A Vietnamese e-visa is an electronic visa that allows foreign nationals to enter Vietnam. It is a convenient and efficient way to obtain a visa, as it can be applied for online and processed within a few days.
Vietnamese E-Visa Application Process

To begin with, let’s delve into the Vietnamese e-visa application process, which is designed to simplify the traditional visa application procedure. The following steps outline the process:
- Online Application: Start by accessing the official Vietnamese e-visa website. Fill out the online application form with accurate and up-to-date information. Be sure to double-check all the details before submission.
- Upload Required Documents: Once you have completed the application form, you will be prompted to upload certain supporting documents. These may include a scanned copy of your passport biodata page, passport-sized photograph, and any other documents specified by the Vietnamese immigration authorities.
- Payment of Fees: After uploading the required documents, you will need to pay the applicable fees for your e-visa. Various payment methods such as credit card or online banking are usually accepted.
- Confirmation and Processing: After successful submission of your application and payment, you will receive an acknowledgment and confirmation email. The processing of your e-visa will commence at this stage.
- E-Visa Approval: Once your application is approved, you will receive an approval notification via email. This notification will include an e-visa code that you must present when entering Vietnam. It is advisable to print a copy of this approval for your travel records.

Eligibility Requirements for Vietnamese E-Visa
A Vietnamese e-visa is an electronic visa that allows citizens of certain countries to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, or a combination of purposes. The e-visa is a convenient and cost-effective way to obtain a visa for Vietnam, as it can be applied for online and does not require a visit to a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
Who Can Apply for a Vietnamese E-Visa?
As of August 15, 2023, citizens of all countries and territories around the world can apply for an e-visa to enter Vietnam. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, citizens of countries that have a visa waiver agreement with Vietnam do not need to apply for an e-visa, and citizens of countries that are on Vietnam’s visa blacklist are not eligible for an e-visa.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Vietnamese e-visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Vietnam. It must also have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- Submit a recent passport-size photograph: Your photograph must be taken within the last six months. It must be a color photograph taken against a white background, showing your full face, including both ears. The photograph must be in JPEG format and must be at least 3.5 cm wide and 4.5 cm tall.
- Provide personal information: You must provide your full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number, and passport expiry date. You must also provide your contact information, including your email address and phone number.
- Choose an entry port: You must specify the port of entry you will use when entering Vietnam. There are 13 international airports, 16 land border gates, and 13 sea border gates where you can enter Vietnam using an e-visa.
- Have a valid payment method: You must have a valid credit or debit card to pay the e-visa fee. American Express cards are not accepted.
Visa Duration and Entry Times
The Vietnamese e-visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You can enter Vietnam multiple times within the visa’s validity period. However, you cannot stay in Vietnam for more than 30 days per entry.
Application Process
The application process for a Vietnamese e-visa is straightforward and can be completed online. To apply for an e-visa, you will need to follow these steps:
- Create an account: Go to the e-visa website and create an account using your email address and password.
- Fill out the application form: Complete the application form by providing all of the required information, including your passport details, contact information, travel dates, and purpose of visit.
- Upload your photograph and passport data page: Upload a recent passport-size photograph and a clear copy of your passport data page.
- Pay the e-visa fee: Use your credit or debit card to pay the e-visa fee.
- Review your application and submit: Review your application details carefully and make sure they are correct. Once satisfied, submit the application.
Processing Times
The processing time for a Vietnamese e-visa is usually within 3 working days. However, during peak seasons, the processing time may be longer. Once your e-visa is approved, you will receive an email containing a QR code and a copy of your e-visa. Print out the e-visa and present it to immigration officers upon arrival in Vietnam.
If you need to travel to Vietnam urgently, you can apply for an express e-visa. The express e-visa processing time is usually within 24 hours. However, there is an additional fee for express processing.
