Vietnam E-visas: Complete Guide 2023

Posted by Written by Pritesh Samuel Reading Time: 5 minutes

Note: This article was first published in March 2017 and has been updated to include the most recent e-visa information.

Vietnam’s e-visa program makes it easier and faster for visitors to Vietnam to enter the country. Here’s who is eligible for an e-visa and how to apply.

As a country rich in culture and natural beauty, Vietnam has become a popular tourist destination. Whereas previously visitors would need to apply for a visa to visit the Southeast Asian nation through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, in certain cases visitors can apply for Vietnamese visas online.

Vietnam’s Immigration Law

The Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam governs entry into Vietnam. It is commonly referred to as the ‘Immigration Law’.

The Immigration Law covers e-visas and outlines the conditions with which they can be used.

What are Vietnam e-visas?

Vietnam e-visas are single entry visas into Vietnam. They can be applied for online and are valid for a maximum of 30 days. They are fast and easy to apply for and make traveling to Vietnam for tourism purposes much easier.

Vietnam e-visas are available for citizens from all countries as of August 15, 2023. 

Note: E-visas do not permit the holder to work. For information on work visas see: Vietnam’s Visas and Work Permit Procedures

How much do e-visas cost?

An e-visa for entry into Vietnam costs US$25.

Note: For more information on visa costs in Vietnam see: Vietnam Visa Costs: What You Need to Know in 2023.

How do you apply for an e-visa?

FIND BUSINESS SUPPORT
Need help with work permits and visas? we can help

An e-visa is applied for online. The outcome of your application will also be provided online.

Before you get started

To apply for an e-visa you will need a scanned copy of your passport and a scanned passport photo. It is important to note that the scanned passport photo being sent must have the applicant looking directly at the camera without smiling

Vietnam e-visas are also only available for citizens of select countries. You can check the list below to see if you are eligible.

Applying for an e-visa online

Once the appropriate materials have been gathered, you need to go to Vietnam’s National Portal on Immmigration.

  1. Click on Electronic Visa
  2. Upload your passport details and passport photo. It is important to note that both files must be uploaded separately.
  3. Fill in the required information.
  4. Pay the US$25 application fee and submit the application (this fee is non-refundable, even if the application is denied).
  5. Once successfully submitted, you will receive a registration code. Note: You will need this code to check the status of your application and to print your e-visa if approved.
  6. Wait the standard 3 to 5 business days and return to the website to check the status of your application.
  7. If approval has been granted, print out your e-visa.

Checking your Vietnam e-visa status

You will not receive a notification via email or otherwise regarding whether or not your application has been approved. Instead you must check the status of your e-visa application online. To do that, follow these instructions.

  1. Go to: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/tra-cuu-ho-so
  2. Enter your registration code, email, and date of birth, and submit.
  3. The outcome of your application will be provided.
  4. If approved, make sure to print a copy to carry with you.

On arrival in Vietnam

An e-visa makes entry into Vietnam much faster and easier, however, Immigration authorities may ask to see additional documentation when you arrive. This could include:

  • Electronic record code
  • Hotel booking receipt
  • Round trip air tickets

Note: You must enter at the port of entry chosen in your e-visa application. Once your e-visa has been issued, you cannot change the port of entry.

List of Vietnam entry points that accept e-visas

Airports
Noi Bai International Airport Cat Bi International Airport
Tan Son Nhat International Airport Can Tho International Airport
Cam Ranh International Airport Phu Quoc International Airport
Da Nang International Airport Phu Bai International Airport
Van Don Airport Phu Cat Airport
Tho Xuan Airport Lien Khuong Airport
Dong Hoi Airport  
Land-border Checkpoints
Tay Trang Checkpoint – Dien Bien province Cau Treo Checkpoint – Ha Tinh province
Mong Cai Checkpoint – Quang Ninh province Cha Lo Checkpoint – Quang Binh province
Huu Nghi Checkpoint – Lang Son province La Lay Checkpoint – Quang Tri province
Lao Cai Checkpoint – Lao Cai province Lao Bao Checkpoint – Quang Tri province
Na Meo Checkpoint – Thanh Hoa province Bo Y Checkpoint – Kon Tum province
Nam Can Checkpoint – Nghe An province Moc Bai Landport – Tay Ninh)
Xa Mat Landport – Tay Ninh Vinh Xuong Landport – An Giang
Tinh Bien Landport – An Giang Ha Tien Landport – Kien Giang
Seaports
Hon Gai Port– Quang Ninh province Nha Trang Port – Khanh Hoa City
Cam Pha Port – Quang Ninh province Quy Nhon Port – Binh Dinh province
Hai Phong Port – Hai Phong City Dung Quat Port – Quang Ngai province
Nghi Son Port – Thanh Hoa province Vung Tau Port – Ba Ria – Vung Tau province
Vung Ang Port – Ha Tinh province Ho Chi Minh City Port – Ho Chi Minh City
Chan May Port – Thua Thien Hue province Duong Dong Port – Kien Giang province
Da Nang Port – Da Nang City  

FAQ - Vietnam e-visas

How long does it take to process a Vietnam e-visa?

As per the Immigration Law, the prescribed processing time for an e-visa is three working days after completing your application and paying the US$25 application fee.

How do you apply for a Vietnam visa online?

You can apply for a Vietnam visa online through the Vietnam National Portal on Immmigration.

How do you check your Vietnam visa status?

To check your Vietnam visa status, if you have applied for an e-visa, go to: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/tra-cuu-ho-so. You will be asked for your registration code, email address, and date of birth.

What happens if you arrive in Vietnam without a visa?

Unless you are from one of a number of countries permitted visa-free entry to Vietnam, you will not be allowed to enter the country without a visa.

Is a visa required for Vietnam?

Unless you are a citizen of one of the countries listed above, or you wish to stay longer than the number of visa-free days allowed, you will need a visa to enter Vietnam.

Can you get a Vietnam visa on arrival?

Yes, but you will need to apply before you depart for Vietnam and if approved will receive an approval letter to present to immigration when you arrive.

How long can you stay in Vietnam without a visa?

You can stay in Vietnam without a visa is you are from one of these countries: ASEAN countries (14 to 30 days), Chile (90 days), and Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the UK (British citizens only) (45 days).

How long can you stay in Vietnam on a tourist visa?

You can stay in Vietnam on a tourist visa for a maximum of 90 days

How long is a Vietnamese tourist visa valid for?

The duration of a Vietnamese tourist visa can be up to 90 days.

About Us

Vietnam Briefing is produced by Dezan Shira & Associates. The firm assists foreign investors throughout Asia from offices across the world, including in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Readers may write to vietnam@dezshira.com for more support on doing business in Vietnam.