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?

Vietnam’s 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 Vietnam’s 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 passport’s 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

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 time—a 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 24 countries:

🇧🇪 Belgium | 🇧🇬 Bulgaria | 🇭🇷 Croatia | 🇨🇿 Czech Republic | 🇩🇰 Denmark | 🇫🇮 Finland | 🇫🇷 France | 🇩🇪 Germany | 🇭🇺 Hungary | 🇮🇹 Italy | 🇯🇵 Japan | 🇱🇺 Luxembourg | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 🇳🇴 Norway | 🇵🇱 Poland | 🇷🇴 Romania | 🇷🇺 Russia | 🇰🇷 South Korea | 🇸🇰 Slovakia | 🇸🇮 Slovenia | 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇸🇪 Sweden | 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

• This policy is valid until  March 14, 2028 
• 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:

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