Vietnam Visa Guide 2026: E-Visa, Visa on Arrival, and Exemptions Explained

Vietnam’s visa system has gotten simpler in recent years, but it’s still confusing. E-visa, visa on arrival, exemptions—what actually applies to you?

Here’s the complete breakdown for 2026.

The Three Ways to Enter Vietnam

1. Visa Exemption (No Visa Needed)

Several countries get free entry without applying for anything. Just show up.

45-day exemption (single entry):

• All EU countries (27 member states)
• UK, Norway, Switzerland
• Japan, South Korea
• Belarus, Russia

30-day exemption:

• ASEAN countries (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, etc.)

14-21 day exemptions:

• Varies by bilateral agreements

Important: Exemptions are typically single-entry. If you leave Vietnam (even briefly to Cambodia) and return, you may need a visa for re-entry.

2. E-Visa (Easiest Option)

An electronic visa you apply for online before your trip. Available to citizens of 80+ countries including:

• USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
• All EU countries
• UK, India, China
• Most other nationalities

E-Visa Details:

• Validity: Up to 90 days
• Entry type: Single OR multiple entry (choose when applying)
• Processing time: 3 business days
• Cost: $25 USD (official government fee)
• Apply at: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (official site)

Warning: Many third-party websites charge $50-80 for the same e-visa. Only use the official government portal above.

3. Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Previously the most common option, now less necessary due to e-visa expansion.

How it works:

1. Apply through an authorized agency for an “approval letter” before flying
2. Print the approval letter
3. Get your actual visa stamped at the airport on arrival
4. Pay stamping fee in cash (USD or VND)

Costs:

• Agency fee: $6-25 (varies by agency and processing speed)
• Stamping fee: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry)

When to use VOA:

• E-visa website is down (it happens)
• Last-minute travel with no time for e-visa processing
• Flying into an airport not covered by e-visa

VOA drawback: You queue at a separate immigration counter on arrival. During peak times, this can take 30-60 minutes.

E-Visa Step-by-Step Process

What You Need:

• Passport valid for 6+ months from entry date
• Digital passport photo (4x6cm, white background)
• Passport data page scan/photo
• Credit/debit card for payment
• Entry and exit dates (can be approximate)
• Entry point (airport/land border)

Application Steps:

1. Go to evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
2. Click “E-visa Issuance” then “Outside Vietnam”
3. Fill in personal details exactly as they appear in your passport
4. Upload passport photo and data page
5. Select single or multiple entry
6. Pay $25 via card
7. Save your application code
8. Check status after 3 business days using application code
9. Download and print your e-visa

Common E-Visa Mistakes:

• Name mismatch: Enter name exactly as in passport (including middle names)
• Wrong entry point: Must match your actual arrival airport/border
• Blurry photos: Use high-quality scans, not phone photos
• Typos: Double-check everything before paying

Entry Points

E-Visa Valid At:

Airports:

• Hanoi (Noi Bai – HAN)
• Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat – SGN)
• Da Nang (DAD)
• Nha Trang (Cam Ranh – CXR)
• Phu Quoc (PQC)
• Plus 10+ other regional airports

Land Borders:

• Moc Bai (Cambodia)
• Lao Bao (Laos)
• Huu Nghi (China)
• Most major land crossings

VOA Only At:

Major international airports only:

• Hanoi (HAN)
• Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)
• Da Nang (DAD)

If entering by land, e-visa or embassy visa required.

Extending Your Stay

E-Visa Extension:

E-visas can be extended once for an additional 30 days. Apply through a travel agency in Vietnam 5-7 days before expiry.

Cost: ~$30-50 through agencies

Visa Run:

Exit to Cambodia or Laos, then re-enter on a new e-visa or exemption. Common routes:

• HCMC → Phnom Penh → HCMC (bus takes 6 hours each way)
• Hanoi → Vientiane → Hanoi

Note: Repeated visa runs may raise immigration questions. Not recommended more than once or twice.

Special Cases

Phu Quoc Island

30-day visa-free for all nationalities if:

• Flying directly to Phu Quoc
• Staying only on the island
• NOT traveling to mainland Vietnam

If you plan to visit other parts of Vietnam, get an e-visa.

Transit

No visa needed for international transit if:

• Staying in international zone (not clearing immigration)
• Transit under 24 hours

Long-Term Options

For stays over 90 days:

• Business visa: Requires sponsorship from Vietnamese company
• Work permit: For employment (complex process)
• Student visa: If enrolled in Vietnamese institution
• Multiple visa runs: Possible but not recommended long-term

Arrival Tips

At Immigration:

• Have printed e-visa ready (or VOA documents)
• Know your hotel address for arrival card
• E-visa holders go through regular immigration lines
• VOA holders go to separate “visa on arrival” counter first

Money:

• ATMs available after immigration
• VOA stamping fee can be paid in USD or VND
• Exchange rates at airport are poor—withdraw small amount only

Summary: Which Visa Option?

Your Situation	Best Option
EU/UK/Japan/Korea citizen, under 45 days	Visa exemption (free)
US/Canada/Australia, any stay	E-visa ($25)
Planning multiple entries	E-visa (multiple entry)
Last-minute trip, no time for e-visa	Visa on Arrival
Only visiting Phu Quoc	Visa exemption (30 days)
Staying 90+ days	E-visa + extension or visa run

For most travelers, the e-visa is the clear winner: cheap, quick, and hassle-free. Apply 1-2 weeks before your trip and you’re set.

For more planning tips, check out our full Vietnam Travel Guide.