Vietnam visa requirements for tourists

Visa-on-arrival (VOA) and e-visa for tourists

Most foreign tourists obtain a visa through either visa-on-arrival at major entry points or via e-visa application online prior to travel. Visa-on-arrival is processed at Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, and other designated international airports and land borders; typical processing takes hours to one day, though wait times vary by airport traffic. E-visa applications are completed online through the Vietnamese immigration authority website and typically processed within 24–72 hours. Tourist visas typically permit single-entry or multiple-entry options, with stay durations ranging from 30 to 90 days depending on visa type and passport class. Processing fees and visa validity periods fluctuate; applicants should consult the official Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security immigration portal or their nearest Vietnamese diplomatic mission for current pricing and exact duration terms.

Common entry airports

Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang

Typical e-visa processing time

24–72 hours

Visa-on-arrival processing

Hours to one day at airport

Common tourist stay durations

30–90 days (varies by type)

Visa-exempt entry and bilateral agreements

Citizens of certain countries, particularly within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) such as Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Indonesia, may enter Vietnam visa-free or on visa-exempt arrangements for short stays, typically between 14 and 90 days depending on bilateral agreements. Several non-ASEAN nationals also qualify for visa-exempt entry, though the list is limited. Visa-exempt provisions are subject to diplomatic agreement and regularly updated; stays are generally restricted to tourism and short-term business. Travelers should confirm their passport's eligibility on the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security website or contact their local Vietnamese embassy, as exemption lists and permitted durations change.

ASEAN visa-exempt typical duration

14–90 days (varies by nationality)

Primary exemption category

ASEAN member-state nationals

Traditional embassy and consulate visas

Tourist visas may also be obtained by applying directly at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country or country of residence. Processing typically takes 5–10 business days for standard service, though expedited options may be available at higher cost. Required documents generally include a completed visa application form, valid passport, passport-sized photograph, and proof of onward travel or accommodation booking. Consulate websites provide specific document checklists and current fee schedules. This method suits travelers with flexible timelines and those without internet access or confidence in online e-visa systems.

Standard processing timeframe

5–10 business days

Key required documents

Passport, application form, photo, proof of travel plans

Passport class and entry duration differences

Vietnam does not formally tier visa access by passport strength (G7, ASEAN, developing-nation categories), but bilateral diplomatic agreements result in practical differences. ASEAN passport holders typically receive longer visa-free or visa-on-arrival durations (often 30–90 days) compared to some other nationalities (often 30 days maximum for single-entry tourist visas). G7 passport holders—citizens of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, US—generally have equal access to e-visa and visa-on-arrival channels as other nations and do not receive preferential exemption status. Multiple-entry tourist visas are available to most nationalities at higher cost than single-entry variants. Always verify your specific nationality's current arrangement on official Vietnamese government sources.

ASEAN visa-exempt typical advantage

Longer stay durations (up to 90 days)

G7 passport advantage

No preferential exemption; standard visa channels apply

Frequently asked

Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam as a tourist?

Most nationalities require a visa. Exceptions exist primarily for ASEAN nationals and a small number of other countries under bilateral agreements, who may enter visa-free or visa-exempt for limited periods. Check your passport nationality against the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security visa-exempt list. Most Western and other non-exempted tourists use e-visa or visa-on-arrival.

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

E-visa is applied for online before travel and typically processed within 24–72 hours; you receive an approval letter and present it upon arrival. Visa-on-arrival is processed at the airport or land border on arrival (hours to one day), often requiring an agency reference letter. Both permit similar stay lengths. E-visa suits advance planners; VOA suits flexible itineraries.

How long can I stay on a tourist visa?

Tourist visa stay durations typically range from 30 to 90 days depending on visa type (single vs. multiple-entry) and passport nationality. ASEAN nationals often qualify for 90-day durations; many other nationalities receive 30-day single-entry or 90-day multiple-entry options. Consult official Vietnamese immigration sources for your specific nationality and chosen visa type.

Can I extend my tourist visa while in Vietnam?

Yes, tourist visas can typically be extended through the Vietnamese Immigration Department or via authorized travel agencies. Extensions add time to your existing visa's expiration, usually in 30-day increments. Processing typically takes 5–7 working days. Costs and availability vary; contact an immigration office or hotel concierge for current extension procedures and fees.

Where is the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate to apply for a visa?

Vietnam maintains embassies and consulates in most major cities worldwide. Visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mofa.gov.vn) to locate the mission serving your residence country. Most major cities have at least a consulate. Visa application requirements and processing times vary by location.

What should I do if my visa application is rejected?

Visa rejections are rare for tourists but may occur due to incomplete documentation, security concerns, or policy violations. Contact the issuing Vietnamese embassy or consulate to understand the reason and request clarification on reapplication. Some rejections can be appealed; others require addressing underlying issues before reapplying. Seek official guidance rather than reapplying immediately.