Vietnam entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Canadian passport holders can visit Vietnam for up to 45 days without a visa. For longer stays, you need an eVisa (valid for up to 90 days, single entry). As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard route for Canadians wanting more time.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply at the official Vietnam eVisa portal at evisa.xuatnhhcanh.gov.vn. The fee is $25 USD for single or multiple entry, valid for up to 90 days. Processing takes 3 working days — do not book flights until you receive the approval letter.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Vietnam. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Vietnam | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — if you cannot show one, you may be refused entry and put on the next flight out. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Have access to at least $1,000 USD or equivalent in cash, credit card, or bank statement. Officers rarely check this for short visits, but it helps if questioned. | Recommended |
Visa-free entry is 45 days
Canadian passport holders can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days. This is a flat period — no extensions. If you need more time, apply for an eVisa before you go.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Vietnam, not from your departure date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before booking your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Check your passport validity
Make sure your passport has at least 6 months of validity left from the day you arrive in Vietnam. If it's close, renew now.
2
Book your flight and accommodation
Book a return or onward ticket, and your first night's hotel. Keep confirmations handy — digital copies on your phone are fine.
3
Apply for eVisa (if needed)
If staying over 45 days, go to the official eVisa website (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn), fill out the form, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport data page, pay the fee (about $25 USD), and wait 3-5 business days. You'll receive a PDF approval letter.
4
Arrive at a Vietnamese airport
At the airport (e.g., Noi Bai in Hanoi or Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City), proceed to immigration. Have your passport, boarding pass, and (if applicable) printed eVisa ready. The officer will stamp you in. For visa-free entry (under 45 days), just present your passport.
5
Show return ticket if asked
Immigration officers may ask to see your onward ticket. Have a screenshot or printed copy ready. This is rare but happens.
Download Vietnam Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$25 USD (approx. $25 USD)
Standard eVisa; can be extended once for 30 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Allows multiple entries; each stay up to 30 days.
Long-stay visa (1 year, multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$135 USD (approx. $135 USD)
Requires sponsor or investment; available through agencies.
work visa
Work Visa (LD1/LD2)
1–2 years, renewable
~$100–200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreigners employed by a Vietnamese company. Requires work permit, health check, and university degree. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Investor Visa (DT1/DT2/DT3)
1–5 years, renewable
~$500–1000 USD (depending on investment amount)
For investors with capital of at least $50,000 USD. Higher investment amounts grant longer validity. Includes family members.
student visa
Student Visa (DH)
Duration of study program, renewable
~$50–100 USD (institution-assisted)
For enrolled students at a Vietnamese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (TT)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100–200 USD (via agency)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and no local employment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, up to 30 days)Standard fee for Canadian passport holders applying online. | $25 USD (approx. $25 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (pre-approval letter, single entry)Requires pre-arranged approval letter from a travel agency. | $25 USD (approx. $25 USD) + stamping fee $25 USD |
| Visa on arrival (pre-approval letter, multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) + stamping fee $50 USD |
| Stay extension (per month)Available at immigration offices; max extension up to 3 months. | $10 USD (approx. $10 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Fines apply for overstaying visa validity; paid at immigration or airport. | $15 USD (approx. $15 USD) per day, max $150 USD |
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
Canadian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Vietnamese airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa is required.
Transit hubsTan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) - Ho Chi Minh City · Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) - Hanoi · Da Nang International Airport (DAD) - Da Nang
Health & vaccines for Vietnam
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Zika virusModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in major cities and coastal resorts; moderate risk in rural highlands (e.g., Da Lat, mountainous provinces). Consider prophylaxis for extended rural stays.
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, Ba Dinh District
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, Sat 08:00–12:00
For visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport, visa, and TM.7 form.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Office
333 Nguyen Trai, District 1
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, Sat 08:00–12:00
Busy office; arrive early and bring all required documents.
Practical information for CA travellers
Country basics
CapitalHanoi
LanguageVietnamese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyVietnamese Dong (VND)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 26,229.6 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
No, for stays up to 45 days you can enter visa-free. For longer stays (up to 90 days), you need an eVisa. The eVisa costs about $25 USD and takes 3-5 business days to process.
You can stay up to 45 days without a visa. This is a recent change (2023). If you want to stay longer, you must get an eVisa before arrival.
No, the 45-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for an eVisa before your trip.
Go to the official government eVisa portal (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn). Fill in your personal details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport data page, pay the fee (around $25 USD), and wait 3-5 business days. You'll receive a PDF approval letter via email. Print it and bring it with you.
No, Vietnam no longer offers visa on arrival for Canadians. You must either use the 45-day visa-free entry or apply for an eVisa online before you travel.
Your valid passport (6+ months validity), your boarding pass, and if you have an eVisa, the printed approval letter. Occasionally they ask for a return ticket — have a screenshot ready.
No, it's not required for entry. But it's strongly recommended because medical costs for foreigners can be high. A basic policy covering hospital stays and evacuation is a good idea.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.