Vietnam's e-visa, explained

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Vietnam opened its e-visa to citizens of most countries in 2023, making it one of the most accessible countries in Southeast Asia for independent travellers. A single online application gets you a 90-day, multiple-entry visa, covering virtually all purposes from tourism to business. Here is how the process works — and what to watch for.

Who is eligible for the Vietnam e-visa?

Vietnam's e-visa is available to citizens of the vast majority of countries — including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, most EU states and many others. A small number of nationalities may still need to apply via a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or may be covered by a separate bilateral visa-exemption agreement.

A handful of nationalities — historically including citizens of certain ASEAN countries and a small list of others — can enter Vietnam without any visa at all for short stays under bilateral exemptions. If your nationality has a visa-free exemption, you can simply arrive; the e-visa is not required. Check the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to see whether your passport qualifies.

What the e-visa covers

The standard Vietnam e-visa is valid for up to 90 days from the date of entry, with multiple entries permitted. This makes it well-suited for travellers who want to explore Vietnam at length, or who are doing a broader Southeast Asia trip that takes them in and out of the country.

The e-visa covers tourism, visiting friends and relatives, and certain business activities. It does not permit employment. If you need to work, study or stay longer than 90 days, a different visa category is required — contact the Vietnamese embassy in your country.

How to apply for the Vietnam e-visa

Apply through the official Vietnamese Immigration Department website (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn). Beware of unofficial third-party websites that charge higher fees for the same process — the government site is the correct place to apply.

The process requires:

• A valid passport with at least six months' validity (confirm the exact requirement at time of application)
• A scanned copy of your passport photo/data page
• A recent passport-style photograph
• Your planned entry and exit dates, and entry point
• Payment by card (the fee is set by the government and is modest; check the current amount on the official site)

Most applications are processed within three working days, though it can occasionally take up to five. Apply at least a week before travel to give yourself a buffer.

Entry points: airports, land borders and seaports

When you apply, you select your intended entry point from a list of approved airports, land border crossings and seaports. You must enter through the point you specified — this is checked on arrival. If your plans change, you can apply for a new e-visa with a different entry point, though this takes additional time and incurs another fee.

Most international visitors arrive by air into Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon) or Da Nang. Vietnam also has a number of land crossings with China, Laos and Cambodia that are approved for e-visa holders, though the exact list can change — confirm your crossing is on the current approved list.

What to expect at the Vietnam border

On arrival, immigration officers will check your passport, e-visa (either printed or shown on your phone) and your entry card (usually filled in on the aircraft). The process at major airports is generally smooth, though queues can be long at peak times.

Officers may ask about your accommodation for the first night and your onward travel. Having hotel bookings — even just for the first night — and a rough itinerary can help if questions arise.

Vietnam does not require a return ticket in the same way as some countries, though showing an onward flight or bus booking demonstrates that you intend to leave within your permitted stay.

Extending your stay

If you wish to stay beyond 90 days, you will need to either leave Vietnam and re-enter (the multiple-entry e-visa allows this) or apply for a visa extension through the Vietnamese Immigration Department. Extensions are possible but involve paperwork, fees and are subject to approval. Plan ahead if you think you may want to stay longer.

Practical notes for travellers

Vietnam is a long country — around 1,650 km from north to south — and the open bus and train network is the classic way to explore it at a slower pace. The Reunification Express train between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City takes around 30–35 hours on an overnight sleeper; most travellers split the journey with stops in Hue, Da Nang and other cities. This kind of flightless travel approach suits Vietnam well. Internal flights are cheap but cut out the scenery; a mix of train and occasional bus gives a much richer experience of the country.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Vietnam e-visa take to be approved?

Most applications are processed within three working days. Allow at least a week before travel to account for any delays, and apply through the official Vietnamese Immigration Department site only.

Can I enter Vietnam at a different point from the one I selected on my e-visa?

No. Your e-visa specifies an entry point, and you must enter through that location. If your plans change, apply for a new e-visa with the correct entry point — the process takes additional time and costs another application fee.

Is the Vietnam e-visa available to all nationalities?

It is available to citizens of most countries, but not all. Some nationalities have bilateral visa exemptions that make the e-visa unnecessary; a small number may need a consular visa. Check the Vietnamese Immigration Department website for your specific passport.

Can I work in Vietnam on an e-visa?

No. The e-visa covers tourism, family visits and some short-term business activities, but not paid employment. Working requires a separate work permit and an appropriate visa category arranged before arrival.