Vietnam Visa Guide 2026

Vietnam has become one of Southeast Asia's most popular destinations, attracting travelers for holidays, business trips, family visits and longer stays. Before traveling, however, it is important to understand whether you need a visa and which type of visa is appropriate for your itinerary.

For many travelers, the Vietnam e-visa is a convenient option because the application can be completed online. Vietnam's electronic visa can be issued for up to 90 days and may be issued for either single or multiple entry, subject to the applicable immigration requirements.

Some travelers may enter Vietnam without a visa because of an applicable visa-exemption policy. Visa requirements depend on factors such as nationality, passport type, purpose of travel and intended length of stay.

Do You Need a Visa for Vietnam?

Whether you need a Vietnam visa depends primarily on your nationality, passport and the visa-exemption rules that apply to your circumstances.

Vietnam has visa-exemption arrangements covering citizens of certain countries. Some exemptions allow eligible travelers to remain in Vietnam for a specified period without obtaining a visa in advance.

If you are not eligible for visa-free entry, a Vietnam e-visa may be one of the available options.

Before applying, check the requirements that apply specifically to your passport. Do not assume that a visa exemption applies simply because another traveler with a different nationality can enter Vietnam without a visa.

Vietnam E-Visa 2026

The Vietnam e-visa is an electronic visa issued through Vietnam's immigration system. Eligible foreign travelers can submit an application online without applying for a traditional visa sticker at a Vietnamese embassy in many circumstances.

A Vietnam e-visa can be issued for a maximum period of 90 days and can be issued for single or multiple entry, depending on the visa granted.

The official Vietnam e-visa system provides online application and application-status functions for travelers.

Vietnam E-Visa Requirements

Applicants should prepare their passport information and required photographs before beginning a Vietnam e-visa application.

Documents and information generally required

• Valid passport or international travel document
• Passport information-page image
• Recent portrait photograph
• Full name and personal information
• Date and place of birth
• Nationality
• Passport number
• Passport issue and expiry information
• Email address
• Intended arrival date
• Entry and exit information
• Temporary residence information in Vietnam

Accuracy is extremely important. Review every field before submitting the application because incorrect or incomplete information can create problems with visa processing or travel.

Passport information

Your passport information should be entered exactly as requested by the application system. Carefully check the passport number, name, date of birth, nationality and passport expiry date.

How to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa

The Vietnam e-visa application process is completed online. Preparing your documents before starting can reduce the chance of entering incorrect information.

Step 1: Prepare your documents

Prepare your passport information page and required portrait photograph. Make sure the images are clear and readable.

Step 2: Complete the application

Enter your personal, passport and travel information in the electronic visa application system.

Step 3: Check the application carefully

Before payment, review your full name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, intended arrival date and entry information.

Step 4: Pay the applicable fee

Pay the applicable e-visa fee through the online system.

Step 5: Save your application information

Keep your application or registration code and the email address used during the application process.

Step 6: Check the result

Use the official online system to check the status of your application. If approved, download and print your e-visa before traveling.

Vietnam Visa Fees 2026

The official Vietnam e-visa fees currently listed by the immigration system are:

These amounts refer to the official government e-visa fee. If you use an independent visa agency or assistance service, the total price may be higher because a separate service fee may apply.

Government fees and immigration procedures can change. Check the official immigration portal before submitting a new application.

Vietnam Visa Processing Time

The official Vietnam Immigration Department states that e-visa applications are processed in approximately 3 working days after the required information and payment have been submitted.

Travelers should not rely on the minimum stated processing period when planning an important international trip. Applications can require additional time if information is incorrect, incomplete or requires further review.

Apply before your departure

Applying early gives you additional time to correct an application or deal with unexpected processing issues.

Always check the status of your application and make sure your approved e-visa covers your intended travel dates.

Vietnam Visa Exemption 2026

Vietnam provides visa exemptions for citizens of certain countries and under specific circumstances. The applicable period and conditions vary according to nationality and the relevant Vietnamese policy.

Some eligible travelers can stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days without obtaining a visa in advance under current visa-exemption policies.

There are also specific exemption arrangements for certain travel circumstances, including rules related to Phu Quoc Island.

Visa-exemption policies can be changed or extended by the Vietnamese authorities. Travelers should therefore verify the latest rules for their nationality before departure.

Vietnam Visa Entry Requirements

Receiving an e-visa does not remove the need to satisfy applicable immigration and entry requirements when you arrive in Vietnam.

Before traveling, check:

• Your passport number matches the approved e-visa.
• Your name is correct.
• Your date of birth is correct.
• Your nationality is correct.
• Your visa validity dates cover your trip.
• Your entry type matches your itinerary.
• Your intended entry checkpoint is appropriate.
• Your passport remains valid for your journey.
• You have a copy of your approved e-visa.

Checking these details before departure can help prevent avoidable problems at check-in or immigration.

Common Vietnam Visa Application Mistakes

1. Incorrect passport number

One incorrect digit can cause an important mismatch. Compare your application with the passport before submitting it.

2. Incorrect name

Enter your personal information according to your passport and follow the format requested by the official application system.

3. Poor-quality photographs

Use clear and suitable passport and portrait images. Blurry or incorrectly prepared images can create application problems.

4. Selecting the wrong entry type

If your itinerary includes leaving Vietnam and returning during the validity period, check whether you need a multiple-entry visa.

5. Incorrect arrival information

Double-check your intended arrival date and entry information before completing the application.

6. Using an unofficial application website

Travelers should distinguish between the official government e-visa portal and private visa agencies that provide additional services.

7. Applying at the last minute

Although the official processing time is approximately 3 working days, travelers should allow additional time whenever possible.

Vietnam Visa: Single Entry Or Multiple Entry

Single-entry Vietnam e-visa

A single-entry e-visa may be suitable when you plan to enter Vietnam once and leave the country at the end of your trip.

Multiple-entry Vietnam e-visa

A multiple-entry e-visa may be more suitable when your itinerary requires you to leave Vietnam and return during the visa validity period.

For example, an itinerary such as Vietnam → Thailand → Vietnam may require multiple-entry permission.

Choose the visa type according to your actual travel plans rather than simply selecting the cheapest option.

Vietnam Visa Guide for First-Time Travelers

If this is your first trip to Vietnam, the visa process can appear complicated. In practice, the preparation is straightforward when you follow the correct steps.

Before applying

• Check whether you need a visa.
• Check whether you qualify for an e-visa.
• Check your passport.
• Prepare your photograph.
• Confirm your travel dates.
• Choose single or multiple entry according to your itinerary.

After applying

• Save your application code.
• Monitor the application status.
• Download the approved e-visa.
• Check every detail on the approved document.

Before departure

• Carry your passport.
• Carry a copy of your e-visa.
• Confirm your entry checkpoint.
• Make sure the visa is valid for your intended arrival.