Conditions for entering Vietnam

Unless your country has signed a visa exemption agreement with Vietnam, you must present an approved visa letter on arrival. Currently, citizens of 25 countries can travel to Vietnam without having to apply for a visa and are only required to bring a valid passport with at least two blank pages for stamping, plus proof of onward travel. Ensure you have checked all entry requirements, customs regulations, and other relevant information before arriving to avoid any surprises.

Important:

A valid passport for entering Vietnam means the passport has more than six months left before expiry. If your passport will expire while abroad or in the next six months, you will encounter difficulties renewing or applying for visas.

Read also Moving to Vietnam with your pet

Visa exemptions in Vietnam

You will find a list of countries whose citizens are exempted from obtaining an entry visa on your embassy's official website. As of August 2023, Vietnam's visa-exempt countries are:

• Germany (45 days);
• France (45 days);
• Italy (45 days);
• Spain (45 days);
• United Kingdom (45 days);
• Russia (45 days);
• Japan (45 days);
• South Korea (45 days);
• Denmark (45 days);
• Sweden (45 days);
• Norway (45 days);
• Finland (45 days);
• Belarus (45 days);
• Chile (90 days);
• Panama (90 days);
• Cambodia (30 days);
• Indonesia (30 days);
• Laos (30 days);
• Kyrgyzstan (30 days);
• Malaysia (30 days);
• Singapore (30 days);
• Thailand (30 days);
• Philippines (21 days);
• Brunei (14 days);
• Myanmar (14 days).

Citizens of these countries are permitted to enter Vietnam without requiring a visa letter on arrival for the duration of their stay. Even if your passport is from an exempted country, if you plan on staying longer, you must go through the standard process and apply for the appropriate visa.

Visa application in Vietnam

A range of visa types exist for various reasons for entry into the country. You can browse these, choose what is most appropriate for your travel, and easily start your application online. If this website does not meet your requirements, for example, if you have a more complicated travel situation, it is recommended that you contact your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate who will assist you through a tailored process.

Typical documents required are your application form, a certified copy of your passport, and recent passport-sized photographs. As needed for many other countries, before entering Vietnam, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after the expiry date of your visa.

When you are filling out your application, the port of entry is a crucial piece of information. If your travel documents do not align with the port of entry you have chosen, your visa and travel plans may be canceled. Currently, the Vietnam E-Visa is accepted at 33 ports across the country, ranging from north to south.

The standard cost of a Vietnam E-Visa is USD 25 for a single entry E-visa or USD 50 for a multiple entry E-visa. If you are using a visa agent, they will also have processing and handling fees, which are subject to change, so please read the instructions provided on your application forms.

Although not always needed, it is advised that you start the application procedure at least a month before the scheduled date of your departure so as to ensure that you allow enough time for any potential issues during the process. There are fast-tracked options if you find yourself in instant need of a visa, but these will come at an extra cost.

Good to know:

The standard visa application process will grant you a visa acceptance letter, which you will be required to produce, along with your passport and the required documentation, upon arriving in the country. We recommend printing this document for ease of access while at customs or in transit on your journey.

Useful links:

Vietnam Visa News: Policy Changes and Updates 2023

Vietnam Visa Exemption 2023 - Countries - Conditions & Extension

Comprehensive Vietnam Evisa guide - Official Website - Application 2023