Vietnam eVisa: Complete Guide

The Vietnam eVisa (electronic visa) is an official entry permit issued online by Vietnam’s Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security. It allows foreign nationals to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, research, investment, or other lawful purposes — without visiting an embassy or completing visa-on-arrival procedures at the border. Key benefits of the Vietnam eVisa:
  • The entire application is completed online via evisa.gov.vn.
  • No original passport submission required.
  • Visa is issued in PDF format and sent to your registered email.
  • Usually issued within 4 working days from receipt of a complete application.
  • Valid for single or multiple entries, up to 90 days.

Vietnam eVisa Types

The Vietnam eVisa is available in two formats:
  • Single-entry eVisa – allows one entry into Vietnam.
  • Multiple-entry eVisa – permits multiple entries within the visa validity period.
Both types are valid for stays of up to 90 days and can be used for the following purposes:
  • Tourism
The permit for tourism is designed for leisure travel in Vietnam. It’s for sightseeing, staying with friends or family, or exploring the country.
  • Business
The eVisa covers business-related visits, including meetings, negotiations, exploring new opportunities, or signing contracts.
  • Transit
If you are traveling through Vietnam to a third country, the eVisa allows you to enter the country for your transit purposes.

Who Can Apply for a Vietnam eVisa?

Citizens of most countries and territories worldwide are eligible to apply for a Vietnam eVisa. However, some nationalities already qualify for visa-free entry and may not need one for short stays.

Visa-Free Countries — Do You Even Need an eVisa?

Check the table below before applying. If your country is listed, you can enter Vietnam without a visa for the indicated period:
Stay Duration Countries
90 days Chile, Panama
30 days Cambodia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand
14 days Brunei
45 days Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
If your country is not on this list, you must apply for a Vietnam eVisa.

Vietnam eVisa Requirements

To obtain a Vietnam eVisa, you need a valid passport, a compliant face photo — all uploaded digitally at evisa.gov.vn.

Passport Conditions

  • Validity: Passport must be issued for at least 6 months from the expected entry date into Vietnam.
  • Blank pages: At least 1 blank page required for the entry stamp at the border.
  • Emergency passports: They may be denied — use a full-validity passport.

Photograph Requirements

Non-compliant photos are the number one reason for Vietnam eVisa rejection. Follow these specifications exactly:
Requirement Specification
Size 4×6 cm
Format .jpg or .jpeg only
File size Under 2MB
Background White, no shadows
Face Front-facing, eyes open
Glasses Not allowed
Hat / headwear Not allowed (except for religious reasons)
Recency Taken within the last 6 months
Standard ICAO compliant
Common photo mistakes that cause rejection:
  • Grey or colored background instead of white
  • Shadows on the face or background
  • Glasses visible in the photo
  • Photo taken more than 6 months ago
  • File size exceeds 2MB

Other Requirements

  • Passport scan: Clear image of the personal data page (.jpg/.jpeg format, single page only, fully visible and uncropped).
  • Payment method: International credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB).
  • Entry information: Purpose of visit (tourism, business, etc.), expected arrival date, port of entry, and place of stay in Vietnam.

How to Apply for a Vietnam eVisa — Step by Step

Get a Vietnam eVisa in 5 steps at evisa.gov.vn: fill the form, upload your photo and passport scan, pay the fee, save the application code, then download and print the approved PDF.

Step 1: Access the Official Portal

  1. Go to https://evisa.gov.vn/.
  2. Select “For foreigners – Electronic visa application”.
  3. Choose the nationality and entry type (single or multiple).

