Vietnam Visa: Latest Procedures and News 2026

1. Do I Need a Visa for Vietnam?

It depends on your nationality and the length of your stay. 45-day visa exemption applies to citizens of the following countries — no visa required for stays up to 45 days:

France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Belarus — plus, from August 15, 2025 to August 14, 2028: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland.

For stays exceeding 45 days, or if your country is not on the exemption list, you will need a visa. Options include:

• An e-visa — the most convenient option, available for citizens of all countries and territories.
• A traditional visa issued by the Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
• Visa on arrival (air travel only, requires a pre-approved letter).

2. How to Obtain a Visa for Vietnam?

2.1 Traditional Visa

Apply at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your country. Required documents:

• A completed visa application form (NA1).
• Two passport-sized photos.
• A passport valid for at least 6 months with 2 blank pages.
• Visa fee (varies by location). Processing time: 1–2 weeks.

2.2 Vietnam E-Visa (Recommended)

The e-visa is available for citizens of all countries and territories. It is valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, and accepted at 83 international airports, land borders, and seaports. No embassy visit required.

Official e-visa website

Apply only through the official government portal: https://evisa.gov.vn/

Required documents

• A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity.
• Passport photo in .jpg format (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses).
• A valid international credit or debit card.
• An email address.
• A temporary address in Vietnam.
• Expected entry and exit dates and border points.

How to apply

1. Fill out the online application at evisa.gov.vn. Upload your passport photo and data page.
2. Pay the e-visa fee: $25 for single entry or $50 for multiple entry. Note your registration code.
3. Processing takes approximately 3–5 business days. Check your result using your registration code, email, and date of birth at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Print your approved e-visa and present it upon arrival.

The e-visa validity starts from the date specified in the approved document. Entry before or after the validity period is not permitted.

>>> Frequently asked questions: Vietnam e-visa

2.3 Visa on Arrival

Visa on arrival is available for air arrivals only. You must first obtain a pre-approval letter through a licensed travel agency. Print the letter before your flight, then present it at the immigration counter upon arrival. The visa stamping fee must be paid in cash.

Note:

• Not valid for land or sea entry — obtain a full visa in advance if arriving by those routes.
• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay.
• Children with their own passports are charged the same fee as adults.
• Stamping fees must be paid in cash; credit cards are not accepted.
• There is no official website for this service — all providers are private agencies.

Our recommendation: We strongly recommend the e-visa — it is easier, faster, and less expensive than the other options.

3. Vietnam Visa Fees

E-Visa: $25 USD (single entry) or $50 USD (multiple entry). Paid online. Non-refundable.

Visa on Arrival: Two fees apply:

• Agency service fee — paid to the visa agency for the approval letter (varies by agency).
• Stamping fee — paid in cash at the airport: $25 USD (single entry) or $50 USD (multiple entry). Pay in USD to avoid poor exchange rates.

Special cases: Citizens of some countries including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Kuwait, and Oman may be subject to different procedures. Confirm with the Vietnamese Immigration Department or nearest Vietnamese embassy.

>>> Vietnam Visa for African Countries

4. What Are the Penalties for Overstaying a Visa in Vietnam?

Overstaying a visa in Vietnam is an administrative violation. Under Decree 282/2025 (effective December 15, 2025), fines have increased significantly:

• Up to 15 days: VND 500,000–2,000,000 (~$20–$76)
• 16–29 days: VND 5,000,000–10,000,000 (~$190–$380)
• 30–59 days: up to VND 15,000,000 (~$570)
• 60–89 days: up to VND 20,000,000 (~$760)
• Up to 6 months: up to VND 25,000,000 (~$950)
• 6 months to 1 year: up to VND 30,000,000 (~$1,140)
• Over 1 year: up to VND 40,000,000 (~$1,520)

Overstays of 16 days or more may also result in deportation. Serious or repeated violations can lead to a ban on re-entering Vietnam for 1–5 years. If you are approaching your visa expiry date, apply for an extension at least 7–10 days in advance.

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