How do get a Vietnam visa? Compared to neighbours such as Thailand or Malaysia, Vietnam’s entry process is a bit more complex and costly. Still, the huge savings on food and stays make it way more budget-friendly than Japan or South Korea!
So, how exactly do you handle the paperwork? What is a Vietnam e-Visa, and can you enter visa-free?
If you’re planning a trip soon, you need to stay on top of the latest entry requirements for 2026. But don’t worry; KKday is here with a step-by-step guide to applying for your Vietnam visa and e-Visa.
| 30-Second Vibe Check: Which Vietnam Visa Option is Right for You? | |
| STANDARD DIY E-VISA | KKDAY EXPRESS SERVICE |
| 3 to 5+ Business Days | As fast as 2 Hours |
| You handle the tricky forms and photo uploads | Experts double-check everything for you |
| No support if your application gets stuck or delayed | 24/7 friendly help on WhatsApp, LINE, or WeChat |
| Best For: Early birds with plenty of time to spare. | Best For: Busy travelers who want a smooth, guaranteed trip! |
Vietnam Visa & Vietnam e-Visa FAQ
Do English-speaking travelers need a visa for Vietnam?
Most Western travelers will need a visa, but there are some fantastic exemptions. Citizens of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain can now enjoy 45 days of visa-free entry.
For those from the USA, Canada, and Australia, the 90-day e-Visa is the perfect solution. It is the most affordable and efficient way to secure your entry online.
How to apply for a Vietnam visa in 2026?
Vietnam e-Visa is live! There are three types of Vietnam visas: Visa on Arrival (VOA), Paper Visa, and e-Visa. There are also three ways to apply: through an agency, in person at the office, or online yourself.
Regardless of the method, the process takes time. Choose based on your schedule and budget.
How to get a Vietnam tourist visa?
Previously, many travellers had to rely on third-party agencies to secure a Visa on Arrival (VOA) approval letter before they could even board their flight. Thankfully, those days are over!
As of August 15, 2023, Vietnam has expanded its e-Visa program to include citizens of all countries and territories. This means English-speaking travellers from the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, and beyond can now apply directly online.
The process is much more straightforward now, allowing you to bypass agency fees and long waits.
For the most accurate information and to start your application, visit the official Vietnam E-Visa portal managed by the Vietnam Immigration Department.
How long does it take? When should I apply?
For a Paper Visa through an embassy or consulate, standard processing usually takes 5 to 10 working days. If you use a travel agency, expect a total turnaround of about 1 to 2 weeks to account for handling.
The e-Visa is faster, typically issued within 3 to 5 working days, though minor delays can happen during peak seasons. To keep your trip stress-free, it is best to apply at least 2 weeks in advance!
How much does a Vietnam visa cost?
The e-Visa fee is 25 USD (657,250 VND) for a single-entry visa or 50 USD (1,314,500 VND) for a multiple-entry visa. This is the most cost-effective option as it is paid entirely online.
For a Visa on Arrival, you pay an agency fee of 20 USD to 50 USD (525,800 to 1,314,500 VND) for your letter.
Upon landing, you must pay a cash stamping fee of 25 USD (657,250 VND) for a single entry or 50 USD (1,314,500 VND) for multiple entries.
What documents do I need?
Whether you apply for an e-Visa, VOA, or Paper Visa, you will need:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months.
- A passport photo (standard 4×6 cm or 2×2 inches, white background, no glasses).
- The visa fee in USD or VND.
For the e-Visa, you also need a clear digital scan of your passport’s bio page. For a VOA, you must have your printed approval letter and a completed entry/exit form ready before you land.
Popular Experiences in Vietnam that you can’t miss!
Vietnam E-Visa Now Open for All International Travelers
As of August 2023, Vietnam has officially opened its e-Visa system to citizens of all countries and territories worldwide.
This exciting update allows English-speaking travelers to easily apply online and bypass the old, complex Visa on Arrival letter process.
For the most reliable experience, you should submit your application directly through the official Vietnam e-Visa portal.
Most approvals are issued within three to five working days, making it the fastest way to prepare for your trip.
How to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa?
The current e-Visa is valid for up to 90 days and allows for multiple entries. The application process is as follows:
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Visit the official Vietnam Government e-Visa website and click the red “Submit Application” button in the top right corner.
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Upload your passport-style photo and bio page, then fill in your personal details (remember to use English!).
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Once finished, you will receive a registration code (be sure to save this code!).
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Pay the 25 USD (approximately 657,250 VND) fee and wait patiently for 3 working days.
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After 3 working days, return to the e-Visa website or check your email for the application result.
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Once approved, remember to print the document and present it when entering Vietnam.
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Quick Reminder: Before you apply, always double-check the official Vietnam e-Visa URL to avoid fake sites or phishing scams. Stay safe; scams are becoming more common!
