Vietnam Visa Requirements 2025: Complete Guide for US Citizens and International Travelers

We spent six months living in Da Nang, Vietnam during our full-time travel adventures. Those 197 days exploring Vietnamese culture, from Ha Long Bay cruises to Hoi An's ancient streets, taught us everything about navigating Vietnam's visa requirements. Here's the complete guide based on our real-world experience and the current 2025 regulations.

Bottom Line Up Front: Do You Need a Vietnam Visa?

Most travelers need a visa to enter Vietnam in 2025. US citizens, Canadian citizens, and most nationalities require a valid visa regardless of trip length or purpose. The good news? Vietnam offers multiple visa options including convenient e-visas that take 3 to 5 business days and cost only $25 to $50 USD. Citizens from 29 countries now enjoy visa-free entry for 30 to 90 days, but Americans aren't on that list.

For travelers who forgot to arrange their visa in advance, expedited visa services through Klook's Vietnam e-Visa application service can process applications quickly and save last-minute travel plans.

Who Needs a Vietnam Visa?

US Citizens: Yes, you need a visa. The 2025 regulations require all US passport holders to obtain a visa for tourism, business, or transit with no exemptions regardless of trip length.

Countries Requiring Visas: Most major nationalities including Canada, India, Pakistan, and many African and Middle Eastern countries need visas to enter Vietnam.

Visa-Exempt Countries (No Visa Needed): Vietnam has expanded its visa exemption program in 2025. Citizens of 29 countries can enter without advance visa applications:

45-Day Visa-Free Entry

Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia (valid through August 2028)

90-Day Visa-Free Entry

Chile and Panama

30-Day Visa-Free Entry

ASEAN countries including Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand

Special 45-Day Tourism Program

Poland, Czech Republic, and Switzerland travelers booking through Vietnamese tour companies between March 1 and December 31, 2025

Special Note: Even if your country has visa exemptions, your passport must have at least six months validity beyond your entry date. Having six months of passport validity is non-negotiable.

Vietnam E-Visa: The Best Option for Most Travelers

Vietnam's e-visa system has dramatically improved for 2025, making it the smartest choice for most international travelers. We wish this system existed when we first arrived in Southeast Asia in 2022.

E-Visa Key Features

Cost: $25 USD for single entry, $50 USD for multiple entry Processing Time: 3 to 5 business days (rush processing available for 1 to 2 days through third-party services) Validity: Up to 90 days Entry Type: Single or multiple entry options Application: 100% online through Vietnam's official government portal Entry Points: Valid at 42 ports including all major international airports and land borders

How to Apply for Vietnam E-Visa

The application process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. One small mistake in your passport number or travel dates can result in delays or entry denial.

Required Documents:

• Valid passport with at least six months validity and two blank pages
• Digital passport photo (4x6cm, white background, no glasses, .jpg format)
• Scanned copy of passport biographical data page (.jpg format)
• Credit or debit card for payment
• Intended entry and exit ports (must be from approved list)
• Temporary residential address in Vietnam (hotel name works fine)

Application Steps:

1. Visit Vietnam's official e-visa website or use Klook's expedited e-Visa service for faster processing
2. Complete the online application form with accurate information matching your passport exactly
3. Upload required documents (passport scan and photo)
4. Pay the visa fee using credit or debit card
5. Receive confirmation email with application reference number
6. Check application status online
7. Download and print e-visa approval letter when approved
8. Present printed e-visa upon arrival in Vietnam

Critical Tips:

• Triple-check all information matches your passport exactly, including middle names, passport number, and dates
• Print your e-visa approval letter. While Vietnam accepts digital versions, having a printed copy prevents technical issues at immigration
• Apply at least one week before departure to account for processing delays
• Save your application reference number for status tracking

Visa on Arrival: Quick Option for Air Travelers

Visa on Arrival (VOA) can be faster than e-visa but comes with limitations. This option requires pre-approval and only works for travelers arriving at international airports, not land or sea borders.

How Visa on Arrival Works

Before Travel: Contact a Vietnamese travel agency or visa service to obtain an approval letter from Vietnam's Immigration Department. This process typically takes 1 to 3 business days and costs $10 to $30 USD for the approval letter.

