The official Vietnam eVisa website is evisa.gov.vn, operated by the Vietnam Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security. It is the only legitimate government portal for applying for a Vietnam eVisa, costing $25 USD for single entry or $50 USD for multiple entry with up to 90 days of validity. This guide covers the official portal’s features, how to verify its authenticity against scam websites, and how to complete your application from start to finish.
What Is the Official Vietnam eVisa Website?
The official Vietnam eVisa website is evisa.gov.vn, managed by the Vietnam Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security. This is the sole legitimate government platform where foreign nationals can apply for an electronic visa to enter Vietnam without visiting an embassy or consulate.
Since November 11, 2024, the Vietnam eVisa portal operates on two new domains: evisa.gov.vn and thithucdientu.gov.vn. Both domains host the same official system and are fully interchangeable. The previous portal at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn now redirects visitors to these new addresses. If you bookmarked the old domain, update your bookmarks to avoid confusion.
The Vietnam eVisa was significantly expanded on August 15, 2023, when the government opened eligibility to citizens of all countries and territories worldwide. Before this expansion, only citizens of certain pre-approved nations could apply electronically. The eVisa is valid for a maximum of 90 days and is available as either a single-entry or multiple-entry document.
The official portal is available in Vietnamese and English, with additional language support for some interface elements. All government communications about your application – including approval notifications – arrive via the email address you provide during registration.
Key identifiers of the official portal:
– Domain: Uses the .gov.vn extension (reserved for Vietnamese government entities)
– Operator: Vietnam Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security
– Fee: Exactly $25 USD (single entry) or $50 USD (multiple entry) – no hidden charges
– Payment: Processed through the portal’s own electronic payment gateway
– Contact: [email protected], hotline +84.24.38264026
How to Identify the Official Vietnam eVisa Website (Avoid Scams)
The official Vietnam eVisa portal uses the .gov.vn domain extension, charges exactly $25 USD for single entry or $50 USD for multiple entry with no additional service fees, and processes payments through its own integrated gateway. Any website charging $80 to $150 or more for the same service is a commercial intermediary, not the government portal.
Scam and misleading websites are a real problem for Vietnam eVisa applicants. These sites often appear in search results above or alongside the official portal, using professional designs and language like “official” or “government-approved” to appear legitimate. Here is how to tell them apart.
Red flags that indicate a non-official website:
– Domain does not end in .gov.vn – Commercial sites use .com, .org, .net, or similar extensions
– Fees exceed $50 USD – The government charges $25 (single) or $50 (multiple); anything higher includes agency markup
– “Service fee” or “processing fee” line items – The official portal has only the government fee
– Requires creating an account on a non-government domain – Official accounts are only on evisa.gov.vn
– Promises faster processing than 3 business days – Only the government controls processing time
– No Vietnamese language option – The official portal offers Vietnamese as a primary language
Verification steps before applying:
1. Check the URL – It must be exactly evisa.gov.vn or thithucdientu.gov.vn
2. Look for the .gov.vn extension – This is restricted to verified Vietnamese government entities
3. Verify the fee – The application page should show $25 or $50, nothing more
4. Check the payment page – Official payments go through the Vietnamese government’s payment gateway, not a third-party processor
5. Look for the Ministry of Public Security branding – The official portal displays the ministry’s name and insignia
If you accidentally applied through a third-party site, you have not been scammed in the traditional sense – these agencies do submit real applications on your behalf. However, you paid significantly more than necessary for a process you could complete yourself on the official portal for $25-$50.
How to Apply on the Official Vietnam eVisa Portal
Applying on evisa.gov.vn takes approximately 15 minutes if you have your documents ready. The process involves four main steps: creating an account, completing the application form, uploading your documents, and paying the government fee through the integrated electronic payment gateway.