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Vietnam Tourist Visa
Recommended Visa Agency Services
Even though the e-Visa is convenient, do you still feel like skipping the research? You’re not alone.
For a trip to Vietnam, using a professional agency or travel service is still the most direct and simple way to go. To keep it simple, here is a quick summary of your best options.
| Vietnam Visa Type & Price | Details |
| Online Visa Application From 40 USD |
30/90 days (Single or Multiple Entry). Express options available. |
| Electronic Visa on Arrival From 45 USD |
30/90 days (Single or Multiple Entry). |
| E-Visa Agency Service From 39 USD |
30/90 days (Single or Multiple Entry). |
| Tourist Entry Approval Letter From 30 USD |
15-day visa. Get it in as fast as 1 hour! (Excludes 25 USD stamping fee). |
| Standard E-Visa From 30 USD |
90 days (Single or Multiple Entry). |
Vietnam Visa Costs
If you choose a travel agency or professional service to handle your Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) approval letter, fees typically range from 110 to 380 USD. The exact price depends on the level of service and how quickly you need it processed.
Many agencies also offer full-service visa handling for 125 to 160 USD.
When booking, check if your service includes the VOA approval letter fee and any extra costs to avoid unexpected expenses. Examples include express processing or document translation.
Don’t Just Focus on Your Visa! Remember Your Passport Renewal
Some travellers think that as long as they have a visa, they are ready to go. However, your passport is your primary identification document abroad, whereas a visa is a specific entry permit.
You absolutely cannot forget to check your passport!
New Vietnam Destination: How to Explore Sapa?
Is Sapa Worth Visiting?
If you’ve already ticked Phu Quoc and Da Nang off your list, there’s a dreamy, European-style escape in Northern Vietnam just waiting for you. Say hello to Sapa, aka the Little Switzerland of the East!
Tucked away in the mountains of Lao Cai Province, this City of Clouds is famous for epic mountain peaks and those world-famous rice terraces that look like green velvet. Since it used to be a French colonial retreat, it’s got that cozy, Alpine charm.
The ultimate way to get there is to hop on a sleeper train from Hanoi and wake up surrounded by lush green peaks and swirling fog. Between the stunning nature and the cool local ethnic cultures, you are going to obsess over this place!
Sapa Must-Sees You Can’t Miss
The Muong Hoa Mountain Train
Ready for a ride on Vietnam’s longest mountain funicular? If you want a chill way to head toward the highest peak in the country, this is it.
The train zips from the fancy MGallery Hotel in town straight to the Fansipan Cable Car Station in just 10 minutes. The carriages are super vintage and elegant, perfect for your feed! As you climb, the view totally transforms.
One minute you’re in the city, and the next, you’re looking at rolling mountains that look exactly like the Swiss Alps. It’s a quick ride, but the views are absolutely massive. Do not skip this.
The Viral Sleeper Train Experience
Sapa is about 5 hours from Hanoi, and the most iconic way to make the trip is definitely the overnight sleeper train.
You’ll love the vintage wood-panelled cabins and soft mood lighting. Waking up to find yourself in the middle of misty mountains and rice paddies is unforgettable. It’s exactly why travelers fall in love with the Sapa train experience every single time.
The Legendary Fansipan Cable Car
Want to conquer Vietnam’s highest peak without the gruelling hike? You totally can!
Towering at 3,143 meters, Mount Fansipan is known as the Roof of Indochina. It became a global sensation after finishing its record-breaking cable car, once the longest in the world!
In just 15 minutes, you’ll be whisked straight into the clouds. As the cable car glides over the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, you’ll float through swirling mist and fields of blooming silver grass.
If you time it for sunset, you can enjoy watching the sky turn brilliant shades of orange and pink behind the peaks.
Cat Cat Village
Widely called the most beautiful spot in Sapa, Cat Cat Village is the home of the local H’mong people. Here, you can check out traditional embroidery, stone carvings, and silver jewellery.
The big must-do here is renting a traditional H’mong outfit for some seriously epic photos. As you wander toward the river, the sound of rushing water and the sight of traditional homes perched on the cliffs show you exactly what a hidden paradise looks like.
That sense of simple, rustic peace, the kind we often lose in the busy city, is the best gift Cat Cat Village gives to every traveller.
