Vietnam’s eVisa is a fully electronic travel document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department through the official portal. Available to citizens of all countries since August 15, 2023, it grants a stay of up to 90 days with single or multiple entry options. This guide walks you through every step – from eligibility and application to arrival at the airport – so you can plan your trip to Vietnam with confidence.
What Is Vietnam’s eVisa?
Vietnam’s eVisa (electronic visa) is an official travel authorization issued online by the Vietnam Immigration Department. Unlike traditional embassy visas or visa on arrival schemes, the eVisa eliminates the need for in-person visits or pre-approval letters. You apply entirely through the government portal and receive a PDF approval letter via email.
The eVisa system was introduced in 2017 as a pilot for 40 countries and expanded significantly in August 2023 to cover all nationalities worldwide. The current rules grant a maximum stay of 90 days with the option of single or multiple entry.
How eVisa Differs from Traditional Visas
| Feature | eVisa | Embassy Visa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where to apply | Online (official portal) | Vietnamese embassy/consulate | Online pre-approval + airport |
| Cost | $25 (single) / $50 (multiple) | $50-80 | $25 stamp fee + $6-20 service fee |
| Processing | 3 working days | 5-10 working days | Pre-approval: 1-3 days |
| Entry points | 42 designated gates | Any | International airports only |
| Validity | 90 days | 30-90 days | 30 days |
Who Can Apply — Eligibility
Since August 15, 2023, citizens of every country and territory in the world can apply for Vietnam’s eVisa. This is a major expansion from the previous list of 80 eligible nations.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must meet two conditions:
- Validity: At least 6 months remaining from your intended entry date into Vietnam
- Blank pages: At least 2 blank pages for entry/exit stamps
If your passport expires within 6 months, you must renew it before applying for the eVisa.
Countries Since August 2023
All nationalities are eligible – there is no restricted country list. This includes citizens of the United States, India, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, South Africa, Germany, France, Japan, China, South Korea, and Thailand.
For nationality-specific application tips, check our guides for:
How to Apply for Vietnam eVisa — Step by Step
The application process takes 15-20 minutes if you have all documents ready.
Step 1 — Create an Account
Visit the official portal at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn and click “E-visa Issuance.” You will need a valid email address to create your account and receive confirmation codes.
Step 2 — Fill in the Application Form
Complete all required fields:
- Full name (exactly as shown on passport)
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Passport number and expiry date
- Intended entry date and port of entry
- Purpose of visit (tourism or business)
- Temporary address in Vietnam
Double-check every field — incorrect information is the most common reason for eVisa rejection.
Step 3 — Upload Documents
You need to upload two files:
- Passport data page scan — clear color scan or photo, JPEG format, under 2MB
- Passport-style photo — see detailed photo specifications
Step 4 — Pay the Fee
- Single entry: $25 USD
- Multiple entry: $50 USD
Payment is made online via bank transfer. You will receive a registration code after successful payment.
Step 5 — Submit and Track
After submission, save your registration code. You can check the status of your application at any time on the same portal. To learn more about tracking your application, read our Vietnam eVisa Status Check guide.
eVisa Fees & Payment Methods
The government fee for Vietnam’s eVisa is fixed:
| Entry Type | Fee (USD) | Valid For |
|---|---|---|
| Single entry | $25 | One entry within 90 days |
| Multiple entry | $50 | Unlimited entries within 90 days |
The fee is non-refundable even if your application is rejected. Payment is processed through the official portal only — never pay through third-party websites claiming to process eVisas.
Additional Costs to Consider
- Service/agent fee (optional): If you use an agent to submit your application, expect to pay $50-100 extra
- Urgent processing (optional): Some agents offer 1-day processing for an additional $50-80
For a full breakdown, see our Vietnam eVisa Fees & Costs guide.
Processing Time — How Long to Wait
Standard processing takes 3 working days from the date of submission and payment.
In practice, many applicants report receiving approval within 24-48 hours, but this is not guaranteed. During peak travel seasons (November-February and June-August), processing may take the full 3 days or occasionally longer.
Factors That Affect Processing Time
- Peak season: More applications mean longer queues
- Incorrect information: Triggers manual review and delays
- Photo quality: Poor photos result in rejection and re-submission
- Weekend/holiday submissions: Vietnamese government offices are closed on weekends and public holidays
For detailed timing information, read our Vietnam eVisa Processing Time guide.
