Some countries need a visa to enter Vietnam. It is valid for 90 days, costs US$25, and can only be obtained online, regardless of whether you arrive by bus or plane. To apply for the Vietnam Visa, you must access the official e-visa website. In this article, we provide a step-by-step guide and answer frequently asked questions about the visa, including payment questions for 2024.

The official website to check visa requirements for different countries visiting Vietnam is the Vietnamese government’s e-visa portal: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.

In the “Countries List” or “Eligible Countries” section, you can check which countries have visa exemptions, which require an e-visa, and which can obtain a visa on arrival. Additionally, you will find details about the e-visa application process and specific conditions for each nationality.

It is the official and reliable source for all Vietnam visa information!

CREATE YOUR CUSTOM VIETNAM ITINERARY

How to Apply for Vietnam Visa: Step-by-Step Guide (2024)

To apply for a Vietnam visa, you must visit the official e-visa website. This is the only authorized site that issues the visa.

Be cautious when visiting other websites that appear online, as the rules have changed since the pandemic, and the only way to apply for your visa is through the official Vietnamese website. If you are traveling with an agency, they may provide you with an invitation letter, but that’s a different situation.

VIETNAM VISA: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

1. ACCESS THE OFFICIAL VISA WEBSITE

Visit the site: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/. Then click on “For Foreigners.” On the next screen, check the box to confirm, and click “Next.”

2. FILL IN YOUR DETAILS

Fill in your information as instructed on the website. It’s in English.

Upload a photo of yourself (it can be taken on your phone) and the passport data page. To upload, click “Select.”

Be very careful when entering the arrival date and the entry point into the country. The information you provide will be used for your visa. If you indicate that you will arrive in Hanoi by plane on August 25, your visa will be valid from August 25, and you can only enter the country via a flight arriving at Hanoi Airport.

Important: If you enter an exit date before the full 90 days allowed, the visa will only be valid for the period you’ve specified.

Pay special attention when filling out the exit point from Vietnam. Even if you’re unsure of the exact exit date, you need to know where you’ll leave the country. There are 33 entry and exit points. We’ve seen other travelers encounter problems when leaving because they entered a different location than where they actually exited.

We traveled to Vietnam twice in 2023, once with a travel agency and once without. The first time, we provided all the agency details, and the second time, we left it blank.

Check the box, and click “Review Application Form.”

3. COPY THE CODE

A message will appear on the screen with a registration code. You must write down this number. You’ll also receive an email with the code, but it’s best to save it for safety.

Take a screenshot, and copy and paste it into your notes. You’ll need this code to access your visa. Click “Ok.”

4. CONFIRM YOUR DETAILS

All the information you entered will be displayed. Double-check everything is correct, and continue. You’ll receive an email with the payment details.

The next page will show a summary of your visa and your information. From here, you can proceed to payment. I recommend doing it right away.

At this point, you’ll also receive an email with payment details. You can use Wise to pay. Click on “Pay E-Visa Fee.”

5. MAKE THE PAYMENT

Click “Ok” on the payment page, enter your card details, and once completed, you’ll receive a message confirming the payment was successful. The Vietnam visa costs US$25.

You can use any international credit card or global card like Wise, Revolut, or Nomad. The fee will be charged in the local currency, but your card will deduct the amount in US dollars.

IMPORTANT

In 2024, the payment process has been somewhat unstable. Therefore, I recommend using a VPN with a location set to Asia (Bangkok, for example). Avoid using the Safari browser if you’re on a MacBook. Also, try switching from a computer to a mobile phone and vice-versa.

All of our readers have reported success with payments after using a VPN. However, some have mentioned that only Mastercard worked for them. So, make sure to test different options.

If you are unable to complete the payment, contact support at https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/web/guest/lien-he explaining your issue. They respond quickly.

6. WAIT FOR VISA PROCESSING

The Vietnam visa takes 3 business days to be processed. Or, more specifically, 3 to 15 business days, according to the official website. In our two experiences in 2023, it took 4 business days, including the application date. Keep in mind that weekends and national holidays in Vietnam are not counted. Apply for your visa as soon as you finalize your travel plans.

7. DOWNLOAD THE VISA

After applying and paying for the visa, you can check your visa status on the official website using your visa code, email, and date of birth.

When the visa is issued, you’ll see the visa number and a link to download it. You’ll also receive an email notifying you that your visa has been issued, although in our case, the email arrived a few hours after we had already downloaded the visa.

It is mandatory to print the e-visa.

8. PRINT YOUR VIETNAM VISA

Print your visa. One copy is enough.

9. ARRIVING IN VIETNAM

With your passport and visa in hand, go straight to the immigration line. There’s no need for further paperwork or photos. We always carry the Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate with us, as it’s a requirement for most Asian countries.

No need to bring a photo, as you already submitted one with the e-visa.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE VIETNAM VISA

• THE VIETNAM VISA CAN BE DENIED

Yes, the Vietnam visa can be denied. The main reasons are incomplete or incorrect information during the application process. If you fill everything out correctly, you shouldn’t worry.

However, the visa can also be denied at immigration if you arrive before the specified date or at a location different from the one you provided. For example, if you said you would arrive by plane in Ho Chi Minh City but decided to arrive by bus from Cambodia, you won’t be allowed entry. Or if you indicated that you’d arrive on the 25th but arrived on the 24th.

The visa will only be accepted at the entry point you provided. If you arrive at a different point, your entry will be denied.

• VISA COST

The Vietnam visa costs US$25.

• VISA VALIDITY

The Vietnam visa is valid for 90 days with a single entry. In other words, you cannot leave and re-enter with the same visa.

It becomes valid from the date you specified as your entry date and expires on the date you provided as your exit date. You can only stay in Vietnam for the days between the entry and exit dates you provided. For example, if you arrive after the specified entry date, you will have fewer days to stay.

• VIETNAM VISA EXTENSION

As of 2023, it is not possible to extend the Vietnam visa. Therefore, make sure to be careful with your dates.

What some travelers do is a “visa run,” which means leaving Vietnam for a nearby country (Laos, Cambodia, or even Thailand) and returning with a new visa. Don’t forget to apply for the new visa before returning.

• WHERE TO APPLY FOR THE VIETNAM VISA

There is only one official website to apply for the visa: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/. If you booked with a local agency, they might provide you with an invitation letter. In this case, the agency will guide you through the process.

• HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET THE VISA?

The Vietnam visa takes between 3 to 15 business days to be processed. Apply for the visa as early as possible, ideally 20 days before your trip.

• CAN’T MAKE THE PAYMENT FOR THE VIETNAM VISA?

In 2024, the payment process has been unstable. Therefore, I recommend using a VPN with a location set to Asia (Bangkok, for example). Avoid using Safari if you’re on a MacBook. Also, try switching from a computer to a mobile device and vice versa. All of our readers have reported successful payments after using a VPN. However, some noted that only a Mastercard worked for them, so make sure to test various options.

If you still cannot complete the payment, contact support at https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/web/guest/lien-he explaining your issue. They respond quickly.

• EMERGENCY VISA

There is an emergency visa for those arriving at Hanoi airport (only the airport!) in case you entered the wrong date on your e-visa. It costs much more, is paid in cash in US dollars, and requires a photo. However, you’ll first need to be allowed to fly, as airlines often prevent passengers without a visa from boarding.

Don’t rely on the emergency visa, as this rule could change at any time. It’s better not to count on this option. We’ve known one couple who managed to board and get the visa upon arrival, and another couple who were denied boarding and had to cover all the extra costs themselves.

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