Vietnam has emerged as one of the most accessible Southeast Asian destinations, and one of the easiest visa applications in the entire region. The Vietnam e-visa, valid for up to 90 days with single or multiple-entry options, can be applied for entirely online in under 10 minutes and has been opened to citizens of all countries and territories worldwide. The e-visa costs USD 25 single-entry or USD 50 multiple-entry, processes in 3-5 working days, requires only a passport scan and a digital photo, and approves at over 97% for properly documented applications.

The expanded e-visa policy, introduced August 2023 (extending validity from 30 days to 90 days and opening multiple-entry options), combined with the August 2025 expansion to 12 additional European countries under Resolution 44/NQ-CP, has transformed Vietnam from a "single short trip" destination into a viable base for multi-week tours, business travel, and even informal digital nomad stays. The new Phu Quoc Island visa-free policy lets foreigners visit the island directly for up to 30 days without any visa at all. And the new digital arrival card pilot at Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat airport (from April 15, 2026) signals further digitisation of immigration processes.

This hub brings together every guide Atlys has on Vietnam visas, e-visa applications, the difference between e-visa and visa on arrival (and why Atlys recommends one over the other), embassy tourist visas, the 45-day and 30-day visa exemption programs, Phu Quoc Island special entry, transit rules, work and business visa categories, and the priority visa exemption for experts and investors. To check whether your passport needs a Vietnam visa or qualifies for exemption, see the Atlys Passport Index.

Apply for your Vietnam e-visa through Atlys, application in under 10 minutes, 3-5 working day processing, 99.7% of Atlys customers receive their Vietnam visa on time, money-back protection on supported categories. Try the 90-day multiple-entry visa for the most flexible Vietnam access.

Why Vietnam Is One of the Easiest Major Asian Visas

For most first-time international travellers, Vietnam offers the most frictionless paid visa experience available:

• Fully online application, no embassy visit, no biometric appointment, no in-person documentation

• Open to all countries, the e-visa program now covers citizens of every country and territory worldwide

• Minimum documentation, passport scan and digital photo are the core requirements, no bank statements or employment letters needed for tourist e-visa

• Fast processing, 3-5 working days standard, with express options

• High approval rate, properly documented applications approve at over 97%

• Affordable fee, USD 25 single-entry / USD 50 multiple-entry

• Long validity, up to 90 days, ideal for extended trips or multi-month travel

• Multiple-entry option, allows multiple visits within the 90-day window

• Strong global flight connectivity to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc

• 83 entry points accept e-visas, including international airports, land borders, and seaports

• Phu Quoc Island visa-free for 30 days when visiting directly without first entering mainland Vietnam

What's New for Vietnam Visas in 2026

A summary of the most relevant changes:

• E-visa expanded to all countries and territories worldwide. Previously limited to a select list, the program now covers citizens of every country (subject to bilateral relations).

• 45-day visa-free entry under Resolution 44/NQ-CP, effective March 15, 2025 to March 14, 2028, for citizens of: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belarus.

• 12 additional European countries added to 45-day visa-free entry from August 15, 2025 to August 14, 2028.

• 30-day visa-free entry for ASEAN and other countries, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Chile, Panama. Some of these have 14-day or 21-day variants depending on entry purpose.

• Phu Quoc Island visa-free entry for 30 days, foreign nationals can visit Phu Quoc directly from abroad without any visa for stays up to 30 days. Mainland Vietnam still requires a visa or visa exemption.

• Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic visa-free for 45 days from March 1, 2025, when travelling as part of a tour organised by Vietnamese tour operators.

• 38 total visa-exempt countries as of 2026 (varying duration from 14 to 45 days).

• Priority visa exemption program under Decree 221/2025/NĐ-CP, multiple-entry visa exemption cards valid up to 5 years for experts, investors, highly skilled individuals, artists, businesspersons, and economic contributors.

• E-visa fee unchanged at USD 25 single-entry / USD 50 multiple-entry for 2026.

• Digital Arrival Card pilot at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (HCMC) from April 15, 2026, mandatory for all foreign passport holders arriving at SGN. System designed to expand to Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Da Nang. Submit free at the official Vietnamese immigration portal within 72 hours before arrival, receive a QR code.

