Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
Visa-Free Entry: As of June 2026, citizens from several countries, including the UK and many EU/Schengen nations, are granted 45 days of visa-free entry. This applies to single entry for tourism purposes. Ensure your passport is valid and you have an onward ticket.
Vietnam e-Visa: For citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry (like the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many others), or for those from visa-free countries wishing to stay longer than 45 days, the official Vietnam e-Visa is the most convenient option. This e-Visa typically allows for stays of up to 90 days, with either single or multiple entries, and is applied for entirely online before travel.
Visa-on-Arrival (VoA): While "Visa-on-Arrival" exists, it's crucial to understand this typically requires a pre-approval letter obtained *before* your flight, usually through a reputable travel agency. For most independent tourists, the e-Visa is a simpler and more transparent process, making the pre-approved VoA less common for first-time visitors.
Transit: If you are only transiting through a Vietnamese airport and do not intend to leave the international transit area, you generally do not need a visa. However, always confirm with your airline if you have a long layover or multiple connections.
- Stay Duration: Up to 45 days for visa-exempt nationalities; up to 90 days for e-Visa holders (single or multiple entry).
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Vietnam.
- Blank Pages: Ensure you have at least two blank pages in your passport for immigration stamps.
- Extensions: While possible, visa extensions in Vietnam can be complex and time-consuming. It's best to plan your stay within your initial visa's validity.
What you need to enter Vietnam
- A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure.
- A valid e-Visa approval letter (printed copy recommended) or proof of visa-free eligibility.
- A confirmed onward or return ticket out of Vietnam.
- While not always requested, it's wise to have proof of sufficient funds for your trip and accommodation bookings for at least your initial stay.
- Be prepared to complete an arrival/departure card (often digital or provided on arrival).
Getting Your Vietnam e-Visa
If your nationality requires a visa, or if you plan to stay longer than the visa-free period, applying for the official Vietnam e-Visa is the most straightforward method for tourists. This process is managed directly by the Vietnam Immigration Department.
- Apply Online: Visit the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department (check the "Official Links" section below for the correct URL). Be wary of third-party sites that charge excessive fees.
- Required Documents: You'll need a scanned copy of your passport's bio-data page and a recent digital passport-style photograph (white background, no glasses, looking straight).
- Processing Time: Standard processing typically takes 3-5 working days. Expedited options may be available for an additional fee.
- Fees: An e-Visa for a single entry (up to 90 days) costs approximately $25 USD. Multiple-entry e-Visas are slightly more expensive. Fees are paid directly on the official portal.
- When to Apply: It's recommended to apply at least 1-2 weeks before your intended travel date, especially during peak seasons, to allow for any unforeseen delays. Always confirm the latest rules and fees before applying.
The quickest way to see the exact rules for your passport is to check your requirements with Sherpa, which keeps track of the latest entry changes for you.
Traveling within Vietnam
Once you've entered Vietnam with a valid tourist visa or visa-free entry, you are generally free to travel throughout the entire country without needing additional permits for most tourist destinations. There are no special restricted regions that require extra permits for ordinary tourist travel, allowing you to explore from Ha Long Bay to the Mekong Delta with ease.
Where to check the latest rules
Check the latest visa requirements:
- Vietnam Immigration Department (e-Visa Portal)
- Contact the Vietnam embassy or consulate in your country
Handy tools for your trip
- Flights: compare fares for your Vietnam flights on Skyscanner.
- Money: dodge bad exchange rates with a Wise travel card.
- Travel insurance: cover your backpacking trip with Nomad Insurance from SafetyWing.
With your visa sorted, you're all set to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible cuisine of Vietnam. Get ready for an unforgettable backpacking adventure! Check out our Vietnam backpacking tours.
Heads up: some links in this article are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — we only ever suggest services we'd genuinely use ourselves.
