The Vietnam e-visa (Vietnam electronic visa) is one of the most popular options for individuals entering Vietnam with a foreign passport (for example, a U.S. passport), as well as for international travelers visiting Vietnam for tourism. In this article, ICAFAS shares important information about the Vietnam e-visa to help you prepare in advance before traveling to Vietnam.
Vietnam E-visa: What is it and who should use it?
The Vietnam e-visa is an electronic visa issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department for foreign nationals who use a passport other than a Vietnamese passport to enter Vietnam. This type of visa is applied for and issued online, and it does not require a visa sticker to be placed in the passport.
The e-visa is issued to citizens of many countries and is suitable in cases where you no longer have or do not use a Vietnamese passport:
- Simple and fast procedures, with the ability to apply online.
- Suitable for cases where you need to travel to Vietnam urgently.
- Allows entry through 42 international checkpoints, including:
- International airports
- Land border checkpoints
- Seaports
How long is a Vietnam E-visa valid?
Currently, the Vietnam e-visa is issued with two main validity periods: 30 days and 90 days (single entry or multiple entries), depending on the traveler’s entry needs.
- Vietnam E-visa - 30 days: The 30-day e-visa has been implemented by the Vietnam Immigration Department since February 2017. This type of visa allows foreign nationals to enter Vietnam once or multiple times and stay for up to 30 days from the date of entry.
- Vietnam E-visa - 90 days: Starting from August 15, 2023, Vietnam officially extended the maximum validity of the e-visa to 90 days, making it more convenient for foreigners who wish to stay longer in Vietnam. Accordingly, the e-visa now includes a 90-day option, available for either single-entry or multiple-entry purposes.
Important notes about the E-visa validity period
- The e-visa validity is calculated based on the dates stated on the visa, not on the actual date of entry.
- You should not overstay your visa to avoid penalties or potential difficulties when entering Vietnam in the future.
- The e-visa cannot be extended, so you should carefully choose the appropriate visa type from the beginning.
Steps to apply for a Vietnam E-visa
To apply for a Vietnam e-visa, the applicant’s passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Vietnam and must have at least two blank pages remaining.
The process for applying for a Vietnam e-visa is as follows:
- Access the online application portal: https://thithucdientu.gov.vn/
- Complete the required information and verify your details
- Pay the service fee
- Check the status of your e-visa application by visiting the portal
- Receive the download link and print your e-visa once it has been approved
The Vietnam e-visa is a convenient option for foreign passport holders entering Vietnam. With an online application process and flexible validity periods, it provides a practical solution that helps you better plan your trip to Vietnam and stay in compliance with immigration regulations.
