Planning a trip to Vietnam? Sorting out your visa is one of the first things you'll need to do - and it's easier than you might think. Vietnam has streamlined its visa process significantly in recent years, and many travelers now either enter visa-free or get an e-visa entirely online before they board their flight.

This Vietnam visa on arrival guide covers every option in 2026: the 45-day visa exemption, the electronic visa (e-visa), what happened to the old visa on arrival (VOA), and embassy visas. We'll walk you through costs, processing times, step-by-step applications, and the common mistakes that trip people up.

TL;DR: UK passports and 18 of the 27 EU states (including Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands) get 45 days visa-free, as do Japan and South Korea. US, Australian and Canadian passports (and the other 9 EU states) need the Vietnam e-visa - it costs $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry), is valid for up to 90 days, and takes 3-5 working days to process. No agency or approval letter needed. For the rest of the region, see our Southeast Asia visa guide.

Vietnam Visa Options in 2026: At a Glance

Depending on your passport, you enter Vietnam visa-free, on an e-visa, or with an embassy visa. Here's a quick comparison:

Feature Visa-Free (45 days) E-Visa Embassy Visa
Who UK, 18 EU states, Japan, South Korea and others (see list below) All nationalities Long stays, business, special cases
Apply online? Nothing to apply for Yes, on the official portal Partially
Processing time None 3-5 working days 5-10 business days
Cost Free $25 (single) / $50 (multi) $25-80+
Stay Up to 45 days Up to 90 days Up to 12 months
Need agency? No No No

The old agent-arranged "visa on arrival" is no longer the route the official tourism and immigration pages point to - see below.

Vietnam E-Visa: The Best Option for Most Travelers

If your passport is not on the visa-free list (or you want to stay longer than 45 days), the Vietnam e-visa is the official way in. It's a fully electronic visa that you apply for directly through the Vietnamese government portal - no intermediaries, no approval letters, no extra fees.

Who Is Eligible?

As of 2026, the Vietnam e-visa is available to citizens of all countries and territories. This is a significant expansion from earlier years and means virtually anyone traveling to Vietnam can use this option.

E-Visa Cost

  • Single entry (up to 90 days): $25 USD
  • Multiple entry (up to 90 days): $50 USD

Payment is made online via credit card or debit card during the application.

Processing Time

  • Standard processing: 3-5 working days
  • Expedited/emergency processing: Not offered on the government portal. Third-party sites that promise faster approval still submit to the same portal and charge extra (see processing services below)

Pro tip: Apply at least a week before your travel date to account for any delays. Public holidays in Vietnam can slow processing.

Required Documents

You'll need the following ready before you apply:

  • A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry
  • A passport-style photo - see photo requirements below
  • An email address to receive your e-visa approval
  • A credit or debit card for the $25 or $50 fee
  • Your intended port of entry (airport, land border, or seaport)
  • Your temporary address in Vietnam (hotel name and address works fine)

Photo Requirements

Your passport photo must meet these specifications:

  • Size: 4×6 cm (standard passport photo size)
  • Format: JPEG or JPG
  • File size: Under 2 MB
  • Appearance: Face clearly visible, no glasses, plain white or light background, taken within the last 6 months
  • No hats, head coverings, or uniforms (religious headwear is acceptable if it doesn't obscure the face)

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Vietnam E-Visa

Here's exactly how to get your Vietnam e-visa in 2026:

  1. Go to the official portal: Visit evisa.gov.vn - the official government e-visa portal. Bookmark it and double-check the URL before entering any personal information.

  2. Select your nationality and passport type.

  3. Fill in your personal details: Full name (must match your passport exactly), date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number, passport expiry date.

  4. Upload your photo: Upload a passport-style photo that meets the requirements above. You'll also need to upload a clear photo or scan of your passport data page.

  5. Enter your travel details: Planned date of entry, intended length of stay, port of entry, and your temporary address in Vietnam.

  6. Pay the fee: $25 for single entry or $50 for multiple entry.

  7. Submit and wait: You'll receive a confirmation email with your application code. Check your email (including spam folder) over the next 3-5 working days for your approved e-visa.

  8. Print your e-visa: Once approved, print a copy to carry with you. You'll need to present it at immigration along with your passport.

E-Visa Accepted Ports of Entry

The Vietnam e-visa is accepted at the following points of entry:

  • International airports: Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, Cam Ranh (Nha Trang), Phu Quoc, Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Can Tho, and others
  • Land border crossings: Multiple crossings with Cambodia, Laos, and China
  • Seaports: Selected international seaports

There are 83 approved checkpoints in total, and you must enter at the one named on your approval letter. Check the full list on the official e-visa portal when applying, as it may be updated.

Visa on Arrival (VOA): What Changed

Vietnam's old "visa on arrival" worked like this: a travel agency arranged an approval letter in advance, and you paid a stamping fee in cash at an airport counter when you landed. The official tourism and immigration pages now point travelers to the e-visa or the visa-free list, not to a visa on arrival.