• VOA still requires approval letter, Vietnam Visa on Arrival is not a true VOA, it requires a pre-arranged approval letter obtained online. Atlys recommends the e-visa over VOA for simplicity.

Vietnam Visa Exemptions: Who Doesn't Need a Visa

As of 2026, Vietnam offers visa exemptions to 38 nationalities with varying stay durations. The major categories:

45-Day Visa-Free (Resolution 44/NQ-CP, Through March 14, 2028)

• Original list: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belarus

• Added August 15, 2025 (through August 14, 2028): 12 additional European countries

• Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic: 45 days if travelling as part of a Vietnamese tour-operator-organised tour (effective March 1, 2025)

30-Day Visa-Free (ASEAN and Selected Others)

Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Chile, Panama. Some ASEAN nationalities have 14-day or 21-day variants under bilateral agreements.

Phu Quoc Island Visa-Free for 30 Days

Foreign nationals visiting Phu Quoc Island directly from abroad (not via mainland Vietnam) can enter visa-free for up to 30 days. If you intend to travel to mainland Vietnam during the same trip, you need an e-visa or other visa.

Priority Visa Exemption (Decree 221/2025/NĐ-CP)

For experts, investors, highly skilled individuals, artists, businesspersons, and others contributing to Vietnam's economic development. Multi-entry visa-exemption cards valid up to 5 years. Eligibility criteria are under refinement by relevant authorities.

To verify your specific eligibility, see the Atlys Passport Index or the official Vietnam Immigration Department portal.

Vietnam Visa Categories

Vietnam E-Visa (Online, Recommended for Most Non-Exempt Travellers)

The default and best option for tourist and business travel. Fully online, no embassy visit. Open to citizens of all countries since the 2023-2025 expansion.

• Fee: USD 25 single-entry, USD 50 multiple-entry

• Validity: up to 90 days from issue date

• Stay: up to 90 days per entry

• Entries: single or multiple

• Processing: 3-5 working days

• Format: PDF document, printed copy carried to airport

• Eligible entry points: 83 international airports, land borders, and seaports, including Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (HCMC), Da Nang International, Phu Quoc International, plus designated land border crossings

• Best for: all tourist and short business trips, multi-country Asia trips with re-entry to Vietnam

Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA), Approval-Letter Required

Despite the name, Vietnam VOA is not a true visa-on-arrival like Thailand's. Travellers must obtain an approval letter online before travel, the actual visa is then stamped at the airport.

• Fee: USD 25 for approval letter + USD 25 stamping fee at airport (cash, USD) for single-entry, USD 50 for multiple-entry

• Validity: depends on approval letter type (typically 30 days)

• Stay: up to 30 days

• Processing: approval letter 1-3 working days, stamping at airport on arrival

• Eligible airports: designated international airports only (not all)

• Critical requirement: approval letter must be printed and carried, no letter means deportation

• Atlys recommendation: the e-visa is simpler, doesn't require airport queuing, and avoids the risk of stamping issues at the airport

Vietnam Tourist Visa (Embassy-Applied)

The traditional route, apply at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate. Mostly displaced by the e-visa given the e-visa's expanded country coverage.

• Fee: USD 25 for single-entry, USD 50 for multiple-entry. Stamping or processing fees may apply at the embassy

• Validity: 30 days (single) or 3 months (multiple)

• Processing: 5 working days

• Required: in-person submission of passport at embassy/consulate

• Best for: applicants who specifically need a sticker visa (rare)

Vietnam Business Visa (DN)

For business activities in Vietnam, meetings, conferences, exploring opportunities.

• Fee: USD 50-80 depending on validity

• Validity: 1, 3, 6, or 12 months

• Stay: typically 30-90 days per entry

• Key requirements: business invitation letter from Vietnamese company, employer letter

Vietnam Work Visa (LD)

For taking up employment in Vietnam. Two-stage, work permit first, then work visa.

• Fee: USD 80+

• Validity: up to 2 years

• Pre-requisite: Vietnamese employer must obtain work permit for the foreign employee first

• Processing: work permit 7-14 days, visa stamping after

Vietnam Student Visa (DH)

For enrolling in long-term study at Vietnamese institutions.

