A complete guide to Vietnam’s visa policy
Foreign tourists must obtain a valid visa before traveling to Vietnam to ensure a smooth and legal entry unless they are citizens of one of the visa-exempt countries.
Here is a full guide to Vietnam’s visa policy to let you know if you need to apply for one, and how to.
As of 2024, citizens of 25 countries can travel to Vietnam without having to apply for a visa for a maximum stay from 14 to 45 days depending on their nationality.
List of countries whose citizens enjoy visa-free entry in Vietnam as of 2024:
| Countries | Passport required | Maximum stay |
|---|---|---|
| Belarus | Yes | Maximum 45 days |
| Brunei | Yes | Maximum 14 days |
| Cambodia | Yes | Maximum 30 days |
| Chile | Yes | Maximum 90 days |
| Denmark | Yes | Maximum 45 days |
| Finland | Yes | Maximum 45 days |
| France | Yes | Maximum 45 days |
| Germany | Yes | Maximum 45 days |
| Indonesia | Yes | Maximum 30 days |
| Italy | Yes | Maximum 45 days |
| Japan | Yes | Maximum 45 days |
| Kyrgyzstan | Yes | Maximum 30 days |
| Laos | Yes | Maximum 30 days |
| Malaysia | Yes | Maximum 30 days |
| Myanmar | Yes | Maximum 14 days |
| Norway | Yes | Maximum 45 days |
| Panama | Yes | Maximum 90 days |
| Philippines | Yes | Maximum 21 days |
| Russia | Yes | Maximum 45 days |
| Singapore | Yes | Maximum 30 days |
| South Korea | Yes | Maximum 45 days |
| Spain | Yes | Maximum 45 days |
| Sweden | Yes | Maximum 45 days |
| Thailand | Yes | Maximum 30 days |
| United Kingdom | Yes | Maximum 45 days |
To enter Vietnam these citizens only need a valid passport with at least two blank pages.
For foreigners who are not visa exempt, they must apply for an e-visa.
Although being officially launched since 2017, Vietnam e-visa until now is still unfamiliar with some people. The following steps will give you a full, updated overview about how to get Vietnam e-visa, where to get Vietnam e-visa, validity of Vietnam e-visa.
Foreigners can apply for a Vietnam e-visa either directly with the Vietnam Immigration Department or ask for help from a service provider or a Vietnam visa agency.
If applying by yourself, please access through the official e-visa portals: evisa.gov.vn or thithucdientu.gov.vn.
HOW TO APPLY FOR VIETNAM E-VISA
1. Prepare necessary documents:
– Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your intended entry date and has at least two blank pages.
– Digital passport photo: A recent color photo (4×6 cm) with a white background, showing your full face without glasses.
– Passport data page scan: A clear scan of the biographical page of your passport.
2. Complete the online application form:
– Personal information: Enter your full name, date of birth, nationality, and other required details as they appear in your passport.
– Passport details: Provide your passport number, issue date, and expiration date.
– Travel information: Specify your intended entry and exit dates, and select your entry and exit points from the list of designated ports.
– Upload documents: Upload the digital passport photo and the scanned passport data page as per the specified requirements.
3. Pay the e-visa fee:
The fee is US$25 for single-entry and $50 for multiple-entry visas. Payments can be made online using international credit or debit cards.
4. Receive and print your e-visa:
Processing time is typically three working days. After approval, download and print your e-visa from the application portal.
5. Present your e-visa upon arrival:
Upon arrival in Vietnam, present your printed e-visa along with your passport at the immigration checkpoint.
Important notes:
– Accuracy: Ensure all information provided matches your passport exactly to avoid entry issues.
– Validity: The e-visa is valid for up to 90 days, allowing single or multiple entries, depending on your application.
– Entry points: Confirm that your chosen entry and exit points are among the designated ports that accept e-visas.
Vietnam e-visa holders can enter the country via 32 international checkpoints including airports, seaports and landports.
| 13 airports that accept Vietnam e-visa | 13 sea border gates that accept Vietnam e-visa | 16 land border gates that accept Vietnam e-visa |
| Noi Bai in Hanoi | Vung Tau in Ba Ria Vung Tau Province | Tay Trang in Dien Bien Province |
| Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City | Saigon Port in Ho Chi Minh City | Moc Bai and Xa Mat in Tay Ninh Province |
| Cam Ranh in Khanh Hoa Province | Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa Province | Huu Nghi in Lang Son Province |
| Da Nang in Da Nang City | Da Nang in Da Nang City | Lao Cai in Lao Cai Province |
| Cat Bi in Hai Phong City | Hai Phong in Hai Phong City | Nam Can in Nghe An Province |
| Can Tho in Can Tho City | Vung Ang in Ha Tinh Province | Cau Treo in Ha Tinh Province |
| Phu Quoc in Kien Giang Province | Duong Dong in Kien Giang Province | Ha Tien in Kien Giang Province |
| Phu Bai in Thua Thien Hue Province | Chan May in Thua Thien Hue Province | La Lay and Lao Bao in Quang Tri Province |
| Van Don in Quang Ninh Province | Hon Gai and Cam Pha in Quang Ninh Province | Mong Cai in Quang Ninh Province |
| Tho Xuan in Thanh Hoa Province | Nghi Son in Thanh Hoa Province | Na Meo in Thanh Hoa Province |
| Dong Hoi in Quang Binh Province | Dung Quat in Quang Ngai Province | Cha Lo in Quang Binh Province |
| Phu Cat in Binh Dinh Province | Quy Nhon in Binh Dinh Province | Tinh Bien and Vinh Xuong in An Giang Province |
| Lien Khuong in Lam Dong Province | Bo Y in Kon Tum Province |
By Hoang Phong – VnExpress.net – December 4, 2024