Vietnam’s visa policy has undergone significant modernization in recent years, making it easier than ever for international travelers to visit this Southeast Asian destination. As of July 2026, the country offers multiple pathways for foreign nationals to enter, including an expanded electronic visa system, visa exemptions for dozens of countries, visa on arrival at major airports, and traditional embassy-processed visas. Whether you’re planning a short holiday or an extended stay, understanding the current visa policy is essential for a smooth entry into Vietnam.
Overview of Vietnam Visa Policy in 2026
Vietnam’s visa framework is governed by the Immigration Law 2023 and subsequent government resolutions. The policy defines who can enter Vietnam, through which mechanisms, and for how long. The most transformative change came on August 15, 2023, when Vietnam expanded its eVisa system to citizens of all countries and extended the maximum stay to 90 days with multiple entry options.
Today, travelers have four main pathways to enter Vietnam:
| Visa Type | Validity | Cost | Processing | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa | Up to 90 days | $25-$50 | 3-5 business days | All nationalities |
| Visa Exemption | 14-90 days | Free | N/A | 39 countries |
| Visa on Arrival | 15-30 days | $25 stamping fee | 2-3 days (letter) | Airport entry only |
| Embassy Visa | Varies | Varies | 5-10 business days | All nationalities |
For a quick summary of your options:
- eVisa – Available to all nationalities, valid for up to 90 days
- Visa exemption – Free entry for citizens of 39 countries
- Visa on Arrival – Available at international airports with pre-approval
- Embassy visa – Traditional application through Vietnamese embassies
All travelers must hold a passport with at least six months of validity remaining from their date of entry. This requirement applies regardless of which visa type you use.
Vietnam eVisa – The Electronic Visa System
The eVisa is now the most popular and convenient way to obtain permission to enter Vietnam. Since the August 2023 expansion, citizens of every country worldwide can apply for an eVisa through the official portal at evisa.gov.vn.
Key features of the Vietnam eVisa include:
- Validity: Up to 90 days from the date of entry
- Entry type: Single entry ($25) or multiple entry ($50)
- Processing time: 3-5 business days
- Entry points: 42 designated international checkpoints
- Nationalities: All countries eligible
The eVisa application requires a passport scan, a digital photo, and payment of the applicable fee. Once approved, the eVisa is sent electronically and must be presented at one of the designated entry points. For a complete step-by-step application walkthrough, see our Vietnam eVisa guide.
It’s important to note that travelers using a 12-page US emergency passport may be denied an eVisa and should apply through an embassy instead.
Vietnam Visa Exemption – Visa-Free Countries
Vietnam offers visa exemptions to citizens of 39 countries, allowing them to enter without a visa for a specified duration. The length of stay depends on nationality and ranges from 14 to 90 days.
The visa-exempt countries and their permitted stay durations include:
| Duration | Countries |
|---|---|
| 90 days | Chile, Panama |
| 45 days | Japan, South Korea, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Russia, Belarus, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy (and 12 additional countries per 2025 resolution) |
| 30 days | Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, Myanmar, Brunei |
| 21 days | Philippines |
| 14 days | Brunei, Myanmar |
For the complete list of eligible nationalities, check our Vietnam eVisa eligible countries guide. Note that visa exemptions apply to ordinary passport holders only – diplomatic and official passport holders may have different arrangements.
In 2025, Vietnam extended a 45-day visa exemption to citizens of 12 additional countries through a National Assembly resolution, further expanding visa-free access to boost tourism recovery.
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Visa on Arrival remains available at Vietnam’s international airports, though it has become less popular since the eVisa expansion. The VOA process requires travelers to obtain a pre-approval letter from a licensed travel agency before departure.
How the VOA process works:
- Apply for a pre-approval letter through a travel agency (2-3 business days)
- Receive the approval letter via email
- Present the letter at the VOA counter upon arrival
- Pay the stamping fee ($25 for single entry)
- Receive the visa stamp in your passport
VOA is typically available for stays of 15-30 days with single or multiple entry options. If you’re deciding between these two options, our eVisa vs visa on arrival comparison breaks down the differences in detail.
The main limitation of VOA is that it’s only available at airports – travelers entering by land or sea must use an eVisa or embassy visa.
