Last updated September 11, 2026 · Editorial policy
Quick answer: Vietnam requires an e-visa for most travelers. $25 USD single / $50 multi. Apply at evisa.gov.vn.
Planning a trip to Vietnam? Here’s the complete visa picture — current, practical, no legalese. Verified against the official government sources as of May 2026.
More: When to visit Vietnam · Vietnam travel guide
Do you need a visa for Vietnam?
Visa rules depend on your passport. Current breakdown for the 5 most common traveler nationalities:
Key facts at a glance
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- Capital: Hanoi
- Passport validity: 6 months beyond departure (or 3 months for Schengen)
- Cost: $25 USD single / $50 multi
- Stay length: up to 90 days
- How to apply: evisa.gov.vn — 3-7 days before
How to enter Vietnam — step by step
- Apply online at evisa.gov.vn — 3-7 days before 3-7 days before travel.
- Pay the fee: $25 USD single / $50 multi
- Print confirmation (paper copy sometimes required).
- Bring 6+ months passport validity + return ticket.
- At immigration: show e-visa + passport.
What people miss
- Print AND save digital copy of e-visa.
- 45-day visa-free for 12 nationalities (DE, FR, UK, IT, ES, JP, KR, BY, RU, DK, SE, NO, FI).
- Overstays trigger bans. Even 1 day over can mean denied future entry.
- Carry passport copies separately. Lost passport recovery is faster.
- Save e-visa/eTA as PDF on phone — saves panic at the airport.
Common trip scenarios
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
Vietnam requires an e-visa for most travelers. $25 USD single / $50 multi. Apply at evisa.gov.vn.
How long can I stay in Vietnam?
up to 90 days
How much does a Vietnam visa cost?
$25 USD single / $50 multi
Can I extend my stay in Vietnam?
Most visa-free stays cannot be extended. For longer stays, apply for an appropriate residence permit.
What if I overstay in Vietnam?
Overstaying triggers fines, possible deportation, and 1-5 year entry bans. Don’t risk it.
Do I need travel insurance for Vietnam?
Strongly recommended. Schengen requires €30,000+ medical coverage.
Can I work in Vietnam on a tourist visa?
No. Tourist entry is for tourism only. Working requires a work permit.
What if my visa is denied?
Common reasons: incomplete docs, insufficient funds, prior overstays. Re-apply with stronger documentation.
Plan your Vietnam trip
Related Articles
- Things to Do in Vietnam: 12 Experiences You Can’t Miss
- Where to Stay in Vietnam: Best Neighborhoods and Hotels
- Best Time to Visit Vietnam from USA (Month-by-Month)
- Best Time to Visit Vietnam: Month-by-Month Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Once the visa is sorted: our guide to arriving in Vietnam covers which of the three gateways to fly into, what happens at immigration, why you should read your entry stamp before walking away, and the land-border rule that catches people — not every visa type is valid at every crossing.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.
