You can apply for a Vietnam eVisa entirely online through the official government portal at evisa.gov.vn. The process takes about 15 minutes to complete, costs $25 for single entry or $50 for multiple entry, and approvals arrive within 3 business days. This guide covers every step of the application so you get approved on your first attempt.
What You Need Before You Apply
Gather these documents and details before starting your application. Having everything ready prevents timeouts and ensures a smooth submission.
Required Documents
| Document | Format | Size Limit | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport bio page scan | JPEG or PNG | 2MB max | Clear, full-page scan showing all text and photo |
| Passport photo | JPEG or PNG | 2MB max | 4x6cm, white background, no glasses or hat |
| Passport photo (portrait) | JPEG or PNG | 2MB max | Recent photo, same requirements as above |
Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your intended entry date. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying. Applications with insufficient passport validity are automatically rejected.
Information to Have Ready
- Full name exactly as it appears on your passport
- Passport number, issue date, and expiry date
- Intended entry and exit dates for Vietnam
- Entry border gate (you must choose from 81 designated ports)
- Temporary address in Vietnam (hotel name or host address)
- Valid email address for receiving the eVisa approval
- Credit or debit card for payment (Visa, MasterCard, or JCB)
For a full breakdown of all requirements, see our complete Vietnam visa requirements guide.
How to Apply for a Vietnam eVisa: Step by Step
The entire application happens on the official portal at evisa.gov.vn. Follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Access the Official Portal and Register
Go to evisa.gov.vn and switch the language to English using the dropdown in the top-right corner. Click Apply now to begin.
You will need to:
1. Enter a valid email address
2. Create a password (at least 8 characters)
3. Complete the captcha verification
4. Agree to the terms and conditions
5. Check your email for a verification link and click it
Save your login credentials. You need them to check your application status and download the approved eVisa later.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
The form has several sections. Fill each one accurately, as any mismatch between your form data and passport will cause rejection.
Personal Information:
– Surname and given names (exactly as on your passport’s ICAO line)
– Date of birth, gender, nationality
– Email address, religion, place of birth
– Questions about previous Vietnam visits and multiple nationalities
Passport Information:
– Passport number
– Place of issue, type, issue date, and expiry date
Travel Details:
– Purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit, or other)
– Intended entry and exit dates
– Length of stay in Vietnam
– Entry and exit border gates (selected from the official list)
– Temporary address in Vietnam (city/province, district, ward)
Contact Information:
– Permanent address and phone number
– Emergency contact (name, address, phone, relationship)
Important tip: The portal may auto-read your personal details from the uploaded passport scan. Always verify the auto-filled data manually, as OCR errors can lead to mismatched information and processing delays.
Step 3: Upload Your Documents
Upload three separate files:
- Passport bio page scan – Clear, high-resolution image showing all text
- Passport photo – 4x6cm with white background
- Portrait photo – A separate recent photo of yourself
Both photos must be different files. Using the same image for both fields causes an error. If your files exceed 2MB, resize them while maintaining clarity.
Step 4: Review, Pay, and Submit
After completing all sections:
- Review every field one final time against your passport
- Click Submit to proceed to payment
- Pay the eVisa fee by credit or debit card
- Save your registration code (also sent to your email)
The Vietnam eVisa fees are:
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Validity | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single entry | $25 | Up to 90 days | One-time entry |
| Multiple entry | $50 | Up to 90 days | Unlimited entries within validity |
Payment is processed online through the government’s secure payment gateway. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
After You Submit: Processing and Approval
Standard processing takes 3 business days from the date of successful submission and payment. Business days exclude weekends and Vietnamese public holidays.
Processing may take longer if:
– The application volume is high during peak travel seasons (December-January, April-May)
– Your application has incomplete or incorrect information
– Your nationality requires additional security clearance
Apply at least 1-2 weeks before your planned travel date to account for any delays. You can submit your application up to 6 months before your intended entry date.
For a detailed breakdown of processing timelines, see our Vietnam visa processing time guide.
How to Check Your eVisa Status and Download It
Track your application on the official portal:
- Go to evisa.gov.vn and log in with your email and password
- Navigate to the status check section
- Enter your registration code and email address
- View your current application status
Possible statuses:
– Processing – Your application is under review
– Approved – Your eVisa is ready to download
– Rejected – Your application was denied
When approved, download the eVisa PDF immediately. For a complete walkthrough, see our Vietnam eVisa status check guide.
After Approval: What to Do Next
Once your eVisa is approved, follow this checklist:
- Download the eVisa PDF from evisa.gov.vn
- Print at least 2 copies on A4 paper (color if possible)
- Verify all details on the printed eVisa match your passport
- Carry the printout with your passport – not in checked luggage
- Enter through the specific border gate listed on your eVisa
- Have your return flight information ready for immigration
At the immigration counter in Vietnam, present your passport and the printed eVisa. The officer verifies the information, stamps your passport, and grants entry. The process typically takes 5-10 minutes.