Required Documents & Photo Specifications
You need exactly two documents for your eVisa application:
Passport Data Page Scan
- Clear, well-lit color scan or photo
- All text must be readable
- Both edges of the passport page must be visible
- JPEG format, file size under 2MB
Passport-Style Photo Requirements
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | 4cm × 6cm (or 2 × 2 inches) |
| Format | JPEG |
| File size | Under 1MB |
| Background | White or light blue |
| Face | Centered, neutral expression, eyes open |
| Headwear | Not allowed (except religious, with face visible) |
| Glasses | No tinted glasses; thin frames preferred |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
The photo is the most common reason for eVisa rejection. Ensure it meets every specification before uploading. See our complete photo and document requirements for detailed guidance.
Checking Your eVisa Status & Downloading
After submitting your application, you can check its status at any time.
How to Check Status
- Go to evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
- Enter your registration code, email, and date of birth
- View the current status
Possible statuses:
- Processing: Application under review (normal for first 3 days)
- Approved: eVisa is ready to download
- Rejected: Application denied (with reason)
Downloading Your eVisa
Once approved, download the PDF approval letter and print it. You must present a physical copy at immigration upon arrival.
Digital Copy on Phone
While most airlines and immigration officers accept a digital copy on your phone screen, we strongly recommend carrying a printed copy as backup. Some border crossings, especially land borders, require a physical printout.
For a complete guide, see how to check your Vietnam eVisa status.
eVisa Validity, Duration & Extensions
Your Vietnam eVisa has specific rules about how and when it can be used.
Validity Period
The eVisa is valid for 90 days from the start date you specify in your application. You can enter Vietnam at any point during this 90-day window.
Single vs Multiple Entry
| Feature | Single Entry ($25) | Multiple Entry ($50) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of entries | 1 | Unlimited within validity |
| Best for | One-time visit | Multi-country trips (e.g., Vietnam + Cambodia + Thailand) |
| Re-entry allowed | No | Yes |
Extensions
You cannot extend an eVisa from within Vietnam. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you must exit and re-apply for a new eVisa, or convert to a different visa type through the local immigration office.
For more details, read our Vietnam eVisa Validity & Extension guide.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival vs Embassy Visa
Choosing the right visa type depends on your travel plans.
| Criteria | eVisa | Visa on Arrival | Embassy Visa | Visa Exemption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $25-50 | $25 stamp + $6-20 service | $50-80 | Free |
| Processing | 3 days | Pre-approval: 1-3 days | 5-10 days | No processing |
| Max stay | 90 days | 30 days | 30-90 days | 15-45 days |
| Entry | Airports, land, sea | Airports only | Any | Any |
| Extension | Not extendable | Extendable | Extendable | Not extendable |
| Who qualifies | All nationalities | All nationalities | All nationalities | 13 countries |
| Best for | Most travelers | Last-minute plans | Long stays | Short holidays |
Recommendation: For most travelers, the eVisa is the simplest and cheapest option. If you are from a visa-exempt country (Germany, France, Sweden, etc.) and staying under 45 days, no visa is needed at all. Check our visa comparison guide for a detailed breakdown.
Entry Points — Airports, Land & Sea Borders
Your eVisa is accepted at 42 designated entry points across Vietnam.
Airports (13 international)
| Airport | Location |
|---|---|
| Noi Bai | Hanoi |
| Tan Son Nhat | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Da Nang | Da Nang |
| Cam Ranh | Khanh Hoa |
| Cat Bi | Hai Phong |
| Can Tho | 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 |
Land Border Gates (16)
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 (Quang Tri), Lao Bao (Quang Tri), Bo Y (Kon Tum), Moc Bai (Tay Ninh), Xa Mat (Tay Ninh), Tinh Bien (An Giang), Vinh Xuong (An Giang), Ha Tien (Kien Giang).
Sea Border Gates (13)
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, Ho Chi Minh City, Duong Dong (Kien Giang).
For the full list with addresses, see our Vietnam eVisa Entry Points guide.
What Happens at the Airport After Arrival
The arrival process is straightforward for eVisa holders.