Step 1: Create Your Account on evisa.gov.vn
Navigate to evisa.gov.vn and click the application link for foreign visitors. The registration requires:
– A valid email address – all communications and your approval letter go to this email
– A secure password (at least 8 characters with letters and numbers)
– Captcha verification to confirm you are a real person
– Agreement to the terms and conditions
After submitting, 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
– Issue date and expiry date
– Issuing country/authority
Travel Information:
– Intended entry and exit dates
– Purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit, or other)
– Entry border gate (airport, land crossing, or seaport)
– Temporary address in Vietnam (hotel name and address)
Contact Information:
– Email address (same as registration)
– Phone number with country code
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Upload two separate photos:
– Passport bio page scan: Clear, high-resolution image showing all text and your photo
– Passport photo (4x6cm): White background, no glasses, neutral expression, JPEG or PNG format, maximum 2MB
– Portrait photo: A recent photo of yourself, different from the passport photo, same format requirements
Using the same image for both photo fields will cause a submission error.
Step 4: Pay the Government Fee
The portal uses its own electronic payment gateway to process fees. The cost is:
– $25 USD for single-entry eVisa
– $50 USD for multiple-entry eVisa
The fee is non-refundable even if your application is denied. Accepted payment methods typically include Visa and Mastercard credit or debit cards. If your payment fails, try a different card or contact your bank to authorize the international transaction.
After payment, you receive a registration code (format example: E250702USA52585630045). Save this code – it is required to check your application status.
Vietnam evisa requirements on the Official Portal
The official evisa.gov.vn portal requires a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity from your intended entry date, a 4x6cm passport photo and separate portrait photo in JPEG or PNG format (maximum 2MB each), a valid email address, and your intended entry and exit details. Preparing these documents before starting your application 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: Not damaged, torn, or bearing unofficial markings
– Bio page: 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 by the system.
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
– Face: Centered, covering 70-80% of the frame
– Expression: Neutral, eyes open, looking directly at the camera
– No glasses, hats, or head coverings (except for religious reasons)
Portrait Photo:
– A recent photo taken within the last 6 months
– Same background requirements as the passport photo
– Clear, well-lit, no filters or heavy editing
– Must be a different image from the passport photo
Entry and Exit Details
You must provide:
– Intended entry date and exit date
– Purpose of visit: Tourism, business, transit, or other
– Entry border gate: Select from 13 airports, 16 land borders, or 13 seaports
– Temporary address in Vietnam: Hotel name, address, or host’s contact information
Checking Your Vietnam eVisa status on the Official Website
You can check your eVisa application status on evisa.gov.vn using your registration code (provided when you submitted your application, format example: E250702USA52585630045), the email address used during application, and your date of birth. Results display as one of three statuses: Granted, Processing, or Amended Application.
How to Check Your Status
- Go to evisa.gov.vn and navigate to the SEARCH page
- Enter your registration code
- Enter your email address (the one used during application)
- Enter your date of birth in DD/MM/YYYY format
- Complete the captcha verification
- Click Search (or “Tra cuu” in Vietnamese)
Understanding Your Status
| Status | Meaning | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Granted | Application approved | Download and print the eVisa PDF |
| Processing | Under review | Wait – standard processing is 3 business days |
| Amended Application | Correction needed | Check the reason and resubmit required information |
If your status shows Granted, download the PDF file immediately and print at least one physical copy. You will need it to board your flight and present at immigration upon arrival in Vietnam.
If Your Application Is Stuck on Processing
If your eVisa status remains on “Processing” for more than 5-7 working days:
– Double-check your application on the portal for any updates
– Look for correction requests (e.g., photo retakes)
– Contact the Vietnam Immigration Department:
– Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
– Hotline (Hanoi): 024 3826 4026
– Hotline (Ho Chi Minh City): 028 3920 0365
Vietnam eVisa Official Portal: Fees, Processing Time, and Validity
The official Vietnam eVisa costs $25 USD for single entry and $50 USD for multiple entry, processes in a standard 3 business days (though delays can extend this to 10 business days during peak periods like Tet), and grants a stay of up to 90 days for entry through any of 42 designated border gates across Vietnam.
Fee Schedule
| Type | Fee | Validity | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-entry eVisa | $25 USD | Up to 90 days | One entry |
| Multiple-entry eVisa | $50 USD | Up to 90 days | Unlimited within validity |
The fee is paid through the portal’s electronic payment gateway and is non-refundable if the visa is not granted. There are no additional government charges beyond this fee.
