German citizens can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days under Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP (effective March 15, 2025 through March 14, 2028). For stays longer than 45 days, the official e-Visa costs $25 USD (single entry) or $50 USD (multiple entry) and is valid for up to 90 days.
This guide covers every visa option available to German citizens, the 45-day visa exemption rules, how to apply for an e-Visa when you need one, and answers to the most common questions German travelers ask before visiting Vietnam.
Do German Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?
No – not for short stays. Germany is one of 12 countries granted visa exemption under Vietnam’s Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP, issued on March 7, 2025. German passport holders can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 consecutive days from the date of entry, regardless of passport type or purpose of visit.
This exemption is valid from March 15, 2025 to March 14, 2028 and may be extended by future government resolution.
You will need a visa if:
- Your stay exceeds 45 days
- You plan to work or be employed in Vietnam
- You are engaging in investment activities or long-term projects
- You are doing journalism or media work
For these situations, German citizens can apply for an e-Visa, Visa on Arrival, or an embassy visa.
Vietnam E-Visa for German Citizens
The e-Visa is the most convenient option when you need to stay longer than 45 days or require multiple entries. It is issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department through the official portal at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.
E-Visa Fees for Germans
| Visa Type | Government Fee | Validity | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-entry e-Visa | $25 USD (~23 EUR) | 90 days | 90 days per entry |
| Multiple-entry e-Visa | $50 USD (~46 EUR) | 90 days | 90 days per entry |
These are the official government fees. No sponsor letter or invitation letter is required. Payment is made online by credit or debit card during the application. For a full breakdown of all visa types, see our Vietnam visa fees guide.
E-Visa Processing Time
Standard processing takes 3 to 5 working days. During peak travel seasons (December-February, May-July), processing may take up to 7 working days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date to allow buffer time.
You can check your e-Visa status online at any time after submitting your application.
Who Is Eligible?
All German passport holders with a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and at least 2 blank visa pages are eligible. The e-Visa covers tourism, business, transit, and visiting relatives.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival for German Citizens
Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available for German travelers arriving by air at one of Vietnam’s international airports, including Hanoi (Noi Bai), Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), Da Nang, Nha Trang (Cam Ranh), and Phu Quoc.
How VOA Works
- Apply online through a licensed visa agency to get a pre-approval letter
- Receive the letter by email (usually within 2-3 working days)
- Present the letter at the VOA counter upon arrival in Vietnam
- Pay the stamping fee in cash (USD) and receive your visa stamp
VOA Fees for Germans
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-approval letter (agency fee) | $6-$25 USD (varies by agency) |
| Stamping fee (single entry) | $25 USD |
| Stamping fee (multiple entry) | $50 USD |
| Total estimated cost | $31-$75 USD |
Important: VOA is only available at airports. If you are entering Vietnam by land or sea, you must have an e-Visa or embassy visa. VOA also requires you to queue at the airport counter, which can take 30-60 minutes during busy periods. For most German travelers, the e-Visa is the better option – see our Vietnam visa on arrival guide for a detailed comparison.
Vietnam Embassy Visa for German Citizens
German citizens can apply for a visa at the Embassy of Vietnam in Berlin or the Consulate General in Frankfurt.
Embassy Details
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
| Embassy of Vietnam | Elsenstrasse 3, 12435 Berlin |
| Consulate General | Kennedyallee 49, 60596 Frankfurt am Main |
When to Choose the Embassy Option
- You need a long-term visa (beyond 90 days)
- You are entering Vietnam for work, study, or diplomatic purposes
- You prefer a physical visa sticker in your passport
- You are not eligible for the e-Visa due to passport or entry-port restrictions
Embassy processing typically takes 5-7 working days. You will need to submit your passport, application form, photos, and supporting documents in person or by mail.
E-Visa vs Visa on Arrival vs Embassy: Comparison
| Feature | E-Visa | Visa on Arrival | Embassy Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apply from Germany | Yes (fully online) | Yes (online for letter) | Yes (in person or mail) |
| Processing time | 3-5 working days | 2-3 days (letter) + airport | 5-7 working days |
| Entry points | All airports, land, sea | Airports only | All entry points |
| Single entry cost | $25 | $31-$50+ | Varies |
| Multiple entry | Yes ($50) | Yes | Yes |
| Queue at arrival | No (use e-gate) | Yes (VOA counter) | No |
| Best for | Most travelers | Last-minute air arrivals | Long-term/work visas |
For most German tourists staying longer than 45 days, the e-Visa is the best choice – it is the cheapest, fastest, and most convenient option.
Documents Required for German Citizens
Before traveling to Vietnam, make sure you have the following ready:
- Valid German passport – must be valid for at least 6 months from your planned entry date with at least 2 blank pages
- Digital passport photo – 4×6 cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months, no glasses (required for e-Visa application)
- Passport biometric page scan – clear, high-resolution color scan of the photo page (required for e-Visa application)
- Email address – for receiving the e-Visa or approval letter
- Travel details – intended entry date, entry port, and accommodation address in Vietnam
For a complete list, refer to our Vietnam visa requirements guide.