- Proceed to immigration — follow signs for “Visa” or “Immigration” at the airport
- Join the dedicated queue — some airports have a separate line for eVisa holders
- Present your documents — hand over your passport and printed eVisa approval letter
- Get your passport stamped — the immigration officer will stamp your passport with the entry date
- Collect luggage and proceed — after clearing immigration, collect your bags and go
Important Tips
- Arrival time: Your eVisa must be valid on the date you arrive (not just the application date)
- Overstaying: Overstaying your eVisa validity results in fines of $25-50 per day and possible future entry bans
- Local registration: Hotels will register your stay with local police automatically. If staying at an Airbnb or private residence, you must register at the nearest police station within 24 hours
Common Mistakes & Rejection Reasons
Understanding why eVisa applications get rejected can save you time and money.
Top 5 Rejection Reasons
- Incorrect passport information — wrong number, expiry date, or name spelling
- Poor photo quality — blurry, wrong size, colored background, glasses
- Expired passport — less than 6 months validity remaining
- Wrong entry date — applying for a date that has already passed or is too early
- Using unofficial websites — third-party sites that collect fees but submit incorrect applications
How to Avoid Rejection
- Triple-check all passport details before submitting
- Use a professional passport photo service
- Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date
- Use ONLY the official portal: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
Warning: Fake eVisa Websites
Several unofficial websites mimic the official portal and charge $80-150 for what should be a $25 visa. Always verify the URL before entering personal information or making payment. The only legitimate portal is operated by the Vietnam Immigration Department at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.
For guidance after a rejection, see our Vietnam eVisa Rejection Reasons guide.
eVisa by Nationality
The application process is identical for all nationalities, but some practical details differ.
US Citizens
- Eligible since 2017 (expanded program)
- Processing typically within 3 days
- Can apply for single or multiple entry
- Full guide: Vietnam eVisa for US Citizens
Indian Citizens
- Eligible since August 2023 expansion
- Processing may take up to 5 business days during peak season
- Ensure passport has 6+ months validity from entry date
- Full guide: Vietnam eVisa for Indian Citizens
UK Citizens
- Eligible since August 2023 expansion
- Standard 3-day processing
- Note: UK passports have different formatting – double-check passport number
- Full guide: Vietnam eVisa for UK Citizens
Australian Citizens
- Eligible since August 2023 expansion
- Standard processing times apply
- Full guide: Vietnam eVisa Eligible Countries
For a complete list of eligible nationalities, see our Vietnam eVisa Eligible Countries guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnam eVisa
What is the official Vietnam eVisa website?
The only official portal is evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn, operated by the Vietnam Immigration Department. Do not use any other website.
How much does the Vietnam eVisa cost?
$25 USD for a single-entry visa or $50 USD for a multiple-entry visa. The fee is paid online through the official portal and is non-refundable.
How long does the Vietnam eVisa take to process?
Standard processing takes 3 working days. Many applicants receive approval within 24-48 hours, but this is not guaranteed. During peak season, it may take the full 3 days.
Can I get a Vietnam eVisa at the airport?
No. The eVisa must be obtained in advance through the online portal. Visa on Arrival is a separate process that requires a pre-approval letter before you fly.
What if my Vietnam eVisa application is rejected?
You will receive a reason for rejection. Common reasons include incorrect information or poor photo quality. You can reapply immediately with corrected details.
How long is the Vietnam eVisa valid?
90 days from the start date specified in your application. You can enter Vietnam anytime within this 90-day validity period.
Can I enter Vietnam multiple times with one eVisa?
Only if you purchased the multiple-entry option ($50 USD). The single-entry eVisa ($25 USD) allows only one entry.
Do children need a separate Vietnam eVisa?
Yes. Every traveler, including children and infants, must have their own eVisa. Each application requires a separate passport and fee.
Which countries are eligible for Vietnam eVisa?
All countries and territories worldwide are eligible since August 15, 2023. There are no nationality restrictions.
Can I extend my Vietnam eVisa while in Vietnam?
No. eVisas cannot be extended from within Vietnam. You must leave the country and reapply, or apply for a different visa type at a local immigration office.
What happens if I overstay my Vietnam eVisa?
Overstaying results in fines of approximately $25-50 USD per day. Prolonged overstay may result in deportation and a ban from re-entering Vietnam.
Is the Vietnam eVisa legitimate?
Yes. The eVisa is an official document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department. It has been in operation since 2017 and expanded to all nationalities in August 2023.
—
The information in this article was last updated in July 2026. Always verify current requirements on the official portal at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn before applying.
The vietnamevisa.info editorial team specializes in Vietnamese travel documentation. Our team monitors official sources and immigration policy changes to provide accurate, up-to-date guidance for international travelers.
