Vietnam e-Visa: how to apply and what to prepare
Vietnam has made arriving far simpler in recent years, with a visa-free allowance for many nationalities and a straightforward online e-Visa for everyone else or for longer stays. This guide explains how entry works for visitors, what the e-Visa covers, how to prepare your application, and how to arrive ready to explore, from the old quarter of Hanoi to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An.
Who needs a visa for Vietnam
Vietnam offers visa-free entry to citizens of a number of countries for short stays. British passport holders, for example, can currently visit Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days, so many UK travellers on a typical holiday need no visa at all, only a valid passport.
Two situations mean you will need the e-Visa instead:
- Your nationality is not on Vietnam's visa-free list.
- You plan to stay longer than your visa-free allowance permits.
Because these rules change from time to time and vary by nationality, always confirm your own situation on the official Vietnamese e-Visa portal before you make plans. The guidance here is general information to help you prepare, not immigration advice.
What the Vietnam e-Visa is
The e-Visa is an electronic entry document you apply for online, before you travel, through the government portal. It is issued digitally, so there is no need to visit an embassy or post your passport. Once approved, you carry a printed or downloaded copy and present it on arrival alongside your passport.
The e-Visa is accepted at Vietnam's international airports and at many land and sea border crossings, though the list of eligible ports can change. Check that your intended point of entry is covered when you apply, particularly if you are crossing by land from Cambodia, Laos, or China.
How to apply for the e-Visa
The process is done entirely through the official portal. In broad terms, you will:
- Open the official e-Visa portal. Use only the government site linked above. Avoid third-party sites that add unnecessary steps.
- Complete the application form with your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport.
- Upload the required images (see the checklist below).
- Enter your travel details, including your intended date of entry and your point of arrival.
- Submit and pay the official processing charge on the portal.
- Wait for processing, then download your approved e-Visa once it is issued.
Processing usually takes a few working days, but it is wise to apply well ahead of departure to allow for any delays or corrections. For a broader look at how electronic visas work across different countries, see our e-Visa guide.
What to prepare before you apply
Having everything ready before you start makes the application quicker and reduces the risk of rejection over a small error.
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned arrival, with blank pages. Our passport validity rules guide explains why this matters.
- A scanned copy of your passport photo page, clear and complete.
- A recent passport-style photograph with a plain background, meeting the portal's specifications.
- Your travel dates and point of entry, decided in advance, as these appear on the visa.
- An address in Vietnam for your first night, such as your accommodation.
Double-check that the name, date of birth, and passport number on your application match your passport exactly. Mismatches are one of the most common reasons an application is delayed.
On arrival in Vietnam
Whether you enter visa-free or on an e-Visa, keep your documents easy to reach at immigration. If you are travelling on an e-Visa, have a printed copy in addition to a digital version, as connectivity in arrival halls can be unreliable and a paper copy avoids any last-minute stress.
Border officers may ask about your plans, your accommodation, or your onward travel. Answer clearly and have your booking details to hand. Once through, you are free to explore, from the northern highlands to the Mekong Delta.
Staying connected in Vietnam
Vietnam is covered by Saily, the eSIM provider we work with, so you can set up a data plan before you fly and arrive already online. That means you can call up your accommodation address at immigration, order a ride from the airport, and navigate Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City from the moment you land, without queuing for a local SIM card.
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
British passport holders can currently visit Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to apply for the e-Visa. Always confirm the current rules on the official portal before travelling.
How do I apply for a Vietnam e-Visa?
You apply online through the official Vietnamese e-Visa portal. Complete the form with your passport details, upload a passport scan and a photograph, enter your travel dates and point of entry, then submit and pay the official charge.
How long does the Vietnam e-Visa take to process?
Processing typically takes a few working days, though it can vary. Apply well ahead of your departure date to allow time for any corrections or delays.
What documents do I need for the Vietnam e-Visa?
You need a passport valid for at least six months with blank pages, a scan of your passport photo page, a recent passport-style photograph, your travel dates and entry point, and an address for your first night in Vietnam.
Can I use the Vietnam e-Visa at land borders?
The e-Visa is accepted at international airports and many land and sea crossings, but the list of eligible ports can change. Confirm your intended entry point is covered when you apply.
How long is the Vietnam e-Visa valid for?
Validity depends on the type of e-Visa you are granted, and the terms are set out on the official portal. Check the exact duration and the number of entries permitted when you apply.
Does my passport need to be valid for six months to enter Vietnam?
It is standard to hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, with blank pages for stamps. See our passport validity rules guide, and confirm the current requirement on the official source.
What is the difference between visa-free entry and the e-Visa?
Visa-free entry lets eligible nationalities stay for a set period without any application. The e-Visa is an online entry document for travellers who are not eligible for visa-free entry or who wish to stay longer than the visa-free allowance.