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The Complete Guide to Vietnam Visas: Exemptions, E-Visas & Extensions Explained✈️🛂

  • Writer: Leanne Gayle
    Leanne Gayle
  • 4 days ago
  • 6 min read
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📑 Do You Actually Need a Visa for Vietnam in 2025?


If you’ve Googled “Vietnam visa” recently, you probably found yourself in a maze of outdated info, half-translated government pages, and travel forums where everyone seems to have a different answer.


So here’s the truth: visas for Vietnam aren’t as complicated as they look. But the rules do depend on where you’re from, how long you’re staying, and whether you plan to leave and come back again.


Let’s break it down without the boring bits.


🌎 Who Gets in Without a Visa?


Yes — some travellers get the golden ticket. Vietnam currently gives visa-free entry to citizens of 25+ countries, mainly in Europe and Asia.


  • 🇬🇧 UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Scandinavia → 45 days

  • 🇯🇵 Japan & South Korea → 45 days

  • 🇷🇺 Russia & Belarus → 45 days

  • 🇱🇦 Laos, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia → 30 days

  • 🇵🇭 Philippines → 21 days


If you’re from one of these countries, you can just walk up to the border and get stamped in. No paperwork, no drama.


👉 See the full list of exempt countries and stay durations.


⚖️ The Fine Print (Rules People Forget)


Visa exemptions sound great, but they come with strings attached:


  1. Single entry only. If you leave Vietnam (say, for a side trip to Laos or Cambodia), you can’t re-use the same exemption to get back in. You’ll need an e-visa or another exemption window.

  2. Passport validity. Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Immigration won’t budge on this.

  3. Onward ticket. Immigration can ask to see proof you’re leaving Vietnam — usually a flight, bus ticket, or even a confirmed Ha Long Bay cruise that ends with a transfer to the airport. A hotel booking doesn’t count.


🧳 Exemption vs. E-Visa — Which One Should You Pick?


Here’s where most travellers trip up. Just because you can enter visa-free doesn’t mean you should.


👉 Visa exemption works best if:


  • You’re popping in for a quick holiday (2–3 weeks).

  • You only plan to enter once.

  • You don’t mind keeping your trip short.


👉 E-visa is smarter if:


  • You want to stay longer than your exemption (up to 90 days).

  • You’re planning a multi-country trip and will leave and re-enter Vietnam.

  • You prefer to breeze through immigration with less chance of questions.


For example:

  • A Brit on a 2-week beach holiday? Stick with the exemption.


  • An Aussie couple doing 6 weeks Hanoi → Sapa → Laos → back to Vietnam for Phu Quoc? Get the e-visa.


💡 Quick Decision Cheat Sheet


  • Under 15–45 days, one entry, exempt country? → No visa needed.

  • Longer than your exemption or multiple entries? → E-visa.

  • From a country not on the list? → Visa required.



🖥️ The Vietnam E-Visa (2025 Guide)


The e-visa is Vietnam’s best invention since phở. It’s simple, cheap, and covers nearly every traveller who isn’t visa-exempt. No embassy visits, no dodgy “visa on arrival” letters — just an online form and a PDF approval letter you print before flying.


Let’s break down everything you need to know.


❓ Who can apply for an e-visa?


Over 80 nationalities are eligible, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, and most of Europe.


👉 If your passport isn’t in the exemption list and you’re not from one of the tiny handful of excluded countries, the e-visa is for you.


❓ How long is the e-visa valid for?


  • Up to 90 days

  • Can be single entry or multiple entry (select when applying)


Pro tip: Go for multiple entry if you’re planning a side trip to Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand. It saves a ton of hassle.


❓ How much does the e-visa cost?


  • Official government fee: $25 USD (single entry) / $50 USD (multi-entry)

  • Pay online with a card during the application

  • Non-refundable, even if you mess it up (yes, they’re strict)


❓ How long does it take to process?


Officially: 3–5 working days.In reality:

  • Sometimes it’s back in 48 hours

  • Other times (holidays, Tet, weekends), it can take 7–10 days

💡 Apply at least 2 weeks before your flight for peace of mind.


❓ Where can I enter with an e-visa?


At almost every international airport, land border, and seaport in Vietnam.


✅ Popular entry points:

  • Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport – HAN)

  • Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat – SGN)

  • Da Nang (DAD)

  • Phu Quoc (PQC)

  • Land borders with Cambodia, Laos, China

  • Cruise ports like Ha Long Bay


Just make sure the entry point on your visa matches the one you actually use.