Upon Arrival: Present your approval letter, passport, passport photos, completed application form, and cash (USD) to pay the stamping fee at the airport immigration counter. Stamping fees range from $25 to $50 USD depending on visa type and duration.

Limitations:

• Only valid for arrivals at Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Hai Phong, Da Lat, and Nha Trang airports
• Cannot be used for land border crossings
• Requires cash payment at airport
• May involve longer wait times at immigration
• Approval letter typically valid for 30 days single entry only

When to Use VOA: This option works best for last-minute travel plans or when you need a visa processed within 24 to 48 hours. For most travelers, the e-visa offers better convenience and value.

Embassy Visa Application

Applying through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate remains an option for travelers needing specialized visa types or longer validity periods exceeding 90 days.

Vietnamese Embassies in the United States:

• Washington D.C. (main embassy)
• San Francisco (consulate)
• Houston (consulate)

Required Documents:

• Original passport with at least six months validity and two blank pages
• Completed visa application form
• Two passport photos (4x6cm)
• Visa fee payment
• Supporting documents for your visa type (invitation letters for business visas, etc.)

Processing Time: 5 to 7 business days for standard processing, expedited processing available

Costs: Vary by visa type and duration, typically $135 to $155 USD for tourist visas

Phu Quoc Special Visa Exemption

Travelers visiting only Phu Quoc Island can enter Vietnam without a visa for stays up to 30 days. This exemption applies to all nationalities.

Requirements:

• Must arrive at Phu Quoc directly from outside Vietnam by air or sea
• Cannot travel to mainland Vietnam without proper visa
• Passport must have six months validity
• Maximum 30-day stay

Getting from Phu Quoc to Mainland: If you want to visit mainland Vietnam after arriving in Phu Quoc, you'll need to obtain a proper visa before departure or fly to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City where you'll clear immigration in the domestic terminals.

What Happens if You Overstay Your Vietnam Visa?

Vietnam has significantly increased enforcement of visa overstays in recent years. Don't risk it. The penalties range from inconvenient to potentially banning you from returning to Vietnam.

Overstay Penalties by Duration

Less than 16 days: 500,000 to 2,000,000 VND ($22 to $88 USD) 16 to 30 days: 3,000,000 to 5,000,000 VND ($133 to $221 USD) 30 to 60 days: 5,000,000 to 10,000,000 VND ($221 to $441 USD) 60 to 90 days: 10,000,000 to 15,000,000 VND ($441 to $661 USD) More than 90 days: 15,000,000 to 20,000,000 VND ($661 to $885 USD) One year or more: Over 16,000,000 VND ($700+ USD) plus forced deportation and entry ban

Consequences Beyond Fines

Overstaying your Vietnam visa can result in:

• Blacklisting by Vietnam Immigration Department (typically 1 to 3 years)
• Forced deportation
• Permanent ban from re-entering Vietnam
• Detention while processing exit visa
• Hotels refusing to host you due to potential government sanctions
• Future visa application complications

What to Do If You've Overstayed

Short Overstay (1 to 2 days): You can proceed directly to the airport and pay the fine (approximately 500,000 VND or $25 USD) to immigration officers when departing. However, this informal method may still result in blacklisting.

Overstay of 3+ Days: Contact the Immigration Department immediately. You cannot simply pay at the airport. You'll need to:

1. Visit the local Immigration Office in your province
2. Submit a letter of explanation
3. Pay administrative fines
4. Obtain an exit visa
5. Leave Vietnam within the specified timeframe

Lost Passport While Overstayed: This creates a complex situation. Contact your embassy immediately for passport replacement, then visit local police for a lost passport report. Your embassy will coordinate with Vietnam Immigration for an exit visa. This process can take several weeks.

How to Avoid Overstay Situations

• Set calendar reminders for visa expiration dates
• Apply for visa extensions 5 to 7 days before expiration
• Keep printed copies of your visa approval
• Track your entry and exit dates carefully
• Apply for longer visa durations if uncertain about travel plans

Visa Extensions While in Vietnam

If you decide to extend your Vietnam trip, visa extensions are possible but not guaranteed. The process involves paperwork, additional fees, and processing time.

