Apply for your Vietnam eVisa online at evisa.gov.vn in about 15 minutes. The process costs $25 for single entry or $50 for multiple entry and takes 3 business days to approve. This guide walks you through every step so your application gets approved on the first try.
What Is the Vietnam eVisa?
The Vietnam eVisa is an electronic travel authorization issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department through the official portal at evisa.gov.vn. It allows foreign nationals to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, transit, or other approved purposes without visiting an embassy or consulate.
The eVisa is valid for up to 90 days from the date of entry and comes in two options: single entry (one-time entry into Vietnam) or multiple entry (unlimited entries within the validity period). Since August 2023, Vietnam expanded the eVisa to all nationalities, making it the most convenient way to obtain a visa for most travelers.
You receive the approved eVisa as a downloadable PDF file. Print it and carry it with your passport – immigration officers at any of Vietnam’s 42 designated entry points will verify it upon arrival.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival
The eVisa and Visa on Arrival (VOA) serve the same purpose but work differently. The eVisa is applied for and approved entirely online before you travel. You print the approval letter and go straight to the immigration counter at your arrival airport.
The VOA requires a pre-arranged approval letter from a travel agency, which you present at the landing visa counter upon arrival. You then pay a stamping fee in cash and wait for the visa stamp. The VOA only works at international airports, while the eVisa is accepted at airports, land borders, and seaports.
For most travelers, the eVisa is the better choice. It costs less, requires no middleman, and works at all 42 entry points including land crossings with Cambodia, Laos, and China.
Vietnam eVisa Requirements
Before starting your application, make sure you have all the required documents and information ready. Preparing everything in advance prevents delays and reduces the risk of rejection.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must meet these conditions:
- Validity: At least 6 months remaining from your intended entry date into Vietnam
- Blank pages: At least 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps
- Condition: Passport must not be damaged, torn, or have unofficial markings
- Bio page: You need a clear, high-resolution scan or photo of the passport bio page (the page with your photo, name, and passport number)
If your passport expires within 6 months of your travel date, renew it before applying. Applications with insufficient passport validity are automatically rejected.
Photo Requirements
The Vietnam eVisa application requires two separate photos. Incorrect photos are the number one reason for application rejection.
Passport Photo (4x6cm):
– Dimensions: 4cm wide x 6cm tall (passport standard)
– Format: JPEG or PNG, maximum file size 2MB
– Background: White or light-colored background
– Face: Centered, covering 70-80% of the frame
– Expression: Neutral expression, eyes open, looking directly at the camera
– No glasses, hats, or head coverings (except for religious reasons)
Portrait Photo:
– A recent photo of yourself, taken within the last 6 months
– Same background requirements as the passport photo
– Clear, well-lit, no filters or heavy editing
– Format: JPEG or PNG
Both photos must be different files. Using the same image for both fields will cause an error during submission.
Step-by-Step Vietnam eVisa Application Process
The entire application takes about 15 minutes if you have your documents ready. Follow these four steps carefully.
Step 1: Create Your Account on evisa.gov.vn
Go to evisa.gov.vn and click the application link for foreign visitors. You will need to:
- Enter a valid email address – all communications and your approval letter go to this email
- Create a secure password (at least 8 characters with letters and numbers)
- Complete the captcha verification
- Agree to the terms and conditions
- Check your email for a verification link and click it to activate your account
Save your login credentials. You will need them to check your application status and download your approved eVisa.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
The form has four main sections. Fill each one accurately – any mismatch between your form data and passport will cause rejection.
Personal Information:
– Full name (exactly as it appears on your passport)
– Date of birth
– Gender
– Nationality
– Current country of residence
Passport Information:
– Passport number
– Passport issue date and expiry date
– Issuing country/authority
Travel Details:
– Purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit, other)
– Intended entry date
– Intended exit date
– Entry point (select from the list of 42 designated ports)
– Exit point
– Temporary address in Vietnam (hotel name and address)
Contact Information:
– Phone number with country code
– Email address
– Emergency contact details
Tip: Double-check your passport number and entry dates. These are the most common fields where applicants make errors.
