Vietnam Visa and Entry Guide: Who Needs a Visa
Whether you need a visa for Vietnam depends on your passport. Citizens of 24 countries can stay 45 days without one, most ASEAN passports get 14 to 30 days, and everyone else applies online for an e-visa valid up to 90 days. This guide sets out the rules for ordinary passports as checked by our operations team in September 2026. Rules change, so confirm yours before you book flights.
Who needs a visa: the quick answer
| Your passport | Rule | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Russia | Visa-free to 14 March 2028 | 45 days |
| Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland | Visa-free to 14 August 2028 | 45 days |
| Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia | Visa-free | 30 days |
| Philippines | Visa-free | 21 days |
| Indonesia, Brunei, Myanmar | Visa-free | 14 days |
| All others, including the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand | E-visa before you travel | Up to 90 days |
UK British National (Overseas) passports are not covered by the UK exemption. Diplomatic and official passports follow separate rules.
Three questions to answer first
- Which passport will you travel on? If you hold two, check the rule for each
- How many days will you stay, counting arrival and departure days? A 46-day trip does not fit a 45-day exemption
- Will you leave Vietnam and come back during the trip, for example to Cambodia? If so, check that your visa or exemption allows it
How to apply for the e-visa, step by step
- Go to the official portal, evisa.gov.vn. Government sites end in .gov.vn; many other sites look official and charge extra.
- Prepare a clear scan of your passport photo page and a recent portrait photo, without glasses.
- Fill in your details exactly as they appear on your passport, along with your entry date, exit date and entry checkpoint.
- Pay the government fee online. When we last checked, it was USD 25 for a single entry and USD 50 for multiple entries.
- Save your registration code, so you can check the status on the same site.
- When it is approved, usually in three working days, print the e-visa and save a copy on your phone.
When to apply
Apply about 20 working days before you travel. Three working days is the normal processing time, and it leaves no room for a rejected photo or a holiday closure. Vietnamese public holidays, especially Tet in January or February, can slow things down.
Common mistakes that cause trouble
- A name or passport number that does not match the passport exactly
- A blurred photo, or a passport scan with glare
- Paying a look-alike website instead of the official portal
- Renewing your passport after the e-visa is approved. The e-visa is tied to the passport you applied with
- Booking a stay longer than your visa-free days
What to have ready on arrival
- A passport valid for at least six months, with blank pages
- Your e-visa, if you need one, printed and on your phone
- Your hotel address and return or onward ticket, in case an officer asks
E-visas are accepted at listed checkpoints, including the main international airports. If you plan to enter by land or sea, check that yours is on the list.
Traveling with children
Every child needs a passport and their own e-visa or exemption, based on the child's passport. If you hold different nationalities within the family, check each one separately.
The Phu Quoc exception
Any nationality can stay on Phu Quoc for up to 30 days without a visa, if they fly there directly from abroad and stay only on the island. Flying on to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City means you need a visa if your passport requires one.
Questions before you go
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
It depends on your passport. Citizens of 24 countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Japan and South Korea, can stay 45 days without a visa. Most other travelers apply online for an e-visa.
How long does a Vietnam e-visa take?
The usual processing time is three working days. We suggest applying about 20 working days before you travel, so there is time to fix any problem.
How long must my passport be valid?
At least six months is the safe rule. Check the date before you apply or book.
Can I get a visa on arrival?
Plan on having your e-visa or exemption before you fly. Airlines may check your papers at check-in, and without them you may not be able to board.
Is there a visa-free option for Phu Quoc?
Yes. Any nationality can stay up to 30 days if they fly directly from abroad to Phu Quoc and stay only on the island. Leaving for the mainland requires a visa if your passport needs one.
Planning a trip?
Reply to the person who sent you this guide with your travel dates, number of travelers and hotel class. They will send you a quote and handle any changes before and during your trip.
This guide is from Dong Thi Co., Ltd, a licensed international tour operator since 2008.
