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๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ณ Vietnam Visa on Arrival: Requirements, Eligible Nationalities, Documents & e-Visa

๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ณ Vietnam Visa on Arrival: Requirements, Eligible Nationalities, Documents & e-Visa

Last Updated: 1 September 2026

Vietnam has a nationwide e-Visa system that allows citizens of all countries and territories to apply for an electronic visa. Vietnam also has visa-exemption arrangements for citizens of numerous countries.

It is important to clarify that Vietnam does not operate a general airport Visa on Arrival system where every tourist can simply arrive and obtain a visa. The traditional “Visa on Arrival” process is generally associated with a pre-approved visa/approval arrangement, while the official and more straightforward option for most visa-required travellers is the Vietnam e-Visa.

Quick Facts About Vietnam Visa

equirementDetails
CountryVietnam ๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ณ
General Visa on Arrivalโš ๏ธ Not available as a simple walk-in VOA for all tourists
e-Visaโœ… Available
e-Visa eligibilityCitizens of all countries and territories
Maximum e-Visa validityUp to 90 days
Entry typeSingle or multiple entry
Passport validityMore than 6 months
e-Visa applicationOnline
Standard e-Visa processing3 working days
e-Visa feeUSD 25 single-entry / USD 50 multiple-entry
Visa-free entryโœ… Available for eligible nationalities
Final entry decisionVietnamese immigration authorities

Vietnam’s National Portal on Immigration confirms that the Vietnam e-Visa can be valid for up to 90 days, with either single or multiple entry.

Does Vietnam Have Visa on Arrival?

โš ๏ธ Vietnam does not have a standard Visa on Arrival system for everyone.

Travellers sometimes see Vietnam described as a “Visa on Arrival” destination because there is a system involving pre-approved visa/approval documents, followed by visa issuance at certain Vietnamese international airports.

This is different from a true visa-free or simple arrival visa system.

For most tourists who require a visa, the recommended route is:

Vietnam e-Visa โ†’ Apply online before travelling

Vietnam’s official Immigration Department allows foreigners outside Vietnam to apply directly for an e-Visa or through an authorised requesting agency/organisation.

Vietnam e-Visa

Vietnam’s e-Visa is the main online visa option for foreign visitors.

The official immigration portal states that the e-Visa:

  • Can be valid for up to 90 days
  • Can be single-entry or multiple-entry
  • Can be applied for online
  • Is issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department
  • Can be applied for directly by eligible foreigners outside Vietnam
  • Can also be requested through agencies or organisations.

Who Can Apply for Vietnam e-Visa?

Vietnam has expanded its e-Visa system significantly.

The current official immigration system provides an e-Visa application facility covering citizens of all countries and territories. The official nationality selection system includes countries from Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas and Oceania.

This means that travellers who do not qualify for visa-free entry can generally check the e-Visa route rather than relying on an airport Visa on Arrival.

Vietnam e-Visa Validity

Vietnam e-Visas can have a maximum validity of:

90 days

They may be issued as:

  • Single entry
  • Multiple entry

The applicant must enter Vietnam within the validity dates shown on the approved e-Visa.

Vietnam e-Visa Fee

The official immigration portal states:

Single-entry e-Visa

USD 25

Multiple-entry e-Visa

USD 50

The e-Visa fee is paid electronically and is not refunded if the application is refused.

Vietnam e-Visa Processing Time

The official Vietnamese Immigration Department states that e-Visa applications are processed in approximately:

3 working days

Applicants should nevertheless apply sufficiently early before their intended travel date in case additional processing or corrections are required.

Vietnam Visa-Free Countries

Vietnam has visa-exemption arrangements with numerous countries.

The current official Ministry of Foreign Affairs list includes different exemption periods depending on nationality and passport type.

