Vietnam’s e-visa is available to citizens of all countries and territories and is the main online visa option for many travellers who require a visa. E-visas are valid for up to 90 days and can be issued for single or multiple entry, with fees of US$25 and US$50 respectively. Applications should be submitted through the official e-visa portal well in advance of travel. Visa issuance at the border is limited to specific circumstances and generally requires prior approval.
Vietnam’s visa policy has undergone significant changes, making entry simpler for most international travelers. The most important update: the E-visa system is now the primary method for obtaining a visa, with streamlined processes and extended stay durations
Vietnam has eliminated most COVID-19-related entry restrictions and expanded its electronic visa system. From April 15, 2026, a digital arrival card is being piloted for arrivals at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. Health declarations have become mandatory for all travelers from July 1, 2026.
Before applying for any visa, check if your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry. As of 2026, citizens from 38 countries can enter Vietnam without a visa, with stays ranging from 14 to 90 days depending on nationality
|
Countries |
Max stay |
|---|---|
|
Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Kazakhstan |
30 days |
|
Philippines |
21 days |
|
Brunei, Myanmar |
14 days |
|
UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belarus |
45 days |
|
Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland* |
45 days |
|
Chile, Panama |
90 days |
If your country is on this list and you are staying within the allowed period, no visa is required. However, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date and have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
Business and Investor Visa Extensions: For corporate travel with longer stays, extensions in-country may be possible. Business (DN1/DN2) and work (LD1/LD2) visas can be extended with company sponsorship, while investor visas (DT1–DT4) can be converted to Temporary Residence Cards. E-visa holders who need to stay longer may be considered for a new visa where they are appropriately sponsored in Vietnam.
If you require a visa and are not eligible for visa-free entry, Vietnam’s e-visa is available to citizens of all countries and territories. It can be issued for up to 90 days, with single- or multiple-entry options.
Validity: Up to 90 days from the date of entry
Entry type: Choose single entry or multiple entry
Accepted ports: 83 international airports, land borders, and seaports
Complete the online application – Apply through the official portals at: evisa.gov.vn or thithucdientu.vn . (Domains updated from November 2024.)
Upload required documents – Provide a portrait photograph and an image of your passport data page that meet the portal requirements(4×6 cm, white background).
Pay the fee – US$25 for single entry or US$50 for multiple entry. The fee is non-refundable if the application is denied.
Check your application status – The approved visa is emailed to you as a PDF. Print two copies to present upon arrival.
Processing typically takes around 3 working days. For urgent cases, express services can deliver approval in 2–4 hours through authorized professional services.
The official processing time for an e-visa is 3–5 working days. Applications submitted through the embassy can be expedited within 24 hours for an additional fee.
Airlines and immigration authorities will not accept visa-on-arrival applications without a prior approval letter.
Vietnam e-visas can be used at 83 designated international border gates, including airports, land crossings and seaports. Travellers must select an approved entry and exit point when completing the e-visa application and should confirm the current list before travelling.
International airports: Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Cam Ranh, Cat Bi, Can Tho, Phu Bai, Phu Quoc, Van Don and Lien Khuong, among others.
Phu Quoc: Eligible foreign travellers may enter and stay in Phu Quoc visa-free for up to 30 days, subject to the applicable entry conditions.
Travelers entering by land or sea must specify their port of entry during the application. E-visas cannot be extended or renewed from within Vietnam; a border run (exit and re-entry) is required for longer stays.
From April 15, 2026, a digital arrival card is mandatory for all foreign nationals arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City.
Submit the declaration within 72 hours before your flight arrives – neither earlier nor at the airport
Access the official portal at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn (the service is free)
Provide personal details, flight number, visa type, and your first-night accommodation address in Vietnam
You will receive a QR code and present this at immigration along with your passport
This initiative is currently a pilot program at Tan Son Nhat Airport and is expected to expand to Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Da Nang International Airport in the future.
Before travelling, confirm that you meet the entry requirements that apply to your nationality and visa status:
Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of arrival. Passports must also have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
Visa: A valid Vietnam visa (E-visa or visa approval letter for VOA cases) must be approved before boarding. Airline staff will verify this before allowing you to check in.
Health regulations: COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements have been permanently lifted, with no pre-departure or arrival PCR/rapid testing required.
Phu Quoc Island Exemption: Travelers flying directly into Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) from an international destination are exempt from a visa for up to 30 days. However, an E-visa becomes mandatory if you plan to leave the island to visit mainland Vietnam.
For business, work, study, or investment purposes, Vietnam offers specific visa categories beyond the tourist E-visa.
DN1: For those working with legally recognized businesses and organizations in Vietnam
DN2: For those offering services, establishing a commercial presence, or conducting activities under international treaties to which Vietnam is a member
Issued for 30 days or 90 days, single or multiple entry
LD1: For those exempt from work permits under international treaties
LD2: For those requiring a work permit to be employed in Vietnam
Valid for up to two years, extendable for an additional two years with an LD temporary residence card
DT1: From VND 100 billion – up to 5 years
DT2: VND 50 billion to below VND 100 billion – up to 5 years
DT3: VND 3 billion to below VND 50 billion – up to 3 years
DT4: Below VND 3 billion – up to 12 months
Student Visa: Granted to individuals enrolled in university courses in Vietnam. Students may initially enter on a tourist visa and then switch to a student visa at the Immigration Office after enrollment.
Diplomatic Visa: Provided to members of delegations invited by Vietnamese government officials and consulate personnel. Typically free of charge unless otherwise stipulated by bilateral agreements. Valid for up to 12 months and requires an official letter from the applicant’s government or consulate.
If you need to remain in Vietnam beyond your permitted stay, review your immigration options before your current stay expires. Depending on your circumstances and sponsorship, you may be considered for a new visa or an extension of temporary stay. A border run is not the only possible route.
If you hold a business, work, investor, or diplomatic visa: Extensions can be processed directly at the Vietnam Immigration Department in Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City. Processing for in-person extensions takes up to 5 business days, so start the application at least two weeks before your current visa expires.
If you overstay your visa: You will face fines of at least US$10–20 per day of overstay. Overstaying beyond 15 days may result in deportation and being blacklisted from re-entering Vietnam for up to three years.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using unofficial visa websites - Apply only through Vietnam’s official e-visa portals: evisa.gov.vn or thithucdientu.vn.
Incorrect passport validity - Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date
Selecting the wrong entry or exit point - Ensure the port you specify matches your planned arrival point, or you may be denied entry
Forgetting the digital arrival card: If you are arriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport, complete the online declaration within 72 hours of your flight
Assuming an E-visa can be extended from within Vietnam: E-visas cannot be extended in-country; you must perform a visa run
Assuming an e-visa can simply be extended – E-visas are valid for up to 90 days. Travellers needing a longer stay should review the appropriate visa or residence option in advance, as eligibility for a new visa or extension depends on their circumstances and sponsorship.
Vietnam’s visa process has become more digital, but the right option still depends on your nationality, purpose of travel and length of stay. Whether you are travelling for business, work, investment or leisure, understanding the visa type, entry requirements, application process and timelines that apply to you can help make the process smoother and reduce the risk of delays or issues when entering Vietnam.
If you need support with business, work or investor visa requirements in Vietnam, Ascentium can help you assess the right immigration route, prepare the required documents and manage the application process. We provide practical support at each stage, helping you stay clear on the requirements and move forward with greater confidence.