• Fee: USD 25-80 depending on validity

• Validity: linked to course duration

• Required: acceptance letter from Vietnamese institution

Vietnam Transit Visa

Technically, Vietnam doesn't have a separate "transit visa", for layovers exceeding 24 hours or leaving the transit area, the e-visa is used. For layovers under 24 hours staying airside, no visa is needed.

• Fee: Same as e-visa, USD 25

• When required: layovers over 24 hours or needing to leave the transit area

• When not required: airside transit under 24 hours

Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption (Vietnamese Origin)

Available for foreign nationals of Vietnamese origin (Việt kiều). Allows 6 months per visit over 5 years.

• Fee: USD 10

• Eligibility: Vietnamese birth certificate, parents' Vietnamese documents, or other proof of Vietnamese origin

• Stay: 6 months per entry

Priority Visa Exemption Cards (Decree 221/2025/NĐ-CP)

For qualifying experts, investors, highly skilled individuals, artists, and businesspersons. Multi-entry exemption with up to 5-year validity. Detailed eligibility criteria are administered by relevant authorities, and applications are case by case.

Vietnam Visa Quick Reference

A summary of every Vietnam visa type with fees, processing time, validity, allowed stay, and best-fit traveller profile:

• Visa-free entry (45-day list): Free, no application, 45-day stay, best for travellers from the 13+ eligible European/Asian countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belarus, plus 12 additional European countries)

• Visa-free entry (30-day ASEAN/other list): Free, no application, 30-day stay (or 14/21 days for some), best for ASEAN nationals and select others (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Chile, Panama)

• Phu Quoc Island visa-free: Free, no application, 30-day stay on the island only, best for travellers visiting Phu Quoc directly without entering mainland Vietnam

• E-Visa (Single-Entry): USD 25, processed in 3-5 working days, 90-day validity, 90-day stay, best for standard tourist trips for non-exempt nationalities

• E-Visa (Multiple-Entry): USD 50, processed in 3-5 working days, 90-day validity, 90 days per entry with multiple entries, best for multi-country Asia trips that re-enter Vietnam

• Visa on Arrival (VOA, Approval Letter + Airport Stamp): USD 25 for approval letter + USD 25-50 stamping fee at airport (cash USD), approval letter in 1-3 working days plus airport processing, 30-day validity, 30-day stay, best for urgent travel (though e-visa is still preferred)

• Tourist Visa (Embassy-Applied): USD 25-50, processed in 5 working days, 30-day single-entry or 3-month multiple-entry validity, best for applicants who specifically need a passport sticker visa

• Business Visa (DN): USD 50-80, processed in 5-7 working days, 1, 3, 6, or 12-month validity, 30-90 days per entry, best for business activities

• Work Visa (LD): USD 80+, issued after Vietnamese employer obtains work permit (7-14 days for permit, then visa stamping), up to 2-year validity, stay linked to contract duration, best for Vietnamese employment

• Student Visa (DH): USD 25-80, processed in 5-10 working days, validity linked to course duration, best for long-term study at Vietnamese institutions

• Transit (using E-Visa): USD 25, processed in 3-5 working days, 90-day validity, brief transit stay, best for layovers exceeding 24 hours

• 5-Year Visa Exemption (Vietnamese Origin): USD 10, processed in 5-7 working days, 5-year validity, 6-month stay per entry, best for foreign nationals of Vietnamese origin

• Priority Visa Exemption Card (Decree 221/2025): case-by-case fee, processing varies, up to 5-year validity, multiple-entry, best for experts, investors, highly skilled individuals

Fees subject to revision. Always verify current rates on the Atlys application page.

Important: USD payments. Vietnam visa fees are paid in USD. The approval letter for VOA can be paid online, but the stamping fee at the airport is cash USD only. Carry USD cash if using VOA.

E-Visa vs Visa on Arrival: Atlys Strongly Recommends E-Visa

This is the single most common decision travellers face for Vietnam (for those not on visa exemption lists). The answer is almost always the e-visa.

Why E-Visa Wins

1. No approval letter risk, Vietnam VOA requires a printed approval letter. Without it, you're denied boarding at your origin airport or denied entry at the Vietnamese airport. Travellers have reported being deported because of missing or unaccepted approval letters.