For ordinary tourist planning, some important visa-free arrangements include:

45 Days โ€“ Selected Countries

Vietnam currently provides a 45-day unilateral visa exemption to citizens of:

  • ๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ‡บ Russia
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต Japan
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ฐ Denmark
  • ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ด Norway
  • ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฎ Finland
  • ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ช Sweden
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง United Kingdom
  • ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท France
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Germany
  • ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Spain
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Italy

This policy is currently effective from 15 March 2025 through 14 March 2028.

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ช Vietnam Visa for UAE Citizens

UAE citizens benefit from a visa-exemption arrangement with Vietnam.

The official Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs list shows UAE citizens can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 90 days, subject to the applicable conditions.

Therefore:

UAE passport holder โ†’ Visa-free entry for up to 90 days under the applicable exemption arrangement.

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ช Vietnam Visa for UAE Residents

A UAE residence visa is not the same as UAE citizenship.

Vietnamese visa requirements are generally determined by the traveller’s passport nationality, not simply by where the person lives.

For example:

PassportUAE ResidentVietnam Entry
๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ช UAEYesVisa-free up to 90 days
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ IndiaYese-Visa available
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฐ PakistanYese-Visa available
๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฉ BangladeshYese-Visa available
๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ต NepalYese-Visa available
๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ Sri LankaYese-Visa available
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ PhilippinesYese-Visa available

Vietnam’s current e-Visa system allows applicants from these nationalities to apply online.

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ Vietnam Visa for Indian Citizens

Indian citizens can apply for the Vietnam e-Visa.

India is included in the official e-Visa nationality system.

Therefore:

Indian passport โ†’ Vietnam e-Visa available The e-Visa can be issued for up to 90 days, subject to approval.

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฐ Vietnam Visa for Pakistani Citizens

Pakistani citizens can use the Vietnam e-Visa system.

The current Vietnamese immigration portal includes Pakistan in its nationality selection system.

Pakistani travellers should apply online before travelling rather than assuming they can obtain a standard Visa on Arrival at the airport.

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฉ Vietnam Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens

Bangladeshi citizens can apply for a Vietnam e-Visa.

Bangladesh appears in the official Vietnamese e-Visa nationality system.

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ต Vietnam Visa for Nepalese Citizens

Nepalese citizens can apply for a Vietnam e-Visa.

Nepal is included in the current official e-Visa nationality database.

๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ Vietnam Visa for Sri Lankan Citizens

Sri Lankan citizens can apply for a Vietnam e-Visa.

Sri Lanka is included in the official e-Visa nationality system.

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ Vietnam Visa for Filipino Citizens

Filipino citizens can apply for a Vietnam e-Visa.

The Philippines is included in the official Vietnamese e-Visa nationality list.

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Vietnam Visa for Indonesian Citizens

Indonesian citizens are included in Vietnam’s visa-exemption arrangements and should check the current exemption period applicable to their passport before travelling.

Indonesia is also included in the Vietnam e-Visa system.

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ Vietnam Visa for Thai Citizens

Thai citizens have a visa-exemption arrangement with Vietnam.

Thailand is listed by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a 30-day ordinary passport exemption.

Thai travellers planning to stay beyond the visa-free period can check the e-Visa option.

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡พ Vietnam Visa for Malaysian Citizens

Malaysian citizens benefit from Vietnam’s visa-exemption arrangements.

Travellers should check the current permitted stay before travel and obtain an e-Visa if they intend to stay longer than the applicable visa-free period.

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Vietnam Visa for Singapore Citizens

Singapore citizens have a visa-exemption arrangement with Vietnam.

The official Vietnamese visa exemption list states that ordinary Singapore passports have a 30-day exemption, while diplomatic and official passports have different arrangements.

Laos Visa on Arrival for Filipino Citizens

Filipino passport holders should check the current Laos visa requirements before travel.

Where eligible, travellers may use the applicable VoA or eVisa facility.

๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ณ Vietnam Visa for Brunei Citizens

Brunei citizens benefit from a visa-exemption arrangement with Vietnam.

The applicable exemption period should be checked before travelling because Vietnam’s visa exemption periods vary by nationality and passport type.

