Planning a journey to Vietnam is an unforgettable adventure. But before you pack your bags, one of the most important steps is understanding the visa process. To make your travel smooth and stress-free, here’s a comprehensive guide to visas for Vietnam plus insider tips to save you time, money, and headaches.
Who Needs a Visa?
Most travelers do need a visa to enter Vietnam. However, citizens from 41 countries can enter visa-free for a limited period — from 14 to 90 days, depending on nationality.
Examples:
- 45 days: Most EU countries (e.g., France, Germany, Italy, Spain), South Korea, Japan, UK, Russia, Nordic countries, etc.
- 30 days: ASEAN neighbors like Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand; plus Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus.
- 21 days: Philippines.
- 14 days: Brunei, Myanmar.
Special case – Phu Quoc Island:
Phu Quoc is the ONLY destination in Vietnam offering visa exemption for up to 30 days to all international tourists, regardless of nationality, if you arrive directly and remain only on the island or approved nearby areas.
Citizens from countries like the U.S., Australia, Canada, and India must obtain a visa before arrival (unless visiting Phu Quoc under the above exemption).
- E-Visa (Recommended): Available to citizens of over 80 countries, valid for single entry and 30 days. Apply online at Vietnam E-Visa portal.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): Only applicable when entering via international airports, and requires a pre-approval letter from a travel agency. Not valid for land borders.
- Embassy/Consulate Visa: Traditional option for longer stays or multiple entries.
✅ Option 1: E-Visa (Best for Most Tourists)
Who can use it?
Citizens of 80+ countries, including the U.S., Australia, Canada, India, and most of Europe.
Validity:
- 30 days, 90 day single/ multiple entry
- Entry through designated airports, seaports, and land borders
Entry points that accept e-visa:
Airports: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, etc.
Landport : Moc Bai (Cambodia), Lao Bao (Laos), and others.
Seaports: Hai Phong, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Vung Tau, etc.
✅ Option 2: Visa on Arrival (VOA) – Only via Airports
Steps:
- Apply for a visa approval letter from a reputable travel agency.
- Receive your approval letter via email (2–3 days).
- Bring 2 passport photos + US $25–50 in cash.
- At the airport (Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang), go to the “Landing Visa” counter.
- Present the approval letter, photos, and payment to get your visa stamped.
- VOA is not available at land borders or seaports.
- Print at least 2 copies of your e-visa or approval letter.
- For Phu Quoc trips meeting the exemption criteria, no visa or approval letter is required.
If you have any questions about Vietnam, visa or travel, please do not hesitate to contact us:
☎️ Hotline: +84.903.278.853
📩 Email: support@govietnamvisa.com / visa@govietnamvisa.com
🌐 Website: https://govietnamvisa.com
🏢 Van Nam Building, 26 Lang Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Or kindly read our FAQs, live Questions, or our General Vietnam Visa Information.