Vietnam Visa for Canadian Citizens: Requirements, Fees & How to Apply (2026)
Do Canadian Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Yes. Canadian passport holders must obtain a valid visa before entering Vietnam. Canada is not on Vietnam’s unilateral visa exemption list, so there is no visa-free entry option for Canadian citizens regardless of the purpose or length of your trip.
This applies to all types of travel:
- Tourism – vacations, sightseeing, backpacking
- Business – meetings, conferences, trade
- Visiting relatives – family trips
- Transit – passing through Vietnam to another destination
If you arrive at the airport without a pre-approved visa, airlines will deny you boarding. Make sure you arrange your visa before departure.
The good news? Getting a Vietnam visa as a Canadian citizen is straightforward. You have three main options: the eVisa (most popular), Visa on Arrival, or an embassy visa.
Vietnam eVisa for Canadian Citizens
The eVisa is the most convenient and cost-effective option for Canadian travelers. Since August 15, 2023, Vietnam has granted eVisas to citizens of all countries, including Canada. In 2025, approximately 85% of Canadian travelers to Vietnam used the eVisa system.
eVisa Validity and Entry Types
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum stay | 90 days |
| Entry type | Single entry or multiple entry |
| Purpose | Tourism, business, short visits |
| Entry points | 17 international airports, 16 land border crossings, 13 seaports |
eVisa Fees
| Entry Type | Government Fee |
|---|---|
| Single entry | 25 USD (~34 CAD) |
| Multiple entry | 50 USD (~68 CAD) |
These are the official government fees paid directly during the online application. There are no hidden charges when you apply through the official portal.
eVisa Processing Time
Standard processing takes 3 to 5 working days, though it can take up to 7 working days during peak travel seasons or Vietnamese public holidays. Weekends and Vietnamese public holidays are not counted as working days.
If you need your visa faster, some visa agencies offer expedited processing:
- Urgent (2 working days) – available through agencies
- Super urgent (1 working day) – available through agencies
- Emergency (4-8 hours) – limited availability
How to Apply for a Vietnam eVisa from Canada
Step 1: Go to the official government portal at evisa.gov.vn
Step 2: Fill out the online application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel dates
Step 3: Upload a digital passport photo (white background, no glasses) and a scan of your passport’s biographical page
Step 4: Pay the government fee (25 USD for single entry, 50 USD for multiple entry) using a credit or debit card
Step 5: Receive your eVisa via email as a PDF document
Step 6: Print the eVisa and present it along with your passport at immigration upon arrival
Important tips:
- Double-check all details before submitting – errors in name spelling, passport number, or date of birth are the most common reasons for delays or rejections
- Your passport photo must meet the specific requirements (white background, no glasses, proper dimensions)
- Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date to allow for any unexpected delays
- The eVisa is linked to your passport, so if you get a new passport, you need a new eVisa
Vietnam Visa on Arrival for Canadian Citizens
Visa on Arrival (VOA) is another option for Canadian travelers arriving by air only. This method requires obtaining a visa approval letter before your flight, then getting the actual visa stamp at the Vietnamese airport.
How Visa on Arrival Works
- Apply online through a visa agency for a visa approval letter
- Receive the approval letter via email (typically within 2-5 working days)
- Prepare documents and cash for the stamping fee
- Present the approval letter, passport, and payment at the VOA counter upon arrival
- Receive your visa stamp and enter Vietnam
VOA Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Approval letter | Varies by agency (typically 6-25 USD) |
| Stamping fee (single entry) | 25 USD |
| Stamping fee (multiple entry) | 50 USD |
Note: You must pay the stamping fee in cash (USD or VND) at the airport. Credit cards are not accepted at most VOA counters.
VOA Limitations
- Air entry only – cannot be used at land borders or seaports
- Wait time at airport – expect 15-30 minutes at the VOA counter
- Maximum 30 days – shorter than the 90-day eVisa
- Requires approval letter – must be arranged before departure
Embassy Visa for Canadian Citizens
If you need a long-term visa, have special travel documents, or prefer to handle your visa in person, you can apply at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in Canada.
When to Choose an Embassy Visa
- Stays longer than 90 days
- Special-purpose travel (journalism, diplomatic, NGO work)
- You prefer a traditional visa sticker in your passport
- You have a non-standard passport or travel document
Vietnamese Embassy and Consulates in Canada
Ottawa – Embassy
- Address: 55 Mackay Street, Ottawa, K1M 2B2, Canada
- Phone: (613) 236-0772
- Hotline: 613-700-4779 / 613-882-6699
- Website: vnembassy-ottawa.mofa.gov.vn
Vancouver – Consulate General
- Address: #800-605 Robson Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 5J3, Canada
- Phone: +1 604-629-0189
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: vnconsulate-vancouver.mofa.gov.vn
Contact the embassy or consulate directly to confirm current requirements, as they may vary slightly.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival vs Embassy Visa: Comparison
| Feature | eVisa | Visa on Arrival | Embassy Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian citizens eligible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Entry points | Airports, land borders, seaports | Airports only | All entry points |
| Maximum stay | 90 days | 30 days | Varies (up to 1 year) |
| Processing time | 3-5 working days | 2-5 working days | 5-10 working days |
| Government fee | 25-50 USD | 25-50 USD (stamping) | Varies |
| Wait at airport | None | 15-30 minutes | None |
| Apply online | Yes | Yes (approval letter) | No (in person/mail) |
| Best for | Most travelers | Last-minute air travel | Long-term stays |
Our recommendation: For most Canadian travelers, the eVisa is the best choice. It offers the longest stay (90 days), works at all entry points, costs the least, and requires no waiting at the airport.
