fee structures and exact durations have changed in recent years and should be confirmed with official Vietnamese immigration authorities before application.

G7 and other developed nations

Standard e-visa or visa-on-arrival required

Typical tourist stay duration

Approximately 30–90 days (variable by visa type)

Application process and official channels

The official Vietnamese government immigration portal (https://evisa.gov.vn) is the authorized online platform for e-visa applications. Applicants provide passport details, upload a scanned passport photo and biographical page, and pay the required processing fee electronically. Physical visa applications can also be submitted to Vietnamese embassies and consulates worldwide. Multiple intermediary visa services operate online, often charging additional service fees; using the government portal directly typically costs less. Processing via the official channel usually takes 1–3 business days for standard e-visa requests.

Official e-visa portal

https://evisa.gov.vn

Application processing time

Typically 1–3 business days

Documents needed

Valid passport, digital photo, completed form

Duration and conditions of stay

Tourist visas typically permit stays ranging from 30 to 90 days, depending on the visa type and category selected during application. Single-entry visas restrict the holder to one border crossing; multiple-entry visas allow re-entry. Extensions beyond the initial visa period may be available through immigration offices within Vietnam, though fees and procedures apply. Overstaying a tourist visa incurs fines and potential immigration complications; travelers should plan their itinerary to respect visa expiration dates. Conditions of stay require compliance with Vietnamese law; tourist visas do not authorize employment or business activities.

Typical tourist visa duration

30–90 days (variable by type)

Extension options

Available through Vietnamese immigration offices in-country

Stay conditions

Tourism only; no employment permitted

Frequently asked

Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam from my country?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Citizens of ASEAN and a few other countries enjoy visa-free access for up to 90 days. Most other nationalities require either an e-visa obtained online or a visa-on-arrival. Check your passport nationality against the official Vietnamese immigration website or your nearest embassy to confirm eligibility before booking travel.

What is the cheapest and fastest way to get a Vietnam visa?

The official e-visa portal (evisa.gov.vn) is typically the least expensive option and processes online in 1–3 business days. Visa-on-arrival at the airport is immediate but may involve longer processing queues. Third-party visa services charge higher fees for convenience. For your destination and passport class, the e-visa is usually the most cost-effective.

Can I extend my tourist visa while in Vietnam?

Yes, tourist visa extensions are available through immigration offices in major cities, including in Hanoi (approximately 30 km from Bac Ninh). Extensions typically require an application, passport photos, and an administrative fee. Processing times vary; plan ahead if you wish to extend your stay beyond your initial visa period.

How long is my passport valid when entering Vietnam?

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry into Vietnam. Passports expiring sooner may be rejected at immigration. Renew your passport with your home country's issuing authority before applying for a Vietnam visa if it does not meet this requirement.

What documents do I need to apply for an e-visa to Vietnam?

You will need a valid passport, a digital copy of your passport's biographical page, and a digital passport-sized photograph (4x6 cm typical). You complete an online form on the official portal, upload these documents, and pay the processing fee electronically. Ensure images meet specified technical requirements.

Can I work on a tourist visa in Vietnam?

No. Tourist visas explicitly prohibit employment and business activities. If you intend to work, study, or conduct business, you must apply for a separate visa category with appropriate authorization. Violation of visa conditions can result in fines and deportation.