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ญ Vietnam Visa for Cambodian Citizens

Cambodian citizens are eligible for a 30-day visa exemption under the bilateral arrangements listed by Vietnam.

๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Vietnam Visa for Lao Citizens

Laos has a bilateral visa-exemption arrangement with Vietnam.

The exact permitted stay depends on the passport and applicable bilateral agreement, so travellers should verify the current conditions before travelling.

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ณ Vietnam Visa for Mongolian Citizens

Mongolian citizens should check the current Vietnam visa exemption and e-Visa rules applicable to their passport.

Mongolia is included in the official Vietnamese e-Visa system.

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฟ Vietnam Visa for Uzbek Citizens

Uzbek citizens are included in the Vietnam e-Visa system.

The official Vietnamese visa exemption list also shows a special 60-day exemption for Uzbekistan under the applicable passport arrangement.

Travellers should verify whether the exemption applies to their specific passport type and purpose of travel.

Vietnam e-Visa Requirements

The official Vietnam Immigration Department states that applicants must:

  • Hold a passport valid for more than six months
  • Not fall under the relevant prohibited-entry categories
  • Provide the required online application information
  • Pay the applicable e-Visa fee
  • Submit the application electronically.

Documents Required for Vietnam e-Visa

Applicants should prepare:

1. Passport

A valid passport with more than six months’ validity.

2. Passport Information

You will need to provide details exactly as they appear on your passport.

3. Digital Portrait Photograph

A digital photograph is required as part of the online application process.

4. Passport Data Page

A digital copy/image of the passport information page is required.

5. Travel Information

Applicants need to provide the relevant information requested by the application system, including intended entry details.

6. Payment Method

A valid online payment method is required to pay the e-Visa fee.

How to Apply for Vietnam e-Visa Online

Step 1 โ€“ Visit the Official Vietnam Immigration Portal

Use the official Vietnam e-Visa website.

Step 2 โ€“ Select e-Visa Application

Start a new e-Visa application.

Step 3 โ€“ Upload Documents

Upload:

  • Passport information page
  • Photograph

Step 4 โ€“ Enter Personal Details

Provide:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Nationality
  • Passport number
  • Passport expiry date
  • Other requested information

Step 5 โ€“ Enter Travel Information

Provide your intended:

  • Entry date
  • Exit date
  • Entry checkpoint
  • Accommodation/address information where requested

Step 6 โ€“ Pay the Visa Fee

Pay:

USD 25 โ€“ Single Entry

or

USD 50 โ€“ Multiple Entry

ย 

Step 7 โ€“ Save Your Registration Code

Keep the application/registration information so you can check the result online.

Step 8 โ€“ Download the Approved e-Visa

If approved, download and print/save the e-Visa for your journey.

Vietnam Visa on Arrival โ€“ Important Information

Travellers should be careful with websites advertising “Vietnam Visa on Arrival”.

Vietnam’s official immigration system clearly provides the e-Visa as an electronic visa issued by the Immigration Department.

A traditional airport Visa on Arrival may involve an approval/pre-approval process before departure rather than simply arriving at the airport without any prior authorisation.

Therefore:

Do not travel to Vietnam assuming that you can obtain a tourist visa at the airport without prior approval.

For most visa-required tourists, the official e-Visa is the clearer and more direct option.

Vietnam e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival

FeatureVietnam e-VisaTraditional VOA / Approval Route
Apply before travelโœ…โœ…
Online applicationโœ…Usually through an agency/approval process
Prior approval requirede-Visa approvalโœ…
Available to all nationalitiesโœ…Depends on circumstances
Maximum validityUp to 90 daysDepends on visa
Single entryโœ…Depends on visa
Multiple entryโœ…Depends on visa
Airport issuanceโŒMay apply
Recommended for touristsโœ…Only where appropriate

Vietnam Visa-Free Entry Requirements

Travellers using a visa exemption should generally:

  • Have a valid passport
  • Meet Vietnam’s entry requirements
  • Ensure the passport has at least six months’ validity where required
  • Not be subject to an entry restriction
  • Comply with the permitted visa-free stay

Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that the 45-day unilateral exemption requires a valid passport with at least six months’ validity and that the traveller must not fall into a category prohibited from entry.

