Vietnam’s visa policy has changed more in the last three years than in the previous decade. The e-visa system is now the standard entry method for most nationalities, visa-free agreements have expanded significantly since 2023, and the previous 15-day visa-free cap has been extended to 45 days for many countries. This guide covers the current situation as of 2026 — but always verify with the official Vietnam Immigration Department portal before travel.

The e-visa — the standard option for most visitors

The Vietnam e-visa is available to citizens of most countries and allows a stay of up to 90 days (single or multiple entry). It’s applied for entirely online before travel, costs $25 USD, and is typically processed within 3 business days. You’ll need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date, a passport-sized photo, and a card for the application fee.

Apply at the official portal: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Do not use third-party services that charge additional fees to “process” the same application — the official portal is the only legitimate application channel. Print the approved e-visa and carry a physical copy alongside the digital version on your phone.

Visa-free entry — who qualifies and for how long

As of 2026, Vietnam grants visa-free entry to citizens of approximately 45 countries for periods ranging from 14 to 45 days. The 45-day visa-free policy covers citizens of most European countries, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, and Russia. Citizens of the US, Canada, India, and most other Asian countries typically require an e-visa.

The visa-free period cannot be extended at immigration offices. If you want to stay longer than the visa-free period allows, you need to exit and re-enter, or apply for the e-visa before travel which gives you 90 days from the start.

Arriving at Tan Son Nhat (Saigon)

The immigration queue at Tan Son Nhat can be long on peak arrival days. Allow 45–90 minutes for immigration processing on busy days. The e-visa lane is usually faster than the general foreign nationals queue. Have your e-visa approval printed or clearly visible on your phone, your entry/exit form completed, and accommodation details for your first night ready.

Extending your stay

E-visas for 90 days cannot be extended beyond that period without leaving Vietnam and re-applying. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, contact a licensed Vietnamese immigration agency for assistance — the rules for long-stay visas are more complex and subject to change.