Step 2: Fill in the Application Form

Complete all fields accurately. Data must exactly match your passport: Personal details:
  • Full name
  • Gender
  • Date of birth
  • Nationality
  • Passport number, issue date, expiry date
Entry information:
  • Purpose of entry (tourism, business, research, investment, etc.)
  • Expected date of arrival
  • Port of entry (must be one of the designated ones)
  • Place of stay in Vietnam (hotel name or address)

Step 3: Upload Documents & Pay the Fee

  • Submit your portrait photo (4×6 cm, white background, no glasses).
  • Upload the passport scan (personal data page, .jpg/.jpeg, clear).
  • Pay the fee. (Accepted cards: Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and other international payment cards).
  • After payment, the system issues an Application Code — save this immediately.

Step 4: Track the Application Status

Check your Vietnam eVisa status at https://evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search. Enter:
  • Application Code
  • Registered email address
  • Date of birth
Status options:
  • “Under processing” — application received, being reviewed
  • “Approved” — visa ready to download
  • “Rejected” — denied form (fee non-refundable; reapply from scratch)
Open your email inbox regularly — the system may request additional information during processing.

Step 5: Download, Print & Use Your eVisa

  1. Download the approved eVisa in PDF format from the status portal or your email.
  2. Print a hard copy — this is required at the border.
  3. Keep a digital copy on your phone as backup.
  4. At the border: present the printed eVisa + original passport to immigration officers.
Immigration officers may deny entry if you cannot present the printed eVisa or if the information does not match your passport.

Vietnam eVisa Cost & Fees

A Vietnam eVisa costs USD 25 for a single-entry or USD 50 for a multiple-entry. Payment is accepted via international credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB). Fee is non-refundable if the application is denied.
Entry Type Fee Validity
Single-entry USD 25 Up to 90 days
Multiple-entry USD 50 Up to 90 days

Vietnam eVisa Processing Time

The official Vietnam eVisa processing time is 4 working days from receipt of a complete form. The Immigration Department recommends applying at least 10 days before your travel date to account for potential delays.
Scenario Processing Time
Standard (official) 4 working days
Recommended lead time 10 days before the trip
Peak seasons (Tet, summer) Allow 10–14 days
Weekends & Vietnamese holidays Not counted in processing time
Why apply 10 days early?
  • The system may request additional information
  • High traffic during peak travel seasons
  • Technical errors or system downtime
  • Vietnamese public holidays pause processing
Vietnam aims to attract 35 million international visitors by 2030 — system load increases significantly during peak periods.

Vietnam eVisa Validity & Entry Options

The Vietnam eVisa is valid for up to 90 days from the approved start date. It generally cannot be extended — if you need more time in Vietnam, you must exit the country and apply for a new eVisa.
Feature Detail
Maximum validity 90 days
Entry options Single-entry or multiple-entries
Extension Generally not possible
Overstay Illegal — subject to fines and entry ban
Reapplication Must exit Vietnam, then apply fresh
Single-entry vs multiple-entry:
  • Single-entry (USD 25): Enter Vietnam once. If you leave (e.g. day trip to Cambodia), the visa is used up.
  • Multiple-entry (USD 50): Enter and exit Vietnam multiple times within the 90-day validity period.

Vietnam eVisa Border Gates — Where Can You Enter?

The Vietnam eVisa is only valid at 42 designated international border gates. You must select your entry point during the application — you cannot change it after approval.
Type Count Examples
International airports 13 Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, Cam Ranh (Nha Trang), Phu Bai (Hue), Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Phu Quoc
Land checkpoints 16 Moc Bai (Cambodia border), Lao Cai (China border), Huu Nghi (China border), Cau Treo (Laos border), Nam Can (Laos border)
Seaports 13 Hai Phong, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, Quang Ninh
⚠️ Important: Entering Vietnam through a border gate not on the designated list will result in denied entry. Verify your entry point before booking flights or transport.

