Updated as of August 2025
Dear Guest,
Welcome to Vietnam! At ALO Travel Asia, we are committed to ensuring your journey is smooth and hassle-free. If you plan to visit Vietnam, you will likely need a visa to enter the country. This guide provides comprehensive details on Vietnam’s visa policies, including who requires a visa, visa exemptions, and the application process for an e-visa.
Exploring Vietnam’s rich culture and stunning landscapes will enhance your experience during your visit to Vietnam.
There are different types of visas available for entry into Vietnam, including tourist visas, business visas, and diplomatic visas. However, this guide focuses on the Vietnam e-Visa, which is the most commonly used visa for tourists.
Traveling to Vietnam offers diverse experiences, from its bustling cities to serene countryside, making it a unique destination to explore.
I. Vietnam E-Visa: Key Information
1. What is a Vietnam e-Visa?
Vietnamโs electronic visa (e-Visa) is the official travel authorization issued by the Vietnamese government. A Vietnamese visa is a type of travel document granted by competent Vietnamese authorities, providing permission to travel to and enter Viet Nam.
Viet Nam e-Visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days, for single or multiple entries.
Tourists can enjoy various activities in Vietnam such as trekking, dining, and exploring historical sites.
2. Who needs to apply?
Foreigners whose countries are not listed under Vietnamโs visa exemption agreements need to apply for an e-visa.
Many travelers are drawn to Vietnam due to its vibrant culture and welcoming people.
3. Validity & Entry Options
- Single-entry e-Visa: Valid for up to 90 days from the specified date of entry. Once the traveler exits Vietnam, the visa expires.
- Multiple-entry e-Visa: Valid for up to 90 days from the first entry date, allowing multiple entries as long as the e-Visa remains valid.
4. Passport Requirements
- Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from your date of entry into Vietnam. If the passportโs validity is less than six months, entry will be denied.
- The passport must have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
5. Processing Time & Fees
- Processing Time: Typically 3-5 business days during weekdays, but delays may occur due to high application volumes or public holidays.
- Fees:
- Single-entry e-Visa: USD 25
- Multiple-entry e-Visa: USD 50
- Visa fees are non-refundable, even if the application is denied.
6. Entry & Exit Points for E-Visa Holders
- Electronic visas can only be used for entry and exit through border gates on the list approved by the Government of Vietnam
| a . List of land border gates |
| 1. Bo Y international border gate, Kon Tum province. |
| 2. Cha Lo international border gate, Quang Binh province. |
| 3. Cau Treo International Border Gate, Ha Tinh province. |
| 4. Huu Nghi International Border Gate, Lang Son Province. |
| 5. Ha Tien International Border Gate, Kien Giang province. |
| 6. Lao Bao International Border Gate, Quang Tri province. |
| 7. Lao Cai International Border Gate, Lao Cai province. |
| 8. La Lay international border gate, Quang Tri province. |
| 9. Moc Bai International Border Gate, Tay Ninh Province. |
| 10. Mong Cai international border gate, Quang Ninh Province. |
| 11. Nam Can international border gate, Nghe An province. |
| 12. Na Meo International Border Gate, Thanh Hoa province. |
| 13. Vinh Xuong international land and river border gate, An Giang province. |
| 14. Tinh Bien International Border Gate, An Giang province. |
| 15. Tay Trang International Border Gate, Dien Bien province. |
| 16. Xa Mat International Border Gate, Tay Ninh province. |
| b . List of air border gates |
| 1. Cat Bi Airport Border Gate. |
| 2. Cam Ranh Airport Border Gate. |
| 3. Can Tho Airport Border Gate. |
| 4. Da Nang Airport Border Gate. |
| 5. Noi Bai Airport Border Gate. |
| 6. Phu Quoc Airport Border Gate. |
| 7. Phu Bai Airport Border Gate. |
| 8. Tan Son Nhat Airport Border Gate. |
| 9. Van Don Airport Border Gate. |
| 10. Tho Xuan Airport Border Gate. |
| 11. Dong Hoi Airport Border Gate. |
| 12. Phu Cat Airport Border Gate. |
| 13. Lien Khuong Airport Border Gate. |
| c . List of sea border gates |
| 1. Chan May Port Border Gate, Thua Thien Hue Province. |
| 2. Cam Pha Port Border Gate, Quang Ninh Province. |
| 3. Da Nang Port Border Gate, Da Nang City. |
| 4. Duong Dong Port Border Gate, Kien Giang Province. |
| 5. Dung Quat Port Border Gate, Quang Ngai Province. |
| 6. Hon Gai Port Border Gate, Quang Ninh Province. |
| 7. Hai Phong Port Border Gate, Hai Phong City. |
| 8. Nghi Son Port Border Gate, Thanh Hoa Province. |
| 9. Nha Trang Port Border Gate, Khanh Hoa Province. |
| 10. Quy Nhon port border gate, Binh Dinh province. |
| 11. Ho Chi Minh City Port Border Gate, Ho Chi Minh City. |
| 12. Vung Ang Port Border Gate, Ha Tinh Province. |
| 13. Vung Tau Port Border Gate, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province. |
7. How to Apply for an E-Visa
Step 1: Access the official Vietnam e-Visa portal: https://evisa.gov.vn or https://thithucdientu.gov.vn. Ensure you visit the correct website to avoid unauthorized fees.
