Vietnam Visa Requirements: Do You Need a Visa?

Vietnam is making travel easier by expanding its visa exemption program in 2026. Many nationalities now enjoy visa-free entry to Vietnam, while others can apply for a quick e-visa or visa on arrival. For longer stays, a visa from a Vietnamese embassy may still be required. Recently, under the Tourism Development Stimulus Scheme, Vietnam added 12 European countries—including Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and more—to its list of visa-free travelers, allowing stays of up to 45 days. These updates make planning a trip to Vietnam smoother and more convenient than ever.

Vietnam Visa Requirements

While pottering around the wild landscapes & beautiful coastlines can bring a sense of inner peace, navigating for visa requirements & regulations can be a real headache. To take some of the pain out of the planning process, here’s our comprehensive guide to the entry requirements for what is now called “E-visa Vietnam” all the way for now.

From August 2023, the immigration has finally set up an online platform where all nationalities can now apply online to receive an E-Visa to enter Vietnam, saving time and money and visas are offered in 1 and 3 month, single or multiple entries.

Vietnam Visa Requirements

New Vietnam Visa Exemption Policies Effective From 15 August 2025

Do I Need A Visa for Vietnam – well, travelers from a number of countries benefits visa exemption to enter Vietnam. Following nationalities fall into visa exemption and free entry for duration of 14 to 45 days.

Good news for travelers—if you’re from one of the approved countries, you no longer need to apply for a visa before your trip. You can now fly straight to Vietnam and enjoy a free stay that ranges from 14 to 90 days, depending on your nationality.

On August 11, 2025, the Vietnamese Government announced Resolution No. 229/NQ-CP, which adds 12 more countries to the visa exemption program under the Tourism Development Stimulus Scheme. This update makes visiting Vietnam in 2026 easier, faster, and more welcoming for international tourists.

Vietnam Visa-Free Entry: Country List and Stay Duration
Country Days Allowed
South Korea, Japan 45
Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand 30
The Philippines 21
Brunei, Myanmar 14
Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK 45
Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland 45
Russia, Belarus 45
Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway 45
Chile, Panama 90
Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan 30

Vietnam Visa Exemption Policy: No 30-Day Gap Required

The new Vietnam visa policy, effective August 2023, lifts the 30-day gap requirement for visa exemption. Simply exit and re-enter to enjoy another free visa. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the entry date and has 2 blank pages for immigration stamps.

Vietnam E-Visa for US Citizens: Complete Guide & Requirements 2026

One or Three month visas are available to apply – US citizens are required to apply for an online e-visa.

How to apply for an e-visa

US citizens planning to visit Vietnam required to apply for a valid E-visa prior traveling. Please note that American citizens are not eligible to receive a Vietnam Visa on arrival.

American passport holders, can now easily apply for an e-visa through the government visa website, the visa fees are varies based on the length of stay, for the 1 month visa, the fee is US$25 and US$50 for a 3 month visa. Visas issued at single and or multiple entry.

rice terraces of Sapa, northern Vietnam

How to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for a Vietnam e-visa is easy and done entirely online—no agents, no embassies. Citizens from most countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most European nations, can apply directly through the official government portal. Simply submit your application, wait 3-5 days for approval, and then print your e-visa. Present it upon arrival at Vietnam’s international airports or land borders. The e-visa offers the added benefit of skipping the “visa on arrival” desk and avoiding additional stamping fees.

How much is the visa fee?

Give yourself plenty of time and apply it well in ahead of time as visas can takes up to two weeks nowadays to get approved. Apply it through the official immigration website, there is a very straightforward visa fee, applies for both 1 and or 3 month visas;

  • Single entry visa: USD25
  • Multiple entry visa: USD50

Phu Quoc Island’s Visa Exemption: How to Enter Without a Visa

Foreign tourists flying directly into Phu Quoc Island on international flights do not need a visa for stays up to 30 days.

