Vietnam Visa Requirements 2023: Do You Need a Visa To Go to Vietnam?

By Trinh Tran on Sep 13, 2023

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We cannot stress enough how important it is to know Vietnam visa requirements before your departure. From searching the authorized website to filling out the application form, travelers may be overwhelmed by innumerable sources.

It is advisable that you update the most recent information about Vietnam visa requirements. The visa application process is constantly changing. Some old immigration rules may cause you trouble when arriving in Vietnam.

Vietnam after the pandemic is ready to welcome more travelers from more countries with longer periods. It is important to know whether your passport allows visa-free entry during your Vietnam travel or you need to apply for a visa.

Do you need a visa to go to Vietnam?

Most travelers need a visa to visit Vietnam. However, Vietnam’s new visa policy (effective from August 15, 2023) guarantees visa-free stay for citizens from up to 25 countries and easy visa application for other citizens.

Vietnam visa exemption

Travelers from the following countries may enter Vietnam and stay for specific days from 14 to 90 days:

How about a multi-day tour across Vietnam from South to North? If you intend to stay in Vietnam for longer than the above periods, you have to apply for a Vietnam visa.

» See more on Vietnam in 14 Days: Traveling from South to North Vietnam 

Vietnam e-visa vs visa on arrival

Travelers not eligible for visa exemption may apply for a Vietnam e-visa or visa on arrival. There have been a lot of concerns over these Vietnam visa requirements. Here you can examine which type of visa is suitable for you.

♦ Vietnam e-visa (electronic visa): This type of visa allows travelers from ALL countries (previously only 80 countries) and territories to stay in Vietnam for a certain period of time. It is provided with a single entry or multiple entries and a stay of up to 90 days.

Vietnam e-visa holders may enter and exit Vietnam at 42 ports, including airports, land borders and seaports. You can view the full list of ports of entry accepting e-visa.

♦ Visa on arrival: As of 2023, only travelers who travel to Vietnam on a tour provided by a local operator are eligible for visa on arrival. For other travelers, you are recommended to apply for an e-visa. Visa on arrival requires applicants to collect it upon entry into Vietnam.

Vietnam visa on arrival is applicable for travelers to Vietnam by air and enter or exit Vietnam at one of the legit airports:

• Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
• Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
• Danang International Airport (DAD)
• Cat Bi International Airport (HPH)
• Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR)
• Lien Khuong International Airport (DLI)
• Can Tho International Airport (VCA)
• Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC)

» See more on A Traveler’s Guide to International Airports in Vietnam 

Travel to Vietnam visa requirements

Applying for a Vietnam visa doesn’t take much time. Please prepare the following documents required for a Vietnam visa.

Vietnam e-visa

Vietnam e-visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days with single or multiple entry. Travelers can apply for an e-visa through the official immigration portal or the online public service.

Passport

An acceptable passport must be valid for at least six months following the date of arrival to Vietnam with at least two blank pages for immigration stamps. A photo of the full passport data page in .jpg format is required.

Photo

Standard size of 4 x 6 cm (2 x 2 inches) with white background and no glasses. The photo must be clear for identification: straight face, no hat and both ears must be shown. A photo should be in .jpg format.

Try to get your Vietnam e-visa photo conveniently at home with Snap2pass.

Address

You need to provide your temporary address in Vietnam as well as your points of entry and exit.

Payment

Debit or credit card is required to make online payments. The Vietnam visa application cost is 25 USD for a 30-day Vietnam e-visa and USD 50 for a 90-day multiple entry Vietnam e-visa.

» See more on Vietnam Travel Tips 2023: Know Before You Go 

Visa on arrival

Visa on arrival is eligible for air travelers only. Be reminded that there is no direct visa on arrival, but you have to obtain approval in advance.

Passport

An acceptable passport must be valid for at least six months following the date of arrival to Vietnam with at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.

Photo

2 photos with standard size of 4 x 6 cm (2 x 2 inches) with white background and no glasses. The photo must be clear for identification: straight face, no hat and both ears must be shown.

Vietnam entry approval letter 

Vietnam visa on arrival cannot be obtained upon landing at border gates. In fact, travelers need to apply for a Vietnam entry approval letter via a Vietnamese embassy/ consulate or a travel agent (preferred). Upon receiving the letter via email, travelers must print it out along with the visa application form and present all documents at the immigration counter.

Payment

The stamping fee is USD 25 for a single entry visa or USD 50 for a multiple entry visa (cash only).

» See more on The Ultimate Guide to Vietnam Travel Visa 

FAQ on how to get a visa for Vietnam

Here we have compiled some most frequently asked questions from travelers about Vietnam visa requirements. Read on to make your visa application process go smoothly.

1. What are the Vietnam visa requirements for US citizens?

All US passport holders are required to apply for a visa to enter Vietnam. Green card holders or temporary passport holders may not be eligible for visa on arrival. For Vietnam e-visa, US citizens must prepare a valid passport, a photo of the full passport data page, a 4×6 portrait, an email and a credit/ debit card.

2. How far in advance should I apply for a Vietnamese visa?

The online visa processing time typically takes 3 business days. Occasionally, it may take up to 10 business days. Vietnam Immigration does not process e-visa during the weekends and Vietnamese public holidays. Therefore, it is strongly recommended you apply for the Vietnam e-visa at least 10 days before your intended arrival.

» See more on 10 Tips for Your First Trip to Vietnam 

3. How can I carry out Vietnam visa application check?

You can check the application status and download your e-visa on the immigration portal. If you apply via the Vietnamese public service portal, check the processing status here.

4. Can I enter Vietnam from Cambodia without a visa?

Only Cambodian citizens can travel to Vietnam without a visa for a period of 30 days. Travelers from other countries may require a visa to enter Vietnam from Cambodia if they are not eligible for Vietnam visa exemption. Be reminded that there is no visa on arrival at the Cambodia-Vietnam border, so you should apply for a visa in advance.

» See more on Private Day Tour Angkor Temples Adventure 

5. Do I need to print out the e-visa?

You must show your passport and a printed copy of your Vietnam e-vísa upon entering Vietnam. However, you don’t need to print out your 4 x 6 photo or fill out any other form.

6. Why is my visa application rejected?

In some cases, your visa application may be rejected. The most common reason for rejection is uploading inappropriate photos, so please check the photo requirements carefully. Otherwise, review the information input on the application form and the validity of your passport. Lastly, make sure you didn’t violate Vietnam’s immigration laws during your previous visit.

7. Is Vietnam visa on arrival still available?

Yes. Vietnam visa on arrival is still available for limited travelers. As of 2023, only those who travel with a local tour operator can get a visa on arrival. If you are not in this case, please review the e-visa application.

8. Can I enter Vietnam through Nha Trang Port with a visa on arrival?

No. Visa on arrival is for travelers by air only. If you travel to Vietnam by cruise ship, you need to apply for an e-visa. Make sure to select “Nha Trang Seaport” as your entry port or else you may be denied entry to Vietnam.

» See more on Q&A Nha Trang Travel Guide: Is Nha Trang Worth Visiting?

It is recommended travelers to Vietnam check Vietnam visa requirements before departure. Although it doesn’t take much time, the visa processing may confuse applicants. You can contact a Vietnam visa agency or book an organized tour to consult with experts about how to get a visa for Vietnam. Contact us now!

© Maika Tours

Written by Trinh Tran