Accessing Vietnam’s e-Visa portal is a straightforward process, ensuring your entry into Vietnam is hassle-free.
Step 2: Complete the online form and upload the required documents (passport scan and passport-sized photo). You must enter your full name exactly as it appears on the ICAO line in your passport, using uppercase letters. If you plan to temporarily reside in multiple locations, you must declare the first address where you will stay.
Step 3: Pay the visa fee online.
Step 4: Wait for processing.
Step 5: Once approved, your E-visa will be sent via email. Print the visa and carefully double-check all details before your trip.
Note: It is critical to carefully double-check that all information from your visa matches your passport. Even a small typo can lead to denied boarding or entry into Vietnam. Common mistakes include:
- Passport number errors: Mistaking the letter “0” (zero) with “O” (letter O) or “1” (one) with “I” (letter I)
- Name mismatches: Using a shortened name, missing middle names, or incorrect order of names.
- Incorrect nationality selection.
- Typing errors in the date of birth or passport expiration date.
If you notice any mistakes, contact the visa authorities immediately to request corrections.
Double-checking your information is crucial for a smooth entry into Vietnam.
8. Important Notes
- The standard processing time for a Vietnam e-Visa is typically 3-5 business weekdays. However, delays may occur due to high application volume, public holidays, or errors in the application.
To avoid any last-minute issues, it is highly advised to apply at least 3 months in advance. This allows time to correct any potential mistakes, such as typos in personal details, system errors, or unexpected government processing delays.
As part of our service, we will double-check your visa 30 days before your trip, aligning with the final tour balance payment. This step is essential to ensure that any issues can be resolved in timeโa visa problem upon arrival could significantly affect your travel experience. Applying early gives you peace of mind and ensures a smooth journey.
By planning ahead, you can ensure a fantastic journey while visiting Vietnam.
- Public Holidays: Vietnamese embassies and immigration offices do not process visas on weekends or public holidays.
- The time for declaration and processing of documents is in the UTC+07:00 time zone
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from your date of entry into Vietnam. The passport must have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- E-Visa Extensions: E-Visas cannot be extended. If you need a longer stay, you must exit and reapply for a new visa.
- A visa is issued for foreigners who are currently abroad and wish to enter Vietnam (not for foreigners who are currently temporary residents in Vietnam).
II. Visa Exemptions: Who Can Enter Without a Visa?
Understanding Vietnam’s visa exemptions can save you time and enhance your travel planning.
1. Unilateral Visa Exemption (45 Days)
Vietnam grants a 45-day visa exemption to citizens of the following 24ย countries:
๐ง๐ช Belgium | ๐ง๐ฌ Bulgaria | ๐ญ๐ท Croatia | ๐จ๐ฟ Czech Republic | ๐ฉ๐ฐ Denmark | ๐ซ๐ฎ Finland | ๐ซ๐ท France | ๐ฉ๐ช Germany | ๐ญ๐บ Hungary | ๐ฎ๐น Italy | ๐ฏ๐ต Japan | ๐ฑ๐บ Luxembourg | ๐ณ๐ฑ Netherlands | ๐ณ๐ด Norway | ๐ต๐ฑ Poland | ๐ท๐ด Romania | ๐ท๐บ Russia | ๐ฐ๐ท South Korea | ๐ธ๐ฐ Slovakia | ๐ธ๐ฎ Slovenia | ๐ช๐ธ Spain | ๐ธ๐ช Sweden | ๐จ๐ญ Switzerland | ๐ฌ๐ง United Kingdom
- This policy is valid untilย March 14, 2028ย
- British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are not eligible for this exemption.
Clarification:
- Standard British Citizens: Holders of British Citizen passports can visit Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days.
- BNO Passport Holders: Despite being a type of British nationality, BNO passport holders do not qualify for the visa exemption and must obtain a visa before traveling.