Processing Time
| Period | Expected Processing |
|---|---|
| Standard | 3 business days |
| Peak season (Tet, summer) | 5-10 business days |
| After correction request | 3-5 additional business days |
Processing begins after successful payment, not after form submission. Weekends and Vietnamese public holidays do not count as business days.
Validity and Entry Points
The eVisa is valid for up to 90 days from the date of entry you specified in your application. You can enter and exit Vietnam through any of 42 designated border gates:
13 International Airports:
Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa), Da Nang, Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Can Tho, Phu Quoc (Kien Giang), Phu Bai (Thua Thien Hue), Van Don (Quang Ninh), Tho Xuan (Thanh Hoa), Dong Hoi (Quang Binh), Phu Cat (Binh Dinh), Lien Khuong (Lam Dong).
16 Land Border Gates:
Tay Trang (Dien Bien), Mong Cai (Quang Ninh), Huu Nghi (Lang Son), Lao Cai, Na Meo (Thanh Hoa), Nam Can (Nghe An), Cau Treo (Ha Tinh), Cha Lo (Quang Binh), La Lay and Lao Bao (Quang Tri), Bo Y (Kon Tum), Moc Bai and Xa Mat (Tay Ninh), Tinh Bien and Vinh Xuong (An Giang), Ha Tien (Kien Giang).
13 Sea Border Gates:
Hon Gai and Cam Pha (Quang Ninh), Hai Phong, Nghi Son (Thanh Hoa), Vung Ang (Ha Tinh), Chan May (Thua Thien Hue), Da Nang, Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh), Dung Quat (Quang Ngai), Vung Tau (Ba Ria – Vung Tau), Ho Chi Minh City, Duong Dong (Kien Giang).
Official Vietnam eVisa vs Third-Party Visa Services
Third-party visa services charge $89.99 or more for the same eVisa that costs $25-$50 on the official evisa.gov.vn portal. The government service requires no middleman, no agency fees, and delivers the same approved PDF document directly to your email.
Cost Comparison
| Feature | Official Portal (evisa.gov.vn) | Third-Party Service |
|---|---|---|
| Government fee | $25 / $50 | $25 / $50 (included) |
| Service fee | $0 | $35 – $100+ |
| Total cost | $25 – $50 | $89.99 – $150+ |
| Processing | 3 business days | 4-7 business days (adds review step) |
| Document | Same approved PDF | Same approved PDF |
| Error review | Self-check | Agency pre-review |
| Support | Government hotline + email | 24/7 chat support |
When Third-Party Services Make Sense
Third-party agencies can be useful if you:
– Want an expert to review your application before submission
– Need help with complex cases (previous visa issues, unusual passport types)
– Prefer having someone handle the process entirely
– Are applying for a group and want consolidated management
When to Use the Official Portal
The official portal is the better choice if you:
– Want to pay the lowest possible price ($25-$50)
– Have a straightforward application (standard passport, tourism purpose)
– Are comfortable following instructions and uploading documents
– Want direct communication with the government if issues arise
The document you receive is identical regardless of which method you choose – both result in the same government-issued eVisa PDF.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting on the Official eVisa Portal
The most common problems on evisa.gov.vn include payment failures (try a different card or contact your bank), photo rejections (use a white background, remove glasses, ensure correct dimensions), and captcha errors (clear browser cache or try a different browser). For persistent issues, contact the Vietnam Immigration Department at [email protected] or call +84.24.38264026.
Payment Problems
“Payment failed” or “Unable to proceed”:
– Try a different credit or debit card – some international cards are declined by the Vietnamese payment gateway
– Contact your bank to authorize the transaction before retrying
– Ensure your card supports international online payments
– Try using a Visa or Mastercard branded card (most widely accepted)
There is no way to retry payment for an existing order. If payment fails, you must start a new application.
