Do You Need a Visa to Enter Vietnam?

Naomi Ngo • February 24, 2025

Vietnam, with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history, attracts millions of tourists, business travelers, and expatriates each year. One of the most common questions people ask before visiting Vietnam is: "Do I need a visa?" The answer depends on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay. Let’s dive into Vietnam's visa policy, the different types of e-visas, which countries are visa-free, and which countries need a visa to enter Vietnam with Up Travel.

Vietnam Visa Policy Overview

Vietnam’s visa policy is relatively straightforward, but it can vary depending on your nationality. For short-term visits, some countries enjoy visa exemptions. However, for longer stays, business trips, or specific travel purposes, you may need to apply for a visa. Navigating these rules can sometimes be confusing, but our team at Up Travel is here to assist, ensuring a smooth process for your trip.

Vietnamese currency
Visa Exemption:

Vietnam has visa exemption agreements with several countries, meaning citizens from those countries can enter without needing a visa for short visits (usually 15 to 45 days). The most common visa exemptions apply to citizens of ASEAN countries, but there are also bilateral agreements with other countries.

Visa Required:

For citizens of countries not covered by these agreements, a visa will be required. In some cases, you can apply for an e-visa or a traditional visa through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. Unsure about which visa applies to you? Up Travel can provide expert guidance to help simplify the process.

vietnamese visa application

What is an E-Visa for Vietnam?

An e-visa is an electronic travel document issued by the Vietnamese authorities, granting foreign nationals permission to enter and stay in Vietnam. The e-visa is designed to simplify the visa application process by allowing travelers to apply online, eliminating the need to visit a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in person. It is a more efficient and convenient way to obtain a visa for short-term visits.

Types of E-Visa in Vietnam

Vietnam offers two main types of e-visas:

  1. Single-Entry E-Visa: Valid for a single entry into Vietnam, allowing the traveler to stay for up to 30 days. Ideal for tourists, business travelers, or personal visits.
  2. Multiple-Entry E-Visa: Allows for multiple entries into Vietnam, with the total stay not exceeding 90 days. Suitable for individuals who need to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times during the same trip.
Vietnam E-Visa requirements and entry conditions
When Do I Need an E-Visa for Vietnam?

You will need an e-visa if you are:

  • A citizen of an eligible country (check the official list of eligible countries).
  • Planning to visit Vietnam for tourism, business, or personal reasons for up to 30 days (single entry) or 90 days (multiple entries).
  • Entering Vietnam through one of the designated border gates (international airports or land border gates approved for e-visa holders).

If you find the application process daunting, Up Travel can take care of it for you, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

Conditions for Issuing an E-Visa

The conditions for issuing an e-visa include:

  1. Passport Validity: You must hold a valid passport or international travel document.
  2. Not Under Suspension: You must not fall under the categories specified in Article 21 of the Law on Foreigners' Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence in Vietnam (for instance, individuals who are suspended from entering Vietnam due to legal reasons).
  3. Eligibility: E-visa applications are only available to foreign nationals who are not banned from entry into Vietnam.
E-Visa Fees

The e-visa application requires payment, which is processed through the e-visa portal’s secure e-payment gateway.

Please note that this payment is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application. To minimize the risk of rejection and ensure a smooth process, using a professional visa service like Up Travel can help you prepare and submit your application correctly.

Vietnam E-Visa application

Which Countries Are Visa-Free for Vietnam?

Vietnam offers visa exemptions for citizens of several countries, particularly within the ASEAN region. Citizens of these countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for short stays (typically up to 30 days). Here’s a list of countries that are visa-free with maximum visa-free duration for Vietnam:

  • ASEAN Countries:
  • Brunei: 14 days
  • Cambodia: 30 days
  • Indonesia: 30 days
  • Laos: 30 days
  • Malaysia: 30 days
  • Myanmar: 14 days
  • Philippines: 21 days
  • Singapore: 30 days
  • Thailand: 30 days
  • Other Countries:
  • Russia, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland: 45 days
  • Chile, Panama: 90 days
  • Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan: 30 days

If you are from any of the above countries, you don’t need a visa for short visits. However, if you plan to stay longer, a visa will be required. Up Travel can help determine the best visa option for your extended stay.

