Visa requirements for Vietnam

Visa-free entry

Citizens of several countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for short tourism visits. Visa-free periods typically range from 30 to 90 days depending on nationality, most commonly 30 days for eligible passport holders. Southeast Asian residents (ASEAN member states) generally enjoy longer visa-free periods than non-ASEAN nationals. To qualify, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date, and you must have return or onward travel documentation. Visa-free entry is intended for tourism; work, business residency, or extended stays require formal visa sponsorship. The permitted duration begins from your official entry date stamped in your passport.

Typical visa-free duration

30–90 days (nationality-dependent)

Passport validity required

At least 6 months beyond departure

Supported purpose

Tourism only

E-visa and online applications

Vietnam's e-visa system allows eligible nationals to apply online before arrival, typically issued within 24–48 hours. The e-visa is printed on a standard form and presented to immigration upon entry; it is not a sticker in your passport. Applications are submitted through the official Vietnamese Immigration Department portal or authorized third-party service providers. Processing times, fees, and accepted nationalities vary. Single-entry and multiple-entry options are usually available at different price points. E-visa validity typically permits a stay of 30 or 90 days from the issue date, though the actual duration granted may differ. Entry must occur within the visa's valid-from date; failure to enter by the expiry date invalidates the permit.

Processing timeframe

Typically 24–48 hours (varies by provider)

Entry presentation

Printed document; not a passport sticker

Stay duration

Commonly 30 or 90 days (subject to change)

Application channel

Official portal or authorized agents

Visa-on-arrival and airport processing

Tourists without a pre-arranged e-visa may apply for a visa-on-arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (serving Hanoi and regional destinations) or other designated entry ports. This requires an approval letter obtained beforehand from a visa sponsor or agency—you cannot apply on-site without prior documentation. The approval letter is typically issued within 24 hours of online application. Upon arrival, you present the approval letter to the immigration desk, where you receive and stamp your visa. Processing takes 15–30 minutes at the airport. Single and multiple-entry visas are available. Fees and exact procedures are set by the Immigration Department and may change. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity and sufficient blank pages.

Approval letter processing

Typically 24 hours via sponsor or agency

Airport processing time

15–30 minutes at immigration desk

Required entry points

Noi Bai International Airport and designated borders

Pre-requisite

Approval letter required before arrival

Passport nationality and ASEAN considerations

Nationals of ASEAN member states (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand) benefit from streamlined entry processes and often longer visa-free periods than non-ASEAN visitors. Many ASEAN passport holders qualify for visa-free entry of 30–90 days. Non-ASEAN G7 nationals (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan) typically have access to e-visa and visa-on-arrival pathways but may not qualify for visa-free entry. Other nationalities should verify their specific eligibility through the Vietnamese Immigration Department. Processing times and fees may vary by passport class. No single source lists all 200+ nationalities' individual eligibility; official confirmation is essential.

ASEAN visa-free typical duration

30–90 days (nationality-specific)

Non-ASEAN common entry routes

E-visa and visa-on-arrival

Verification requirement

Check official sources by passport nationality

Application channels and official resources

Visa applications are processed through the official Vietnamese Immigration Department website, authorized government-partner agencies, and in-person at Vietnamese diplomatic missions (embassies and consulates). Third-party service providers often charge convenience fees above government charges. Processing times, fees, and document requirements are published by the Immigration Department and change periodically—fees quoted online may not reflect current rates. When applying, provide a completed form, valid passport copy, passport-sized photograph, and travel itinerary. Return or onward flight confirmation is typically required. Processing times range from hours (expedited e-visa) to weeks (embassy applications). Always apply through official channels or recognized government partners to avoid scams.

Official application portal

Vietnamese Immigration Department website

Alternative channels

Embassies, consulates, and authorized agents

Typical required documents

Passport, photo, completed form, travel itinerary

Processing time range

24 hours (e-visa) to several weeks (embassy)

Frequently asked

Can I enter Vietnam without a visa?

Citizens of select countries can enter visa-free for 30–90 days depending on nationality. Most ASEAN and some other nationalities qualify. Non-eligible passengers must obtain an e-visa or visa-on-arrival. Check official Vietnamese Immigration Department resources to confirm your passport's eligibility before travel.

What is the difference between e-visa and visa-on-arrival?

E-visa is applied for and issued online before your journey, printed upon arrival. Visa-on-arrival requires an approval letter obtained in advance; the visa is stamped at the airport when you land. E-visa typically processes within 24–48 hours; visa-on-arrival processing occurs at immigration upon entry (15–30 minutes). Both commonly permit 30 or 90-day stays.

How long can I stay in Vietnam on a tourist visa?

Standard tourist visas permit stays of 30 or 90 days from entry, depending on the visa type and issuing authority. Some nationalities and entry methods may offer different durations. The exact period is printed in your visa document and begins on your official entry date. Extensions may be possible through immigration offices in-country, though regulations change.

Do I need a visa if my passport is from a G7 country?

Most G7 passport holders (USA, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan) do not qualify for visa-free entry and must apply for an e-visa or visa-on-arrival before or upon arrival. A few G7 nationals may have bilateral exceptions—verify with the official Vietnamese Immigration Department or your embassy.

Where do I apply for a Vietnamese visa from Quang Ninh?

Overseas tourists must arrange a visa before arrival through the official Vietnamese Immigration Department website, authorized service providers, or Vietnamese embassies and consulates in their home country. Once in Vietnam, extensions or new visas are processed at provincial immigration offices. Plan ahead, as processing times vary.

What documents do I need to apply for a Vietnam visa?

Typically: a valid passport (6+ months validity remaining), completed visa application form, passport-sized photograph, and proof of onward or return travel. E-visa and visa-on-arrival applications require these documents submitted online or to an authorized agency. Embassy applications may request additional items—check your nearest Vietnamese consulate's specific requirements.