Vietnam eVisa – How to Apply & What You Need to Know

Traveling to Vietnam is easier than ever thanks to the Vietnam eVisa. Instead of spending weeks waiting at an embassy, most travelers can now apply online through the Vietnam electronic visa portal and receive approval before their trip. This digital system was created by the Vietnamese government to simplify the visa process, cut down on paperwork, and make sure foreigners entering the country follow Vietnamese law.

But the rules are not the same for everyone. The Vietnam immigration department sets specific conditions for different visa categories, and there are details travelers need to know before applying. From visa fees and processing times to what happens if you overstay or need a replacement passport, the system has many steps that can confuse first-time visitors.

This guide gives you a full picture of how the Vietnam e visa works. You’ll learn who can apply, how to submit your application, which documents are required, and what to expect once you enter Vietnam. We’ll also cover special cases like foreign employees, multiple entry visas, and how to handle problems like incorrect addresses or lost passports.

What Is the Vietnam e Visa?

The Vietnam e Visa is a single-entry or multiple-entry electronic visa issued online through the official Vietnam immigration department system. Instead of applying at the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate general, travelers use the digital platform to request permission to enter the country.

The approved visa comes as a PDF document, which applicants can download, print, and show when arriving at international airports or land borders.

The eVisa is valid for short stays and specific travel dates, usually up to 30 days, though in some cases extensions are possible. It is linked to your valid passport and checked against Vietnamese immigration office records when you arrive. Unlike a visa exemption, which only applies to citizens of certain countries, the eVisa is available to most foreigners outside Vietnam.

The Vietnamese e visa is considered an official valid visa, recognized under Vietnamese law. It is different from an approval letter used for visas on arrival, because travelers don’t need to wait in long lines at airports to get stamped. For most people, this option is the fastest, simplest, and most reliable way to gain legal entry into Viet Nam.

Who Can Apply for a Vietnam e Visa?

Not everyone needs to go through the Vietnam e Visa system. The Vietnamese government offers a list of visa exemption countries, meaning travelers from certain nations can enter Vietnam for a short stay without applying in advance.

Citizens of some Southeast Asian and European countries may visit for 15 to 30 days without paying a visa fee. However, if you want to stay longer or your country is not on the exemption list, you will need to apply for an e visa.

The eVisa is open to most foreigners traveling for tourism, business, or family visits. You must be outside Vietnam at the time of your application, since the process is handled through the official Vietnam electronic visa portal.

Applicants must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity left after the travel date. Your passport details must match exactly with your online form, otherwise the immigration department may reject your application.

Special rules also apply to foreign employees coming for short-term business. They can use the Vietnamese e visa for meetings or company visits, but longer stays often require different visa types. The system is designed to make entry smooth, but travelers should always check the latest immigration department notices for updates.

In short, unless you’re from a visa exemption country, you’re most likely eligible to apply. The Vietnamese immigration office accepts applications from over 80 nationalities, making the Vietnam e visa one of the most accessible entry systems in Southeast Asia.

How to Submit Your Application (Step by Step)

Step 1: Go to the official portal
Visit the Vietnam electronic visa portal managed by the immigration department. Avoid third-party sites to prevent extra fees or rejected applications.

Step 2: Prepare your documents
Make sure you have:

• A valid passport (with at least six months left before expiry).
• A recent passport-style photo.
• A scanned copy of your passport’s biographical page.

Step 3: Fill out the online form
Enter your personal details carefully:

• Full name
• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Passport number

You’ll also need to provide a hotel address or other accommodation details, plus the city of your planned arrival.

Step 4: Double-check everything
Review your information before submitting. Even small mistakes — like a typo in your name or wrong travel date — can cause delays or rejection.

Step 5: Pay the eVisa fee
Use a credit card or other accepted method to pay the official e visa fee online. The fee is non-refundable, so accuracy is important.

Step 6: Wait for review
Once payment is confirmed, your application is sent to the Vietnamese immigration department for processing. You can later check the status on the portal.

Processing Times and Approval Letters

Once you have submitted your application for a Vietnam e Visa, the next step is waiting for the immigration department to process it. In most cases, the official processing times are three working days, but delays can happen if the system is busy or if there are errors in your form.

The online electronic system lets you track the status of your application, so you can check whether it’s still under review or ready for download.

When your eVisa is approved, you’ll receive a PDF file that acts as your official entry document. This is sometimes referred to as an approval letter, although it’s different from the older “visa on arrival” letters used before the eVisa system was introduced.

With the eVisa, you don’t need to queue at airport counters for a separate stamp; your document is already recognized in the Vietnamese immigration office database.

It’s important to read any immigration department notices that come with your approval. These may include instructions about the entry points where your eVisa is valid, or rules about how long you can stay. Always print at least one copy of the approved visa and carry it with you, since airlines may ask for proof before boarding.

