Vietnam is now one of Southeast Asia's top destinations, with millions coming for the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, the street food of Hanoi and the lantern-lit river in Hoi An. Getting in used to mean paying an agency for an approval letter and queueing at the airport for a stamp.
The e-visa made arriving much easier. Under a law passed by the National Assembly, e-visas are open to citizens of every country. You can choose single or multiple entry.
Even so, small mistakes on the form still cause delays. Some get people turned away at the gate. Leave out your middle name, upload a blurry photo or use a copycat site, and you can end up stuck at check-in.
Here is a clear guide to completing your online application on the official portal in 2026.
Vietnam e-visa rules, costs and validity
The Vietnamese electronic visa is managed directly by the Vietnam Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security. It's an official electronic travel permit issued as a downloadable PDF.
The table below shows the visa types, fees and visa exemptions in place as of October 2026:
| Visa / Exemption Category | Cost (USD) | Allowed Stay & Entries | Eligible Nationalities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Day Single Entry E-Visa | $25 USD | 30 Days (Single entry) | Citizens of all countries & territories |
| 90-Day Multiple Entry E-Visa | $50 USD | 90 Days (Multiple entries) | Citizens of all countries & territories |
| Unilateral Visa Exemption | Free | 45 Days (Single entry) | UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, Korea |
| ASEAN Mutual Exemption | Free | 14 to 30 Days | Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, etc. |
Check your passport terms before booking flights with our free visa checker. If you're visiting nearby countries, check our guide on Thailand's 30-day visa-free rule.
Beware of fake imitation websites
A common trap for travelers is falling for commercial copycat sites. When searching online for visa forms, agency ads often show deceptive URLs designed to look like official portals.
These commercial resellers charge $70 to $130 for a permit that costs exactly $25 or $50 on the government portal, and in the worst cases they take your payment without issuing any valid paperwork.
The only official government portal for Vietnamese electronic visas is: evisa.gov.vn
Official government portals in Vietnam end in .gov.vn. If a web address ends in .com, .org, or .info, you're on a commercial agency site. Always double-check the URL in your browser before uploading sensitive passport details.
How to apply for a Vietnam e-visa step by step
Applying on the official portal takes about ten minutes if you've got your files ready. Follow this step-by-step checklist:
Step 1: Prepare your digital images
Before opening the application form, prepare two image files in JPEG format:
- Passport Information Page: A sharp, full-color photo of your passport's bio-data page. All four corners must show clearly, with no light reflections or thumbs covering words. The two lines of text at the bottom must be completely readable.
- Portrait Photograph: A clear photo taken against a white wall within the last six months. Look straight into the camera with a relaxed expression. Don't wear glasses, hats, or uniforms.
Step 2: Open the official government portal
Go to evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn and click "For Foreigners". Start a new electronic visa application.
- Upload your portrait photo and your passport information page.
- The portal's character recognition software will scan your passport image to auto-fill basic fields. Always check every entry for typos.
Step 3: Complete personal and travel details
Fill out the required boxes carefully:
- Full Legal Name: Enter your name exactly as shown on the bottom lines of your passport. If your passport includes middle names, you'll need to enter them alongside your first name.
- Passport Information: Enter your document number, nationality, date of birth, and expiry date. Your travel booklet needs at least 180 days of validity remaining beyond your arrival date.
- Entry and Exit Ports: Select the airport, land crossing, or seaport where you plan to enter and leave the country.
- Temporary Address: Enter your first hotel name and street address in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Step 4: Pay the application fee
Confirm your summary screen. The system assigns you a Registration Code consisting of twelve characters. Make sure you write down this code; you'll need it to track your approval status.
Pay the non-refundable fee ($25 USD for single entry, $50 USD for multiple entry) online with an international card.
Step 5: Check your status and print the PDF
Normal processing takes three to five working days, excluding Vietnamese weekends and public holidays.
- Return to the portal, click "E-visa Search", and type your Registration Code, email address, and birth date.
- Once approved, download your PDF document.
- Print two physical paper copies. Airport border officers in Vietnam still require physical paper slips upon landing.
Critical mistakes that cause delays and rejections
Immigration inspectors enforce strict standards. Minor discrepancies between your document and your passport will prevent you from boarding. Avoid these four common traps:
1. Missing middle names
The most frequent reason airlines deny boarding is omitted middle names. If your passport displays your full name as "John Michael Smith," but your application only reads "John Smith," automated systems will flag the error. Make sure your full name on the form mirrors your passport's machine-readable line.
2. Arriving at the wrong port of entry
When you apply, you pick an arrival checkpoint (such as Hanoi Noi Bai, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh Tan Son Nhat). If you land at a checkpoint different from the one on your document, officers won't let you through without purchasing an emergency replacement visa.
3. Wearing glasses in your portrait
The portal's automated scanner rejects photos where applicants wear glasses. Glare on lenses or dark frames causes immediate delays, forcing you to re-upload photos and resetting your processing clock.
4. Non-refundable fee policy
If your form gets rejected because of inaccurate details or poor photo quality, the government won't refund the fee. You'll have to start over and pay the $25 or $50 again.
For sightseeing inspiration across Da Nang and central heritage sites, visit the official Vietnam National Authority of Tourism. Want translation and ride-hailing apps working when you land? See our travel eSIMs guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I expedite my application if I fly in 24 hours?
The official government portal doesn't provide an official 24-hour rush service for tourists. Standard processing takes three to five business days. While private booking agents advertise same-day expediting for $100 to $200, relying on last-minute turnarounds is risky. You should always submit your form at least ten days before departure.
Do children need their own entry permit?
Children carrying their own individual passport booklet must submit a separate application and pay the standard fee. If a child is listed directly on a parent's passport, they don't need a separate application, but their details must be included on the parent's form.
Can I extend my stay while inside Vietnam?
Currently, electronic visas can't be extended from within the country. If your stay is coming to an end and you want to remain in Vietnam, you'll need to do a "visa run." That means taking a quick flight to a nearby country like Thailand or Cambodia, submitting a new online form, and flying back.
Does a multiple-entry permit allow me to visit other countries and return?
Yes. With an approved 90-day multiple-entry permit, you can exit to Cambodia, Thailand, or Japan and return to Vietnam as often as you want during your 90-day validity window.