Fees and Payment Methods for Vietnamese E-Visa
Applying for a Vietnamese e-visa involves the payment of certain fees. Here are some important points to understand about fees and accepted payment methods:
- Fee Amount: The fee for obtaining a Vietnamese e-visa varies depending on the duration of stay and the purpose of visit. It is essential to check the official website for the most up-to-date fee information.
- Payment Methods: The Vietnamese e-visa website typically accepts payment through various methods such as credit cards and online banking. Ensure that you have a valid payment method available before starting the application process.
- Non-Refundable: The fees paid for the e-visa application are generally non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application. Therefore, it is crucial to review all requirements and eligibility criteria before submitting your application.
It is advisable to double-check the fee structure and payment methods on the official Vietnamese e-visa website to ensure accurate and timely payment during your application process.
Processing Time for Vietnamese E-Visa
The processing time for a Vietnamese e-visa is an important factor to consider when planning your trip. Here are some key points to understand about the processing time:
- Standard Processing: The standard processing time for a Vietnamese e-visa is typically around three working days from the date of application submission. However, this may vary depending on various factors such as the overall volume of applications and any unforeseen circumstances.
- Notification of Approval: Once your e-visa application is approved, you will receive a notification via email. It is crucial to regularly check your email, including the spam folder, to ensure you don’t miss the approval notification.
- Allow Sufficient Time: To avoid any last-minute complications or delays in obtaining your e-visa, it is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates. Allowing a buffer period of at least one week is recommended to account for any potential processing delays.
- Urgent Processing: In certain circumstances, you may require urgent processing of your e-visa application. Some countries offer expedited processing services for an additional fee. Check the official website for information on whether this option is available for your nationality.
Understanding the processing time is crucial for effective trip planning. Be sure to consider the standard processing time and allow sufficient buffer period to receive your e-visa before your departure date.
Vietnamese E-Visa: Entry and Exit Points
When holding a Vietnamese e-visa, it’s important to know the designated entry and exit points where you can use the e-visa for entry into Vietnam. Here are some key points to understand about entry and exit points:
- Airports: The Vietnamese e-visa allows for entry through specific international airports, including major airports like Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), and Da Nang International Airport (Da Nang). It’s essential to confirm the list of eligible airports on the official e-visa website.
- Seaports: Some seaports in Vietnam also accept the e-visa for entry, including ports such as Ha Long Bay, Da Nang Port, and Nha Trang Port. However, it is crucial to review the latest information on eligible seaports before planning your travel.
- Land Border Checkpoints: The Vietnamese e-visa allows for entry through selected land border checkpoints. These include crossings with neighboring countries like China, Laos, and Cambodia. It’s important to note that not all land border checkpoints accept the e-visa, so checking the official website for the specific points of entry is essential.
- Exit Points: When leaving Vietnam, you can use any authorized international checkpoint, including airports, seaports, and land borders.
By familiarizing yourself with the designated entry and exit points, you can ensure a smooth travel experience when using your Vietnamese e-visa.
Restrictions and Limitations of Vietnamese E-Visa
While the Vietnamese e-visa offers convenience and simplicity, it is important to be aware of certain restrictions and limitations that accompany this visa type. Here are some key points to consider:
- Limited to Tourist and Business Purposes: The Vietnamese e-visa is primarily intended for tourism and business activities. If you plan to engage in other activities such as employment, study, or volunteer work, you will need to apply for a different type of visa that corresponds to your specific purpose.
- Single Entry Only: The e-visa allows for a single entry into Vietnam. If you exit the country during your authorized stay, you will need to apply for a new e-visa if you wish to re-enter. Multiple entries within the validity period are not permitted with the e-visa.
- Restricted Duration of Stay: The e-visa allows for a maximum stay of 30 consecutive days in Vietnam. If you exceed this duration, you may face penalties or difficulties when departing the country.
- Limited Validity Period: The validity period of the e-visa refers to the time frame within which you can enter Vietnam. It is essential to ensure that you enter the country on or after the specified start date and before the expiration date of the e-visa. Failure to comply with these dates may result in denial of entry.