3. Visa Exemption Under International Treaties
Foreigners whose countries have bilateral or multilateral agreements with Vietnam may enter without a visa for a specific period, as determined by the treaty. If the treaty does not specify a stay duration, the traveler is granted a 30-day temporary residence permit upon arrival.
Here is the full list of Vietnam visa-free countries and exemption duration:
| No. | Country | Maximum visa-free duration | Applicable purpose of visit (if any) |
| 1 | Chile | 90 days | Entries that do not include remunerated activities |
| 2 | Panama | 90 days | Entries that do not include remunerated activities |
| 3 | Belgium | Not mentioned, valid till March 14th 2025 | |
| 4 | Bulgaria | ||
| 5 | Croatia | ||
| 6 | Czech Republic | 45 days | |
| 7 | Denmark | 45 days | |
| 8 | Finland | 45 days | |
| 9 | France | 45 days | |
| 10 | Germany | 45 days | |
| 11 | Hungary | ||
| 12 | Italy | 45 days | |
| 13 | Japan | 45 days | |
| 14 | Luxembourg | ||
| 15 | Netherlands | ||
| 16 | Norway | 45 days | |
| 17 | Poland | ||
| 18 | Romania | ||
| 19 | Russia | 45 days | |
| 20 | South Korea | 45 days | |
| 21 | Slovakia | ||
| 22 | Slovenia | ||
| 23 | Spain | 45 days | |
| 24 | Sweden | 45 days | |
| 25 | Switzerland | 45 days | |
| 26 | United Kingdom (Not applicable to BNO) | 45 days | |
| 27 | Cambodia | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| 28 | Indonesia | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| 29 | Kyrgyzstan | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| 30 | Laos | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| 31 | Malaysia | 30 days | Tourism, attending press, conference/coverage, official duty, visiting relatives, business negotiation, investment, sports, or attending seminars or conferences |
| 32 | Singapore | 30 days | Entries that do not include remunerated activities |
| 33 | Thailand | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| 34 | Belarus | 30 days | Total stay duration in Vietnam is no more than 90 days in 12 months. |
| 35 | Kazakhstan | 30 days | Not exceeding 90 days within 180 continuous days |
| 36 | Philippines | 21 days | Entries that do not include remunerated activities |
| 37 | Brunei | 14 days | Not mentioned |
| 38 | Myanmar | 14 days | Visiting only |
| Note: | 1) Foreigners holding British National Oversea (BNO) passports are not exempted from visa requirement, thus must have appropriate visas to enter Viet Nam. | ||
| 2) In accordance with Decision No 80/2020/Qฤ-TTg of the Prime Minister dated May 25, 2020, holders of foreign passports are exempted from visa requirement for entry into, exit from Phu Quoc island, with duration of stay no longer than 30 days. In case holders of foreign passports,before entering Phu Quoc, transit through other international border gate of Viet Nam, they also enjoy such exemption. | |||
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* In accordance with Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP of the Government dated 07 March 2025, citizens of 12 countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland) enjoy visa exemption with a stay duration of 45 days from the date of entry, regardless of passport type or entry purpose, on the basis of fulfilling the entry conditions as prescribed by the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Viet Nam. The unilateral visa exemption policy is effective from 15 March 2025 until 14 March 2028. |
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** In accordance with Resolution No.11/NQ-CP of the Government dated 15 January 2025, under the Tourism Stimulus Program in 2025, citizens of Poland, Czech and Switzerland enjoy visa exemption with a stay duration of 45 days from the date of entry, regardless of passport type, on the basis of fufilling the following conditions: (i) Entry conditions as prescribed by the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Viet Nam; (ii) A passport that is valid for at least 06 months from the date of entry; and (iii) Travel on tours organized by Viet Nam’s inbound licensed tour operators, with a tour purchase confirmation. The visa exemption policy under the Tourism Stimulus Program in 2025 is effective from 01 March 2025 until 31 December 2025. |
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4. Special Exemption for Phu Quoc Island
- Under Decision No. 80/2013/QD-TTg, foreign visitors from all countries can stay in Phu Quoc for up to 30 days without a visa. This visa exemption applies to travelers arriving directly from abroad or transiting through another international airport or seaport in Vietnam. However, those wishing to travel beyond Phu Quoc to other parts of Vietnam must obtain a visa before leaving the island, as visas cannot be issued on Phu Quoc.
III. References
- Official Vietnam E-Visa Portal: https://evisa.gov.vn/
- List of Unilateral Visa-Exempt Countries: Google Sheet Reference
- Visa Exemption Under International Treaties: Google Document Reference
We hope this guide clarifies the Vietnam visa process for you. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us.
Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you to Vietnam soon!
We can’t wait to show you the beauty of Vietnam!
Warm regards,
ALO Travel Asia