Do You Need a Visa to Visit Vietnam? Requirements, Types & Entry Rules

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Do You Need a Visa to Visit Vietnam? Requirements, Types & Entry Rules

Planning a trip to Vietnam? Before booking your flights, it's important to understand the country's visa requirements, as they vary depending on your nationality and travel plans. This guide covers everything you need to know about Vietnam visas, from visa types and application basics to the latest entry requirements for international travelers.
10 July, 2026

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Vietnam Visa Guide 2026: Types, Requirements & Entry Rules

Do You Need a Visa to Visit Vietnam?

Whether you need a Vietnam visa depends on your nationality, the length of your stay, and the purpose of your visit. While many international travelers are required to obtain a Vietnam tourist visa, the country also offers visa-free entry for eligible visitors.

Currently, Vietnam grants visa exemption to citizens of more than 25 countries and territories through different visa-free policies. These include:

  • 45-day visa exemption for citizens of selected countries.
  • 30-day visa exemption under specific bilateral agreements.
  • Special visa exemptions for travelers visiting designated destinations, such as Phu Quoc Island, under certain conditions.

Vietnam Visa Guide 2026: Types, Requirements & Entry Rules

If your country is not included in Vietnam's visa exemption program, or you plan to stay longer than your visa-free period allows, you'll need to apply for a Vietnam visa before your trip. Fortunately, the process is straightforward, with the Vietnam e-Visa available to citizens of all countries and territories, making it easier than ever to visit Vietnam.

Types of Vietnam Visas

Visa Exemption 

Vietnam offers visa-free entry to citizens of selected countries and territories, making it easier to visit without applying for a Vietnam visa in advance.

  • 45-Day Visa Exemption: Available for citizens of 13 countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Belarus.
  • 30-Day Visa Exemption: Available for citizens of most ASEAN countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Laos, as well as Chile and Panama.
  • Phu Quoc Visa Exemption: Travelers of all nationalities can stay on Phu Quoc Island for up to 30 days without a Vietnam visa, provided they arrive directly from an international destination and do not travel to mainland Vietnam.

To qualify for visa-free entry, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and have at least two blank pages.

E-VISA

The Vietnam e-Visa is the most popular option for international travelers who are not eligible for visa-free entry. Available to citizens of all countries and territories, the e-Visa can be applied for online through the official Vietnam Government e-Visa portal.

The Vietnam tourist e-Visa is valid for up to 90 days and is available as either a single-entry visa (US$25) or a multiple-entry visa (US$50). Applications are typically processed within 3 to 4 business days, so it's best to apply at least one week before your departure.

The e-Visa is accepted at 13 international airports, 16 land border gates, and 13 seaports, giving travelers flexibility when entering Vietnam.

Types of Vietnam Visas

How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa

Applying for a Vietnam visa is a simple process, especially if you're eligible for a Vietnam e-Visa.

  1. Prepare your documents: You'll need a passport valid for at least 6 months, a recent passport-style photo with a white background, and a clear scan of your passport information page.
  2. Submit your application: Complete the online application through the official Vietnam National Electronic Visa System, providing your personal details, travel information, and intended entry port.
  3. Pay the visa fee: Make your payment through the online payment gateway. The fee is US$25 for a single-entry e-Visa and US$50 for a multiple-entry e-Visa.
  4. Download your e-Visa: Processing usually takes 3 to 4 business days. Once approved, download and print your e-Visa to present to immigration upon arrival in Vietnam.

If the Vietnam e-Visa isn't suitable for your trip, you can also apply for a Visa on Arrival through an authorized agency (with a pre-approved visa letter) or obtain other visa types, such as business or work visas, through a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate.

Common Vietnam Visa Mistakes to Avoid

Applying for a Vietnam visa is straightforward, but small mistakes can delay your application or even result in a rejection. Here are some common errors to avoid before traveling to Vietnam.

  • Using invalid photos: Make sure your portrait photo is recent, has a plain white background, and clearly shows your face. Your passport scan should include the entire information page, including the ICAO code at the bottom.
  • Entering incorrect personal information: Double-check your full name, passport number, date of birth, and passport validity. All details must exactly match your passport.
  • Providing inaccurate travel information: Use your actual accommodation details and intended travel dates when completing your application.
  • Misunderstanding visa validity: A Vietnam e-Visa becomes valid from the entry date you selected on your application. You cannot enter Vietnam before that date.
  • Applying while already in Vietnam: An e-Visa cannot be used for a same-day visa run or to extend your stay from within the country.
  • Forgetting to apply for children: Every traveler with their own passport, including children, must have a separate Vietnam e-Visa.
  • Not checking your application status: e-Visa approval is not automatically sent by email. You'll need to check the status and download your visa from the official portal.

Tips for a Smooth Application

Before submitting your Vietnam visa application, carefully review all information, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months, and keep a printed copy of your approved e-Visa. If you notice an error after your visa has been issued, it's recommended to apply for a new e-Visa to avoid problems at check-in or immigration.

Whether you're applying for a Vietnam visa or planning your dream itinerary, ACT Travel offers end-to-end travel services, including visa support, customized tours, transportation, and local experiences, so you can explore Vietnam with complete peace of mind.

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