- No Extension or Conversion: The Vietnamese e-visa cannot be extended or converted into another visa type while in Vietnam. If you require a longer stay or a different visa category, you will need to depart Vietnam and apply for the appropriate visa from a Vietnamese embassy or consulate abroad.
- Applicable to Certain Nationalities: While the Vietnamese e-visa is available to citizens of many countries, there may be specific restrictions or additional requirements for certain nationalities. It is crucial to review the official website and ensure that your country is eligible for the e-visa program.
- Subject to Immigration Laws and Regulations: Holders of the Vietnamese e-visa must comply with all relevant immigration laws and regulations during their stay in Vietnam. Any violations may result in fines, deportation, or future travel restrictions.
It is important to thoroughly understand these restrictions and limitations before applying for and using the Vietnamese e-visa to avoid any complications or legal issues during your visit to Vietnam.
Renewing or Extending Vietnamese E-Visa
The Vietnamese e-visa cannot be renewed or extended. It is valid only for a single entry and a maximum stay of 30 consecutive days. If you need to extend your stay beyond the authorized period or require multiple entries, you will need to apply for a different visa type.
To extend your stay in Vietnam, you have a few options:
- Visa Extension: If you are already in Vietnam and wish to extend your stay, you can visit the local immigration office and apply for a visa extension. This process requires certain documents and may involve fees.
- Visa Conversion: If you have a valid Vietnamese e-visa and wish to convert it into a different visa category, such as a work visa or a student visa, you will need to leave Vietnam and apply for the new visa from a Vietnamese embassy or consulate abroad.
- Leaving and Re-entering: Another option is to leave Vietnam before your e-visa expires and re-enter the country on a new visa. This could be a tourist visa, business visa, or any other appropriate visa type that suits your purpose of stay.
It is crucial to plan accordingly and ensure that you have the necessary visas or extensions in place to avoid any overstay penalties or complications with your immigration status in Vietnam.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting with Vietnamese E-Visa
While the Vietnamese e-visa system aims to simplify the visa application process, some common issues and challenges may arise. Here are a few of them and some suggestions for troubleshooting:
- Technical Difficulties: During the online application process, you may encounter technical issues such as website glitches or slow processing times. It is advisable to try again later or use a different device or browser to complete your application.
- Document Upload Errors: Uploading the required documents can sometimes be challenging, especially if the file sizes are too large or the formats are not accepted. Ensure that your documents meet the specified criteria and consider compressing files if needed.
- Payment Failures: If you experience difficulties with the payment process, double-check your payment details, ensure sufficient funds in your account, or try using an alternative payment method.
- Delayed Approvals: In certain cases, the approval of your e-visa may take longer than the standard processing time. If this occurs, it is recommended to contact the Vietnamese immigration authorities for clarification or updates on the status of your application.
- Incorrect Information on E-Visa: Upon receiving your e-visa approval, carefully review all the details mentioned on the e-visato ensure that the information is accurate and matches your passport details. If you notice any errors or discrepancies, contact the Vietnamese immigration authorities immediately to rectify the issue.
- Denied Application: In some cases, an e-visa application may be denied. This could occur due to various reasons such as incomplete documentation, ineligibility, or other factors. If your application is denied, consider applying for a different visa type or contacting the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate for further guidance.
If you encounter any difficulties or issues during the Vietnamese e-visa application process, it is advisable to seek assistance from the official Vietnamese e-visa website or contact the relevant authorities for support and clarification.
Conclusion
The Vietnamese e-visa program offers a convenient and streamlined process for obtaining a visa for tourism or business purposes. By understanding the application process, eligibility requirements, necessary documents, fees, processing time, entry and exit points, restrictions, limitations, and common issues associated with the Vietnamese e-visa, you can navigate the process effectively. Remember to thoroughly review the official Vietnamese e-visa website for the most up-to-date information and requirements.
Hi
Just want to check if you can amend or edit an eVisa.Got a eVisa which needs to be amended but no time as our flight id tonight. Thanks