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.
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
Frequently asked questions
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
Visa Checker Tool →
Trip Cost Calculator →
Travel Insurance Estimator →