Important: European Visa-Free Programme

Vietnam also introduced a separate tourism-stimulus visa exemption for 12 additional European countries beginning in August 2025.

The countries are:

  • ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ช Belgium
  • ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฌ Bulgaria
  • ๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ท Croatia
  • ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ Czech Republic
  • ๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡บ Hungary
  • ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡บ Luxembourg
  • ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ Netherlands
  • ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ Poland
  • ๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ‡ด Romania
  • ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ Slovakia
  • ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ Slovenia
  • ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ญ Switzerland

The Vietnamese Government announced that this policy applies from 15 August 2025 through 14 August 2028, for tourism stays of up to 45 days, subject to the applicable entry conditions.

Phu Quoc Visa Exemption

Vietnam has a special exemption for Phu Quoc Island.

Foreign passport holders may enter Phu Quoc without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, subject to the conditions of the applicable exemption.

This can also apply where travellers transit through another international Vietnamese border gate before entering Phu Quoc.

This is a special Phu Quoc arrangement and should not be confused with general visa-free entry to mainland Vietnam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Vietnam have Visa on Arrival?

Vietnam does not have a simple general Visa on Arrival facility for all tourists. Visa-required travellers should normally use the official e-Visa system or an appropriate pre-approved visa procedure.

Can I get Vietnam Visa on Arrival at the airport?

A traditional airport visa process may be possible only with the required prior approval/arrangement. Travellers should not arrive without confirming that they qualify.

Is Vietnam e-Visa available to all nationalities?

Yes. Vietnam’s current e-Visa system allows citizens of all countries and territories to apply, subject to Vietnamese immigration requirements.

How long is Vietnam e-Visa valid?

Vietnam e-Visas can be valid for up to 90 days, with single or multiple entry.

How much does Vietnam e-Visa cost?

The official fee is USD 25 for single entry and USD 50 for multiple entry.

How long does Vietnam e-Visa processing take?

The official immigration portal states that processing takes approximately 3 working days.

Do Indian citizens need a visa for Vietnam?

Indian citizens can apply for a Vietnam e-Visa. India is included in the official e-Visa system.

Do UAE citizens need a visa for Vietnam?

UAE citizens can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 90 days under the applicable visa exemption arrangement.

Do UAE residents need a Vietnam visa?

It depends on their passport nationality. UAE residency by itself does not provide the same visa exemption as UAE citizenship.

Do Pakistani citizens need a visa for Vietnam?

Pakistani citizens can apply for a Vietnam e-Visa through the official system.

Do Bangladeshi citizens need a visa for Vietnam?

Bangladeshi citizens can apply for the Vietnam e-Visa.

Do Sri Lankan citizens need a visa for Vietnam?

Sri Lankan citizens can apply for the Vietnam e-Visa.

Can I apply for Vietnam e-Visa from the UAE?

Yes. The application is online, so eligible travellers can apply while residing in the UAE. Eligibility is based primarily on the passport nationality rather than UAE residence status.

How long must my passport be valid?

The official e-Visa requirements state that the passport must be valid for more than six months.

Official Vietnam Visa Information

For the most accurate and current information, travellers should use Vietnam’s official immigration and government websites.

Vietnam Immigration Department โ€“ Official e-Visa Portal:
Vietnam e-Visa Official Portal



Vietnam National Portal on Immigration:
Vietnam Immigration Department Official Portal



Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs โ€“ Visa Exemption List:
Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs โ€“ Visa Exemption Information



Travellers should verify their passport nationality, visa-free eligibility, e-Visa requirements, entry point and permitted stay immediately before travelling because Vietnamese visa policies can change.