2. No airport queuing, VOA stamping in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can take 1-3 hours during peak. E-visa holders skip this entirely.

3. No cash USD requirement, VOA stamping requires USD cash, ATMs at the airport may have issues. E-visa is paid online in advance.

4. Longer stay options, e-visa allows up to 90 days, VOA is typically capped at 30 days.

5. Better entry point coverage, e-visa is accepted at 83 international airports, land borders, and seaports. VOA is limited to designated airports only.

6. Simpler documentation, e-visa needs passport scan and photo, VOA needs approval letter + stamping documents.

When VOA Might Be a Reasonable Choice

Only for truly last-minute travel where you don't have 3-5 days for e-visa processing. Even then, Atlys can typically process e-visa applications faster than the typical VOA approval letter timeline.

For all other cases, and especially for first-time Vietnam visitors, the e-visa is the clearly better choice.

Apply for your Vietnam e-visa with Atlys

The HCMC Digital Arrival Card Pilot (April 2026)

From April 15, 2026, all foreign passport holders arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City must complete a digital arrival card before landing. This applies whether you are visa-exempt or hold an e-visa.

Key Details

• Submission window: within 72 hours before arrival, not earlier

• Where to submit: the official Vietnamese immigration portal (not yet generally available outside the SGN pilot)

• Fee: Free of charge

• What you receive: QR code presented at immigration alongside your passport

• Required fields: personal details, flight number, visa type, first night accommodation address

Current Status

As of late May 2026, this is a pilot running at Tan Son Nhat (HCMC) only. The system is designed to expand to Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Da Nang International Airport. Check status before travel.

Who Needs to Submit

All foreign passport holders arriving at SGN, including:

• Visa-exempt nationalities (the 38 countries with visa exemptions)

• E-visa holders

• VOA holders

• Embassy-issued visa holders

If you are not arriving at SGN, the digital arrival card requirement does not currently apply to you. But this may change as the system expands.

Featured Guides

E-Visa & Tourist

Vietnam Visa: Complete Guide The comprehensive Vietnam visa guide, every visa type, application processes, required documents, fees, and processing times.

Vietnam Tourist Visa: Application & Visa Fees The dedicated guide to applying for Vietnam tourist visas through the embassy and online. Includes Atlys application walkthrough, embassy application alternative, and side-by-side comparison.

E-Visa vs VOA

How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival The complete VOA guide, why an approval letter is required, what documents to carry, what happens at the airport, fee payment requirements, and why Atlys recommends the e-visa instead.

Transit

How to Get a Transit Visa for Vietnam The complete transit guide, when a visa is needed (over 24 hours, leaving transit area), when it's not (under 24 hours airside), and how to apply the e-visa for transit purposes.

Vietnam Transit Visa Guide: Who Needs It & How to Apply Detailed coverage of Vietnam transit at Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, and Da Nang international airports. Booking patterns, baggage check-through requirements, and tips for long layovers.

Visa Waiver

Vietnam Visa Waiver Countries in 2025 The complete list of countries with visa-free entry to Vietnam, the 45-day list (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belarus, plus 12 additional European countries from August 2025), the 30-day ASEAN list, and the Phu Quoc Island special policy. Check your passport status via the Atlys Passport Index.

Processing Time

How Long Does It Take for a Vietnam Visa to Process The complete processing time breakdown by visa type, e-visa (3-5 days), VOA approval letter (1-3 days), embassy tourist visa (5 days), business visa (5-7 days), work visa (after work permit, 7-14 days).

Direct Apply Pages

Vietnam Visa Application: Apply on Atlys The Atlys application page for Vietnam e-visa. Application in under 10 minutes, 3-5 working day processing, money-back protection.

Vietnam 90-Day Multiple-Entry Visa: Apply on Atlys The dedicated application page for the 90-day multiple-entry e-visa. Ideal for multi-country Asia trips, frequent business visitors, and extended Vietnam stays.

Cross-Country Context

Atlys Passport Index Check whether your passport needs a Vietnam visa or qualifies for one of the visa exemption programs.

Atlys Rejection Recovery Structured recovery if your Vietnam visa application has been refused.

