Most international travelers require a visa to enter Vietnam, though citizens from certain countries are exempt. For instance, nationals from several European and Asian nations, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, can stay visa-free for 15-30 days. Chilean citizens benefit from an extended visa-free stay of up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries, such as the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, are eligible for an e-visa, which is easy to obtain online. However, travelers from some regions, including Africa and the Middle East, may need to apply for a regular visa.

Tourist visas, both regular and e-visas, are typically valid for 30 days from the arrival date, although longer stays can be arranged. Applications can be processed at any Vietnamese embassy or consulate or via visa agents. Online e-visas have become the most popular and convenient option for many travelers. Applying online typically takes around 2 business days, with some services offering expedited options for a fee. In-person applications at embassies generally take about a week, but some embassies offer an express service for a higher cost.

For up-to-date travel restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic, check the official Vietnamese tourism website: Vietnam Travel – Covid-19 Information.

How to Apply for an E-Visa or Visa on Arrival

If you’re not eligible for visa exemption or need a longer stay, an e-visa (often called a “visa on arrival”) is typically your best option. Several online services provide Vietnamese e-visa processing, and they are generally reliable. An e-visa can be obtained from the official government website: E-Visa Portal. Note that while the process is called “visa on arrival,” it is actually pre-arranged, and the visa is picked up at major international airports, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hai Phong, and Nha Trang.

The e-visa process is straightforward. Prices start at US$20 for a one-month, single-entry visa, with a US$25 stamping fee. A three-month, multiple-entry visa costs US$70, with a US$50 stamping fee. After payment, you’ll receive an approval letter that you must print and present to immigration upon arrival, along with the visa application form (available at the airport), two passport-sized photos (you can have them taken at the airport for approximately US$10), and the stamping fee, which must be paid in cash (either US dollars or Vietnamese dong). The entire process is efficient and typically involves a short wait at the airport. Look for the “Visa on Arrival” desk before proceeding through immigration.

Applying Through an Embassy, Consulate, or Travel Agency

If you prefer to apply in person or need a visa for a specific reason, you can apply for a tourist visa through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or a travel agency. Regular tourist visas cost between $25 and $90, depending on the location of application. Three-month visas typically range from $100 to $145, and processing time ranges from 3 to 10 days, although express services are available for an additional fee.

To apply for a visa, you’ll need to submit an application form along with passport-sized photos and the visa fee. Your visa will specify a set entry and exit window, and it’s valid for entry at major international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang) or Vietnam’s land borders open to foreign visitors.

Business visas are also available and are typically valid for one month or more. These visas can allow multiple entries, but you’ll need a sponsoring company in Vietnam to support your application. Student visas are easy to obtain if you’re enrolled in a language program, though you may have to leave Vietnam to get the visa stamp after entering on a tourist visa.

Visa Extensions

If you wish to extend your stay in Vietnam, you can apply for a visa extension at travel agencies in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An. Extensions are typically processed within 3 days and cost around US$25 for the first one-month extension. Extensions are less common for tourists, as it’s generally easier to apply for a three-month visa from the start.

Holders of business visas must apply for extensions through their sponsoring company, with justification for the need to stay longer.

Overstaying your visa can result in fines of US$10-25 per day. If you overstay, border staff may direct you to the nearest immigration office to pay the fine.

Vietnamese Embassies and Consulates

For a complete list of Vietnamese embassies and consulates worldwide, you can visit Vietnam Tourism – Embassy List. Here are some examples of Vietnamese embassies and consulates:

  • Australia: Timbarra Crescent, O’Malley, Canberra, ACT 2606, Phone: +02 6286 6059
  • Cambodia: 440a Monivong Blvd, Phnom Penh, Phone: +023 726 274
  • Canada: 55 Mackay St, Ottawa K1M 2B2, Phone: +613 236 0772
  • China: 32 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang, Beijing, Phone: +10 6532 1155
  • Laos: 23 Singha Rd, Vientiane, Phone: +021 413 400
  • Malaysia: 4 Persiaran Stonor, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Phone: +03 2148 4036
  • New Zealand: Level 21, Grand Plimmer Tower, 2 Gilmer Terrace, Wellington, Phone: +04 473 5912
  • Singapore: 10 Leedon Park, Singapore 267887, Phone: +06 462 5938
  • Thailand: 83/1 Wireless Rd, Bangkok 10330, Phone: +02 251 5836
  • UK: 12–14 Victoria Rd, London W8 5RD, Phone: +020 7937 1912
  • US: 1233 20th St NW, Suite 400, Washington DC 20036, Phone: +202 861 0737