Requirements Checklist for Canadian Citizens
Before applying for your Vietnam visa, make sure you have:
Passport Requirements
- Valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry into Vietnam
- At least 2 blank pages for visa stamps
- Must be a regular Canadian passport (not temporary or emergency travel document)
Photo Requirements
- Digital passport photo with white background
- Taken within the last 6 months
- No glasses, hats, or head coverings (unless for religious reasons)
- Face clearly visible, neutral expression
- Proper dimensions: 4×6 cm for physical photos, digital format for online application
Documents Needed
- Passport scan (biographical page)
- Digital passport photo
- Travel details: entry date, entry point, accommodation address in Vietnam
- Valid email address to receive the eVisa
- Credit or debit card for online payment
Entry Points for Canadian Travelers
With a valid eVisa, Canadian citizens can enter Vietnam through:
International Airports
- Noi Bai (Hanoi) – main airport for northern Vietnam
- Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) – main airport for southern Vietnam
- Da Nang – central Vietnam gateway
- Cam Ranh – for Nha Trang area
- Phu Quoc – island airport
- Phu Bai – for Hue
- Plus 11 more airports across the country
Land Border Crossings
Popular crossings include Mong Cai (China border), Lao Cai (China border), and multiple crossings with Laos and Cambodia.
Seaports
13 seaports accept eVisa holders, including those in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hai Phong.
Special Cases for Canadian Citizens
Phu Quoc Island Visa-Free Entry
All foreign visitors, including Canadians, can visit Phu Quoc Island without a visa for up to 30 days when arriving directly by air or sea from outside Vietnam. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the arrival date. This exemption applies only while you stay on Phu Quoc – if you travel to mainland Vietnam, you need a regular visa.
5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate
Overseas Vietnamese currently residing in Canada, as well as their spouses and children, may be eligible for a 5-year visa exemption certificate. This allows stays of up to 180 consecutive days without a visa. Contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Ottawa or Consulate in Vancouver for details.
Business Travelers
Canadian business travelers can use the eVisa for short business trips (up to 90 days). For longer business stays or frequent travel, consider applying for a business visa through the embassy or obtaining an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) if eligible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Assuming visa-free entry – Canada is NOT on Vietnam’s exemption list. Always arrange your visa before travel.
-
Wrong passport details – The most common eVisa rejection reason. Double-check name spelling, passport number, and date of birth.
-
Photo doesn’t meet requirements – White background, no glasses, proper dimensions. Poor photos cause processing delays.
-
Applying too late – Standard processing takes 3-5 working days. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure.
-
Forgetting the approval letter for VOA – If you choose Visa on Arrival, you MUST have the approval letter before boarding your flight.
-
Not enough blank pages – You need at least 2 blank pages in your passport. If your passport is almost full, renew it first.
-
Expired passport – Your passport must be valid for 6+ months beyond your entry date. Check this before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadian citizens need a visa for Vietnam in 2026?
Yes. Canadian passport holders must obtain a valid visa before entering Vietnam. Canada is not on Vietnam’s visa exemption list. The easiest option is the eVisa, which can be applied for entirely online.
How much does a Vietnam eVisa cost for Canadians?
The official government fee is 25 USD for a single-entry eVisa and 50 USD for a multiple-entry eVisa. These are the only fees when applying through the official portal at evisa.gov.vn. Some third-party agencies charge additional service fees.
How long does it take to get a Vietnam visa for Canadian citizens?
The eVisa typically takes 3 to 5 working days to process. During peak seasons or Vietnamese holidays, it can take up to 7 working days. Visa on Arrival approval letters usually take 2-5 working days.
Can Canadian citizens get a visa on arrival in Vietnam?
Yes, but only for air entry. You need to obtain a visa approval letter from a licensed agency before your flight. Upon arrival at a Vietnamese international airport, you present the letter and get your visa stamped. The stamping fee is 25 USD (single entry) or 50 USD (multiple entry), payable in cash.
Can Canadian citizens visit Vietnam without a visa?
No, except for Phu Quoc Island. Canadians can visit Phu Quoc without a visa for up to 30 days when arriving directly from outside Vietnam. For any other destination in Vietnam, a visa is required.
What is the best visa option for Canadian tourists visiting Vietnam?
For most Canadian tourists, the eVisa is the best option. It costs only 25 USD, allows stays up to 90 days, works at all entry points (airports, land borders, seaports), and requires no waiting at the airport. In 2025, about 85% of Canadian travelers to Vietnam used the eVisa system.
Do I need a visa for a short layover in Vietnam?
If you remain in the transit area of the airport and your layover is under 24 hours, you typically do not need a visa. However, if you want to leave the airport or your layover exceeds 24 hours, you will need a visa. Consider the Phu Quoc exemption if your final destination is the island.