If you don’t receive your eVisa within the normal processing times, you can request further information through the official portal or contact a consulate general. In such cases, providing correct details and your application number will help officers locate your file quickly.

Vietnam e Visa Fees and Payment

The cost of a Vietnam e Visa is straightforward compared to some other countries. At the time of writing, the e visa fee is 25 USD for a single entry and 50 USD for multiple entry.

This payment is made online during the application process, and it is non-refundable — even if your request is denied by the immigration department. For this reason, it’s important to make sure all your details are valid before submitting.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the current fees:

Payment can be made through international bank cards or accepted online services on the official Vietnam electronic visa portal. Once your vietnamese visa applications are submitted, a confirmation screen appears to verify your payment was successful.

If you don’t receive a receipt, it’s best to contact the portal for assistance rather than using unofficial agents.

Unlike applying through a nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate, the eVisa fee does not involve extra handling charges.

However, if you hire a private company to manage your application, expect higher costs since they add service fees. Travelers should always be cautious — the safest option is to apply directly through the official portal to avoid overpaying.

Entry Points and Airports

When traveling with a Vietnam e Visa, you can’t just arrive at any border. The immigration department sets specific international airports and land checkpoints where the eVisa is accepted. At the moment, there are more than 40 official entry points across Viet Nam, including airports, seaports, and land crossings.

The main airports include Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang International Airport in central Vietnam. These hubs handle most foreign arrivals, and officers are well-trained in processing electronic visa documents. Smaller airports also accept eVisas, but travelers should always check the official list before booking tickets.

For those arriving by land, there are several border gates with neighboring countries like Cambodia, Laos, and China. Each of these checkpoints requires you to present your printed eVisa and valid passport. Seaports, including popular cruise stops, also allow e visa holders to enter.

On arrival, immigration officers will compare your details against the database. If your hotel address or passport details don’t match, they may ask additional questions or direct you to a police station for clarification. In rare cases, travelers may need to contact the Vietnamese immigration office if their entry point is not listed on the eVisa approval.

Before traveling, always double-check your entry point on the approval document. Entering at the wrong gate could cause delays or even denial of entry, since the system is strict about following the registered address and process.

Using the Vietnam e Visa to Enter Vietnam

Once your application is approved, the next step is traveling to the country and using your Vietnam e Visa at the border. For most foreigners, the process is straightforward, but it helps to be prepared.

When you arrive at one of the approved international airports or land borders, you’ll need to show two key documents: your printed eVisa approval and your valid passport.

The immigration department will scan your passport and check your details against the electronic system. As long as your status shows as approved, you’ll be allowed to enter Vietnam without extra steps.

For e visa holders, it’s a good idea to carry more than one printed copy of your visa. Airlines may ask to see it before letting you board, and officers at border gates can request a copy for their records. Having a backup prevents problems if you misplace your first printout.

The entry process usually takes only a few minutes, especially at larger airports like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. However, if your information doesn’t match such as a spelling error in your name or a wrong travel date you could be delayed while officers confirm your details.

In such cases, you may need to provide extra proof, or in rare situations, be directed to the Vietnamese immigration office for assistance.

Overall, the eVisa system has made it much faster and easier for travelers to begin their trip without long lines or complicated checks at the border.

Rules for Exit Vietnam and Overstays

Just as the Vietnam e Visa makes it simple to enter Vietnam, there are also clear rules about how and when you can exit Vietnam. Every traveler must leave the country before their eVisa expires. The date is printed on your approval, and officers from the immigration department will check it carefully at border gates.

If you need to stay longer, you cannot simply ignore the deadline. Overstaying is considered a violation of Vietnamese law and can lead to fines, delays, or even a ban on future entry. In such cases, travelers may be asked to report to a police station or the Vietnamese immigration office for processing.

There are limited options if you want to extend your stay. While some visa types allow formal extensions, the eVisa often requires you to leave and apply for a new visa from outside the country.

Certain travelers may qualify for an exit visa, especially if they’ve overstayed due to illness, travel disruptions, or emergencies. This document is issued by the immigration department and allows you to leave legally without facing harsher penalties.

Foreigners working or living in Vietnam must also follow the correct residence rules. Even short overstays can cause complications with future visa applications or business travel.

The safest approach is to plan your trip around your approved travel date and request an extension well in advance if you suspect you’ll need more time.

Single vs Multiple Entry Visas

When applying for a Vietnam e Visa, you’ll need to decide between a single-entry visa and a multiple entry option. Both are official visa types issued by the immigration department, but the right choice depends on your travel plans.

A single-entry visa allows you to enter Vietnam only once within your approved travel dates. If you leave the country, your visa becomes invalid, even if it hasn’t expired. This option is best for tourists on a straightforward holiday or business trip that doesn’t involve crossing into neighboring countries.

