⚠️ As of April 15, 2026, the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card (digital arrival form) is mandatory for most foreigners entering Vietnam, including travelers who are exempt from visa requirements. This digital form replaces paper arrival cards and is intended to speed up and simplify the entry process.
The requirement currently applies mainly to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. At other airports such as Hanoi or Da Nang, it is not yet universally required, but a gradual rollout is expected.
The form must be completed online before travel (earliest 72 hours before arrival), and after submission you will receive a QR code to present at immigration upon arrival (fill out the official form here). You will need to upload a scan or clear photo of your passport data page (the page with your photo) and provide additional details about your stay, arrival, departure, and other relevant information. It is also possible to complete the form at the airport upon arrival in Vietnam, but it is strongly recommended to fill it out in advance to avoid delays. Read more information about the Vietnam Digital Arrival Card.
Last updated in April 2026.
How to obtain a tourist visa for Vietnam (E-visa or VOA)?
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- Tourist visas are essential for tourists visiting Vietnam. The issuance of tourist visas for Vietnam was resumed on March 15, 2022, and it is now possible to process e-visas online through the internet. If you plan to visit Vietnam as a tourist, you need a Vietnamese visa, or else you will not be allowed entry into the country. The most affordable and quickest way to obtain visas for Vietnam is online, with two suitable options for tourists: Visa on Arrival (“VOA”) and, starting from the summer of 2023, e-visas (single-entry visas with a stay of up to 90 days + multiple-entry visas for 90 days). E-visas used to be valid for a 30-day stay, but there has been a simplification and extension of the duration.
- After the COVID period, it is now possible to obtain a tourist single-entry + multiple-entry online visa for up to 90 days, or alternatively, visas can be obtained through the embassy. Visas for up to 3 months – a 90-day stay can also be applied for online from mid-August 2023. In Vietnam, there are practically no longer any COVID measures in place as before; everything has been lifted, and the country is back to its pre-COVID state. This article focuses solely on tourist visas, as business visas for Vietnam are also issued separately.
BOOK Tickets for Transportation ➜
E-visas valid for up to 90 days and multiple entries in 2026.
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- A new option has been introduced for obtaining an electronic visa (E-visa) through email after completing an online form. This process for obtaining E-visas applies to both single-entry and multiple-entry visas with a stay of up to 90 days and is now available for 80 selected countries. The procedure for acquiring these E-visas is fully operational again, it is very easy to fill this form, and you can apply for them online. Single entry visas are for one-time use, while multiple entry visas allow for multiple entries.
- You can apply for these single-entry and multiple-entry tourist electronic e-visas for up to 90 days of tourism here online ➜ https://evisa.gov.vn/ (new website from 2024) or https://thithucdientu.gov.vn/ (the official websites for processing E-visas, confirmed by the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism). Once on the website, proceed to the first section – E-visa Electronic Visa. Below is an image from the homepage of this new website:
Phu Quoc Island visa-free for tourist purposes for up to 30 days.
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- Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam ➜ You can enter Phu Quoc Island visa-free for tourist purposes for up to 30 days. Tourists must arrive through an international border crossing and depart in the same manner. It is not possible to enter Phu Quoc visa-free and then travel further into Vietnam (information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal).
- Visa-free entry to Vietnam ➜ Only residents of ASEAN member states and certain other countries can enter for a specified period without a visa. Vietnam plans to abolish visas for additional countries in the near future. We will see what the near future holds, as some further relaxations for entry into the country have been announced.
Vietnam offers 2 types of the tourist e-visas in 2026:
| Types of Electronic e-Visas to Vietnam: |
|---|
1. VISA FOR UP TO 90 DAYS STAY (Single entry)
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2. VISA FOR UP TO 90 DAYS STAY (Multiple entry)– Multiple entry visa for 50 USD / 1 person (allows multiple entries and exits from Vietnam) |
Visa for Vietnam can be obtained in these 3 following ways:
1. E-VISA (Up to 90 Days Stay, Single + Multiple entry)
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- This visa is valid for one or multiple entries into Vietnam with a stay of up to 90 days, making it the most commonly used visa for tourists at the moment. With this exclusively tourist visa, you can enter Vietnam by land through one of the border crossings, by sea, or, of course, by arriving at international Vietnamese airports listed below. This application process and e-visa are applicable to 80 selected countries. Unlike previous visas on arrival, this process does not require or involve any approval letters. You can apply for this tourist visa by completing the online form here: https://evisa.gov.vn/ or https://thithucdientu.gov.vn/. During the application, you need to upload a passport photo (4×6 cm, white background, no sunglasses on the face, excluding prescription glasses) and a scanned copy of the page in your passport containing the photo and other information. Payment is made online, for example, with a Visa or MasterCard. In case of any issues or questions, assistance is available on this website.
