Vietnam Visa Requirements and Entry Guide for 2026

Most travelers to Vietnam require a visa, except citizens of certain countries. As of 2026, nationals from the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Belarus, Japan, and South Korea can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days. ASEAN nationals from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Brunei are exempt for stays of 14–30 days depending on the country. Holders of an APEC Business Travel Card can stay up to 60 days visa-free. Special rules apply for Phu Quoc Island: travelers arriving directly can stay up to 30 days without a visa, but onward travel elsewhere in Vietnam requires a visa.

Vietnam’s e-visa system allows citizens of all countries to apply online for a single- or multiple-entry visa valid for up to 90 days. The application is done through the official Vietnamese Immigration Department website. You’ll need a passport valid for at least six months after your entry date, a digital passport photo, and a credit card for the fee (USD 25 for single entry, USD 50 for multiple entry). E-visas are typically processed within three working days and can be used at 33 airports, land borders, and seaports. There’s no stamping fee on arrival; just print or show your e-visa at immigration.

Visa on Arrival is only available if you fly into one of Vietnam’s international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, or Nha Trang). Before your trip, you must obtain a visa approval letter from a licensed Vietnamese travel agency (processing fee: USD 15–30 for most nationalities; higher for others). Upon arrival, present your approval letter, passport, completed visa form, and one passport photo at the VOA counter. Pay the stamping fee in cash: USD 25 for single entry (up to 30 days), USD 50 for multiple entries (up to 90 days), USD 95 for multiple entries (90–180 days), or USD 135 for 6–12 months. Visa on Arrival is not available for land or sea arrivals, and Chinese citizens must obtain their visa at a Vietnamese embassy in China.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of entry and have at least one blank page. No COVID-19 testing or vaccination proof is required for entry, though travelers with symptoms may be asked to test on arrival. Apply for your visa at least 1–2 weeks before travel to allow for processing and to avoid last-minute issues. For land or sea arrivals, obtain your visa in advance at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, as border processing can be slow and complicated. Always carry a printed copy of your visa or approval letter, and bring US dollars in cash for stamping fees at the airport.