🛂 How to Obtain a Tourist Visa for Vietnam?
Vietnam has a simple online e-visa system for foreign travelers who need a visa. The Vietnam e-visa is valid for up to 90 days and can be issued for either single or multiple entry. However, some nationalities can enter Vietnam without a visa, so always check the current visa exemption rules for your passport before applying.
Last updated: August 2026
✅ Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of certain countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for a limited period. For example, citizens of 12 countries including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Japan and South Korea currently receive up to 45 days visa-free.
💻 E-Visa
If you are not eligible for visa-free entry, you can apply online for a Vietnam e-visa. It can be valid for up to 90 days and allows either one entry or multiple entries.
💵 E-Visa Fees
The official e-visa fee is $25 for single entry or $50 for multiple entry. The fee is paid online and is non-refundable if the application is refused.
📄 Before You Apply
You will need a valid passport and must enter your personal and travel information accurately. Check that your intended entry and exit checkpoints accept e-visas before submitting the application.
💻 Vietnam E-Visa: Up to 90 Days and Multiple Entries
The official Vietnamese Immigration e-visa system allows foreigners outside Vietnam to apply online. The e-visa can be issued for a maximum of 90 days, with either single or multiple entries. The application is completed online and the approved e-visa is delivered electronically.
🌐 Official E-Visa Website
Apply for the Vietnam e-visa through the official Vietnam e-visa portal.
🔁 Single or Multiple Entry
Choose single entry if you enter Vietnam once. Multiple entry is more useful if your itinerary includes leaving Vietnam and returning during the validity period.
🛂 Vietnam Pre-arrival Information (PAI)
Since April 15, 2026, Vietnam has been piloting a new Pre-arrival Information (PAI) system for foreign travelers arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. The system allows travelers to submit personal, visa and travel information online before immigration.
📍 Where does it apply?
The system is currently being piloted at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. A nationwide rollout to other international airports is planned, but the exact timing may vary.
⏱️ When to complete it?
The declaration can be completed online within 3 days before entering Vietnam. You can submit it from any location using a phone, tablet or computer with internet access.
📱 What do you receive?
After successfully submitting the information, the system generates a QR code. Save it on your phone or print it so you can present it during immigration procedures.
📝 What information is required?
You will provide personal details, passport information, visa information and travel details. Make sure all information matches your passport and travel documents.
⚠️ Important: The official Vietnamese Immigration Department currently describes the PAI system as a pilot at Tan Son Nhat. Requirements can change as the system is expanded, so check the official portal before your trip. Do not confuse the PAI declaration with a Vietnam visa application — it is only a pre-arrival information form.
🏝️ Phu Quoc Island: 30-Day Visa-Free Entry
Foreign passport holders can enter Phu Quoc Island visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism. This is a special visa exemption for Phu Quoc and is separate from Vietnam’s general visa-free entry rules.
📅 Up to 30 Days
The special visa exemption allows foreign travelers to stay on Phu Quoc for up to 30 days without obtaining a Vietnamese visa.
✈️ Entry via International Transit
You can also use the exemption if you transit through another international Vietnamese border gate and remain in the international transit area before continuing to Phu Quoc.
🇻🇳 Phu Quoc Only
The 30-day exemption is specifically for Phu Quoc. If you plan to leave the island and continue traveling through mainland Vietnam, make sure you have the appropriate visa or qualify for Vietnam’s general visa exemption.
🛂 General Vietnam Visa Rules
Vietnam also has separate visa-free arrangements for citizens of many countries. The applicable stay depends on your nationality, so check the current rules for your passport before traveling.
🛂 Which Vietnam Visa Option Do You Need?
For most travelers who need a visa, the Vietnam e-visa is the easiest option. Vietnam currently issues e-visas to citizens of all countries and territories, with a validity of up to 90 days for either single or multiple entry. Travelers from visa-exempt countries do not need to apply for an e-visa for stays within their permitted visa-free period.
💻 1. E-Visa – Recommended
The Vietnam e-visa can be valid for up to 90 days with either single or multiple entry. The entire application process is completed online.
Apply through the official Vietnam e-visa website or thithucdientu.gov.vn.
🛂 2. Visa-Free Entry
Some nationalities can enter Vietnam without a visa for a specified number of days. The permitted stay depends on your passport, so check the current visa exemption rules before traveling.
🏛️ 3. Embassy / Special Cases
Certain travelers who are not eligible to apply for an e-visa in person, including specific diplomatic or sponsored cases, must arrange their visa through the appropriate Vietnamese authority or sponsoring organization.
How to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa
Enter your personal, passport and travel information and upload the required images.
Pay the official e-visa fee through the online payment system and keep your application code.
Use your application information to check the status of your e-visa online.
Once approved, download and print your e-visa and carry it with your passport when traveling.
