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Visa

Updated as of March 2025

Dear Guest,

Welcome to Vietnam! At ALO Travel Asia, we are committed to ensuring your journey is smooth and hassle-free. If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, you may need a visa to enter the country. This guide provides comprehensive details on Vietnam’s visa policies, including who needs a visa, visa exemptions, and how to apply for an e-visa.

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.

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.

2. Who needs to apply?

Foreigners whose countries are not listed under Vietnam’s visa exemption agreements need to apply for an e-visa.

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.

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.

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.

8. Important Notes

The standard processing time for a Vietnam e-Visa is typically 3 business days. 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.

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?

1. Unilateral Visa Exemption (45 Days)

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.

2. Tourism Development Stimulus Program (March 1 – December 31, 2025)

Under this program (Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP), citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland are exempt from visas for a temporary stay of 45 days if they are traveling for tourism through a Vietnamese travel service enterprise, regardless of passport type. However, to qualify for this exemption, travelers must obtain a special government-stamped letter from a Vietnamese travel company.

Important Notice:

Despite the policy, enforcement may vary. Recent reports indicate that airlines and immigration officials still require travelers from these countries to present a visa upon entry unless they have the official stamped letter. Travelers should be prepared to obtain a visa as a precaution.

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	Cambodia	30 days	Not mentioned
4	Indonesia	30 days	Not mentioned
5	Kyrgyzstan	30 days	Not mentioned
6	Laos	30 days	Not mentioned
7	Malaysia	30 days	Tourism, attending press conferences or coverage, official duty, visiting relatives, business negotiation, investment, sports, or attending seminars or conferences
8	Singapore	30 days	Entries that do not include remunerated activities
9	Thailand	30 days	Not mentioned
10	Philippines	21 days	Not mentioned
11	Brunei	14 days	Not mentioned
12	Myanmar	14 days	Visiting only
13	Belarus	30 days	The total stay duration in Vietnam is no more than 90 days in 12 months.
14	Denmark	45 days	Not mentioned, valid till March 14th, 2028
15	Finland	45 days
13	France	45 days
17	Germany	45 days
18	Italy	45 days
19	Japan	45 days
20	Norway	45 days
21	Russia	45 days
22	South Korea	45 days
23	Spain	45 days
24	Sweden	45 days
25	United Kingdom (Not applicable to BNO)	45 days
26	Kazakhstan	30 days	Not exceeding 90 days within 180 continuous days
27	Switzerland	45 days	Travelers must obtain a special government-stamped letter from a Vietnamese travel company, valid till December 31, 2025
28	Czech	45 days
29	Poland	45 days

Note:	1) Foreigners holding British National Overseas (BNO) passports are not exempted from visa requirements and thus must have appropriate visas to enter Viet Nam
	2) Under Decision No. 80/2020/QĐ-TTg of the Prime Minister dated May 25, 2020, holders of foreign passports are exempted from the visa requirement for entry into or exit from Phu Quoc Islanda duration, with duration of stay no longer than 30 days. In case holders of foreign passports, before entering Phu Quoc, had transit through other international border gates of Viet Nam, he/she also enjoy such exemption.

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
Government Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP: On visa exemption under the Tourism Development Stimulus Program in 2025 for citizens of the following countries: Republic of Poland, Czech Republic, and the Swiss Confederation. Government Electronic Information Portal- http://vanban.chinhphu.vn. https://vanban.chinhphu.vn/?pageid=27160&docid=212471

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!

Warm regards,
ALO Travel Asia