Vietnam visa requirements for tourists

E-visa and online application

Vietnam's e-visa system allows nationals of eligible countries to apply online and receive approval via email, typically within 1–3 business days. The e-visa is generally valid for single entry and permits a stay of approximately 90 days, though shorter durations may be issued. Applications are submitted through the official Vietnamese government portal (evisa.gov.vn) or authorized third-party services. Applicants must provide a scanned passport bio page and a digital photograph meeting specified dimensions. Processing fees vary by urgency level; standard processing is generally less expensive than expedited options. The e-visa must be printed and presented at immigration upon arrival. Not all countries are eligible for e-visa; eligibility depends on bilateral agreements and passport type.

Processing time

Typically 1–3 business days for standard processing

Validity

Approximately 90 days from issue date

Entry type

Single entry

Official portal

evisa.gov.vn

Visa-on-arrival and embassy alternatives

Visa-on-arrival (VOA) is available at Vietnamese airports and some land borders for eligible nationalities. This option requires pre-approval from the Immigration Department, typically arranged through a travel agent or sponsor in Vietnam, followed by payment of a landing fee upon arrival. Processing through a travel agent usually takes 2–4 business days. Traditional tourist visas issued by Vietnamese embassies and consulates remain available for all nationalities and typically permit single or multiple entries with various durations (30 days, 90 days, or longer). Application methods, processing times, and fees vary by consulate location. Travelers should contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate early, as processing can take 5–10 working days depending on location and service tier selected.

VOA approval time

Typically 2–4 business days via travel agent

Embassy processing

Usually 5–10 working days

Common tourist duration

30 to 90 days

Entry types available

Single or multiple entry

Passport nationality and eligibility differences

Visa requirements are primarily determined by passport nationality rather than travel purpose. Nationals of several Southeast Asian countries (ASEAN members: Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar) enjoy simplified entry pathways and may have access to shorter-duration visa exemptions or expedited processing under regional agreements. Citizens of G7 nations (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, Italy) typically access e-visa and embassy channels with standard processing. Citizens of other countries should verify their specific eligibility status, as some nations have restricted or no e-visa access and must apply through embassies. The Vietnamese government website provides a nationality-specific eligibility checker. Visa policy and eligibility lists change periodically, so verification through official channels is essential before travel.

ASEAN nationals

Often have simplified pathways and shorter exemptions

G7 nationals

Generally eligible for e-visa and embassy application

Eligibility verification

Check official Vietnamese government website

Policy changes

Frequent; verify before booking

Land border entry and Chau Doc considerations

Chau Doc, located in An Giang Province near the Cambodian border, is accessible by land from Cambodia. Travelers entering Vietnam by land at the Chau Doc–Kampong Cham border crossing must have valid entry documentation, which may differ from requirements for air arrivals. Some nationalities can arrange visa-on-arrival or pre-approval at land borders, though procedures and availability vary. The border crossing is approximately 40 km from Chau Doc town. Travelers planning to enter overland from Cambodia should confirm with their travel agent or the nearest Vietnamese consulate in Cambodia well in advance, as land border visa arrangements differ from airport procedures. Processing at land borders can be slower than at major international airports.

Border location

Chau Doc–Kampong Cham crossing, ~40 km from town

Entry type

Land border crossing available

Visa-on-arrival

May be available; confirm in advance

Processing variability

Often slower than airport immigration

Frequently asked

Can I get a visa on arrival at Chau Doc's land border?

Visa-on-arrival may be available at the Chau Doc–Kampong Cham border crossing for eligible nationalities, but availability and procedures differ from airport arrivals. Pre-approval through a travel agent is typically required. Contact the nearest Vietnamese consulate in Cambodia or your travel agent at least 2–3 weeks before crossing to confirm eligibility and arrange pre-approval documentation.

How long does a standard tourist e-visa permit me to stay?

A standard e-visa typically permits approximately 90 days from the date of issue, though shorter durations may be granted. The exact duration depends on the date the immigration officer stamps in your passport upon arrival. Check your approval letter for the stated validity period before travel.

What is the difference between single-entry and multiple-entry visas?

A single-entry visa permits one arrival and exit; you must depart Vietnam and re-enter under a new visa. A multiple-entry visa allows you to exit and re-enter Vietnam multiple times during the visa validity period. Multiple-entry visas are typically more expensive and have longer validity. Most tourists use single-entry.

Do ASEAN nationals need visas to enter Vietnam?

ASEAN nationals (Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar) have simplified entry pathways under regional agreements. Some nationalities qualify for brief visa exemptions (typically 14–30 days), while others may still require a visa but access expedited processing. Verify your specific nationality's rules with the Vietnamese government website.

Can I extend my visa after arriving in Vietnam?

Yes, tourist visas can typically be extended through the Immigration Department in Vietnam's major cities, including Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 150 km from Chau Doc). Extensions must be arranged before your current visa expires. Travel agents and hotels can assist with extension applications. Processing typically takes 3–7 business days.

Is my passport valid long enough to enter Vietnam?

Vietnam typically requires your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date, though some sources recommend nine months. Check your passport expiration date well before travel and renew if necessary, as visa approval may be denied if validity is insufficient.