Vietnam has been a popular tourist destination for travelers worldwide for several years. From its busy cities to ancient landmarks, golden beaches and green mountains, Vietnam has a lot to offer tourists.
Most visitors need a Vietnam tourist visa, and the easiest one to get is the e-visa. Since 15 August 2023, every nationality can apply for it online at the official portal evisa.gov.vn. It allows stays of up to 90 days with single entry (US$25) or multiple entry (US$50). Citizens of around 40 countries, including Germany, the UK, France, Japan and South Korea, can skip the visa for stays of up to 45 days or longer.
To make the process even easier, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions among tourists looking to get a visa for Vietnam.
Frequently asked questions about getting a Vietnam tourist visa
The answers below reflect the rules as checked in October 2026. Vietnam adjusts its visa policy often, so confirm the details on the official portal before you book.
Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Most travelers need a visa, but a growing list of nationalities can enter Vietnam visa-free for tourism or short business trips. The current exemptions are:
- 90 days: Chile and Panama
- 45 days: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland (currently valid until 14 March 2028)
- 45 days: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland (since 15 August 2025, currently valid until 14 August 2028)
- Up to 30 days: most ASEAN countries (30 days for Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos and Cambodia, 21 days for the Philippines, 14 days for Brunei), plus Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia and Belarus
Visa-free stays can’t be extended, so if you plan to stay longer, apply for the e-visa instead. The US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India and China are not on the list, so travelers from these countries need a visa. Check the latest list on the official Vietnam tourism site before you travel.
The most popular types of visas are Vietnam eVisa, Tourist visa (DL), business visa (DN1, DN2), student/internship visa (DH), investor visa (DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4), working visa (LD1-LD2) and diplomatic visa (NG). These visas cover visiting Vietnam for tourism, attending meetings and conferences, studying, and employment in Vietnam.
What do I need at immigration in Vietnam?
Bring a passport that is valid for at least six months after your arrival date, with at least two blank pages, and a printed copy of your e-visa if you have one. Visa-exempt travelers get a stamp on arrival. Check that the date stamped in your passport matches the stay you are entitled to before you leave the counter, because it can’t be corrected later. The COVID-19 rules from 2022 (vaccination proof, testing and quarantine) no longer apply.
If you fly into Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, you are encouraged to fill in a digital arrival card online before you land. It is not mandatory at the time of writing, but this may change and may extend to other airports.
Can I visit Phu Quoc without a visa?
Yes. Phu Quoc Island has its own rule. All nationalities can stay up to 30 days visa-free if they fly or sail to the island directly from abroad, or transit through the international area of another Vietnamese airport. If you clear immigration on the mainland first, you need a visa or a visa exemption.
Can I get an e-Visa for Vietnam?
Yes. Since 15 August 2023, citizens of every country can apply for Vietnam’s e-visa. It is valid for up to 90 days, and you choose single entry (US$25) or multiple entry (US$50) when you apply. The fee is paid online and is not refunded if the application is rejected.
Processing usually takes three to five working days, so apply at least a week before you fly. You can only enter and leave through the border gates you name on the application, so choose them carefully. Government figures from 2025 list 13 international airports, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, 16 land border gates and 13 seaports, with more seaports being added.
You can apply yourself on the official portal evisa.gov.vn. If you prefer help with the form, you can also apply for Vietnam’s e-Visa through a visa service that checks your details and submits the application for you, for a service fee on top of the government fee.
How can I get a multi-entry Vietnam visa?
Choose multiple entry when you fill in the e-visa form. It costs US$50 and lets you leave and come back, for example on a side trip to Cambodia or Laos, as often as you like within the visa’s validity of up to 90 days.
For the application you’ll need:
- A passport valid for at least six months after your arrival date
- A scan or photo of your passport data page
- A recent portrait photo, 4×6 cm, white background, no glasses
- Your planned entry date and the border gates where you will enter and leave
- A card to pay the fee online
Visa on arrival still exists, but only for specific cases, such as travelers on a tour run by a licensed Vietnamese international tour operator or people visiting a seriously ill relative. For a normal holiday, the e-visa is the simpler route.
How can I get a business visa for Vietnam?
If you are traveling to Vietnam for business, you can get a Vietnam business visa. There are two types of Vietnam business visas, categorized as DN1 and DN2.
The DN1 visa is for foreigners who work with other businesses and organizations with legal status in Vietnam. The DN2 visa is for foreigners who visit Vietnam to offer services, establish a commercial presence or perform other activities under international treaties to which Vietnam is a member.
Vietnam business visas are valid for up to 12 months and can be single or multiple entry. They need a sponsor, so a company or organization in Vietnam has to request the visa for you. Citizens of the visa-exempt countries above can attend short business meetings within their visa-free stay, but not take up paid work.
Plan your trip to Vietnam
With the visa sorted, the next step is the route. The north and south have different dry seasons, and a train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City takes more than 30 hours, so most travelers combine trains, sleeper buses and short domestic flights.
Check out some of our favorite Vietnam travel blogs for some inspiration when planning your trip:
- Da Nang Attractions, Central Vietnam
- How to Choose the Right Ha Long Bay Cruise
- Guide to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
- Best Hot Springs in Vietnam
- Top Hanoi Things To Do
- Vietnam Itinerary 3 Weeks: From North to South
- Complete Hanoi Travel Guide