Which Countries Are Obligated to Have a Visa to Enter Vietnam?

For citizens of most countries outside the ASEAN region and visa-exempt countries, a visa is required to enter Vietnam. Some countries have special visa requirements, particularly those with high volumes of tourists or business travelers. Some examples of countries whose citizens must apply for an e-visa or a visa through a consulate or embassy include:

  • United States
  • Canada
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Africa
  • Brazil

Citizens of these countries, along with many others, must apply for either an e-visa or a traditional visa before traveling to Vietnam. Most visitors will be able to apply for an e-visa online, simplifying the process and saving time.

vietnam's visa policy updates

Conclusion

Whether you need a visa to enter Vietnam depends on your nationality, purpose of visit, and duration of stay. While many countries are eligible for visa exemption, others require a visa. The Vietnam e-visa system simplifies the process, allowing travelers to apply online and receive approval quickly.

Before your trip, always check the latest visa requirements to avoid any travel disruptions.

Need Help Getting Your Vietnam Visa?

Why risk delays or rejections? Let Up Travel handle your visa application, so you can focus on planning your trip. Whether you need an e-visa, business visa, or visa extension, we make the process fast and stress-free.

👉 Apply for your Vietnam visa with Up Travel today!

Vietnam's Visa for International Tourists

UP TRAVEL VIETNAM


Up Travel Vietnam was founded by seasoned travelers and local specialists with an ambition to offer outstanding 5-star service quality to international customers traveling to Vietnam.

Over the past 11 years, Up Travel Vietnam has got continuous years achieving  Certificate of Excellence from the most reputable organization worldwide in Tourism & Hospitality - TripAdvisor since 2015. We are proud to appear on more than 17 TV Channels, Newspapers & Magazines (namely Transit Magazine - the biggest Magazine in Tourism & Hospitality from Tokyo, Japan).

Plan your trip with us

What our clients say


By Ethan Luong May 21, 2026
Discover 5 lowkey Hanoi street food bites locals love - from bánh khúc to bún thang and seasonal cốm. Your real Hanoi food guide starts here.
By Ethan Luong May 16, 2026
Learn how travel agents can create more sustainable travel products with practical tips on local partnerships, itinerary design, and responsible tourism.
The Hanoi Train
By Ethan Luong May 9, 2026
Discover The Hanoi Train (Hà Nội 5 Cửa Ô) — Vietnam's first cultural tourism train. Routes, ticket prices, what's included, and insider tips for 2026.
Foreign couple on honeymoon in Vietnam
By Ethan Luong May 7, 2026
How to spend a honeymoon in Vietnam: romantic destinations, itinerary ideas, practical tips, and local advice for planning a trip that feels effortless.
Vietnam eSIM Guide: A-Z Guide to Install and Is It Better than a physical SIM?
By Ethan Luong May 6, 2026
Vietnam eSIM guide: learn how to install eSIM on iPhone and Android, plus eSIM vs physical SIM in Vietnam and which option is better.
Learn how to travel more responsibly in 2026 with practical tips on culture, wildlife, waste, and lo
By Ethan Luong April 21, 2026
Learn how to travel more responsibly in 2026 with practical tips on culture, wildlife, waste, and local spending—plus real examples from Vietnam and beyond.
Michelin Guide in Hanoi
By Ethan Luong April 17, 2026
Michelin Guide Hanoi: is it worth it for travelers? Learn how Michelin Star, Bib Gourmand, and Hanoi’s local food scene fit together, plus where to start.
By Ethan Luong April 15, 2026
Discover what Q1 2026 reveals about Vietnam tourism, from international visitor growth to market diversification, sustainability, and digital transformation.
By Ethan Luong April 10, 2026
Vietnam shore excursion vs going by yourself: compare stress, flexibility, return risk, and local insight before planning your cruise port day.
Running routes in Hanoi
By Ethan Luong April 7, 2026
Discover the best running routes in Hanoi, from West Lake to Hoan Kiem Lake, with local tips on safety, timing, distance, and where to jog in the city.