As of October 2026, Saudi Arabian citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam, and the Vietnam visa for Saudi Arabian citizens is most often obtained as an e-visa on the government portal. Short answer: yes, you need one, and you should have it approved before you book non-refundable flights.
Highlights
- Saudi passports are not on Vietnam’s visa-exemption list, so every visitor needs a visa.
- Three routes exist: e-visa (online), visa on arrival (approval letter, airports only) and embassy visa (Riyadh).
- E-visa government fee: $25 single entry / $50 multiple entry. Official processing: about 3 working days.
Quick Reference: Vietnam Visa Options for Saudi Passport Holders
| Visa type | Eligible? | Key requirement | Max stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-visa | Yes | Passport valid 6+ months, photo, passport scan | Up to 90 days |
| Visa on arrival | Yes (air arrivals) | Approval letter before boarding | As stated in the letter |
| Embassy visa | Yes | Documents submitted in Riyadh | Varies |
Do Saudi Arabian Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Yes. Vietnam does not offer visa-free entry to Saudi passports, whether you travel for tourism, business or to visit family. Travelers who hold a Vietnamese visa-exemption certificate (some overseas Vietnamese and their family members) follow separate rules, so check your own documents with the embassy.
The practical takeaway: get the visa first, then book.
Vietnam Visa for Saudi Arabian Citizens: E-Visa Details
The e-visa is an online application. You submit your details, pay the government fee by card, and receive the approved e-visa by email. Print it and carry itr passport.
What you need
- Passport valid for at least six months, with blank pages
- A recent portrait-style photo
- A clear scan of the passport data page
- Intended entry date and entry point (for example Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang), matching your flight from Riyadh, Jeddah or Dammam
- A payment card
Government fees and timing
| E-visa type | Processing (official) | Fee (USD) | Fee (SAR, approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single entry | About 3 working days | $25 | SAR 94 |
| Multiple entry | About 3 working days | $50 | SAR 188 |
SAR figures use the pegged rate of 3.75 per dollar and exclude card charges. Fees follow Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC (effective 1 April 2026) as published in 2026 guides, so confirm the amount on the portal before paying. Agencies, including this site’s operator, add an optional service fee for form checking and faster handling. Those fast-track options are a company service, not an official government tier.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No embassy visit | Photo or passport scan errors can cause delays |
| Up to 90 days | Fee is not refunded if rejected |
| No stamping queue on arrival | Processing slows around public holidays |
Where to apply: the official portal is evisa.gov.vn. You can apply there directly, or use an agency such as our Vietnam e-visa service.
Visa on Arrival for Saudi Citizens
Visa on arrival is a two-step route. An agency obtains a pre-approval letter from Vietnam’s Immigration Department before you fly. On arrival, you show the letter and passport at the visa counter, pay a stamping fee in cash and receive the visa stamp.
Reported stamping fees are $25 for single entry and $50 for multiple entry, on top of the agency’s letter fee. This route works only at international airports, not land borders or seaports. Expect a queue at the counter.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Useful when you decide to travel late | Airports only |
| Fewer online form fields for you | Counter queue and cash stamping fee |
Availability and fees can change, so confirm with your agency and airline before departure.
E-Visa vs Visa on Arrival vs Embassy Visa
| Criteria | E-visa | Visa on arrival | Embassy visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online (evisa.gov.vn) | Agency, online | Embassy in Riyadh |
| Entry points | Designated airports, land borders and seaports | International airports only | Depends on visa issued |
| Wait on arrival | None | Counter queue + stamping | None |
| Typical timing | About 3 working days | Letter first, stamp on arrival | Often 3-5 working days (contact embassy) |
| Government cost | $25 / $50 | Letter fee + $25 / $50 stamping fee | Contact embassy |
| Best for | Most tourists | Late air travelers | Travelers who prefer a paper process |
For most Saudi travelers, the e-visa is the simplest path.
Vietnam Embassy in Riyadh
| Location | Address | Phone | Hours | Website | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh | Villa 11B, Al-Safah Street, Al-Rayyan District, Riyadh | +966 11 454 7887 | vnemb.sa@mofa.gov.vn | Sun-Thu, about 9:00-14:00 | vnembassy-riyadh.mofa.gov.vn |
If you prefer a paper process, the Vietnam visa for Saudi Arabian citizens can also be requested in Riyadh. Call before you go. Hours, fees and document lists are set by the embassy, and details can change. More locations are on our embassies page.
Holidays That Affect Processing
| Country | Holiday | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | Tet (Lunar New Year, early February 2027) | Government offices close for several days; e-visa processing often slows |
| Vietnam | Reunification Day and Labour Day (30 April, 1 May) | Short closures |
| Vietnam | National Day (2 September) | Short closures |
| Saudi Arabia | Founding Day (22 February), National Day (23 September) | Embassy may close |
| Saudi Arabia | Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha (lunar dates) | Embassy closed for several days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Saudi Arabian citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes. Saudi Arabian passport holders are not on Vietnam’s visa-exemption list, so every visitor needs a visa before entering, whether for tourism, business or family visits. Most tourists apply for an e-visa online at evisa.gov.vn before travel. Overseas Vietnamese with a valid exemption certificate follow separate rules.
How much does the Vietnam e-visa cost for Saudi citizens?
The government fee is $25 for a single-entry e-visa and $50 for multiple entry, roughly SAR 94 and SAR 188 at the pegged rate. You pay online by card, and the fee is not refunded if the application is rejected. Agencies charge optional service fees on top of the government fee.
How long does it take to get a Vietnam e-visa?
The official window is about three working days, and many guides report three to five. Apply at least a week before you buy non-refundable flights, and add extra time around Tet and other public holidays, when processing slows and offices close.
Should I choose the e-visa or visa on arrival?
For most Saudi tourists, the e-visa is simpler: it works at more entry points and you skip the stamping queue. Visa on arrival works only at international airports and needs an approval letter first. Choose it only if your agency or airline recommends it for your route.
Can I extend my e-visa inside Vietnam?
Guides in 2026 report that e-visa extensions are not available. If you need more time, travelers usually leave and apply for a new e-visa, or ask the Immigration Department about options before the visa expires. Overstaying can lead to penalties, so plan the dates carefully.
Apply or Check Requirements
Ready to apply? Start on the official portal at evisa.gov.vn, or apply with our team if you prefer help with the form. See also: Vietnam visa fees, application process and what is a Vietnam e-visa.
Disclaimer: Information may change, so check the official portal (evisa.gov.vn) before you apply. visaonlinevietnam.com is a commercial travel agency operated by Transocean Trading Service Travel Company Limited. You may also apply directly via the official government portal.
