Vietnam visa requirements for tourists

Visa-free entry and short-term exemptions

Citizens of approximately 60 countries enjoy visa-free entry to Vietnam for periods typically ranging from 30 to 90 days. ASEAN member states and several other nations qualify for longer exemptions. Most EU member states, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States are not included in the visa-free list and must obtain either an e-visa or visa-on-arrival. The visa-free allowance covers tourism and short business visits but generally does not permit employment or extended residence. To confirm whether your passport qualifies, consult the Vietnamese Immigration Department website or your nearest embassy, as exemptions are regularly revised.

Visa-free eligible countries

Approximately 60 countries, primarily ASEAN members

Typical visa-free duration

30–90 days depending on passport

Allowed activities

Tourism and short-term business only

E-visa for 90-day tourism entry

The Vietnamese e-visa is the most accessible option for citizens of countries without visa-free access. The e-visa is valid for 90 days from issue and typically permits a single entry. Applications are submitted online through the official Vietnamese Immigration Department portal or authorized third-party service websites. Processing usually takes 3–7 business days; expedited options may be available at additional cost. Standard and expedited fees vary; verify current pricing on the official immigration portal. The e-visa requires a passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date and a digital passport photograph. Once approved, the visa is emailed as a PDF and must be printed or displayed digitally at check-in and immigration.

E-visa validity

90 days from issue date

Entry allowance

Single entry per visa

Processing time

Typically 3–7 business days

Passport validity required

Minimum 6 months beyond departure date

Visa-on-arrival option

Visa-on-arrival (VOA) is available at major Vietnamese airports and land borders for most non-exempt passport holders. The process requires an Approval Letter obtained in advance from an immigration services provider, which is emailed to you before travel. Upon arrival, you present the letter, your passport, and a completed arrival immigration form to receive your visa stamp. VOA validity is typically 30 days for tourism. Fees for the Approval Letter vary by provider and processing speed. Stamping fees are payable in Vietnamese Dong at the airport immigration counter. VOA carries slightly higher total cost than e-visa but allows flexibility for travelers who arrange documents closer to departure.

VOA validity duration

Typically 30 days for tourism

Obtained at

Major airports and land borders

Required before arrival

Approval Letter from registered provider

Payment at airport

Stamping fee in Vietnamese Dong

Passport requirements and eligibility

All tourist visa options require a passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond your intended date of departure from Vietnam. There are no significant visa-tier differences between G7 and other nationalities; eligibility is determined by your passport issuing country, not your wealth or travel class. However, citizens of some countries may face longer processing times or additional documentation requirements. Single-entry visas are standard for tourism; multiple-entry visas are available but typically used for business travelers making repeated visits. Transit visas are available for short stopovers but are subject to specific duration limits. If you hold a non-standard passport or have questions about eligibility, contact your nearest Vietnamese embassy directly.

Minimum passport validity

6 months beyond departure date

Standard tourist visa type

Single-entry

Visa-tier system

Determined by passport country, not travel category

Frequently asked

Do I need a visa to visit Cat Ba if I'm a UK or US citizen?

Yes. UK and US citizens do not qualify for visa-free entry to Vietnam. You must obtain either a 90-day e-visa (online) or a 30-day visa-on-arrival. The e-visa is typically cheaper and faster if you apply several weeks ahead. For last-minute travel, visa-on-arrival is available at the airport.

How much does a Vietnam e-visa cost and how long does it take?

E-visa fees vary by provider and processing speed; standard processing typically takes 3–7 business days. Check the official Vietnamese Immigration Department website for current fees, as prices and processing times change seasonally. Expedited options are available at higher cost.

Can I extend my visa once I'm in Vietnam?

Yes, single-entry tourist visas can typically be extended for additional 30-day periods through immigration offices in major cities, including Hanoi (the nearest major city to Cat Ba). Extension fees apply and processing takes several days. Plan ahead if you intend to stay longer than your initial visa allows.

What is the difference between e-visa and visa-on-arrival?

The e-visa is applied for online before travel and is valid for 90 days; you print or display the approval digitally at check-in. Visa-on-arrival requires an advance Approval Letter but is stamped at the airport upon arrival; it is typically 30 days. E-visa is generally cheaper if applied early; VOA offers flexibility for last-minute trips.

Do I need to print my e-visa or can I show it on my phone?

Either method is typically accepted, but printing is recommended to avoid phone display issues at check-in or immigration. Carry both a printed copy and a digital copy as backup to ensure smooth processing.

Is my visa valid for Hanoi and Cat Ba, or do I need separate visas?

A single Vietnam entry visa (e-visa or VOA) covers the entire country, including Hanoi and Cat Ba. You do not need separate visas for internal travel within Vietnam, though you do need to register accommodation with local police in some cases.