If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: Do I need a visa? The answer depends on your nationality, travel purpose, and length of stay. This guide explains Vietnam’s visa requirements, visa exemptions, and e-visa options to help you prepare for a hassle-free trip.
Do you need a visa to enter Vietnam?
Whether you need a visa to enter Vietnam depends on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay.
Who can visit Vietnam without a visa?
Vietnam grants visa-free entry to citizens of selected countries through unilateral and bilateral visa exemption agreements. The permitted length of stay varies by nationality, with most visa-free visitors allowed to stay between 14 and 90 days. If your country is not on the exemption list, you can usually apply for a Vietnam e-visa online before departure. As visa policies may change, it’s always recommended to check the latest regulations before traveling: Vietnam Visa exemption.
| Nationality | Visa-free stay |
| Chile, Panama | 90 Days |
| South Korea, Japan, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Russia, France, Finland, Spain, Sweden, Italy, UK, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Poland, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia | 45 Days |
| Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Belarus, Kazakhstan | 30 Days |
| Philippines | 21 Days |
| Brunei, Myanmar | 14 Days |
(Last updated: 2026)
How long can visa-exempt visitors stay?
The maximum visa-free stay depends on the agreement between Vietnam and your home country. Some nationalities may stay for around two weeks, while others are permitted to remain for up to 45 or even 90 days under specific arrangements. Visitors must leave Vietnam before the exemption period expires unless they obtain another valid visa.
If you plan to spend more time exploring Vietnam, consider applying for an e-visa before your trip or extending your stay through the appropriate immigration procedures when eligible. Planning helps you avoid overstaying and ensures a smooth, stress-free journey.
Do you need a visa to enter Vietnam?
What if you need a visa?
If you are not eligible for visa-free entry, Vietnam offers several visa options depending on the purpose and duration of your visit.
Vietnam e-Visa
The Vietnam e-Visa is the easiest option for most international travelers. Managed by the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security, it is available to citizens of all countries and territories. An e-Visa is valid for up to 90 days and can be issued as either single-entry or multiple-entry, making it suitable for tourism, business, and short-term visits.
Applications are completed entirely online through the official government e-Visa portal. After submitting your application, passport information, photograph, and payment, you can receive your approved e-Visa electronically and present it upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s designated international airports, land border gates, or seaports.
Embassy or consulate visa
If your travel purpose requires a visa type that is not available through the e-Visa system, you can apply at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country. This option is commonly used for long-term stays, employment, study, diplomatic travel, or other special circumstances. Requirements and processing times may vary depending on the embassy and the type of visa requested.
Before submitting your application, prepare a valid passport, completed application form, passport-sized photographs, and any supporting documents required for your visa category. Contacting the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate before applying is recommended to confirm the latest procedures and document requirements.
How to apply for a Vietnam visa
Applying for a Vietnam visa is straightforward, especially if you choose the official e-Visa system. Follow these steps to ensure your application is completed correctly before your trip.
Required documents
Before starting your application, make sure you have a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity from your planned entry date. You will also need a recent passport-style photograph and a clear image of your passport’s personal information page. These documents are uploaded during the online application process.
Depending on your visa type or travel purpose, additional documents may be required. Business travelers, students, or long-term visitors may need supporting documents such as an invitation letter, work permit approval, or other official paperwork requested by Vietnamese immigration authorities.
Application process
Most travelers can apply online through Vietnam’s official e-Visa portal. Complete the application form, upload the required documents, review your information carefully, and pay the government processing fee online. After submission, you will receive a registration code that allows you to check your application status.
Once your application is approved, download and print your e-Visa before departure. Present your passport together with the printed e-Visa when entering Vietnam through an eligible international airport, land border crossing, or seaport.
Processing time
The official processing time for a Vietnam e-Visa is typically up to three working days after a complete and valid application is submitted. However, applications requiring additional verification or submitted during public holidays may take longer.
To avoid unexpected delays, it is recommended to apply at least one to two weeks before your planned departure. This provides enough time to correct any errors or submit additional documents if requested by the Immigration Department.
Visa fees
Vietnam e-Visa fees are paid online during the application process and are non-refundable, regardless of whether the application is approved or refused. As of 2026, the government fee is US$25 for a single-entry e-Visa and US$50 for a multiple-entry e-Visa, valid for up to 90 days.
Applicants using Vietnamese embassies or consulates should note that visa fees and payment methods may vary depending on the country and visa category. Always check the latest fee schedule before submitting your application.