Vietnam allows e-visa holders to enter and exit through numerous approved border crossings, including international airports, land borders with China, Laos and Cambodia, and selected seaports.
FOREIGN EMBASSIES IN VIETNAM:
| Embassy / Consulate | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh | Address: U.S. Consulate General, 4 Le Duan Blvd., District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Phone: (+84) (8) 822-9434 Website |
| British Embassy in Hanoi | Address: 4th floor, 31 Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi Phone: (+84) (4) 39360500 Website |
| Australian Embassy in Ho Chi Minh City | Address: 5th Floor, The Landmark Building, 5B Ton Duc Thang, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Phone: +84-8 3829 6035 Website |
| Canadian Embassy in Hanoi | Address: 31 Hung Vuong Street, Hanoi Phone: (+84) (4) 734 5000 Website |
Foreign Embassies and Consulates in Vietnam
What to do in case of lost or stolen passport?
If your travel documents are stolen or you lose it, you need to contact police and then go to your embassy in Hanoi. It is recommended for the first time to call your embassy.
YOU MUST BRING:
– 2 color photographs with dimensions of 3.5 x 4.5 cm
– police report on the event issued by Vietnam police
– a copy of a lost / stolen passport (if you have one)
– money for payment the fee according to the current exchange rate
Vietnam Customs, Currency & Airport Tax regulations details:
You want enter into Vietnam? What can you bring or what can be exported?
You must comply with Vietnamese Customs, Currency & Airport Tax regulations.
| Items | Import Regulations |
|---|---|
| Personal Belongings | No restrictions |
| Alcohol | Adults can bring in up to 1.5 liters of alcoholic beverages duty-free. Quantities exceeding this limit must be declared and may be subject to customs duties. |
| Tobacco Products | Adults can bring in up to 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco duty-free. Amounts exceeding these limits must be declared and may be subject to customs duties. |
| Firearms and Ammunition | Prohibited. Importing firearms and ammunition requires special permission from the Ministry of Public Security. |
| Drugs and Narcotics | Prohibited. Importing drugs and narcotics is strictly forbidden and punishable by law. |
| Endangered Species and Wildlife Products | Prohibited. Importing endangered species and products derived from protected wildlife is illegal. |
| Counterfeit Goods | Prohibited. Importing counterfeit goods, including fake brand-name products, is illegal. |
| Pornographic Material | Prohibited. Importing pornographic material is strictly forbidden. |
| Plants and Animals | Special permits may be required to import certain plants, animals, and their products. It is advised to check with the relevant authorities before bringing them into Vietnam. |
Bying all the items that could be considered antiques – keep your receipts for any customs control. Antiquities can be exported only with a permit from the Ministry of Culture of Vietnam, the currency of Vietnam, protected animals, reptiles and birds.The requirement to prove sufficient funds to stay in Vietnam is not fixed.
💵 Currency Import & Export Regulations in Vietnam:
Travelers entering or leaving Vietnam can carry Vietnamese Dong and foreign currencies, but larger amounts of cash must be declared at customs.
🛬 Currency Import Rules
Vietnamese Dong (VND):
Amounts above 15,000,000 VND must be declared on arrival.
Foreign Currency:
Amounts above USD 5,000 (or equivalent) must also be declared.
Good to know:
Cash below these limits can usually be carried without customs declaration.
🛫 Currency Export Rules
Vietnamese Dong (VND):
Amounts above 15,000,000 VND require customs declaration before departure.
Foreign Currency:
Amounts exceeding USD 5,000 (or equivalent) may require declaration and supporting documents.
Travel tip:
Keep customs declarations and exchange receipts if carrying larger amounts of cash.
❓ Vietnam Visa FAQ: E-Visa, Entry Rules & Travel Tips
Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Most travelers need a visa for Vietnam, but some nationalities can enter visa-free for a limited period. Always check the current rules based on your passport.
How can I apply for a Vietnam e-visa?
You can apply online through the official Vietnam e-visa website. Most tourist e-visas are issued for up to 90 days.
What documents are required for a Vietnam visa?
You usually need a passport valid for at least 6 months, a passport photo, personal details, and payment for the visa fee.
How long is a Vietnam tourist visa valid?
Vietnam tourist e-visas are commonly issued for up to 90 days with single-entry or multiple-entry options.
Can I extend my visa while staying in Vietnam?
Visa extensions may be possible in some situations through immigration offices or local travel agencies in Vietnam.
Is visa on arrival available in Vietnam?
Visa on arrival is only available for selected cases and requires pre-approval before departure to Vietnam.
Which airports in Vietnam accept international arrivals?
Main international airports include Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc.
Can I enter Vietnam through land border crossings?
What are the most common mistakes when applying for a Vietnam visa?
Common mistakes include incorrect passport numbers, wrong entry dates, and selecting an incorrect arrival point.
