Vietnam

1. Passport Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Vietnam.
• It should have at least two blank pages for entry stamps and visa sticker (if applicable).
• Machine-readable passports are required for e-Visa and visa-exempt entry.
• Passport must not be damaged or expired – immigration officers can refuse entry.

2. Visa or Visa Exemption – What You Need Depends on Your Nationality

Vietnam offers visa exemption, e-Visa, or visa on arrival for short-term stays to citizens of most countries.

• Visa-exempt nationalities (25 countries as of 2026, e.g. Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Belarus, Chile, Panama, Cambodia, Brunei, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia)
  → No visa required for tourism/business.
  → Allowed stay: usually 45 days (some countries 15–30 days – check official list).
  → Extensions: possible up to 3 months total (apply at Immigration Department).
  → No pre-arrival authorization required in 2026.
• e-Visa eligible nationalities (most countries, including EU including Poland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, China, etc.)
  → Apply online for an Electronic Visa (e-Visa) before arrival.
  → Official site: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
  → Cost: USD 25 (single entry) or USD 50 (multiple entry).
  → Valid for 90 days (single/multiple entry), stay up to 30 days per entry.
  → Processing: 3–5 working days (urgent option available).
  → Print the approval – show at immigration.
• Visa on Arrival (VoA) (limited airports: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, etc.)
  → Available only if you have a pre-approval letter from a Vietnamese travel agency.
  → Not recommended – e-Visa is faster and simpler.
  → Fee: USD 25–50 stamping fee + agency fee for approval letter.

Quick check: Official e-Visa & exemption list → evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn or Immigration Department

3. Length of Stay

• Visa exemption: 15–45 days depending on nationality (non-extendable in most cases for tourism).
• e-Visa: up to 30 days per entry (extendable once for another 30 days in some cases).
• Extensions: apply at local Immigration Office (fee ~USD 25–50 + documents).
• You cannot work or study long-term without separate visas/permits.
• Frequent visa runs may lead to refusal after several times.

4. Other Important Requirements

• Proof of onward/return ticket — very often checked at check-in or immigration.
• Proof of sufficient funds and accommodation — may be requested (especially for e-Visa or VoA).
• No COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or quarantine required (rules fully removed since 2022–2023).
• Customs: Declare cash over USD 5,000 (or equivalent), restricted items (drones, certain medicines, food, plants, weapons, etc.). Fill out customs declaration on arrival.
• Fingerprinting & photo: taken on arrival for most non-Vietnamese nationals.

5. Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Apply for e-Visa online at least 1 week before travel – avoid VoA queues and uncertainty.
• Verify latest rules directly on official sites (rules can change):
  → e-Visa portal: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
  → Immigration Department: www.immigration.gov.vn
  → Vietnam Tourism: vietnam.travel
• Admission is at the discretion of immigration officers – answer questions honestly and have documents ready.
• Avoid overstaying – fines VND 500,000–1,000,000/day + possible detention/deportation/ban.

Safe travels to Vietnam — whether you're heading to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue or Phu Quoc!