Vietnam E-Visa 2026: Who Needs One, What It Costs and How to Apply
Visa-free countries, the 90-day Vietnam e-visa, official fees and a step-by-step guide to applying without mistakes.
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Most visitors to Vietnam either enter visa-free or apply online for an e-visa. The e-visa is open to every nationality, lasts up to 90 days and costs USD 25 for a single entry. This guide shows you which option applies to you and how to apply without mistakes.
Step 1: Check whether you need a visa at all
- Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland – Visa-free stay: 45 days; Valid until: 14 March 2028
- Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland – Visa-free stay: 45 days; Valid until: 14 August 2028
- Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos – Visa-free stay: 30 days; Valid until: Ongoing
- Philippines – Visa-free stay: 21 days; Valid until: Ongoing
- Brunei, Myanmar – Visa-free stay: 14 days; Valid until: Ongoing
If your passport is not on this list (for example the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India or Ireland), you need an e-visa. You also need one if you plan to stay longer than your visa-free period.
Phu Quoc exception: Every nationality can stay on Phu Quoc Island for up to 30 days without a visa when flying or sailing directly to the island. To visit the mainland, you need a visa.
What the Vietnam e-visa gives you
- Stay: up to 90 days.
- Entries: single entry (USD 25) or multiple entry (USD 50). Government fees are non-refundable.
- Who can apply: citizens of all countries and territories.
- Where to enter: the international airports, land border crossings and seaports listed on the official portal.
- Processing time: usually around 3 working days. Apply at least one week before your flight, and longer before Tet (Lunar New Year).
How to apply for the Vietnam e-visa, step by step
- Use the official website only: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Official government sites end in .gov.vn. Many look-alike sites charge two or three times the real fee.
- Prepare two files: a clear scan of your passport photo page and a recent passport-style photo on a white background, without glasses.
- Fill in the form exactly as written in your passport. Enter your entry date, entry port (for example Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi) and the address of your first hotel.
- Pay the fee online by card and note your registration code.
- Check the status on the same website with your code, email and date of birth.
- Download and print the e-visa once approved. Bring a printed copy and a copy on your phone.
Common reasons for rejection or problems at the border
- Blurry passport scan or a photo with glasses, a hat or a busy background.
- Name or passport number that does not match the passport exactly.
- Wrong entry port: you can only enter through the port you choose, so pick the airport you are flying into.
- Entry date earlier than your actual arrival. You cannot arrive before the date on your e-visa.
- Passport with less than six months of validity or no blank pages. Check with your airline before you fly.
Tips from our Hanoi team
- Check the e-visa again as soon as you receive it. Typos must be fixed before you travel.
- Travelling with family? Each person needs their own e-visa, including children.
- Planning Vietnam plus Cambodia or Laos? Choose a multiple-entry e-visa if you return to Vietnam.
- On arrival, go straight to the immigration counters with your passport and printed e-visa. There is no separate visa-on-arrival desk for e-visa holders.
FAQ
How much is the Vietnam e-visa? USD 25 for a single entry and USD 50 for multiple entries, paid on the official website.
How long can I stay with a Vietnam e-visa? Up to 90 days.
Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam? Yes. US citizens need an e-visa or another visa.
Can I extend my stay in Vietnam? Extensions are possible in some cases through a sponsor. It is easier to apply for a 90-day e-visa from the start.
Tours to book once your visa is ready
Ready to plan your trip?
Once your visa is sorted, start with the classics: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Sapa. Browse all Vietnam tours, message us on WhatsApp, or visit us at 61 Hang Ga, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.