Important: Complete the pre-arrival form at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn before your flight to speed up entry processing.
How to Avoid Common Application Mistakes
Most rejections are preventable. Here are the top reasons applications get denied:
Photo Issues (most common):
– Photo does not meet the 4x6cm dimension requirement
– Background is not white or light-colored
– Glasses, hair, or accessories partially cover the face
– Photo is blurry, overexposed, or has a filter applied
Passport Issues:
– Passport expires within 6 months of the entry date
– Passport scan is blurry or partially cut off
– Passport number entered incorrectly in the form
Form Errors:
– Name does not match the passport exactly (check spelling and middle names)
– Wrong entry point selected (must match your actual arrival point)
– Incomplete temporary address in Vietnam
– Travel dates outside the allowed application window
How to avoid rejection:
– Take photos in good lighting against a plain white wall
– Use a passport photo app to ensure correct dimensions
– Triple-check all form fields against your passport before submitting
– Apply early enough to reapply if rejected
If your application is rejected, you can submit a new application with corrected information. You will need to pay the fee again.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival: Which Should You Choose?
The eVisa and Visa on Arrival (VOA) both allow entry into Vietnam, but they work differently.
| Feature | eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| How to apply | Online, self-service | Through a travel agency |
| Cost | $25 single / $50 multiple | $25 stamping fee + agency fee |
| Approval method | PDF download | Approval letter from agency |
| Entry points | 81 airports, land borders, seaports | Airports only |
| Queue at arrival | Go straight to immigration | Wait at landing visa counter |
| Payment | Online by card | Cash (USD) at the airport |
For most travelers, the eVisa is the better choice. It costs less, requires no middleman, and works at all designated entry points including land crossings with Cambodia, Laos, and China. The VOA makes sense only if you need to arrange a visa through a sponsoring organization.
Learn more about your options in our Vietnam visa types overview.
Country-Specific Application Notes
While the eVisa application process is the same for all nationalities, some details vary depending on your citizenship:
- US citizens – Eligible for eVisa and VOA. No visa exemption. See our Vietnam visa for US citizens guide.
- UK citizens – Eligible for eVisa and VOA. No visa exemption. See our Vietnam visa for UK citizens guide.
- Indian citizens – Eligible for eVisa. No visa exemption. See our Vietnam visa for Indian citizens guide.
Citizens of visa-exempt countries (including Japan, South Korea, and several ASEAN nations) do not need an eVisa for short stays. Check your country’s exemption status before applying.
FAQs About Applying for a Vietnam eVisa
How long does it take to get a Vietnam eVisa online?
Standard processing takes 3 business days from the date of successful submission and payment. During peak travel seasons, it may take up to 5 business days. Apply at least 1-2 weeks before your travel date to allow for any delays.
How much does a Vietnam eVisa cost?
The Vietnam eVisa costs $25 USD for a single entry and $50 USD for a multiple entry visa. Payment is made online by credit or debit card through the official portal at evisa.gov.vn. Third-party websites may charge additional service fees.
Can I apply for a Vietnam eVisa if my passport expires in 4 months?
No. Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your intended entry date into Vietnam. If your passport expires within 6 months, you need to renew it before applying for the eVisa.
What photo size do I need for a Vietnam eVisa?
You need a 4x6cm passport photo (4cm wide, 6cm tall) in JPEG or PNG format, maximum 2MB file size. The background must be white or light-colored. You also need a separate portrait photo with the same specifications.
Which is better, eVisa or visa on arrival for Vietnam?
The eVisa is better for most travelers. It costs less ($25 vs $25+ stamping fee for VOA), requires no middleman or approval letter from a travel agency, and works at all 81 entry points including land borders and seaports. VOA only works at international airports.
Can I enter Vietnam through any border with an eVisa?
You can enter through any of the 81 designated entry points, which include 17 international airports, 27 land border crossings, and 39 seaports. You must enter through the specific port listed on your eVisa application, but you can exit through any port.
What happens if my Vietnam eVisa application is rejected?
If rejected, you can submit a new application with corrected information. You will need to pay the fee again. Common rejection reasons include incorrect photos, passport validity issues, and form errors. Fix the specific issue mentioned in the rejection notice before reapplying.
Can I extend my Vietnam eVisa while in Vietnam?
No, the Vietnam eVisa cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you have two options: apply for a new eVisa by exiting Vietnam to a neighboring country and re-entering (called a visa run), or convert your eVisa to a different visa type through a sponsoring entity in Vietnam before your eVisa expires.
Do I need to print my Vietnam eVisa?
Yes. Print at least 2 copies of your approved eVisa PDF on A4 paper. Immigration officers at Vietnamese entry points require a physical printout. Digital copies on your phone are not accepted at immigration counters, though having a backup digital copy is recommended.
Which Vietnam visa website is the real one?
The only official Vietnam eVisa website is evisa.gov.vn, operated by the Vietnam Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security. Any other website charging higher fees is a third-party service or potentially a scam. Always verify the URL before entering your personal information.
