Vietnam entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Australian passport holders need an e-visa to enter Vietnam, and you can apply for it online before you travel. The process is straightforward and typically takes 3-5 business days, so you can complete it from home.
Apply for Vietnam eVisaUp to 90 days, single or multiple entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam eVisaYou must get this visa online before you fly; you cannot get it on arrival. Apply online before travel | Australian passport holders must obtain an eVisa before arriving in Vietnam. Apply online at the official Vietnam eVisa portal (https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/), pay the fee, and receive an approval letter. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 90 days. It is not extendable, so plan your trip within this period. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Australian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Vietnam. Check your passport's expiry date well before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean, blank page in your passport for the entry stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the immigration officer to stamp your entry and exit. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou should have a flight booked out of Vietnam to show you won't overstay. Proof of departure | Immigration officials may ask to see a return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Vietnam before your eVisa expires. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to have proof you can pay for your trip, just in case. Sufficient money for your stay | Although not always checked, you may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Vietnam. Carry a credit card or bank statement showing you can support yourself. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online form before you go. Not required | Vietnam does not require a separate arrival declaration for Australian passport holders. You will complete a standard immigration form upon arrival. | Not required |
| Visa fee paymentYou pay the visa fee when you submit your online application. Pay online during eVisa application | When applying for the eVisa, you must pay the non-refundable visa fee online using a credit or debit card. The fee is approximately US$25 for a single-entry visa (check the official site for current amount). | Required |
| eVisa approval letterYou need a printed copy of your eVisa approval to show at check-in and at the border. Print and carry | After your eVisa is approved, you will receive an approval letter. Print a copy and carry it with you to present to airline staff and Vietnamese immigration upon arrival. | Required |
Beware of unofficial e-visa websites
Only use the official Vietnamese government portal (https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/). Many third-party sites charge inflated fees and may not even process your application. The official fee is around USD 25.
Processing times can vary
While the official processing time is 3-5 business days, it can stretch longer during peak travel seasons (like Tet holiday). Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to be safe.
Passport validity is non-negotiable
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it's not, you'll be refused boarding by the airline and entry by Vietnamese immigration. Check your passport now, not the night before you fly.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the online e-visa application
Go to the official Vietnamese e-visa portal (https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/). Fill in your personal details, passport information, and intended entry/exit dates. Upload your photo and passport data page scan. Double-check everything before submitting — errors can cause delays or rejection.
2
Pay the e-visa fee
Pay the non-refundable fee online using a credit or debit card. The fee is around USD 25 (as of 2026). Keep the payment confirmation for your records.
3
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, but it can take longer during peak times. You'll receive an email with your e-visa approval or a link to download it. Check your spam folder if you don't see it.
4
Print your e-visa
Once approved, print a physical copy of your e-visa. You'll need to present this at immigration. A digital copy on your phone is not sufficient — they want paper.
5
Arrive in Vietnam and clear immigration
At the airport (e.g., Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City), join the 'Foreigners' queue. Hand over your passport, printed e-visa, and any other requested documents. The officer will stamp your passport with an entry stamp valid for up to 30 days.
Download Vietnam Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (DN)
Max stayUp to 90 days per entry
Validity1 year (multiple entries)
Cost$150–$300 (USD) plus agency fees
Requires invitation letter from Vietnamese company; can be extended.
Tourist visa (DL) via embassy
Max stayUp to 90 days
Validity1 month to 3 months (single or multiple entry)
Cost$80–$120 (USD) plus service fees
Apply at Vietnamese embassy/consulate; may require in-person interview.
work visa
Work Visa (LD1/LD2)
1–2 years, renewable
~$100–$200 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer in Vietnam. Requires employer sponsorship, work permit, and relevant qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Investor Visa (DT1–DT4)
1–5 years, renewable
~$500–$1,000 USD (processing fee)
For investors with capital of at least $50,000 USD in a Vietnamese business. Higher investment amounts yield longer validity. Includes family members.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (TT – Temporary Residence Card)
1–3 years, renewable
~$200–$500 USD (processing fee)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,000 USD/month). Requires a local sponsor or property lease. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa (DH)
Duration of study program, renewable
~$50–$100 USD (processing fee)
For those enrolled in a Vietnamese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (single entry, up to 90 days)Non-refundable; paid online via official government portal. | $25 (USD) |
| e-Visa (multiple entry, up to 90 days)For those needing multiple entries within 90 days. | $50 (USD) |
| Visa on arrival (if applicable)Only for pre-approved via agencies; not for all nationalities. | $25–$50 (USD) plus stamping fee |
| Visa extension (in-country)Must apply before current visa expires; not always granted. | $10–$20 (USD) plus agency fees |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee for most travellers. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Vietnam
No transit visa needed
Australian passport holders transiting through Vietnam's international airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang) do not require a visa if staying airside and not clearing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the transit area or stay overnight in a hotel, you must obtain a visa or e-visa in advance.
Transit hubsNoi Bai International Airport (HAN) · Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) · Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
Health & vaccines for Vietnam
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural highland areas; low in cities and coastal resorts.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking habits.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is present in rural areas, especially in the highlands (e.g., Da Lat, Sapa). Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel; not needed for cities or coastal resorts.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Hanoi
Hanoi Immigration Office
44 Tran Phu, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Bring passport, visa, TM.7 form, 1 photo, and extension fee in cash.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Office
333 Nguyen Trai, District 1
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Popular for extensions; arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for AU travellers
Country basics
CapitalHanoi
LanguageVietnamese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyVietnamese Dong (VND)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 26,208.11 VND
Time zone
Local timeUTC+7
vs New York+12h (EST) / +11h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+15h (PST) / +14h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,CType A, C, F — US plugs (Type A) fit some sockets. Bring an adapter.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Vietnam
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Vietnam — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The e-visa allows a single entry and a maximum stay of 30 days. You cannot extend it while in Vietnam. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to exit and re-enter with a new e-visa, or apply for a different visa type at a Vietnamese embassy before you travel.
Yes, the e-visa is valid for all international airports, land border crossings, and seaports that are listed on the official portal. Just make sure your entry point is one of the approved ones — you can check the list on the e-visa website.
The fee is non-refundable, so you'll lose the money. You can reapply, but first check the reason for rejection (if provided) and correct any errors. Common reasons include incorrect passport details, poor photo quality, or a passport that doesn't meet validity requirements.
Immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel (like a return flight) and evidence that you can support yourself during your stay. It's not always requested, but having a printed copy of your return ticket and a hotel booking can smooth the process.
No. Vietnam does not offer visa on arrival for Australian citizens. The e-visa is the only online option. You must get it approved before you fly. There are also 'pre-arranged visa on arrival' services, but those are for other nationalities — for Australians, the e-visa is the way to go.
No, the standard e-visa is single-entry only. If you plan to leave and re-enter (for example, a side trip to Cambodia), you'll need to apply for a new e-visa each time. There is no multi-entry e-visa option for Australian passport holders.
You'll likely be denied entry. Immigration requires a physical copy. If you lose it, you may be able to access the portal on your phone and print it at the airport, but that's risky and not guaranteed. Always carry a printed copy in your hand luggage.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.