How to get a Vietnam visa as a tourist

Visa-on-arrival (VOA)

Visa-on-arrival allows eligible travelers to obtain a visa at the airport or land border upon entry to Vietnam. This option is available to most nationalities and is processed at designated airports and border crossings, including Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), and some land borders. To use this service, you typically need an approval letter issued by a Vietnamese sponsoring agency, which can be arranged online through travel services or visa intermediaries. Processing times for approval letters typically range from one to three business days. Upon arrival, present your approval letter, passport, and completed arrival form at the visa counter. Fees vary by visa type and are payable in USD or VND at the airport; exact amounts change periodically and should be confirmed with your approval letter provider.

Processing time (approval letter)

1–3 business days (typical)

Available at

Major airports and land borders

Payment currency

USD or VND

E-visa (electronic visa)

Vietnam's e-visa system allows online application and approval without visiting an embassy. Eligible nationalities can apply on the official Vietnam Immigration Department website or through authorized third-party services. The application requires a valid passport scan, a digital passport photo, and completion of an online form. Processing typically takes one to three business days. Once approved, you receive a digital visa via email, which must be printed and presented at entry alongside your passport, completed arrival form, and immigration fee. E-visas are valid for single or multiple entries and are typically granted for stays of 30 or 90 days, though these durations and associated fees are subject to change.

Application method

Online via official website or authorized services

Processing time

1–3 business days

Entry validity

Single or multiple entries

Typical durations

30 or 90 days (subject to change)

Visa-free entry

Several nationalities are exempt from Vietnam visa requirements for short tourism stays. ASEAN citizens, along with nationals of a limited number of other countries, may enter visa-free. ASEAN citizens typically receive 90-day visa-free entry, while other exempt nationalities receive shorter periods (often 14–30 days). Visa-free stays are ordinarily limited to tourism purposes and do not permit employment. Eligibility is based on passport nationality and changes over time. You should verify your country's current status on the official Vietnamese Immigration Department website or contact your nearest Vietnamese embassy before travel, as exemptions are adjusted periodically.

ASEAN citizens

Typically 90-day visa-free entry

Other exempt nationalities

Typically 14–30 days (varies by country)

Permitted purpose

Tourism only

Verification source

Vietnamese Immigration Department website

Passport requirements and entry categories

Vietnam generally accepts passports valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date, though some visa categories may require additional validity. Citizens of G7 countries (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan) and most developed nations typically qualify for e-visa and visa-on-arrival services. ASEAN passport holders have streamlined visa-free or expedited options. Travelers from less-represented countries should confirm their eligibility directly with a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. When applying for any visa type, ensure your passport has at least one blank page for the visa stamp.

Minimum passport validity

Typically 6 months beyond departure

Blank pages required

At least one

G7 nationals

Eligible for e-visa and VOA

ASEAN nationals

Visa-free or expedited options

Frequently asked

What visa option is fastest for a tourist arriving at Hanoi airport?

The e-visa system is typically fastest if applied before arrival; processing usually takes 1–3 business days online. You print the approved e-visa and present it at immigration. Visa-on-arrival is also available at the airport but requires an approval letter arranged in advance. Both methods are slower than visa-free entry (available to some nationalities) but faster than applying through an embassy.

Can I extend my Vietnam tourist visa after arrival?

Yes, tourist visas can typically be extended through the immigration office or authorized travel agencies in Vietnam after you arrive. Extension durations and fees vary depending on your visa type and the extension period requested. Contact the immigration office in the city where you are staying or consult your accommodation for guidance on local extension services and current regulations.

Do I need a return ticket to enter Vietnam?

While not always enforced, airlines typically require proof of onward travel before boarding. Having a return ticket or proof of departure is recommended to avoid check-in issues. Vietnam's immigration may also ask about your departure plan, though entry refusals for missing onward travel are uncommon for tourists with valid visas.

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

Single-entry visas allow one arrival; if you leave Vietnam, the visa expires and you cannot re-enter on the same document. Multiple-entry visas permit multiple exits and re-entries within the visa validity period. Multiple-entry visas are typically more expensive but useful if you plan side trips to Cambodia or other neighboring countries.

Can I get a visa at the land border between Thailand and Vietnam?

Yes, visa-on-arrival is available at several land borders, including Moc Bai (Cambodia–Vietnam) and other designated crossings. You will need an approval letter in advance. Processing at land borders can be slower than at airports. E-visa is also valid for land border crossings if you print the approval email and complete the required forms.