What that means in practice:

  • Use the official e-visa instead. It is open to all nationalities, costs $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry), and you apply directly with the government.
  • Avoid agent-supplied "approval letters". Sites still selling them add their own fees on top of the government cost, and the official pages do not describe them as a current way in.
  • Short of time? First check whether your passport is on the visa-free list. If it is not, apply for the e-visa as early as you can - the official portal has no rush service.

Embassy Visa: When to Use One

Applying at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate is the oldest method and still relevant for certain situations:

  • Long-term stays: Business visas, work permits, and stays exceeding 90 days
  • Visa types not available via e-visa: Some specialized visa categories
  • Countries with special requirements: A small number of nationalities may need embassy visas
  • Multiple long entries: If you need a 6-month or 12-month multiple-entry visa

Cost: Typically $25-80+ depending on nationality, visa type, and processing speed Processing time: 5-10 business days (varies by embassy)

Contact your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate for the most current requirements and fees.

Visa-Free Countries (2026)

These are Vietnam's visa exemptions as listed in our Southeast Asia visa guide, which was re-checked on 10 November 2026 against the official e-visa portal and the Vietnam National Tourism Authority:

Stay Who Valid until
45 days Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belarus 14 March 2028
45 days Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland 14 August 2028
90 days Chile, Panama (bilateral) Ongoing
30 days Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand (bilateral) Ongoing
21 days Philippines (bilateral) Ongoing
14 days Brunei, Indonesia (bilateral) Ongoing

Conditions for the 45-day exemption: a passport valid for at least 6 months on entry, plus a return ticket or proof of onward travel to a third country. If you want to stay longer than 45 days, apply for an e-visa before arrival.

EU passports: 18 of the 27 EU states are on the 45-day list (Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden). Austria, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta and Portugal need the $25 e-visa.

Phu Quoc: visitors flying directly into Phu Quoc International Airport can stay 30 days visa-free on the island only.

Important: Visa-free policies can change. Always verify the current requirements on the official Vietnam e-Visa Portal before booking your trip.

E-Visa vs. Visa-Free: Which Applies?

If your country is on the visa-free list, you can enter without applying for anything - just bring a valid passport and proof of onward travel. The e-visa can still make sense if:

  • You need more time: the e-visa allows up to 90 days, against 45 days (or less under some bilateral deals) visa-free
  • You want to leave and come back: a multiple-entry e-visa ($50) covers re-entry

Visa Requirements by Nationality

Here's a breakdown for the most common visitor nationalities:

United States

  • Visa-free: No
  • E-visa: Yes - $25 single / $50 multi entry, up to 90 days
  • Recommended: Apply for the e-visa on the official portal

United Kingdom

  • Visa-free: Yes - 45 days (exemption valid until 14 March 2028)
  • E-visa: Available if you need longer than 45 days ($25 single / $50 multi entry, up to 90 days)
  • Recommended: Enter visa-free for trips of up to 45 days

European Union

  • Visa-free: 45 days for 18 member states (see the list above)
  • E-visa needed: Austria, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta and Portugal ($25 single / $50 multi entry, up to 90 days)
  • Recommended: Check your passport against the list; if it is not there, apply for the e-visa

Australia

  • Visa-free: No
  • E-visa: Yes - $25 single / $50 multi entry, up to 90 days
  • Recommended: Apply for the e-visa on the official portal

Canada

  • Visa-free: No
  • E-visa: Yes - $25 single / $50 multi entry, up to 90 days
  • Recommended: Apply for the e-visa on the official portal

Japan & South Korea

  • Visa-free: Yes - 45 days (exemption valid until 14 March 2028)
  • E-visa: Available for longer stays
  • Recommended: Enter visa-free for trips of up to 45 days

India

  • Visa-free: No
  • E-visa: Yes - $25 single / $50 multi entry, up to 90 days
  • Recommended: Apply for the e-visa on the official portal

China

  • Visa-free: No
  • E-visa: Yes - $25 single / $50 multi entry, up to 90 days
  • Recommended: Apply for the e-visa on the official portal

For all other nationalities: The Vietnam e-visa is open to all passport holders. Check the official portal for the most current information.

Vietnam E-Visa Processing Services

You do not need an agency. The official portal handles the whole application, and the government fee is $25 or $50. Third-party "processing services" submit to the same portal and add their own fee on top.

If You Still Consider a Service

Some travelers use one for application checking or group bookings. If you do:

  • Ask for the total price and how much of it is the government fee
  • Confirm they submit through the official portal (evisa.gov.vn)
  • Be wary of promises of faster approval - the portal itself has no official rush option
  • Never send a copy of your passport to a service you cannot verify

Important: Avoid Scams

There are many websites that look official but are actually commercial agencies charging 2-3x the government fee. Always remember:

  • The official government e-visa website is evisa.gov.vn
  • The official fee is $25 or $50 - anything significantly higher includes an agency markup
  • Never send a copy of your passport to an unverified service

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using a Fake or Overpriced E-Visa Website

This is the #1 mistake travelers make. There are dozens of websites that mimic the official e-visa portal. They'll charge you $60-100+ for the same $25 visa. Always double-check the URL before entering payment information.

