Vietnam E-Visa 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Application Guide

What Is the Vietnam E-Visa?

The Vietnam e-visa is an electronic visa that allows travelers from eligible countries to apply for a Vietnam visa entirely online — no need to visit an embassy or submit your passport. Since its expansion in 2023, the e-visa is available for citizens of over 80 countries and allows stays of up to 90 days with single or multiple entries.

For 2026, the Vietnam e-visa system continues to be the most popular visa option for tourists, business travelers, and digital nomads visiting Vietnam. It covers entry through all international airports, most land border crossings, and several seaports.

Who Is Eligible for the Vietnam E-Visa in 2026?

As of 2026, citizens of 80+ countries can apply for the Vietnam e-visa. Eligible countries include:

• North America: United States, Canada, Mexico
• Europe: All EU countries (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Poland, etc.), plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and others
• Asia: China, India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand (partial), Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia
• Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
• South America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and others
• Africa/Middle East: South Africa, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Turkey, and more

For a complete country-by-country list, check our Vietnam Visa Requirements by Country guide.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Before starting the application, have these ready:

• Passport with at least 6 months of validity from your planned entry date
• Digital passport photo — a clear scan or photo of your passport bio page
• Recent portrait photo — passport-style, white background, digital format
• Travel dates — planned entry and exit dates for Vietnam
• Entry point — the airport, border gate, or seaport where you'll arrive
• Payment method — a valid credit or debit card for the application fee

Step 2: Go to the Official E-Visa Portal

The official Vietnam e-visa application website is managed by the Vietnam Immigration Department. The entire application is completed online. You'll need to fill in your personal information exactly as it appears on your passport.

Important: Any mismatch between your application and your passport — even a single character in your name or a digit in your passport number — can cause your application to be delayed or rejected.

Step 3: Upload Photos and Documents

You'll need to upload two digital files:

1. A scan or clear photo of your passport bio page (JPG/JPEG format, under 2MB)
2. A recent passport-style portrait photo (JPG/JPEG format, under 2MB)

Make sure the images are clear and in focus. Blurry or incorrectly sized photos are a common cause of application delays.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

The current Vietnam e-visa fees are:

• Single entry (up to 90 days): $25 USD
• Multiple entry (up to 90 days): $50 USD

Payment is made online through the portal using a credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable even if your application is rejected or delayed.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Standard processing takes 3 working days. You'll receive your e-visa via email as a PDF. Print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone. When you arrive in Vietnam, present the printed e-visa at immigration along with your passport.

Note: Processing times are not guaranteed. During peak travel periods, expect delays of 5-10 working days. If you applied at the last minute and the visa hasn't arrived yet, check our delayed visa help page for fallback options.

Processing Times: Standard vs Urgent

If you need a Vietnam visa faster than the standard 3 working days, urgent processing is available for many nationalities:

• 1-hour processing: Available for select nationalities — contact us to check eligibility
• 4-hour processing: Fast turnaround when time is tight — $95 USD
• Same-day processing: Available for most nationalities — $85 USD
• 3-day processing: Budget-friendly urgent option — $55 USD

What to Do If Your E-Visa Is Delayed

A delayed e-visa is one of the most common problems travelers experience. If your visa hasn't arrived after 5 working days:

1. Check your application status using your application code on the official portal
2. Check your spam/junk email folder — sometimes the e-visa PDF lands there
3. Contact us — we can review your application and recommend the fastest alternative

If your flight is approaching and the visa hasn't arrived, we may recommend an urgent visa through alternative channels or a same-day emergency option depending on your nationality. Visit our delayed visa page for more detailed advice.

Entry Ports That Accept the E-Visa

The Vietnam e-visa is valid for entry through all international airports and most major land border crossings and seaports. Key entry points include:

• Airports: Tan Son Nhat (HCMC), Noi Bai (Hanoi), Da Nang, Cam Ranh (Nha Trang), Lien Khuong (Dalat), Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Phu Quoc, Can Tho
• Land borders: Moc Bai (Cambodia-HCMC), Lao Bao (Laos-Da Nang), Tay Trang (Laos-Hanoi), Cha Lo, Cau Treo, Ha Tien, Xa Mat
• Seaports: Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Wrong passport number — Double-check every digit. A single wrong number means your visa is invalid.
2. Wrong entry date — Your visa is valid from the entry date you specify, so make sure it matches your flight arrival.
3. Wrong port of entry — You must enter Vietnam through the port you listed on your application. If you change your flight to a different airport, you may need a correction.
4. Name formatting — Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport. If your passport has two middle names, include them all.
5. Blurry photo uploads — Use clear, well-lit passport photos. Blurry images will be rejected.

If you've already made a mistake on your application, visit our visa correction page for help fixing passport number, date, or port of entry errors.

E-Visa vs Visa on Arrival: Which Is Right for You?

While the e-visa works for most travelers, some situations call for a visa on arrival (VOA):

• Choose e-visa if: You have 3+ working days before travel, you're arriving by air at a major airport, and your country is on the eligible list
• Choose visa on arrival if: You need a faster option, your country isn't on the e-visa list, or you want the flexibility of pre-arranged approval with stamping at the airport

We can help with both options. Contact us with your nationality and travel dates and we'll recommend the best choice.

What About Visa Extensions?

Already in Vietnam and want to extend your e-visa? Depending on your nationality and visa type, extensions may be possible without leaving the country. Check our visa extension page or contact us for personalized guidance. If a border run is your best option, we can help with Lao Bao or Moc Bai visa runs.