Extension Requirements:

• Valid reason for extension
• Payment of administrative fines if already expired
• Certified copies of current visa and passport
• Application through Immigration Office or sponsoring organization
• Extension fee ranging from $25 to $155 USD depending on visa type

Processing Time: 5 to 7 working days

Important Limitation: Tourist visas cannot be converted to work authorization. If you decide to work in Vietnam, you must exit the country and apply for a proper business visa and work permit.

Special Considerations for Cruise Ship Passengers

Many travelers visit Vietnam via cruise ships stopping at multiple ports. The visa requirements vary based on your itinerary.

Single Port Visit: If your cruise stops at only one Vietnamese port and you remain with the ship, some cruise lines arrange temporary shore passes. Check with your cruise company about specific requirements.

Multiple Port Visits: If your cruise visits Hanoi (Ha Long Bay), Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, you'll need a multiple-entry e-visa. When completing the application, specify your first entry point and last exit point only.

Overnight Hotel Stays: If you plan to leave the ship and stay overnight in Vietnam (like we did in Ho Chi Minh City), you need a standard visa with the hotel's temporary residential address.

Staying Connected in Vietnam: Internet and eSIM Options

Reliable internet access is essential for managing visa applications, checking status, and navigating Vietnam. During our six-month stay in Da Nang, we relied on Holafly's unlimited Vietnam eSIM starting at $1.99 per day.

Benefits of eSIM for Visa Travelers:

• Access visa application portals from anywhere
• Check e-visa status in real-time
• Navigate to embassy or immigration offices
• Communicate with visa services or hotels
• Download visa approval documents immediately

Get Holafly Vietnam eSIM with code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off. For stays exceeding 30 days, Holafly's monthly global plans starting at $49.90 per month offer better value than daily plans.

Vietnam Visa Requirements Checklist

Before booking your Vietnam trip, verify you have:

• [ ] Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond departure date
• [ ] At least 2 blank passport pages for visa stamps
• [ ] Digital passport photo (4x6cm, white background, no glasses)
• [ ] Scanned copy of passport biographical page
• [ ] Credit or debit card for visa payment
• [ ] Confirmed entry and exit dates
• [ ] Hotel booking or temporary residential address in Vietnam
• [ ] Printed copy of e-visa approval (after receiving approval)
• [ ] Travel insurance covering Vietnam (recommended)

Common Vietnam Visa Mistakes to Avoid

We've seen travelers make these errors that delayed or complicated their Vietnam entry:

Passport Validity Issues: Airlines will deny boarding if your passport expires within six months of your Vietnam entry date. Renew early.

Incorrect Entry/Exit Ports: Your e-visa must specify the actual ports you'll use. Arriving at a different airport than listed on your e-visa can result in entry denial.

Name Mismatches: Ensure your visa application matches your passport exactly, including middle names and name order. Vietnamese immigration is strict about exact matches.

Expired Visa Approvals: E-visa approval letters have specific validity dates. Arriving before or after those dates invalidates your visa.

Wrong Visa Type: Tourist visas don't permit work activities, even remote work. Business visas require proper sponsorship and documentation.

Insufficient Cash at Airport: Visa on Arrival requires cash payment in USD. ATMs past immigration won't help if you don't have cash.

Final Tips from Six Months in Vietnam

Vietnam's visa system is straightforward once you understand the requirements. From our 197 days exploring this incredible country, here's what matters most:

Apply early. Don't wait until the last minute. Technical issues, processing delays, or missing documents can derail travel plans. Start your visa application at least two weeks before departure.

Choose the right visa type for your needs. The 90-day e-visa covers most travelers perfectly. We started with a 30-day visa and immediately regretted not getting 90 days when we fell in love with Vietnam.

Print everything. Bring printed copies of your visa approval, passport, travel insurance, and hotel bookings. While digital versions work in most situations, immigration officers may request printed documentation.

Don't overstay. Vietnam's immigration enforcement has intensified significantly. Even one-day overstays create complications. If you want to extend your trip, apply for extensions well before expiration.