Recommended Sapa Itineraries
| Experience | Highlights & Pricing |
| Sapa Half-Day Tour From 26 USD |
Explore Cat Cat Village & Terraced Fields (5 hrs, English guide) Includes a premium buffet lunch! |
| Sapa Full-Day Ultimate Tour From 88 USD |
Cat Cat Village + Peak Adventure (8 hrs, English guide) Experience the mountain train, cable car, and monorail to the summit. All tickets included! |
| Sapa Classic 3-Day Adventure From 72 USD |
Cat Cat Village, Ham Rong Mountain, & Sleeper Train (3 days, English guide). Best for hikers! Create your own Sapa journey. |
| Private Half-Day Sapa Charter From 35 USD |
Customizable Route, Min. 2 people (4 hrs, English guide) Silver Waterfall, Love Waterfall, Glass Bridge, & more |
| North Vietnam 3-Day Tour From 365 USD |
Glass Skywalk, Silver Waterfall, Fansipan Legend, & Ethnic Villages (3 days, Multiple Language guide) Note: Accommodation not included |
| 2 Days & 2 Nights in Sapa From 129 USD |
Cat Cat Village, Ham Rong Mountain, Sleeper Train, & Fansipan Peak (2 days, English guide)
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Where can you travel if you don’t want to apply for a Vietnam visa?
The Ultimate Phu Quoc Recommendation
Phu Quoc is currently the only destination in Vietnam with a visa-free policy. So, if you just want an easy getaway, save the time you’d spend researching visa applications and start planning your Phu Quoc itinerary instead.
For instance, you can book 4 or 5 nights at a 5-star hotel, including airfare, for under 625 USD (approximately 16,431,250 VND). These deals offer a fantastic way to experience luxury while staying within your travel budget.
Wondering what to see once you’re there? Check out our full Phu Quoc guide. We’re sharing all our best secrets and must-see spots so you can master your Phu Quoc solo or group trip with ease.
Phu Quoc 2026 Insider Guide: Best Time to Visit, New Flights & Skip the Crowds
| Pro Tip: If you’re dreaming of Da Nang, Hanoi, Hoi An, or Ba Na Hills, you’ll definitely still need that Vietnam visa. |
Must-Try Phu Quoc Local Experiences
| North | South |
| Feed giraffes at Vinpearl Safari. | Visit Ho Quoc Pagoda & a traditional fish sauce factory. |
| Ride a Gondola at Grand World Phu Quoc. | Try Sea Walking and island hopping. |
| Splash around at Sun World Nature Park. | |
| Hop across islands on the world’s longest cable car. | |
| Visit an eco-friendly bee farm and try kayaking. |
Vietnam Tourist Visa Types
Planning a trip to Vietnam? There are three main ways to handle your visa: E-Visa (eVisa), Visa on Arrival (VOA), and Paper Visas. Each one has its own perks depending on what you need!
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E-Visa (eVisa): Since August 2023, Vietnam has offered a 90-day e-Visa that allows for multiple entries. The entire process is done online, so you don’t need an agency. It’s budget-friendly and super convenient, perfect for solo travellers!
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Paper Visa: The biggest win here? You don’t have to wait in visa lines at the airport; you just breeze through customs. However, the application is a bit more work. You’ll need to visit the embassy or consulate (or use an agency), and it usually costs more than other options.
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Visa on Arrival (VOA): This is generally cheaper than a paper visa. You apply for an approval letter first and then line up at the Vietnam airport to get your actual visa. This is a great choice if you have plenty of time and want to save some cash.
| Pro Tip: For short trips or if you want to skip the headache of paperwork, the e-Visa is definitely your simplest and fastest bet! |
Vietnam E-Visa: DIY or Use an Agency?
Post-pandemic, Vietnam’s visa rules have changed! Currently, the government has fully opened e-Visa applications. With a 90-day validity and multiple-entry options, travelling is now a breeze.
To DIY, just head to the official Vietnam government website, fill out the form, and upload your passport bio page and a photo (make sure everything is in English!).
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The Cost: 25 USD for a 30-day single-entry or 50 USD for a 90-day multiple-entry.
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The Wait: Processing takes about 3 working days. Once approved, it lands in your email. Just print it out, and you’re ready to go!
While paper visas aren’t fully back and VOAs still need a pre-approved letter from an agency, the e-Visa has made things so much easier. For total peace of mind, KKday’s agency service is here to save you time and energy.
Vietnam Paper Visa: Embassy Visit or Agency?
While a paper visa costs a bit more than a VOA, the payoff is huge: no waiting in line at the airport! You can jump straight into your vacation the second you land.
Just like the VOA, you’ll still need to fill out your application details online first.
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Quick Reminder: Vietnam visas have both an “Issue Date” and an “Effective Date.” You can only enter the country once the visa is actually effective. Make sure you plan your entry dates carefully. Then, double-check your visa the moment you get it to ensure everything matches your itinerary. |
Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA): Agency or Travel Service?
Getting a Visa on Arrival isn’t as simple as just showing up at the airport. Before you fly, you must apply for a Visa Approval Letter (also known as a VOA Approval Letter).
Once you land at one of Vietnam’s four major international airports, you’ll submit this letter along with your Visa Application Form to officially receive your visa.
