This guide breaks down everything you need to know—updated for 2025—based on official sources and the top five most reliable travel websites ranked on Google. From visa exemptions to e-visa eligibility and current health advisories, you’ll find detailed, accurate, and practical information to help you plan your trip with confidence.

Why understanding Vietnam travel requirements matters?

Vietnam, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant street culture, has become one of Southeast Asia’s most desirable travel destinations. However, before packing your bags, it’s essential to understand Vietnam’s travel requirements to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. Whether you’re visiting for leisure, business, or long-term exploration, being informed about visas, entry rules, and health regulations can save you time, money, and frustration.

Passport and entry document essentials

Before diving into visas, start with the foundation—your passport. Vietnam enforces strict entry requirements when it comes to passport validity and condition.

Here’s what you need:

• Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Vietnam. Anything less could result in denied boarding or entry.
• Blank pages: You’ll need at least one blank page for visa stamps or e-visa endorsements.
• Condition: Torn, water-damaged, or defaced passports may be refused by immigration officers. Always double-check your documents before departure.

If you’re applying for an e-visa, you’ll need a digital scan of your passport information page and a passport-style photo with a white background. The Vietnamese government’s official website handles e-visa applications and provides a secure portal for uploads and payments.

Pro tip: Double-check expiration dates and carry a printed copy of your visa or approval letter—digital screenshots are not always accepted.

=>> Some best Vietnam travel tips you cannot miss before goin to this beautiful country.

Visa exemptions and eligible nationalities

Vietnam offers a visa exemption policy for citizens of certain countries, making short visits more convenient. The exemption periods vary based on nationality and bilateral agreements.

Unilateral visa exemptions (up to 45 days)

Nationals from the following countries can enter Vietnam without a visa and stay for up to 45 days:

• United Kingdom
• France
• Germany
• Spain
• Italy
• Russia
• Japan
• South Korea
• Denmark
• Sweden
• Norway
• Finland
• Belarus

ASEAN countries (up to 30 days)

Citizens of most ASEAN nations enjoy visa-free access:

• Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia: Up to 30 days
• Philippines: Up to 21 days
• Brunei, Myanmar: 14 days

Special exemption for Phu Quoc Island

Travelers of all nationalities are exempt from a visa for up to 30 days if they enter Vietnam directly into Phu Quoc Island, stay only on the island, and exit via the same route.

Reentry rule

Some exemptions require travelers to wait 30 days between two visa-exempt entries. Always confirm this based on your passport and entry method.

Note: Even if you’re visa-exempt, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.

E-visa and online visa application process: The most convenient way to enter Vietnam

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam in 2025, the Vietnam e-visa remains one of the easiest and most efficient ways to meet current Vietnam travel requirements. Managed by the Vietnamese Immigration Department, this digital system allows visitors from all countries and territories to apply online—no embassy visits, no paperwork, and no waiting in long lines on arrival.

Who can apply for a Vietnam e-visa?

As of August 2023, the Vietnamese government expanded e-visa eligibility to all nationalities. This means whether you’re from the U.S., U.K., EU, India, Australia, or neighboring countries in Asia, you’re now able to apply without relying on consulates or third-party agents.

This upgrade makes Vietnam a standout destination in Southeast Asia for its visa transparency, simplicity, and digital access.

What is a Vietnam e-visa?

The Vietnam e-visa is a single or multiple-entry electronic visa, issued online and valid for up to 90 days. It is approved and issued via the official e-visa portal of Vietnam’s Immigration Department and allows travelers to enter the country via designated airports, seaports, and land border crossings.

Key details:

• Type: Single-entry or multiple-entry
• Duration: Valid for up to 90 days
• Purpose: Tourism, business, short-term study, or family visits
• Cost: $25 USD (single entry) or $50 USD (multiple entry)
• Processing time: 3–5 working days (excluding weekends and holidays)

Step-by-step Vietnam e-visa application process

To apply for a Vietnam e-visa, follow these straightforward steps:

1. Visit the official e-visa website
   • Website: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
   • Beware of unofficial agents charging extra fees or offering fake approvals.
2. Prepare your documents
   • A scanned copy of your passport bio page (JPEG format, under 1MB)
   • A recent passport-style photo (white background, no glasses or headwear)
   • Your planned entry and exit points, along with your intended travel dates
   • Valid credit or debit card for payment
3. Fill out the application form
   • Enter personal information exactly as it appears in your passport
   • Upload the scanned documents
   • Choose your entry port from the list of accepted airports, land crossings, or seaports
4. Pay the visa fee
   • The system accepts international payment cards (VISA, MasterCard, JCB)
   • Fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome
5. Receive and print your e-visa
   • After 3–5 working days, check the “Search” section of the portal using your registration code
   • If approved, download the e-visa PDF file and print it
   • Present the printed copy upon arrival in Vietnam

