Vietnam Visa Guide: everything in plain English
Short answer: Citizens of 27 countries can visit Vietnam visa-free for 14 to 90 days. Everyone else (and anyone staying longer than their visa-free days) can apply online for an eVisa of up to 90 days. The government fee is USD 25 (single entry) or USD 50 (multiple entry), and standard processing is 3 working days.
vnpriority.com is a private travel service, not a government body. Government eVisa site: evisa.gov.vn. Rules can change, so check before you fly. Last checked: 22 Oct 2026
1. Do I need a visa? (30-second check)
| Your passport | Visa-free stay | Need a visa if you stay longer? |
|---|---|---|
| UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland | 45 days (until 14 Mar 2028) | Yes, eVisa |
| Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar | 30 days | Yes, eVisa |
| Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia | 30 days | Yes, eVisa |
| Philippines | 21 days | Yes, eVisa |
| Brunei | 14 days | Yes, eVisa |
| Chile, Panama | 90 days | Yes, eVisa |
| USA, Australia, Canada, India, China (Mainland), Taiwan and all other countries and territories | None | Yes, apply for an eVisa before you fly |
Special case: Package tour groups of 2 or more people holding ordinary passports of mainland China, on a package tour run by a Vietnamese international tour operator, flying direct from mainland China to Cam Ranh and entering and leaving through Cam Ranh airport, may enter Vietnam visa-free under a pilot scheme from 12 Oct 2026 to 31 Dec 2027. Travel is limited to Khanh Hoa province and the tour may last up to 30 days. Hong Kong and Macau passports are not included. Source: Resolution 325/NQ-CP (12 Oct 2026), Articles 1–3 – https://vanban.chinhphu.vn/?docid=219955&pageid=27160. vnpriority does not organise or sell these tours. Travellers join them through a Vietnamese international tour operator. → Visa-free countries
2. The eVisa in one box
- Who: any nationality, applying from outside Vietnam.
- How long: up to 90 days, single or multiple entry.
- Government fee: USD 25 single / USD 50 multiple. Not refunded if refused.
- Processing: 3 working days (weekends and Vietnamese public holidays don't count).
- Where to enter: 83 border gates accept the eVisa, including 15 airports in operation today.
→ How to apply step by step · Fee · Processing time
3. Checklist before you apply
- Passport valid well beyond your trip
- Clear photo of your passport data page, with the bottom code lines (MRZ) visible
- Portrait photo: looking straight, no glasses
- Name typed exactly as in the MRZ line
- Entry and exit airport or border gate chosen
- Card for the government fee
- Apply only on evisa.gov.vn (or thithucdientu.gov.vn)
4. Something went wrong?
- Still "In Processing" after 3 working days → What to do
- Refused → Common reasons and next steps
- Wrong name or date → Fixing mistakes
- Found a site charging more than USD 25/50 → How to spot fake visa sites
- Arriving at Tan Son Nhat (SGN), Ho Chi Minh City → SGN pre-arrival form guide
5. Overstaying is expensive
From 15 Dec 2025 (Decree 282/2025), fines start at VND 0.5–2 million for under 16 days and reach VND 30–40 million for a year or more, with possible deportation. → Overstay fines explained
6. Guides by passport
FAQ
Can I get a visa on arrival?
Vietnam does not offer a walk-up visa on arrival for tourists. Arrival visas at the airport require a pre-issued approval letter from Vietnam Immigration, arranged through a sponsor in Vietnam. For most travelers, the eVisa is the simpler option.
Is evisa.gov.vn the real government site?
Yes. It's the government portal; thithucdientu.gov.vn is the second government address.
Can I pay someone to make it faster?
The government standard is 3 working days. Private services can help you prepare and follow up, but approval is decided only by Vietnam Immigration.
Short on time before your flight? e-visa application service
Sources: mofa.gov.vn visa-exemption list; evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn; baochinhphu.vn (Res. 127/NQ-CP, 389/NQ-CP); Decree 282/2025. Checked 22 Oct 2026. Fee & processing time: dichvucong.gov.vn, checked 22 Oct 2026.
Government fee, non-refundable: US$25 (single) / US$50 (multiple)
vnpriority.com is a private travel service, not a government body.