How to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa from Germany (Step by Step)
Follow these steps to get your Vietnam e-Visa as a German citizen:
- Visit the official portal – Go to evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (the only official government e-Visa site)
- Fill in the application form – Enter your personal details, passport information, travel dates, and entry/exit port exactly as they appear on your passport
- Upload your photo and passport scan – Follow the size and format requirements (JPEG for photos, PDF or JPEG for passport scan)
- Pay the fee online – $25 for single entry or $50 for multiple entry, paid by credit or debit card
- Save your registration code – You will receive a code after submission; keep it safe to check your status later
- Wait for processing – Standard processing is 3-5 working days
- Download and print your e-Visa – Once approved, download the PDF and print at least 2 copies to carry with your passport
For a detailed walkthrough, see our step-by-step e-Visa application guide.
Accepted Entry Points for E-Visa Holders
Vietnam’s e-Visa is accepted at all major international airports and several land and sea border gates:
Airports: Hanoi (Noi Bai), Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), Da Nang, Nha Trang (Cam Ranh), Phu Quoc, Hai Phong, Can Tho, Dalat
Land borders: Lao Cai (from China), Huu Nghi (from China), Moc Bai (from Cambodia), Xa Mat (from Cambodia), Lao Bao (from Laos), Song Tien (from Cambodia), Tay Trang (from Laos), and others
Seaports: Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon
Always verify that your intended entry point is on the e-Visa eligible list before applying.
The 45-Day Visa Exemption: What German Travelers Should Know
Germany’s visa exemption was extended and expanded under Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP, signed on March 7, 2025. Here are the key details:
- Duration: Up to 45 days from date of entry
- Passport type: Any valid German passport (regular, diplomatic, official)
- Purpose: All purposes (tourism, business, transit, visiting family)
- Validity period: March 15, 2025 to March 14, 2028
- Extension possible: The resolution may be renewed by the Vietnamese government
- No paperwork required: You do not need to apply for anything in advance – just show up with a valid passport
The other 11 countries sharing this exemption are France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.
Important: If you enter visa-free and decide you want to stay longer than 45 days, you cannot extend the exemption from within Vietnam. You would need to leave the country and re-enter with an e-Visa, or apply for a visa at a Vietnamese embassy or immigration office before your 45 days expire.
Common Mistakes German Applicants Make
Avoid these errors that frequently cause e-Visa delays or rejections:
- Incorrect passport number – even a single digit error leads to rejection. Double-check before submitting
- Low-quality photo – blurry, cropped, or non-white-background photos are rejected
- Wrong photo dimensions – must be 4×6 cm (passport style), not a selfie or casual photo
- Passport validity less than 6 months – your passport must be valid for 6+ months from entry date
- Applying too late – standard processing takes 3-5 days; apply at least 2 weeks before travel
- Using unofficial websites – only use the official government portal at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Third-party sites charge extra fees
- Not printing the e-Visa – you must carry a printed copy; a digital copy on your phone is not accepted at immigration
- Overstaying the 45-day exemption – overstaying even by one day can result in fines, detention, or a future entry ban
Tips for German Travelers Visiting Vietnam
- Currency: The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. Euros are not widely accepted – bring USD or use ATMs upon arrival. 1 EUR is approximately 27,000 VND
- Best time to visit: October to April offers the best weather across most of Vietnam. Northern Vietnam is cool from November to February; southern Vietnam is warm year-round
- Flight connections: Direct flights operate from Frankfurt (FRA) to Ho Chi Minh City via Vietnam Airlines and Lufthansa, with connections through Bangkok, Singapore, or Doha also available
- Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning basic Vietnamese phrases is appreciated
- SIM cards: Buy a local SIM at the airport for around $5-$10 USD for 30 days of data
- Travel insurance: Not required for entry but strongly recommended. German health insurance (GKV) typically does not cover medical evacuation from Vietnam
FAQs About Vietnam Visa for German Citizens
Do German citizens need a visa for Vietnam in 2026?
No. German passport holders can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days under Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP, valid from March 15, 2025 to March 14, 2028. No advance application is needed – just a valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
How long can Germans stay in Vietnam without a visa?
German citizens can stay up to 45 consecutive days without a visa. This applies regardless of passport type or purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit, or family visit). If you need to stay longer, apply for an e-Visa before your trip.
Can German citizens get a Vietnam e-Visa?
Yes. German passport holders are eligible for the Vietnam e-Visa, which is valid for up to 90 days with single or multiple entry options. The e-Visa costs $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry) and takes 3-5 working days to process.
How much does a Vietnam visa cost for German citizens?
If you stay within the 45-day visa-free period, there is no cost at all. For the e-Visa (stays over 45 days), the official government fee is $25 USD for single entry and $50 USD for multiple entry. Visa on Arrival costs $31-$75 USD total including agency and stamping fees.
Can Germans get a visa on arrival in Vietnam?
Yes, German citizens can get a Visa on Arrival at Vietnam’s international airports. However, you need a pre-approval letter from a licensed agency before departure. For most travelers, the e-Visa is simpler since it can be completed entirely online without needing a third-party agency.
Do EU citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Most EU citizens, including Germans, enjoy visa-free entry to Vietnam for up to 45 days. This exemption covers citizens of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and several other European countries. For stays beyond 45 days, the e-Visa is available to citizens of all countries.
Which 12 countries have visa-free access to Vietnam?
The 12 countries with visa exemption under Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP (March 2025) are: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Citizens of these countries can stay up to 45 days without a visa.
What happens if I overstay my 45-day visa-free period in Vietnam?
Overstaying your visa-free period in Vietnam can result in fines starting from 500,000 VND per day of overstay, potential detention, and future entry bans. If you realize you need more time, leave Vietnam before day 45 and re-enter with an e-Visa, or visit the Vietnam Immigration Department to apply for an extension before your exemption expires.