Approved entry points for Vietnam e-visa

Your e-visa is only valid at the port of entry you selected during your application. As of 2025, e-visas are accepted at 42 designated entry points, including:

Airports:

• Nội Bài (Hanoi)
• Tân Sơn Nhất (Ho Chi Minh City)
• Đà Nẵng International Airport
• Cam Ranh (Nha Trang)
• Phú Quốc International Airport

Land Borders:

• Mộc Bài (Cambodia border)
• Lào Cai (China border)
• Cầu Treo (Laos border)

Seaports:

• Hải Phòng, Đà Nẵng, Nha Trang, Vũng Tàu

Make sure your arrival matches the chosen entry port or you may be denied entry.

Why choose an e-visa?

Opting for the Vietnam e-visa simplifies the Vietnam visa application process and eliminates many traditional hassles:

• Faster processing with no need to visit embassies
• Transparent fees, no intermediaries
• Digital convenience—apply from anywhere in the world
• Secure and official (no risk of fake visa letters or unlicensed agents)
• Ideal for tourists, freelancers, and business travelers on short stays

Common mistakes to avoid

While the e-visa system is user-friendly, here are some common pitfalls:

• Misspelled name or passport number → Causes visa rejection
• Wrong entry port selected → May lead to denial of entry
• Photo not meeting format requirements → Delays or rejections
• Late application → Always apply at least 7 days before travel

Remember to print out your e-visa before traveling and keep a backup copy on your phone.

Visa on arrival (VOA) for air travelers

For travelers who may not opt for an e-visa or require greater flexibility in entry dates, the Visa on Arrival (VOA) remains a viable method to fulfill Vietnam travel requirements—but only for those entering the country by air.

How visa on arrival works

The VOA system allows travelers to obtain their visa at the airport after arriving in Vietnam, but it is not granted automatically. You must first secure an official “visa approval letter” from the Vietnamese Immigration Department via a licensed travel agency or visa agent before your departure.

To complete the VOA process, follow these steps

1. Apply for an approval letter
   • Use a reliable Vietnam-based agency. Processing typically takes 2–4 working days.
   • Specify your intended entry date, duration of stay, and airport of arrival.
   • The letter will include your personal information and official permission to obtain a visa upon landing.
2. Prepare the required documents
   Bring the following with you on the flight:
   • A printed copy of the approval letter (digital copies are not accepted)
   • One passport-sized photo (4×6 cm, white background, no glasses)
   • A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity and 2 blank pages
   • A completed NA1 entry-exit form (also called “Vietnam Entry and Exit Form”)
   • Cash in USD for the stamping fee:
     • $25 USD for single-entry visa
     • $50 USD for multiple-entry visa

3. Complete the process on arrival
   Upon landing at one of Vietnam’s eligible international airports—such as:
   • Nội Bài International Airport (Hanoi)
   • Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
   • Đà Nẵng International Airport

Proceed to the VOA counter before immigration. Submit your documents, pay the stamping fee, and receive your visa label affixed in your passport.

Important limitations of VOA

Although VOA is still officially recognized under current Vietnam travel requirements, it comes with notable restrictions:

• Only available at airports: Not valid at land borders or seaports, making it unsuitable for overland travelers.
• Pre-approval is mandatory: You must arrange the approval letter before departure. Airlines may deny boarding without it.
• Longer wait times: Processing at the VOA desk can take 30–60+ minutes, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Third-party dependency: The need for an agent introduces extra cost and risk if the provider is unreliable.
• Limited flexibility: Approval letters specify the exact airport and arrival date, and changes may require reissuance.

Is VOA still a good option?

The Visa on Arrival is best suited for:

• Travelers needing urgent or last-minute visas
• Those requiring longer or multiple-entry stays not yet supported by their nationality’s e-visa
• Travelers unfamiliar with or unable to access Vietnam’s online e-visa system

However, in 2025, the Vietnam e-visa is strongly recommended over VOA for most travelers due to:

• Full online processing
• No need for middlemen
• Greater transparency and predictability
• Acceptance at more entry points, including land and sea routes

Tip: If your travel plans are fixed and you’re arriving at an airport, the VOA can still be a useful backup—but the e-visa remains the preferred, most convenient option for meeting Vietnam travel requirements today.