Keep in mind that both the Approval Letter and the Application Form must be arranged in advance through an agency or travel service. Prices will vary depending on which provider you choose!
Vietnam Paper Visa
A paper visa is a Loose-Leaf Visa. Instead of a stamp being placed directly onto a page in your passport, you’ll receive a separate physical document with the visa stamp on it.
Important: Since this is a separate sheet, you must keep it with your passport at all times to enter the country!
While rules are still being updated in the post-pandemic era, here is the standard list of what you’ll need. You should double-check the official website before you apply, just to be safe!
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Requirements for applying for a Vietnam paper visa
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Step 1: Head to the Official Visa Site
First things first, head over to the Vietnam Government’s visa website! Switch the language to English and look for the “FILL FORM” button to get started.
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Pro Tip: You’ve only got 15 minutes to finish the application once you start, so keep those fingers moving! |
Step 2: Fill in Your Personal Info
Time to enter your basic details and upload your digital photo. Once that’s done, just hit “Next.”
On the following page, you’ll be asked for some more specific info.
Step 3: Finish Up and Print
After you’ve completed the application, you can print your form directly from the confirmation page or from the copy sent to your email.
Definitely print this out before you go. If you wait and fill out the form at the office, they’ll charge you an extra ~7 USD for manual processing.
Save that cash for some delicious Vietnamese coffee instead.
Step 4: Submit at the Embassy or Consulate
Once your documents are ready, take them to your nearest Vietnam Embassy or Consulate. This is the best way to get personalized assistance for your physical application.
If you want your visa to be a sticker inside your passport, be sure to let the staff know and leave your passport with them. Otherwise, you’ll just get the separate paper version.
For standard (non-emergency) applications, you can usually swing back with your receipt to pick it up in 3–5 working days.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)
So, who should you talk to about a Vietnam Visa on Arrival? Two of the most famous and reliable names in the game are “Vietnam-visa.com” and “Vietnam Visa.pro.”
Their websites and logos look pretty similar, but let’s use the popular Vietnam-visa.com as our example today.
Bonus: Vietnam-visa.com even has a helpful guide in Chinese to walk you through the landing visa steps!
Step 1: Hit “Apply”
Once you’re on the homepage, look for the big red button in the top right corner that says Apply Now. Give it a click to start your journey.
Step 2: Fill in the Basics
Now it’s time to enter your travel details. Just go down the list and fill in the number of visas you need (Number of Visa), why you’re visiting (Purpose of Visit), and the visa type (Type of Visa).
Processing Time: The Normal (3 working days) option is usually perfect for most travelers. If you’re in a massive hurry, you can choose an express option, but the price will go up depending on how urgent it is.
As you fill things out, keep an eye on the price in the bottom right corner. It’ll update automatically based on the number of people and the speed you’ve chosen.
Once everything looks good, just click Next Step.
Step 3: Double-Check and Upload Your Passport
First things first: make sure all your application info below is 100% correct. Once you’ve given it the green light, go ahead and upload your headshot and fill in your passport details. Done? Let’s head to the next step.
Step 4: Final Review and Payment
This step is all about making sure every single detail you’ve entered is spot on. Once you’re sure it’s perfect, you can wrap things up by paying via credit card, PayPal, or other available methods.
As soon as your payment clears, Vietnam-visa will get to work reviewing and processing your visa.
Step 5: Watch Your Inbox and Prep Your Forms
Once the steps above are complete, keep an eye on your email.
Depending on how fast you need it, Vietnam-visa will send over your Visa Approval Letter (also known as an E-approval letter) and the Visa Application Form that you’ll need to hand over at one of Vietnam’s four major international airports.
Once you get those docs, you’ll need to:
- Print them out and fill in the official entry form.
- Prep two headshots.
- Grab your original passport (make sure it’s valid for at least six months from your entry date!).
- Have cash ready for the stamping fee.
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Quick Reminder: Once you get your Approval Letter, double-check all the info. If something looks wrong, hit up their support email immediately. Also, because these letters are processed in groups, you might see names and info of other travelers on the same letter. If you’re big on privacy, this might not be the best method for you. |
What to Bring to the Airport for Your Visa on Arrival
- Visa Approval Letter: Don’t forget to print this out.
- 25 USD per person: Have your cash ready.
- Visa Application Form (Entry and Exit Form): Remember to print this one, too.
- Two 2-inch headshots: Bring a few extras just in case.
- Original Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months.
Sample Entry and Exit Form
For more details, you can visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs or check out the official local government website.
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More Recommended Travel Experiences |
Skip the Stress! Get Your Vietnam E-Visa with KKday
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- Guaranteed Approval: No more stressing over Pending status.
- Expert Review: We double-check every detail so your application is 100% error-free.
- Speedy Processing: Get your visa fast and focus on your packing list instead.
Special Bonus: Get an Extra 5% OFF!
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