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View DetailsEntry requirements for international travelers
International travelers should prepare a valid passport, suitable visa or visa exemption, and follow Vietnam’s arrival, departure, and customs rules.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry into Vietnam. It should also have blank pages available for immigration stamps. Before applying for a visa or boarding your flight, check that the passport details match your visa approval or e-Visa exactly, including full name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth.
If your passport is damaged, close to expiry, or different from the one used in your visa application, you may face delays or refusal at check-in or immigration. Travelers are advised to renew their passport before applying for a Vietnam visa if the validity period is too short.
e-Visa to Vietnam
Arrival and departure requirements
Upon arrival, international travelers must present a valid passport and either a valid visa, e-Visa, or proof of visa exemption. Your entry point should match the conditions of your visa, especially if you are using an e-Visa through one of Vietnam’s approved airports, land border gates, or seaports.
Before leaving Vietnam, make sure you depart before your visa or visa-free stay expires. Overstaying can lead to fines, delays, or difficulties with future entry. Keep your travel documents accessible during your trip, especially when checking in at hotels, taking domestic flights, or crossing borders.
Customs regulations
Vietnam allows travelers to bring personal belongings for normal travel purposes without any issues. However, certain items must be declared to customs or are subject to restrictions when entering or leaving the country. Before traveling, check the latest customs regulations to avoid delays at the airport or border crossing.
Items that require declaration or are subject to restrictions include:
- Cash and monetary instruments exceeding the amount permitted under Vietnamese regulations.
- Gold, precious metals, gemstones, and high-value personal items above the duty-free allowance.
- Alcohol and tobacco products that exceed Vietnam’s duty-free limits.
- Commercial goods or items intended for resale rather than personal use.
- Prescription medicines and medical products, especially controlled substances, which may require supporting documentation.
- Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and weapons, which require special authorization or are prohibited.
- Narcotics and illegal drugs, which are strictly prohibited under Vietnamese law.
- Plants, seeds, fresh food, animals, and animal products, which may be subject to quarantine or import restrictions.
- Cultural artifacts, antiques, and protected wildlife products, which may require permits for import or export.
To avoid unnecessary delays, keep receipts for valuable items, carry only goods intended for personal use, and avoid transporting items on behalf of other people. If you are unsure whether an item needs to be declared, consult Vietnam Customs or declare it upon arrival.
Items subject to Vietnam customs declaration
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions international travelers have about Vietnam’s visa policy and entry requirements.
Can I get a Vietnam visa online?
Yes. Most international travelers can apply for a Vietnam e-Visa through the official Immigration Department website before traveling. The e-Visa is available to citizens of all countries and territories, is valid for up to 90 days, and is offered as either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. Once approved, simply print the e-Visa and present it together with your passport upon arrival.
Can I extend my Vietnam visa?
In some cases, yes. Visa extensions or changes depend on your visa type, purpose of stay, and current immigration regulations. Travelers who wish to remain in Vietnam longer than their authorized stay should contact the Vietnam Immigration Department or a licensed visa service before their visa expires to learn about available options.
Can I enter Vietnam multiple times?
Yes, provided you have a multiple-entry visa or multiple-entry e-Visa. This allows you to leave Vietnam and re-enter during the validity period without applying for a new visa each time. Travelers holding a single-entry visa must obtain another visa before returning to Vietnam after leaving the country.
What happens if I overstay my visa?
Overstaying your visa is a violation of Vietnamese immigration regulations. Depending on the length of the overstay, you may be required to pay administrative fines and complete additional immigration procedures before leaving the country. In more serious cases, overstaying can affect future visa applications or entry into Vietnam. To avoid complications, always ensure your visa or visa-free stay remains valid throughout your trip.
>> Looking for travel inspiration? Read our guide on what Vietnam is famous for and the best time to visit Vietnam before planning your itinerary.
Final thoughts: Do you need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Whether you need a visa to visit Vietnam depends on your nationality and travel plans, but the process is now easier than ever thanks to expanded visa exemptions and the convenient Vietnam e-Visa system. By checking the latest entry requirements before departure, you can enjoy a smooth and hassle-free journey.
If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, HoaBinh Tourist is here to help. From personalized itineraries and visa guidance to hotel reservations, transportation, and local experiences, our travel experts ensure every step of your journey is simple, comfortable, and memorable. Contact HoaBinh Tourist today to start planning your Vietnam adventure with confidence.
Hotline: (+84) 939 311 911 – (+84) 913 311 911.
