1. What is the Vietnam e-Visa?
The e-Visa for Vietnam is an electronic visa issued by the Immigration Department that allows foreigners to enter and stay in Vietnam for tourism or business purposes.
Since 15 August 2023, the e-Visa is available to all nationalities with validity of up to 90 days and can be single or multiple entry.
2. Eligibility & Basic Conditions
You must hold a valid passport (outside Vietnam) and not be subject to any entry ban.
The e-Visa covers stays up to 90 days; you must enter and exit through one of the approved ports.
Make sure you apply through the official portal: e.g., https://evisa.gov.vn (Vietnam Immigration e-visa portal).
3. What You’ll Need (Documents / Info)
Digital scan/photo of your passport data page (with photo, personal details).
Passport must be valid (check your country’s minimum requirement).
A digital photo of yourself (passport-style) for upload.
Your intended entry date, length of stay, port of entry etc.
Payment method for e-Visa fee (non-refundable).
4. Step-by-Step Application
Here’s how I normally do it:
Visit the official e-Visa website and start the application.
Fill in your personal information exactly as on your passport (name, date of birth, passport number).
Upload required documents (photo + passport page).
Choose your intended entry date, port of entry, length of stay.
Pay the fee: for example USD 25 for single entry, USD 50 for multiple entry.
Submit your application and wait for approval. Processing time may be a few working days.
Once approved, download the e-Visa PDF and print it (I always carry a printed copy + digital one).
5. Entry & Arrival Into Vietnam
On arrival, you present your passport + printed e-Visa at immigration.
Make sure your port of entry matches what you applied for.
Keep track of your exit date: your stay must be within the validity of the e-Visa.
6. Tips & Common Mistakes (from a travel-lover’s POV)
Double-check every single field (name spelling, passport number, date of birth) — any mismatch can cause problems.
Use only the official portal to avoid scams. Some travellers have reported issues using third-party websites.
Apply a few weeks ahead of your trip, not last minute.
Keep both digital and printed copies of your e-Visa.
Check your passport’s validity: some countries require it to be valid for at least 30 days beyond your stay.
7. Cost, Validity & Entry Types
Fee: approx USD 25 for single entry, USD 50 for multiple entry (fees subject to change).
Validity: up to 90 days.
Entry types: single or multiple. Available to all nationalities since August 2023.
8. What to Do if There Is a Problem
If information on your approved e-Visa is incorrect, contact the issuing authority before travelling as correcting may not be possible.
Keep emails and codes from your application safe — you’ll need them to check status online.
As someone who has travelled many countries (and been through many visa processes), I find the e-Visa for Vietnam to be very convenient compared to older visa-on-arrival systems. The key is to prepare carefully, apply through the official channel, and ensure all information is accurate. Once that’s done, you’re free to focus on the exciting part: exploring Vietnam’s vibrant culture, landscapes, and people.