Use expedited services when needed. If you're booking last-minute travel or forgot to arrange your visa, Klook's Vietnam e-Visa service can process applications quickly and prevent travel cancellations.

Vietnam is an incredible destination for families and travelers. Proper visa planning ensures you spend time exploring ancient temples, cruising Ha Long Bay, and discovering amazing Vietnamese cuisine instead of dealing with immigration complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam in 2025? Yes, all US passport holders require a valid visa to enter Vietnam regardless of trip length or purpose. The US does not have visa exemption agreements with Vietnam. The most convenient option for US citizens is the 90-day e-visa costing $25 USD for single entry or $50 USD for multiple entry.

How long does it take to get a Vietnam e-visa? Standard processing for Vietnam e-visas takes 3 to 5 business days from application submission. Rush processing services can deliver approved visas in 1 to 2 business days for urgent travel needs. Always apply at least one week before departure to account for potential processing delays.

Can I get a Vietnam visa on arrival at the airport? Visa on arrival is available at Vietnam's international airports but requires pre-approval. You must obtain an approval letter from a Vietnamese travel agency before departure, then pay stamping fees ($25 to $50 USD) in cash at the airport immigration counter. E-visas are generally more convenient and cost-effective.

What happens if I overstay my Vietnam visa by one day? Even one-day overstays violate Vietnam immigration law and result in fines starting at 500,000 VND (approximately $25 USD). Longer overstays lead to significantly higher fines, potential blacklisting, and possible deportation. Always apply for visa extensions before your current visa expires.

Does my passport need to be valid for six months to enter Vietnam? Yes, Vietnam requires passports to have at least six months validity beyond your intended entry date plus two blank pages for visa stamps. Airlines will deny boarding if your passport doesn't meet these requirements. Renew your passport before applying for a Vietnam visa if it expires within six months.

Can I extend my Vietnam tourist visa while in the country? Yes, visa extensions are possible through local Immigration Offices, but they're not guaranteed. Extension applications require valid reasons, certified documents, processing fees ($25 to $155 USD), and 5 to 7 working days for approval. Apply for extensions well before your current visa expires to avoid overstay penalties.

Is the Vietnam e-visa valid for land border crossings? Yes, the Vietnam e-visa is valid at 42 designated entry points including land borders with Cambodia, Laos, and China. However, you must specify your intended entry and exit points on your e-visa application. Arriving at a port not listed on your e-visa can result in entry denial.

Do children need separate Vietnam visas? Yes, all travelers including infants and children require their own Vietnam visas. Children must have their own passports with appropriate validity (six months beyond entry date). The e-visa application process is identical for children and adults, with the same fees applying.

Can I work remotely on a Vietnam tourist visa? No, tourist visas are strictly for tourism and short visits. Working in Vietnam, even remotely for a foreign company, requires a business visa and proper work permit. Using a tourist visa for work activities can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.

What's the difference between single-entry and multiple-entry Vietnam e-visas? Single-entry e-visas ($25 USD) allow one entry into Vietnam during the 90-day validity period. Once you exit Vietnam, the visa becomes invalid. Multiple-entry e-visas ($50 USD) permit unlimited entries and exits during the 90-day validity period, perfect for travelers visiting neighboring countries and returning to Vietnam.

Do I need a visa to visit Phu Quoc Island? Travelers arriving directly at Phu Quoc Island from outside Vietnam can stay visa-free for up to 30 days. This exemption applies to all nationalities but only if you remain on Phu Quoc Island. Traveling to mainland Vietnam requires a proper visa obtained before or during your Phu Quoc stay.

What documents do I need to apply for a Vietnam visa? Standard Vietnam e-visa applications require a valid passport (with six months validity and two blank pages), digital passport photo (4x6cm, white background, no glasses), scanned passport biographical page, credit or debit card for payment, intended entry/exit ports, and temporary residential address in Vietnam (hotel booking works fine).

FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we genuinely use and believe in. All opinions are our own and based on our six months living in Vietnam and extensive travel experience across Southeast Asia.