The Vietnam Guides

Vietnam Visa 2026: E-Visa, Visa on Arrival and Exemptions

· 2 min read Practical
Hanoi, Vietnam

Contents

  1. E-Visa (recommended route)
  2. Visa-free entry (selected nationalities)
  3. Phu Quoc — separate 30-day visa exemption
  4. Visa on arrival (VoA)
  5. Extension and overstay
  6. Cambodia and Laos border crossings

Vietnam’s visa system changed significantly in 2023. The e-visa is now the standard route for most nationalities, offering 90-day stays with single or multiple entry. Phu Quoc has a separate blanket visa-free status for all nationalities.

The Vietnam e-visa allows 90 days single or multiple entry. It covers all international entry points (airports and land borders).

Apply: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (the official Vietnamese immigration portal).

Cost: $25 USD per application.

Processing time: Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before travel.

What you need: Passport photo (digital), passport scan, credit card, and entry/exit dates. The application is straightforward.

Eligible nationalities: Most nationalities worldwide are eligible for the e-visa. Check the current list on the official portal — coverage expanded significantly in 2023.

Visa-free entry (selected nationalities)

Several nationalities have bilateral visa exemption agreements with Vietnam, allowing stays without any visa:

  • ASEAN member states: 30 days (some up to 30–90 days depending on the specific agreement)
  • UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain: 45 days visa-free (as of 2023 updates)
  • Japan, South Korea: 45 days visa-free
  • Russia, Belarus, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland: various exemption terms

Visa-free entry allows multiple stays but cumulative presence in a 180-day period may be subject to immigration officer discretion. For extended stays, the e-visa is cleaner.

Phu Quoc — separate 30-day visa exemption

Phu Quoc Island has a specific visa-free entry policy: all nationalities can enter Phu Quoc for up to 30 days without a visa, provided they stay on the island. Exiting Phu Quoc to the mainland requires a valid visa.

Practical use: If your Vietnam trip consists only of Phu Quoc, no visa is required regardless of nationality.

Visa on arrival (VoA)

The visa on arrival process (pre-approved online, collect the visa at the airport on arrival) is less commonly used since the e-visa expansion. It was useful when e-visa eligibility was limited; now the e-visa is simpler for most travellers.

VoA remains an option at airports only (not land borders). Requires a pre-approval letter obtained through an agent (approximately $10–20 USD) plus a stamping fee paid on arrival ($25 USD). The e-visa is generally easier.

Extension and overstay

Visa extensions inside Vietnam are technically possible but administratively complex. For most travellers, it’s more practical to exit and re-enter (to a neighbouring country — Cambodia or Laos) rather than extend in-country.

Overstaying your visa has financial penalties and may complicate future entry. Don’t overstay.

Cambodia and Laos border crossings

Vietnam’s land borders with Cambodia (Moc Bai near HCMC, Xa Xia near Ha Tien/Phu Quoc, Tinh Bien near Chau Doc) and Laos (Lao Bao, Nam Can) are covered by the e-visa. The e-visa specifying land border entry works at the major crossings — verify your crossing is covered when applying.