Vietnam e-Visa 2026: Complete Guide for All Nationalities

The Basics

Since August 2023, Vietnam operates a **full e-Visa system** replacing most embassy visa stickers. Citizens of **80+ countries** are eligible. The e-Visa is single-entry and valid for up to 90 days. Processing is 3-5 working days, and the official cost is US$25.

Who Can Apply Online (2026)

The full list changes frequently. Major eligible passport holders include: - **US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand** — all eligible - **EU Schengen countries** — all eligible - **Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Russia** — eligible - **India, China, Japan, South Korea** — eligible - **Most of ASEAN** — eligible

**The complete list is at:** evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (the only official site).

Visa-Exempt Countries

**No visa needed for stays up to 45 days:** - **Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Philippines** — 30 days - **Myanmar, Brunei** — 14 days - **Japan, South Korea** — 45 days (since March 2024) - **Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Russia** — 45 days (extended since August 2023)

For visa-exempt nationals, 45 days is the standard. Extensions are possible but bureaucratic — it's easier to exit and re-enter if you need more time.

How to Apply

1. **Go to:** evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn — the OFFICIAL site. There are dozens of lookalikes that charge 5× the fee. 2. **Fill the form** — passport details, entry/exit dates, port of entry (select from the dropdown — names like "Noi Bai International Airport" for Hanoi) 3. **Upload photo** — 4×6cm, white background, no glasses, digital version 4. **Upload passport scan** — clear JPEG of the bio page 5. **Pay US$25** — online card payment (their payment gateway sometimes fails — try again 30 mins later if so) 6. **Receive the e-Visa by email** — usually within 3 working days, check your spam 7. **Carry a printed copy** — scanned at immigration

Ports of Entry

You must enter AND exit through the port listed on your e-Visa. The e-Visa is valid for ONE entry and ONE exit. Major gateways: - **Air:** Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (HCMC), Da Nang, Cam Ranh (Nha Trang), Phu Quoc - **Land:** Moc Bai (HCMC ↔ Cambodia), Lao Cai (Hanoi ↔ China), Ha Tien (Phu Quoc ↔ Cambodia) - **Sea:** Ha Long, Da Nang, Nha Trang

Common Rejection Reasons

1. **Photo doesn't meet spec** — white background, 4×6cm ratio, clear face, no glasses, no hair over forehead 2. **Blurry passport scan** — must be a clear JPEG of the bio page 3. **Wrong port of entry** — the dropdown has arcane names. "Noi Bai International Airport" (the one you want) is listed as "CANG HANG KHONG QUOC TE NOI BAI" 4. **Name mismatch** — must EXACTLY match your passport (including middle names, no special characters) 5. **Passport expires in < 6 months** — automatic rejection

The Letter of Invitation (For Some Countries)

Citizens of a few countries (mostly Central Asian) need a **visa approval letter** from a Vietnamese travel agency before applying for the e-Visa. Apply through a reputable agency (e.g., Vietnam-visa.com) — they charge $10-20 and the letter arrives in 2 working days.

Extending Your Stay

Extensions are handled by the **Immigration Department** (not online). You need your passport, a reason, and VND 500,000-800,000. Tourist extensions are routinely granted for 30 days but the process takes 5-7 working days. Overstaying costs VND 500,000 per day in fines.

The Number One Mistake

**Using a private visa service instead of the official site.** They charge $50-150 for what the official site does for $25, and they add nothing except a copy-paste of your data. The official site is clunky but safe. Use it.

Arriving at the Airport

- **e-Visa counter** — usually 2-3 dedicated desks, paper ticket required - **Fingerprints** — all foreign visitors are fingerprinted on arrival - **Customs** — one digital form (you can fill it at the e-gate before immigration) - **First time:** the process takes 15-30 minutes. The Vietnam immigration officers are efficient and professional.