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Vietnam Visa Guide 2026: Do You Need Just Your Passport, an E-Visa, or Extra Paperwork?

We'll explain each group clearly, including the official government links you can use, and the exact steps to follow.

Group 1: Visa-Exempt Travelers (No visa required for short stays)

If your country is on Vietnam's official visa-exemption list, you can enter Vietnam using only your passport — no application, no online form, no fee. You simply show your passport at the immigration counter when you land.

Full list of visa-exempt countries (2026)

*Important: British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are not included in this exemption and must apply for an e-visa (see Group 2 below).

Not on this list? That's completely normal — most countries in the world are not, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, China, and many others. If your country isn't here, simply go to Group 2 below.

What you need before you fly (Group 1)

Even without a visa, please check these two things carefully — they are the most common reasons for problems at the airport:

That's it — no forms, no online application. You will receive an entry stamp in your passport when you land.

A helpful tip: If you'd like to skip the immigration queue and be met by a staff member who walks you through the airport, ask us about our Fast-Track Arrival Service. This is especially popular with travelers who prefer a calmer, more guided experience.

Want to stay longer than your allowed days? You have two options: leave Vietnam and re-enter (for example, a short trip to Thailand or Cambodia), or apply for a 90-day e-visa in advance, as described in Group 2 below.

Group 2: E-Visa Eligible Travelers (Online application)

If your country was not on the list above, you are in Group 2 — and the good news is that this is now very simple. Since 2023, Vietnam's e-visa is open to every nationality in the world. There is no longer any list of "approved" countries to worry about — everyone qualifies.

Who is this for?

This applies to most travelers, including citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, China, most of Africa, the Middle East, and any European country not listed in Group 1.

What the e-visa gives you

• Stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days

• Choose single-entry (one trip) or multiple-entry (come and go several times)

• Valid for tourism and general business visits (not for paid work — that requires a different visa, see Group 3)

• Accepted at all major airports and most land and sea border crossings

The official government website

Vietnam's e-visa is issued directly by the government through this official portal: https://evisa.gov.vn/

Important safety note: Please only use this official address. There are many unofficial websites online that look similar and charge extra hidden fees, or in some cases mishandle your personal information. If you'd rather not deal with the online form yourself, we are happy to complete the entire application for you — just send us your passport photo page and a passport-style photo, and we'll take care of the rest.

Step-by-step: How to apply for your Vietnam e-visa

Step 1 – Gather your documents. You will need:

• A clear photo or scan of the main information page of your passport (the page with your photo and passport number)

• A recent passport-style photo of yourself (a plain background, similar to a passport photo)

• A credit or debit card to pay the visa fee online

Step 2 – Go to the official website Open https://evisa.gov.vn/ in your web browser. Click on "Apply for e-visa" (sometimes shown as "For foreigners").

Step 3 – Fill in the online form You will be asked for basic details such as your full name (exactly as shown in your passport), date of birth, passport number, arrival date, and which airport, land border, or seaport you will enter through. Take your time and double-check every field — a small typing mistake (for example, in your passport number or your date of birth) is one of the most common reasons an application gets delayed or rejected.

Step 4 – Upload your documents Upload the passport photo page and your personal photo where indicated.

Step 5 – Pay the visa fee online Payment is made securely by card on the website. Keep the payment receipt or confirmation number that appears on screen.

Step 6 – Wait for approval Processing usually takes about 3 working days, though it's wise to apply at least 1–2 weeks before your trip in case of delays, especially around holidays.

Step 7 – Download and print your e-visa Once approved, you'll receive an email with a link to download your e-visa as a PDF. Print two copies and keep one with your travel documents and one as a backup in your luggage. You will show this printed e-visa, together with your physical passport, when you arrive in Vietnam.

A few friendly reminders

• Apply only for yourself, or ask a family member/agent to help you fill out the form carefully — accuracy matters more than speed.

• The visa fee is not refunded if your application is declined, so it's worth having someone double-check your form before you submit it.

• Bring a printed copy even if you have it saved on your phone — some airport counters still prefer paper.

• If you're unsure about any step, our team can complete the entire process for you from start to finish, and we'll confirm every detail with you before submitting.

Group 3: Standard Visa Applicants (Requires extra supporting documents)

For citizens of specific countries and regions, entering Vietnam requires an official Entry Approval Letter (Công văn nhập cảnh). Issued by the Vietnamese Immigration Department, this document is processed through a licensed local sponsor prior to travel.

Which Countries Require a Sponsored Vietnam Visa?

This sponsored application process applies to passport holders from the following regions:

• All African countries

• Middle East: Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, Yemen.

• South Asia: India, Bhutan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal

• A few others: Albania, Ecuador

Important: Visa policy is updated by the Vietnamese government from time to time, so this list can change. If your country is not shown above but you're unsure, just ask us to check for you before you apply

What documents you'll need

To prepare your application file, you will need to provide:

1. Passport – valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date

2. A recent 4x6 cm portrait photo with a white background, taken within the last 6 months

3. Your planned arrival date and airport

4. Flight booking confirmation (your ticket or reservation)

5. Hotel booking confirmation for your stay in Vietnam

6. A simple travel itinerary (a short outline of where you plan to go and what you plan to do)

Step-by-step: How the process works

• Step 1: Document Submission

  Send your documents and travel details to the sponsoring travel agency.

• Step 2: Sponsorship & Filing

  The agency submits your complete application to the Vietnamese Immigration Department to apply for the Entry Approval Letter.

• Step 3: Processing

  Standard processing takes 1 to 3 weeks. Submitting documents 3 to 4 weeks prior to departure is recommended.

• Step 4: Approval Delivery

  Once issued, the Entry Approval Letter is emailed to you. Print a physical copy for your travel.

• Step 5: Visa Stamping on Arrival

  Present your approval letter, passport, photo, and stamping fee at the airport Visa Counter upon arrival in Vietnam.

Ready to get your entry approval letter started? Send us your travel dates today, and we'll take care of the rest — from the paperwork, to visa stamping, to greeting you at the airport when you land.

Quick Summary Table

We're Here to Help, Every Step of the Way

We understand that visa rules can feel confusing, especially with so many different websites offering conflicting information. If you'd like extra peace of mind, our team can:

• Confirm exactly which group you fall into

• Complete your entire e-visa application for you, so you don't need to fill in anything online yourself

• Double-check your documents before submission, to avoid delays or rejection

• Handle special or complicated cases personally, with direct guidance at every stage

• Arrange airport fast-track service so someone is there to greet you and guide you through immigration on arrival

Ready to get started, or simply want to double-check your situation? Contact our visa team and we'll take care of the rest for you.

Please note: Visa policies are set by the Vietnamese government and can change without much notice. This article reflects information available as of 2026. We recommend confirming your specific situation with our team, or checking the official portal at https://evisa.gov.vn/, before finalizing your travel plans.