Photo Upload Errors
“Photo does not meet requirements”:
– Background must be pure white (not off-white, gray, or patterned)
– Remove glasses – even clear lenses cause rejection
– File size must be under 2MB – compress the image if needed
– Format must be JPEG or PNG – convert from other formats before uploading
– The passport photo and portrait photo must be different images
Captcha and Login Issues
Captcha not loading or accepted:
– Clear your browser cache and cookies
– Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
– Disable browser extensions that block scripts
– Try from a different device or network
Status Check Problems
“No results found” when checking status:
– Verify you are using the exact registration code from your confirmation email
– Check that your email address matches the one used during application
– Ensure your date of birth is in DD/MM/YYYY format
– Wait at least 24 hours after submission before checking
Lost Registration Code
If you lost your registration code, contact the Immigration Department:
– Email: [email protected]
– Provide: Full name, passport number, date of birth, email used
FAQ – Vietnam eVisa Official Website
What is the official website for Vietnam eVisa?
The official Vietnam eVisa website is evisa.gov.vn, operated by the Vietnam Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security. An alternate official domain is thithucdientu.gov.vn. Both host the same government system. Any other website – including .com, .org, or .net domains – is either a commercial intermediary or potentially fraudulent.
Is the Vietnam online portal for e-visa legit?
Yes, evisa.gov.vn is the legitimate government portal for Vietnam eVisa applications. It uses the .gov.vn domain extension, which is restricted to verified Vietnamese government entities. The portal is managed by the Ministry of Public Security and has been processing electronic visa applications since its expansion in August 2023.
How much does the Vietnam eVisa cost on the official website?
The official Vietnam eVisa costs $25 USD for a single-entry visa and $50 USD for a multiple-entry visa. These are the only fees charged by the government. Any website charging more than $50 is adding a service or agency fee on top of the government rate.
How long does it take to get a Vietnam eVisa approved?
Standard processing time is 3 business days. During peak travel periods such as Tet (Vietnamese New Year) or summer holidays, processing can take 5 to 10 business days. Weekends and Vietnamese public holidays do not count as business days.
Which Vietnam visa website is real?
The real Vietnam visa website is evisa.gov.vn. You can verify this by checking that the domain ends in .gov.vn (restricted to Vietnamese government entities), displays the Ministry of Public Security branding, and charges only $25 or $50 with no additional service fees.
Can I enter Vietnam at any border with an eVisa?
Yes. You can enter and exit Vietnam through any of the 42 designated international border gates – 13 airports, 16 land crossings, and 13 seaports. You are not restricted to the specific gate you selected during your application.
Do children need a separate Vietnam eVisa?
Yes. Every traveler, regardless of age, must have their own individual eVisa. Parents or guardians can complete the application for minors. Children under 14 years old must be accompanied by a parent or authorized guardian during travel.
Can I extend my Vietnam eVisa while in the country?
No, Vietnam does not currently allow direct extension of an eVisa while you are inside the country. To stay longer than 90 days, you must leave Vietnam and apply for a new eVisa before re-entering. This process is commonly called a “visa run.”
What happens if my Vietnam eVisa application is denied?
The $25 or $50 fee is non-refundable if your application is denied. Common denial reasons include insufficient passport validity, incorrect photos, or mismatched personal information. You can submit a new application after correcting the issues that caused the rejection.
Is evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn still the official Vietnam eVisa website?
No. Since November 11, 2024, the Vietnam eVisa portal moved to evisa.gov.vn and thithucdientu.gov.vn. The old domain evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn now redirects to the new addresses. Always use the new domains for your application.
What payment methods does the official Vietnam eVisa portal accept?
The official portal processes payments through its integrated electronic payment gateway, which typically accepts Visa and Mastercard credit or debit cards. If your payment fails, try a different card or contact your bank to authorize the international transaction.
How do I contact the Vietnam Immigration Department about my eVisa?
You can contact the Vietnam Immigration Department by email at [email protected] or [email protected]. The phone hotline is +84.24.38264026 (Hanoi) or 028 3920 0365 (Ho Chi Minh City). Response times vary, but email inquiries are typically answered within 2-3 business days.