2. Passport Expiring Within 6 Months

Vietnam requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding or entry - no exceptions. Check your passport expiry date well before applying.

3. Photo Doesn't Meet Requirements

An incorrectly sized or formatted photo is the most common reason for e-visa delays and rejections. Follow the photo specs exactly: 4×6 cm, white background, no glasses, JPEG under 2 MB.

4. Wrong Port of Entry

Your e-visa is only valid for the port of entry you selected during the application. If you arrive at a different airport or border crossing, you may be denied entry. Double-check your itinerary before submitting.

5. Waiting Until the Last Minute

While 3-5 working days is the standard processing time, delays happen - especially during Vietnamese public holidays (Tet/Lunar New Year, National Day on September 2, etc.). Apply at least a week in advance.

6. Not Printing the E-Visa

Immigration officers may not accept a digital copy on your phone. Always print your approved e-visa and carry it with your passport.

7. Paying an Agent for a VOA Approval Letter

The official pages no longer point travelers to a visa on arrival. The e-visa is a complete, official visa - if you need a visa at all, apply for it directly on the government portal.

8. Forgetting to Check Visa-Free Status

Before applying, check if your country qualifies for visa-free entry. If it does, you might not need a visa at all (though the e-visa can still be useful for longer stays).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Vietnam visa cost in 2026?

Nothing, if your passport is on the 45-day visa-free list (UK, 18 EU states, Japan, South Korea and others). Otherwise the e-visa costs $25 USD for single entry and $50 USD for multiple entry, both valid for up to 90 days. Embassy visa fees vary by nationality and visa type.

How long does the Vietnam e-visa take to process?

The standard processing time is 3-5 working days, so apply at least a week before you travel. There is no official expedited option through the government portal.

Is the Vietnam e-visa available to all nationalities?

Yes, the Vietnam e-visa is available to citizens of all countries and territories. Check first whether you qualify for visa-free entry, as you may not need one.

Can I extend my Vietnam e-visa?

The e-visa is not routinely extendable. If you need to stay longer, exit and re-enter on a new visa (or a visa-free stay if your passport qualifies), or contact Vietnam Immigration. For long stays, consider a longer visa through an embassy.

What's the difference between e-visa and visa on arrival?

The e-visa is applied for directly through the Vietnamese government portal and is a complete visa - you print it and go. The old visa on arrival relied on an agency approval letter plus a cash stamping fee at the airport, and the official tourism and immigration pages now point travelers to the e-visa or the visa-free list instead.

Do I need a visa for a transit in Vietnam?

If you're transiting through Vietnam and staying in the international transit area without passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. However, if you want to leave the airport during your layover, you'll need a valid visa or visa-free eligibility.

Can I enter Vietnam by land with an e-visa?

Yes, the Vietnam e-visa is valid at selected land border crossings with Cambodia, Laos, and China, as well as international airports and seaports. Check the full list of accepted entry points on the official e-visa portal.

Can I still get a visa on arrival at the airport?

Don't plan on it. The official tourism and immigration pages now point travelers to the e-visa or the visa-free list rather than a visa on arrival. Check whether you qualify for 45 days visa-free, and if not, apply for the e-visa before you fly.

Is Vietnam safe for tourists?

Yes, Vietnam is generally very safe for tourists. The most common issues are petty crime (pickpocketing in crowded areas) and traffic safety. Use common sense, keep valuables secure, and be cautious crossing streets in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. For more on planning a safe and enjoyable trip, check out our Hanoi travel guide and 5-day Vietnam itinerary.

Can I get a visa for Vietnam on the same day?

There is no official same-day option: the e-visa takes 3-5 working days. If your passport is on the visa-free list you don't need anything. Otherwise apply as early as you can, and for genuine emergencies contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

Do children need a Vietnam visa?

Yes, children of all ages need their own visa unless their passport is on the visa-free list. Apply for an e-visa for each child using their individual passport. Infants who don't yet have a passport cannot get a separate e-visa - they'll need to be listed on a parent's visa through an embassy application.

What happens if my e-visa application is rejected?

If your e-visa is rejected, you'll typically receive a reason via email. Common reasons include invalid passport data, incorrect photo, or a name mismatch. You can reapply after correcting the issue. If you're unsure why you were rejected, contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

Ready to Explore Vietnam?

Now that you've got your visa sorted, it's time to start planning the fun stuff. Vietnam is an incredible destination with something for every type of traveler - from street food lovers to history buffs to beach seekers.

Here are some guides to help you plan your trip:

Last updated: November 2026. Visa regulations change frequently - always verify current requirements on the official Vietnam e-Visa Portal before traveling.