Step 3: Upload Your Documents
Upload three separate files:
- Passport bio page scan – Clear, full-page scan or high-quality photo showing all text and your photo clearly
- Passport photo (4x6cm) – As specified in the photo requirements above
- Portrait photo – A separate recent photo of yourself
File format must be JPEG or PNG. Each file must be under 2MB. If your files are too large, resize them to meet the requirement without losing clarity.
Common upload errors:
– Blurry or low-resolution passport scan
– Passport photo cropped incorrectly (face too small or too large)
– Wrong file format (PDF is not accepted)
– File size exceeding 2MB
Step 4: Pay the Fee and Submit
After completing all sections and uploading your documents:
- Review all information one final time
- Click Submit to proceed to payment
- Pay the eVisa fee by credit card or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, or JCB)
- Save your registration code – you need this to check your application status
The fee is $25 USD for a single-entry eVisa or $50 USD for a multiple-entry eVisa. Payment is processed online through a secure government payment gateway.
Once payment is confirmed, your application enters the processing queue. You will receive an email notification when a decision is made.
Vietnam eVisa Fee
The official eVisa fees set by the Vietnam government are:
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Single entry | $25 | Up to 90 days |
| Multiple entry | $50 | Up to 90 days |
Payment is made online only through the official portal using a credit or debit card. No cash payments, bank transfers, or third-party payment services are accepted through the official system.
Important: Some unofficial websites charge $50-$100 or more as “service fees” for processing your eVisa. Always use the official portal at evisa.gov.vn to avoid overpaying. The government fee is the only amount you should pay.
Vietnam eVisa Processing Time
Standard processing takes 3 business days from the date of successful submission and payment. Business days exclude weekends and Vietnamese public holidays.
Processing times can vary based on:
– Application volume – Peak travel seasons (December-January, April-May) may cause delays
– Completeness of application – Incomplete or incorrect applications take longer
– Nationality – Some nationalities may require additional security clearance
To avoid last-minute issues, apply at least 1-2 weeks before your planned travel date. You can apply up to 6 months in advance of your intended entry date.
If your application has been pending for more than 5 business days, check the status online or contact the Vietnam Immigration Department.
How to Check Your Vietnam eVisa Status
Track your application status on the official portal:
- Go to evisa.gov.vn
- Log in with your email and password
- Navigate to the status check section
- Enter your registration code (received after submission) and email address
- View your current application status
Possible statuses:
– Processing – Your application is being reviewed
– Approved – Your eVisa is ready to download
– Rejected – Your application was denied (see common reasons below)
When approved, download the eVisa PDF immediately. Print at least 2 copies – one for your carry-on bag and one as a backup. Some airlines check your eVisa before allowing you to board.
Common Vietnam eVisa Mistakes and Rejection Reasons
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
– Face is partially covered by glasses, hair, or accessories
– 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 passport exactly (check spelling, middle names)
– Wrong entry point selected (must match your actual arrival point)
– Travel dates outside the allowed application window
– Incomplete temporary address in Vietnam
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.
After Approval: What to Do Next
Once your eVisa is approved, follow this checklist:
- Download the eVisa PDF from evisa.gov.vn immediately
- Print at least 2 copies on A4 paper in color if possible
- Verify all details on the printed eVisa match your passport
- Carry the printout with your passport – do not pack it in checked luggage
- Know your entry point – you must enter through the port listed on your eVisa
- Have your return flight information ready – immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel
At the immigration counter in Vietnam, present your passport and the printed eVisa. The officer will verify the information, stamp your passport, and grant entry. The process typically takes 5-10 minutes per traveler.
FAQ
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 42 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 42 designated entry points, which include international airports (Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai, Da Nang, and others), land border crossings, and seaports. You must enter through the specific port listed on your eVisa application.
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?
eVisa extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply through the Vietnam Immigration Department before your eVisa expires. Some travelers choose to exit and re-enter Vietnam with a new eVisa instead of applying for an extension.
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.
How early can I apply for a Vietnam eVisa?
You can apply up to 6 months before your intended entry date. Applying at least 2 weeks before travel is recommended to allow time for processing and any potential reapplication if needed.
Last updated: July 2026. Verify all requirements on the official portal at evisa.gov.vn before applying, as visa policies may change.