By contrast, the multiple entry eVisa lets travelers leave and re-enter Vietnam as long as the visa is still valid. This is especially useful for outside Vietnam foreigners who plan to combine their Vietnam trip with visits to Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand. It also helps frequent business travelers who need to attend meetings in different locations but return within the same visa category.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Extending or Renewing a Vietnam e Visa

Many travelers ask if they can stay longer in Vietnam once their e visa runs out. The short answer is that the eVisa is usually limited to 30 days, and direct renewals are not always available.

Under current Vietnamese law, most travelers need to leave the country and apply for a new visa from outside Vietnam if they want to continue their stay.

There are exceptions. In certain such cases, the immigration department may allow an extension, but this is handled through local agencies or with the help of a company sponsoring your stay.

Foreign employees working on short projects might be eligible for temporary extensions arranged by their employer. However, these options are not guaranteed, and they often require additional e visa applications.

If you lose your passport while in Vietnam, you’ll need a replacement passport from your embassy before applying for a new visa. Once that’s issued, you can submit a request to the Vietnamese immigration office for further instructions. Officers may grant an exit visa to allow you to leave legally and reapply once abroad.

For tourists, the most common solution is a “visa run,” where you exit to a nearby country like Cambodia or Laos and then apply again for a fresh eVisa. Before making travel plans, always look for further information from official sources or contact the consulate general. Trying to extend your stay without approval could cause problems with your residence status and future entries.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even though the Vietnam e Visa system is straightforward, travelers sometimes run into issues that require quick solutions. One of the most common problems is entering the wrong hotel address or travel details in the online form.

If your information doesn’t match on arrival, immigration officers may delay your entry or ask you to visit a police station for verification. To avoid this, always double-check your documents before submitting.

Another problem occurs when applicants lose their passports after their eVisa has been approved. In such cases, you’ll need to obtain a replacement passport from your embassy or consulate general, then contact the immigration department for guidance. They may issue an exit visa so you can leave Vietnam legally and reapply once abroad.

Travelers also report confusion when the official portal updates its new addresses or website links. Many unofficial sites appear in search results, charging extra fees or providing incorrect information. Always confirm you’re on the official Vietnam electronic visa portal before entering personal data or making payments.

If your application is rejected, you can usually request clarification through the portal or seek assistance at the nearest Vietnamese embassy. Providing correct details like your application number helps officers resolve the problem faster.

In most cases, these issues are fixable, but they require patience and careful communication with the authorities. Being proactive and keeping multiple copies of your documents makes the process smoother, even when unexpected challenges arise.

Special Cases for Foreign Employees and Companies

The Vietnam e Visa is not only for tourists. Many foreign employees and business travelers also use it when entering the country for short projects, meetings, or training. The system is designed to simplify travel for professionals while still keeping full oversight by the immigration department.

For business visits under 30 days, the eVisa is usually enough. A traveler can apply online, receive approval, and attend scheduled meetings with a partner company in Vietnam.

However, if work requires a longer stay or involves contracts, the applicant may need a different visa category designed for employment or investment. These visa types often require extra documents, such as letters from the sponsoring employer or proof of financial backing.

In practice, many firms in Vietnam assist their visitors with the e Visa process. They may provide the required hotel address, company invitation letters, or help with online payments. If the trip involves frequent travel in and out of the country, applying for a multiple entry visa is strongly recommended.

The Vietnamese immigration office sometimes requires foreign employees to register their residence once they arrive, especially for business stays longer than two weeks. Failing to follow these steps can cause complications with future visa applications.

Conclusion

The Vietnam e Visa has transformed the way travelers enter and exit the country. Instead of waiting at an embassy or handling stacks of paperwork, visitors can now use the Vietnam electronic visa portal to apply, pay the e visa fee, and receive approval within days. The process is simple, but it only works smoothly if applicants follow instructions carefully — from submitting the right documents to checking their processing times.

Whether you’re a tourist heading to Ho Chi Minh City, a business traveler working with a local company, or one of many foreign employees on short-term projects, the eVisa makes planning easier. But rules are strict: overstaying or failing to follow Vietnamese law can lead to penalties, and certain cases still require help from the immigration department or consulate general.

The key takeaway is to prepare early. Make sure your valid passport is in order, confirm your travel dates, and apply only through the official portal. For short trips, a single-entry visa is often enough, while a multiple entry visa works best if you plan to move in and out of the country.

With clear guidelines, careful planning, and awareness of your responsibilities, the Vietnam e visa offers a quick, reliable, and affordable way to explore Viet Nam. It’s one of the most accessible systems in the region, making it easier than ever for foreigners to enjoy the country’s culture, landscapes, and hospitality.