Vietnam has significantly simplified its visa policies in recent years, making travel more convenient for international visitors. Below is the latest and most accurate information regarding visa requirements for entering Vietnam.

1. Visa Exemption 

Citizens of certain countries are allowed to enter Vietnam without a visa for a limited period of stay. Currently, Vietnam grants:

45 days visa exemption for citizens of United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Belarus. 

30 days visa exemption for most ASEAN member countries (conditions may vary by nationality). Visa exemption applies to tourism purposes and requires: A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and a return or onward ticket.

If travelers wish to stay longer than the exemption period, they must apply for an appropriate visa.

2. Vietnam E-Visa 

The Vietnam E-Visa is currently the most convenient and widely used option. Key features:

• Valid for up to 90 days

• Available for single or multiple entry

• Applicable to citizens of most countries worldwide

• Can be used for entry by air, land, or sea

• Entirely processed online through the official Vietnam Immigration Portal

Processing time:

• Normally 3–5 working days

The approved visa is sent electronically and must be printed before travel.

The Vietnam E-Visa is straightforward, transparent, and officially issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department. It has largely replaced the traditional Visa on Arrival system for most travelers.

3. Visa on Arrival 

Visa on Arrival is now more limited and is mainly applicable in specific cases, often for business purposes or special arrangements. Important notes about Visa on Arrival:

• Only valid for entry by air

• Requires a pre-approved visa approval letter issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department before departure

• Travelers must present this approval letter at the airport visa counter upon arrival

• A stamping fee is paid in cash at the airport

Stamping fees (subject to change by authorities):

• USD 25 per person for single entry visa

• USD 50 per person for multiple entry visa

However, due to the expansion of the E-Visa system, VOA is no longer the primary or recommended method for most travelers.

4. Visa via Embassy or Consulate

Travelers may also apply for a visa directly through a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence. This option is often used for:

• Long-term visas

• Work visas

• Special entry purposes

Processing times and fees vary depending on the embassy.

5. Required Passport Validity

For all entry methods (visa exemption, e-visa, VOA, or embassy visa), travelers must ensure:

• Passport validity of at least 6 months

• At least one blank page for visa stamps

Failure to meet passport requirements may result in denied boarding or entry.

6. Which Visa Option Should You Choose?

For most tourists, the Vietnam E-Visa (up to 90 days) is currently the simplest, fastest, and most efficient option.

Visa exemption is ideal for short stays (45 days or less for eligible nationalities).

Visa on Arrival is now secondary and mainly used in special cases.

Final Recommendation

Visa regulations may change depending on bilateral agreements and government updates. We strongly recommend checking the latest official information before travel or contacting a professional DMC or visa advisor for assistance.

Should you need support with visa procedures for Vietnam, our team is always ready to guide you through the process smoothly and efficiently.