❓ What documents do I need?


  • Valid passport (6+ months)

  • Recent passport photo (digital upload + physical copy)

  • Credit card for payment

  • Printed copy of the e-visa (yes, printed — immigration won’t accept just your phone screen if systems go down)


❓ Common mistakes travellers make


  1. Wrong entry port → You can’t switch last-minute. Pick carefully.

  2. Bad photo upload → No sunglasses, hats, or funny faces. White background required.

  3. Cutting it too close → Don’t apply 3 days before your flight.

  4. Forgetting the printout → Vietnam loves paper. Always bring a copy.


❓ Can I extend an e-visa inside Vietnam?


Officially: Yes.Practically: It depends. Extension rules change constantly, and often it’s easier (and cheaper) to do a “visa run” — pop over to Laos or Cambodia and re-enter on a fresh visa.

💡 If you’re planning to stay longer than 90 days, chat with a local agent (or us) to see your options.


❓ Do kids need an e-visa?


Yes — every traveller, including children, needs their own e-visa. No “family visas” here.


❓ What if I overstay my e-visa?


You’ll face fines at the airport (usually around $25–50 USD per day) and risk being banned from re-entering. Not worth it.



🛬 Section 3: Other Vietnam Visa Types Explained


Not everyone fits neatly into the exemption or e-visa box. Some travellers need a little more paperwork — especially if you’re staying long-term, working, or unlucky enough to believe “visa on arrival” is still a thing (spoiler: it’s not the magic trick it used to be).

Here’s the rundown.


❓ What is a “visa on arrival” — does it still exist?


Technically, yes… but only if you apply for an approval letter online before you fly. Then, when you land, you queue at a special counter, hand over cash, and get a visa stamp.


👉 The catch: since the e-visa system launched, “visa on arrival” is basically redundant for tourists. It’s slower, more expensive, and often involves sketchy agents.


⚠️ Our advice: stick with the e-visa unless you have a very unusual case.


❓ When do I need an embassy visa?


Embassy (or consulate) visas are best if:

  • You’re from a country not eligible for e-visas.

  • You want to stay longer than 90 days.

  • You’re applying for a business, student, or work visa.

You’ll need to apply directly at your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate before you travel.


❓ What about business visas?


If you’re coming to Vietnam for work (meetings, projects, teaching, long-term stay), you’ll need a business visa.

  • Usually requires a sponsoring company in Vietnam to provide paperwork.

  • Valid for 1–12 months, sometimes multi-entry.

  • Processed through an embassy or with official approval letters.

👉 Business visas aren’t DIY-friendly. Always arrange them through your employer or a licensed agent.


❓ Are there student or work permits?


Yes:

  • Student visas → arranged via your Vietnamese university or language school.

  • Work permits & residence cards → required if you’re employed long-term. These take time, money, and plenty of paperwork (police checks, medical tests, contracts).

Unless you’re relocating, most travellers won’t touch these.


❓ Can I extend my visa once I’m in Vietnam?


Officially: yes. Practically: it depends.

  • E-visas & exemptions → can sometimes be extended at immigration offices, but rules change frequently.

  • Tourists staying longer → often easier to do a “visa run” (exit to Laos/Cambodia, re-enter with a fresh e-visa).

  • Business visas → usually extendable via your sponsoring company.

💡 If you’re planning a stay beyond 90 days, get advice before you arrive.


❓ What happens if I overstay?


  • 1–3 days → small fine at the airport (~$25–50/day).

  • Long overstays → bigger fines, black marks on your passport, and possible bans from re-entry.

  • Not worth it. Always sort an extension or new visa before time runs out.


🔄 Section 4: FAQs & Traveller Problems


The questions that flood Facebook groups daily — answered clearly.


❓ Can I re-enter with the same visa?


  • Exemption → No

  • Single-entry e-visa → No

  • Multi-entry e-visa → Yes, unlimited entries within 90 days


❓ What if my flight changes airports?


Risky. E-visa is tied to the airport you chose. Immigration may let you in, but don’t count on it. Always apply with your correct arrival point.


❓ Can I apply inside Vietnam?


No. All visas must be applied for before entry.


❓ How does the 90-day multi-entry rule work?


Introduced in 2023 → valid 90 days, with unlimited re-entries in that window. Perfect for long trips and digital nomads.


❓ Do kids need visas?


Yes. Every traveller, including children, needs their own visa.


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