Visa Rejection: Why Applications Get Refused & How to Recover The Atlys cross-country rejection guide. Vietnam refusal rates are very low (under 3% for properly documented applications), but the principles apply.

Visa Cover Letter Guide How to write a cover letter, for Vietnam e-visa, this is generally optional since the application is straightforward, but useful for business visa applications.

Document Checklist: Vietnam E-Visa

The Vietnam e-visa is the simplest major-country visa application available. The complete document list:

Required (just two items)

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity from arrival date and 2 blank pages

• Digital passport-sized photograph (white background, JPEG format, clear face)

Application Information Needed

• Travel dates (arrival and departure)

• Purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit)

• Entry and exit ports

• Accommodation address in Vietnam (hotel name and address sufficient)

• Home address

That's it. No bank statements, no employment letters, no flight bookings required for the tourist e-visa application. (Though carrying flight and hotel bookings to the airport is wise, in case airport immigration asks.)

For arrivals at Tan Son Nhat (HCMC), also complete the Digital Arrival Card online within 72 hours before arrival.

What Atlys Handles for Vietnam Visa Applications

When you apply through Atlys:

• Application in under 10 minutes, passport scan via the Atlys app handles most form fields automatically

• Digital photo handled, the Atlys Photo Tool generates Vietnam-compliant photos in seconds

• Both single-entry and 90-day multiple-entry options available

• Document review by visa experts, completeness verified before submission

• Real-time tracking, clear status updates from submission to approval

• 99.7% of Atlys customers receive their Vietnam visa on time

• Money-back protection on supported categories, refund if your supported application is denied

• Family applications, apply for friends and family in the same session

• Secure document storage, your information saved (securely) for faster future applications

• Exclusive MakeMyTrip flight partnership, once your visa is approved, flights are one click away

Apply for your Vietnam e-visa with Atlys, under 10 minutes

When DIY Makes Sense

The official Vietnam e-visa portal is reliable and reasonably user-friendly. For confident applicants with simple itineraries, applying directly is entirely viable, the application takes 20-30 minutes if you're navigating the official portal for the first time.

If you're from a visa-exempt country, no application is needed at all, just arrive at a Vietnamese airport with your valid passport.

Where Atlys adds value is in: form pre-fill from passport scan (saves 80% of typing time), photo compliance verification, document review, application tracking, and money-back protection. For travellers who value time savings and predictability, Atlys is genuinely useful even on a simple visa like Vietnam.

DIY becomes less advisable for: 90-day multiple-entry applications (more complex paperwork), business visas (require Vietnamese sponsor documents), work and student visas (require Vietnamese employer/institution coordination), priority visa exemption applications (require careful documentation), or anyone with prior refusals from any country.

Related Hubs

• Thailand Visa Hub, for combined Vietnam + Thailand trips

• Singapore Visa Hub, for Singapore stopovers en route to Vietnam

• Australia Visa Hub, for trips combining Vietnam with Australia (Singapore VFTF works if you have Australian visa)

• Southeast Asia Visa Hub, for combined multi-country Asia trips

• Schengen Visa Hub, for Europe trips combining Vietnam with European destinations

• UK Visa Hub, for trips combining Vietnam with the UK

• US Visa Hub, for trips combining Vietnam with the US

• UAE Visa Hub, for travel via or to the UAE

Tools You Can Use

• Atlys Passport Index, check whether your passport needs a Vietnam visa or qualifies for exemption

• Atlys Rejection Recovery, structured recovery after any visa refusal

• Visa Photo Creator, Vietnam-compliant photos in seconds

• Visa Requirements Checker, verify what visa you need

• Atlys Emergency Helpline, for urgent travel situations

Apply for your Vietnam e-visa with Atlys, under 10 minutes, 99.7% on-time delivery

Or apply for the Vietnam 90-day multiple-entry visa

This hub is updated regularly. Information is current as of May 27, 2026. Vietnam visa rules and fees change, the visa exemption programs under Resolution 44/NQ-CP are valid through 2028, and the digital arrival card pilot at Tan Son Nhat began April 15, 2026. Always check the latest Vietnam Immigration Department guidance for your specific case. For personalised support, contact Atlys.