How to submit and process an e-visa application for Vietnam:
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- Fill out the form and upload photos.
- Receive a document code for your visa and pay online (keep the code somewhere safe).
- Your application should be processed within 3-5 days; check the status as per point 4 below.
- Use the received code, email, and your birth date on the website (E-visa search) to print your visa.
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- Vietnam allows entry and exit at several approved border crossings with a valid e-Visa. These include major international airports, selected land borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia, and key seaports. The total number of crossings with the possibility of entry with an e-visa is therefore 83 in 2026.
2. VISA ON ARRIVAL (VOA)
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- Use the services of the certified dealers, you can try Vietnamvisa.com. To receive Vietnam visa upon arrival you need to buy an “Approval letter”. This approval letter can be purchased from any of these companies and then you need to take this filled letter to Vietnam. You obtain the official visa at the airport in Vietnam. This procedure applies if you fly to Vietnam by plane (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang). If you come from a neighboring country, for example by bus or motorbike, this visa does not apply.
3. IN YOUR EMBASSY
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- You can also obtain visa to Vietnam via your embassy in your country.
After arriving in Vietnam (in the case of Visa on arrival):
When you arrive at the airport in Vietnam go to the immigration office (immigration office in Hanoi and immigration office in Ho Chi Minh city), submit the approval letter and the visa arrival form with 2 passport photos. They will propably send you to the next window to pay for the type of visa you have chosen (it is a good idea to already have Vietnamese currency preferably the correct amount, or you can pay with US dollars). Wait a while and then you will receive a Vietnamese visa with your passport. The waiting period depends a bit on the number of tourists… the workload on the officials… Personally, when I was queing up in Hanoi I was about 10th in line with 30 other travelers and I waited about an hour.
The price of a Visa for Vietnam (in the case of Visa on arrival):
So for example using the company Vietnamvisa.com, for a one month stay with single entry, the price for a Vietnamese visa will be approximately – $ 12 (for execution of the letter) + $ 25 for the type of visa ($ 25 you pay at the Airport) – a total of $ 37. For a larger number of applications the cost of one application decreases slightly. See the price lists on the websites of agencies.
Vietnamvisa.com – the best price for an approval letter and for providing a visa ($ 12 / 1 month / 1 person, single entry) and gives fast processing, proven services and online payment with credit card or Paypal.
The prices shown are only for providing the approval letter. To get the Vietnam visa you pay for this at the airport in Vietnam! When entering Vietnam you must have a valid passport for at least 6 months! You have already visa to Vietnam, but you are looking for flight ticket and accommodation for first days in Vietnam?
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.
Vietnam Visa Application Steps:
| Vietnam Visa Application Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Determine the type of visa you need based on your purpose of travel (tourism, business, etc.). |
| Step 2 | Check if you are eligible for a visa exemption. Some countries have agreements with Vietnam that allow their citizens to enter without a visa for a certain period. |
| Step 3 | Decide on the duration and entry type for your visa (single entry or multiple entries). |
| Step 4 | Choose the appropriate visa application method: online or in-person. |
| Step 5 | Complete the visa application form accurately with all the required information. |
| Step 6 | Prepare the necessary documents, including your passport (with at least six months validity), passport-sized photos, and supporting documents (such as flight itinerary and hotel bookings). |
| Step 7 | Pay the visa application fee. The fee varies depending on the type of visa and processing time. |
| Step 8 | Submit your application online or visit the nearest Vietnamese embassy/consulate in your country. |
| Step 9 | Wait for the processing time, which typically ranges from a few business days to a couple of weeks, depending on the processing method you choose. |
| Step 10 | Collect your visa once it is approved. For online applications, you may receive an electronic visa approval letter that you need to present upon arrival in Vietnam. For in-person applications, you will have the visa stamped directly in your passport. |
| Step 11 | Upon arrival in Vietnam, present your passport, visa approval letter (if applicable), and other supporting documents to the immigration officer for verification. |
| Step 12 | Pay the stamping fee at the airport (if required) and get your passport stamped with the visa. |
| Step 13 | Enjoy your stay in Vietnam within the allowed duration specified by your visa. |