Embassy/Consulate Visa
The traditional embassy visa remains an option for travelers who prefer in-person processing or need visa types not available through the eVisa system. This method is particularly relevant for:
- Long-term stays exceeding 90 days
- Work or business visas
- Travelers from countries with special arrangements
- Those who prefer embassy processing
Processing times vary by embassy location, typically ranging from 5-10 business days. Fees also vary depending on visa type and duration. Contact your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate for specific requirements.
Entry Requirements and Documentation
Regardless of which visa type you hold, all travelers must meet these entry requirements:
Passport requirements:
- Minimum 6 months validity remaining from entry date
- At least 2 blank pages for visa stamps
- Must be the same passport used in the application
Documents to carry:
- Printed or digital copy of eVisa approval
- Proof of onward travel (return ticket)
- Accommodation booking confirmation
- Sufficient funds for your stay
Post-arrival requirements:
- Register with local authorities within 24 hours of arrival
- Hotels typically handle this automatically
- Staying with friends or family requires manual registration at the local police station
Failure to register within 24 hours can result in fines or complications when exiting the country. This requirement is strictly enforced in major cities.
Recent Policy Changes (2023-2026)
Vietnam’s visa policy has evolved significantly in recent years:
August 15, 2023 – Major Expansion:
- eVisa extended to citizens of all countries (previously 40+ countries)
- Maximum eVisa stay increased from 30 to 90 days
- Multiple entry eVisa option introduced
- Number of entry points expanded to 42
2025 – Exemption Extensions:
- 45-day visa exemption granted to 12 additional countries
- Resolution passed by the National Assembly
- Aimed at boosting post-pandemic tourism recovery
2026 – Current Status:
- 39 countries enjoy visa exemptions
- eVisa system stable with all nationalities eligible
- Immigration Law 2023 fully implemented
- Registration requirements actively enforced
These changes represent Vietnam’s most significant visa liberalization in decades, positioning the country as one of the most accessible destinations in Southeast Asia.
Designated Entry Points
Vietnam has 42 designated international entry points where travelers can enter with an eVisa or other valid visa. These include:
- Major airports: Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, Cam Ranh (Nha Trang), Phu Quoc
- Land borders: Multiple crossings with China, Laos, and Cambodia
- Seaports: Select international seaports
It’s essential to enter through a designated eVisa entry point if you’re using an electronic visa. Entering through a non-designated point may result in denial of entry. See the full list of Vietnam eVisa entry points for airports, land borders, and seaports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, US citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam. They are not among the 39 visa-exempt countries. However, US citizens can easily apply for an eVisa online, which allows stays of up to 90 days with single or multiple entry options. The eVisa costs $25 for single entry or $50 for multiple entry and takes 3-5 business days to process.
What are the new rules for entering Vietnam in 2026?
The most significant changes since 2023 include: eVisa is now available to citizens of all countries (expanded from 40+ countries), the maximum eVisa stay is 90 days (up from 30 days), multiple entry eVisa is available, and 39 countries enjoy visa exemptions. Additionally, 12 countries received 45-day visa exemptions in 2025. All travelers must register with local authorities within 24 hours of arrival.
How long does it take to get a Vietnam visa?
Processing times depend on the visa type. An eVisa takes 3-5 business days when applied through the official portal. A Visa on Arrival requires 2-3 business days for the pre-approval letter, plus processing at the airport. Embassy visas typically take 5-10 business days but vary by location.
How many countries are visa-free for Vietnam?
As of 2026, Vietnam offers visa exemptions to citizens of 39 countries. The permitted stay duration ranges from 14 to 90 days depending on nationality. Additionally, 12 countries received 45-day exemptions through a 2025 National Assembly resolution. Citizens of ASEAN member states generally receive 30-day visa-free entry.
What is the difference between eVisa and visa exemption?
An eVisa requires an online application and payment ($25-$50) and allows stays of up to 90 days for citizens of any country. A visa exemption is free entry without any application, available only to citizens of 39 specific countries, with stay durations ranging from 14 to 90 days depending on nationality. If your country qualifies for a visa exemption, you don’t need to apply for an eVisa for short stays within the exemption period.
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The vietnamevisa.info editorial team specializes in Vietnamese travel documentation. This article was last updated in July 2026 to reflect the latest visa policies and entry requirements. Always verify current requirements with official sources before traveling.