Vietnam eVisa vs Visa on Arrival vs Embassy Visa

The Vietnam eVisa is the simplest option for most travelers — fully online, no embassy visit, same cost as visa on arrival, and accepted at all 42 international border gates.
Feature eVisa Visa on Arrival (VOA) Embassy Visa
Application method 100% online Online pre-approval + airport counter In-person at embassy
Cost USD 25 / USD 50 USD 25 / USD 50 + stamping fee Varies by country
Processing time 4 working days several working days (pre-approval) 5–10 working days
Embassy visit required ❌ No ❌ No ✅ Yes
Airport queue required ❌ No ✅ Yes (stamping counter) ❌ No
Valid at land borders ✅ Yes (42 gates) ❌ No (airports only) ✅ Yes
Valid at seaports ✅ Yes ❌ No ✅ Yes
Maximum validity 90 days 90 days Up to 1 year
Extension possible ❌ No ❌ No Sometimes
Best for Tourism, short business Airport arrivals only Long-stay, work
For most tourists and short-term business travelers, the eVisa is the best option — lower total cost than VOA (no stamping fee), no embassy visit, and valid at all border types.

Common Reasons for Vietnam eVisa Rejection

Most Vietnam eVisa rejections are caused by non-compliant photos, mismatched passport data, or payment errors — all preventable with careful preparation before submission.
Rejection Reason How to Fix
Non-compliant photo Retake with white background, no glasses, ICAO specs (4×6 cm, .jpg, under 2MB)
Data mismatch Double-check name, passport number, and DOB match your passport exactly — even one wrong character causes rejection
Payment error Use a valid international card (Visa/Mastercard); try a different card if declined
Incorrect entry gate Verify your gate is on the 42 designated list before submitting
Incomplete application Fill all required fields; do not leave any field blank
Expired passport Make sure passport is valid for 6+ months from your entry date
Emergency passport Use a full-validity passport — emergency passports may be denied
If your Vietnam eVisa is rejected:
  • The fee (USD 25 or USD 50) is non-refundable.
  • Identify the rejection reason from the status portal or email.
  • Correct the issue and submit a new application with a new fee.
  • Apply early to allow time for resubmission if needed.
If you are denied entry at the border:
  • Contact your home country’s embassy or consulate in Vietnam immediately.
  • Contact the Vietnam Immigration Department hotline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I apply for a Vietnam eVisa?

Apply at least 10 days before travel. Official processing is around 4 working days, but delays occur during peak seasons (Tet, summer), Vietnamese public holidays, and periods of high system traffic.

Can I extend my Vietnam eVisa?

Usually, Vietnam eVisas cannot be extended from within Vietnam. If you need more time, you must exit the country and submit a new application from scratch. A new fee applies.

Can I enter Vietnam through any border gate with an eVisa?

The eVisa is only valid at 42 designated international border gates (13 airports, 16 land checkpoints, 13 seaports). You must select your entry point during the application.

Is the Vietnam eVisa fee refundable?

The fee (USD 25 or USD 50) is non-refundable regardless of whether the application is approved, rejected, or withdrawn.

Do I need to print my Vietnam eVisa?

You must present a printed hard copy at the border alongside your original passport. Keep a digital copy on your phone as backup, but the printed version is required.

Can I apply for a Vietnam eVisa for business purposes?

The Vietnam eVisa covers tourism, business, research, investment, and other lawful purposes. Select the appropriate purpose during the application.

What photo size is required for a Vietnam eVisa?

The photograph must be 4×6 cm, .jpg/.jpeg format, under 2MB, white background, no glasses, no hat, taken within the last 6 months. ICAO standards apply.

How do I check my Vietnam eVisa application status?

Go to evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search and enter the application code, registered email address, and date of birth. Status options: “Under processing”, “Approved”, or “Rejected”.

Can I use a Vietnam eVisa multiple times?

Only if you purchased the multiple-entry eVisa (USD 50). The single-entry eVisa (USD 25) is used up after your first entry into Vietnam.

What happens if I overstay my Vietnam eVisa?

Overstaying is illegal in Vietnam. Penalties include fines, forced departure, and a potential entry ban. If you need to stay longer, exit Vietnam before the eVisa expires and reapply.