Embassy or consulate visas: traditional but secure

For travelers who aren’t eligible for e-visas or require a longer or multiple-entry visa, applying directly at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate is the most comprehensive option.

How to apply

• Download and complete the Vietnam visa application form from the embassy website
• Prepare required documents, including:
  • Original passport
  • Passport photos
  • Visa fee payment
  • Travel itinerary or invitation letter (for business visas)
• Submit in person or by mail (depends on embassy policy)
• Processing time: 3–7 business days (can vary)

Ideal for

• Long-stay travelers (over 90 days)
• Business travelers needing sponsorship
• Those with unique visa needs not covered by VOA or e-visa

Embassy-issued visas remain one of the most reliable ways to meet Vietnam travel requirements, especially if you’re traveling for professional or extended purposes.

Tip: If you’re already abroad, you can apply from a Vietnamese consulate in neighboring countries like Thailand or Cambodia.

Entry and exit rules for Vietnam

Beyond visas, travelers should be aware of entry and exit requirements that form an essential part of Vietnam travel requirements in 2025. Vietnamese immigration officers are known for strict adherence to documentation, so preparation is key.

Entry requirements

• Valid visa or visa exemption: Either printed e-visa, visa-on-arrival approval letter, or appropriate visa stamped in passport
• Proof of onward travel: A return or exit ticket is often requested
• Accommodation details: Have the name and address of your first hotel ready (sometimes checked on arrival)
• Customs declaration: Only needed if you carry items exceeding duty-free allowances or bring over $5,000 USD in cash

Exit requirements

• Ensure your visa or visa-free stay is not overstayed—even by one day, as fines and bans can apply
• Some airports request a departure card, but most no longer require it (check at your arrival airport)
• Double-check that you’ve cleared all hotel bills, especially in homestays or rural areas where tracking may be manual

Always carry copies of your passport, visa, and hotel bookings both in print and digital form, especially if you’re traveling through remote regions.

COVID-19 updates and health safety rules

While Vietnam has fully reopened for tourism, COVID-19 has reshaped global travel norms—and health-related travel requirements for Vietnam remain relevant.

Current COVID-19 entry policy (2025)

• No vaccination proof is required for entry
• No pre-departure PCR tests are needed
• No quarantine applies upon arrival
• Travel insurance with COVID coverage is highly recommended but not mandatory

Health precautions

• Mask-wearing is optional, though still observed in hospitals and public transport
• Hand sanitizer is widely available at airports, hotels, and attractions
• Major cities have international clinics; rural areas are more limited, so carry a small travel health kit

Vietnam has maintained low infection rates through consistent public health messaging and is considered a safe and well-prepared destination for post-pandemic travelers.

Tip: Register with your embassy upon arrival for safety alerts and travel advisories.

Customs and import/export regulations

Vietnam enforces clear customs rules that travelers should follow as part of broader Vietnam travel requirements.

Prohibited items

• Narcotics, weapons, explosive materials
• Publications or media considered politically sensitive or culturally offensive
• Counterfeit goods or prohibited animal products

Duty-free allowances (per adult)

• Alcohol: 1.5 liters of spirits, 2 liters of wine
• Tobacco: 400 cigarettes or equivalent
• Cash: Amounts over $5,000 USD (or VND equivalent) must be declared

You are allowed to bring personal items (clothing, cameras, laptops) for personal use duty-free. However, high-value electronics or drones may raise questions at customs.

Exports

• Cultural artifacts or antiques require clearance from Vietnamese authorities
• Exporting protected wildlife, coral, or plants is strictly illegal

To avoid hassle, keep receipts for high-value items and declare anything unusual or new at customs.

Tips to ensure smooth entry and avoid visa issues

Despite fulfilling basic Vietnam travel requirements, travelers occasionally face delays or refusals due to overlooked details. These tips can help avoid complications.

Should do

• Check entry port: Your e-visa is only valid at specified airports or borders
• Print everything: Keep hard copies of visa approvals, hotel bookings, and travel insurance
• Arrive early: Budget extra time for visa-on-arrival processing (especially at Hanoi or HCMC airports)
• Confirm spelling: Visa details must exactly match your passport, including middle names

Don’t

• Overstay: Even a short overstay can result in fines or bans
• Use fake visa services: Only apply through Vietnam’s official e-visa website or trusted agents
• Forget your onward ticket: Especially for visa-exempt travelers

By being proactive and organized, you’ll meet all Vietnam travel requirements without stress and enjoy your trip from the moment you land.

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