Vietnam's e-visa system was completely overhauled in August 2023. The result: a 90-day, multiple-entry e-visa open to all nationalities. If you need to stay longer, or want to work in Vietnam, you'll need a different visa type — but for most visitors and short-term expats, the e-visa is the simplest and cheapest option.
What is the Vietnam E-Visa?
The Vietnam e-visa (also called an electronic visa or EV) is a government-issued travel authorisation you apply for online — no embassy visit, no agent required. It is processed by the Vietnam Immigration Department and delivered to your email as a PDF.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 90 days per entry |
| Entry types | Single-entry ($25) or Multiple-entry ($50) |
| Governing law | Law No. 23/2023/QH15 (effective August 15, 2023) |
| Valid border gates | Only the gates on the government’s approved list (shown on evisa.gov.vn) |
| Eligible nationalities | All countries and territories worldwide |
| Can it be extended? | No — you must exit and reapply |
Who is Eligible?
All nationalities are eligible for the Vietnam e-visa. However, citizens of countries with visa-free access to Vietnam do not need an e-visa — they can simply arrive.
As of October 2026, two government resolutions give 45 days visa-free. Resolution 44/NQ-CP covers Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland, for any purpose, until 14 March 2028. Resolution 229/NQ-CP covers Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland — for tourism only — until 14 August 2028. Shorter bilateral exemptions (mostly 30 days for ASEAN countries) are on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs list.
Fees & Validity
| Type | Fee | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Single-entry | $25 USD | One-off trips, first visit |
| Multiple-entry | $50 USD | Digital nomads, frequent travellers, side trips |
Fees are paid online and are non-refundable, even if the visa is rejected. Process with a Visa or Mastercard (credit or debit).
What You Need Before Applying
- 1Valid passport — Must have at least 6 months validity beyond your planned entry date. All passport types (regular, official, diplomatic) are accepted.
- 2Passport bio page (digital scan) — High-quality scan or photo of the ID page. Must be clear and unobstructed. JPEG or PNG, under 2MB.
- 3Passport-sized photo — Recent photo on a plain white background. Face must be clearly visible. Same format: JPEG/PNG, under 2MB.
- 4Entry and exit dates — You must specify the date you plan to enter and exit Vietnam. These can be approximate but must fall within the 90-day window.
- 5Intended entry border gate — Choose from the approved airports, land crossings and sea ports. Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (HCMC), and Da Nang airports are the most common.
- 6Accommodation address in Vietnam — First hotel or address where you'll stay in Vietnam.
- 7Payment card — Visa or Mastercard (credit or debit). Some prepaid cards work; check with your provider.
- 8Email address — Your e-visa will be delivered here as a PDF. Use a reliable email you can access in Vietnam.
Step-by-Step Application
Go to the official portal: evisa.gov.vn
Click 'Apply for E-Visa' and select your nationality
Fill out the application form (Page 1)
Enter travel details (Page 2)
Upload passport photo and portrait photo
Review, pay, and submit
Wait 3 working days
Download and print your e-visa PDF
After Approval: What to Bring
- Printed e-visa PDF (or clearly displayed on phone screen)
- Valid passport matching the e-visa details
- Completed landing card (given on the plane or at the border)
- Onward ticket showing you'll leave within 90 days
- Hotel/accommodation address for the arrival form
Immigration officers at Vietnamese airports are generally quick and straightforward for e-visa holders. Tan Son Nhat (HCMC) can have queues of 30–60 minutes during peak periods — budget for this.
What if it Gets Rejected?
Rejections are rare but do happen. Most common causes:
- Name doesn't exactly match passport (including hyphens, middle names)
- Passport number entered incorrectly
- Blurry or improperly cropped uploaded photos
- Previous overstay or blacklist record
- Passport with less than 6 months validity
If rejected, you must submit a new application with a new fee. Correct the issue and reapply. If you're repeatedly rejected or have a previous overstay, contact the Vietnam Immigration Department directly or consult a licensed immigration lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my e-visa inside Vietnam?
No. The 90-day e-visa cannot be extended. You must exit Vietnam and reapply from outside. There is no minimum waiting period before re-applying.
Can I enter on a visa exemption and then get an e-visa?
You cannot switch to an e-visa while inside Vietnam. If your visa-free window is running out, you must exit and apply for an e-visa before returning, or get a business/work visa with a local sponsor.
Is the e-visa valid from entry date or issue date?
Neither: it is valid between the "valid from" and "valid until" dates printed on it (up to 90 days). You must enter and leave within those dates — arriving late does not move the end date.
Can I change my entry date after approval?
No. You need to reapply with a new application if your plans change significantly.
What border gates can I use with the e-visa?
Only the border gates on the government’s approved list — all international airports and many land and sea crossings. The current list is on evisa.gov.vn; check it before planning a land crossing.
Can I use a third-party visa service?
You can, but there is no benefit — they use the same evisa.gov.vn portal and charge $30–100 extra. Only use a third-party if you have specific difficulties with the online form.
Related guides
Rather have someone handle it?
Businesses that help foreigners with exactly this — you contact them directly.