This also applies to travelers entering Phu Quoc through other Vietnamese international airports, such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, as long as they remain in the transit area.

However, the visa exemption only applies when entering by air through Phu Quoc International Airport, and travelers must show proof of their exit flight.

Vietnam Visa Requirements: What You Need to Know in 2026

Whether you apply online through the official immigration website or choose to pay an agent for additional service fees, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned exit date from Vietnam. You can enter Vietnam through any international checkpoint or airport on or after your visa’s entry date. However, you must leave before the expiration date printed on your e-visa. Starting in 2025, with an e-visa, you can enter and exit through any international airport or checkpoint.

Join Vietnam’s biggest and most updated Facebook Group to discus visas with 70,000 active members.

FAQ: Vietnam Visa

Validity of visa and permitted length of stay in Vietnam – Tourist visas are valid for 30 or 90 days, either a single or multiple entries, with 100% NO EXTENSION since August 2023. Everything else you read online are outdated. Again, E-visas are not being extended.

Digital nomads, retired people, and travelers staying beyond 3 months must do a border run. They need to exit Vietnam, apply for a new e-visa, and then re-enter.

Applying for new visa required applicants to EXIT first, then apply for a new visa which usually takes around 3-5 working days (Mon-Fri).

Overstaying your Vietnam visa can lead to fines and even blacklisting. To resolve an overstay, consider these two options:

  • For 1-14 days overstay: Exit at the airport and pay a fine (usually between VND 500,000 and VND 2,000,000, or USD 20–100).
  • For overstay over two weeks: Contact immigration, pay the fine, and get an exit visa.

Keep in mind, working on a tourist visa is illegal. If you overstay, clear it with immigration, pay the fine, and re-enter with a new visa. Overstay fines vary, with higher fees for longer stays.

Foreigners with a pre-arranged e-visa or a visa exemption can enter and exit Vietnam through the following border crossings, checkpoints, and international airports.

Check out Noi Bai International Airport

13 International Airports:

Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa), Da Nang, Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Can Tho, Phu Quoc (Kien Giang), Phu Bai (Thua Thien Hue), Van Don (Quang Ninh), Tho Xuan (Thanh Hoa), Dong Hoi (Quang Binh), Phu Cat (Binh Dinh), Lien Khuong (Lam Dong)

16 Land Border Crossing:

Tay Trang (Dien Bien), Mong Cai (Quang Ninh), Huu Nghi (Lang Son), Lao Cai, Na Meo (Thanh Hoa), Nam Can (Nghe An), Cau Treo (Ha Tinh), Cha Lo (Quang Binh), La Lay and Lao Bao (Quang Tri), Bo Y (Kon Tum), Moc Bai and Xa Mat (Tay Ninh), Tinh Bien and Vinh Xuong (An Giang), Ha Tien (Kien Giang)

13 Sea Border crossing:

Hon Gai & Cam Pha (Quang Ninh), Hai Phong, Nghi Son (Thanh Hoa), Vung Ang (Ha Tinh), Chan May (Thua Thien Hue), Da Nang, Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh), Dung Quat (Quang Ngai), Vung Tau (Ba Ria – Vung Tau), Ho Chi Minh City, Duong Dong (Kien Giang)

Apply online on the Vietnam’s Immigration website, this will takes between 3-5 working days and the cost of visa is USD25 for one month visa, and USD50 for three month visa.

Vietnam no longer offers tourist visas on arrival. If you are in a rush and forgot to apply for an e-visa, call us at 0084917951100. We can issue an urgent visa within one hour. Note: We do not issue visas on weekends or during Vietnam’s public holidays.

No, Indian passport holders must apply for an e-visa to travel to Vietnam. Vietnam issues 1-month and 3-month visas, giving Indian travelers the chance to enjoy the country’s beauty.

It usually takes 03 – 05 working days to receive the e-visa confirmation, however, we strongly recommend to apply at least 2 weeks in advance.

The Explore blog