Vietnam entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
No visa required
45 days
Max stay
45 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days. Just show your passport on arrival. For longer stays, you'll need to arrange a visa or extension before your current stay ends.
Apply for Vietnam eVisaUp to 90 days, single or multiple entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa / Entry PermitYou can enter Vietnam without a visa for short stays, but you cannot extend your stay beyond 45 days. Visa-free for 45 days | Swiss citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 45 days. The visa-free period is not extendable; you must leave Vietnam before the 45 days expire. | Not required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Vietnam. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the immigration officer to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank visa/stamp page for the entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket showing departure from Vietnam within the 45-day visa-free period. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry a bank statement or credit card to demonstrate you can support yourself during your visit. Sufficient for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., cash, credit card, bank statement). No fixed amount is specified, but it should cover your accommodation and expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | Vietnam does not require an arrival declaration or pre-arrival health form for Swiss citizens. | Not required |
| E-visa applicationSkip the e-visa process entirely – your Swiss passport grants visa-free entry. Not needed for visa-free entry | Since you are visa-free for 45 days, you do not need to apply for an e-visa. The official e-visa portal is only for those who require a visa. | Not required |
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding and entry. Check now — don't wait until you're at the airport.
No extension for visa-free stay
The 45-day visa-free entry cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer, apply for an e-visa before you travel. The official e-visa portal is https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you fly, check your passport is valid for 6+ months and has a blank page. Have your return ticket and hotel booking saved on your phone or printed.
2
Arrive at the airport in Vietnam
You'll land at one of the international airports (e.g., Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang). Follow the signs to 'Immigration' or 'Arrivals'.
3
Join the foreign passport queue
There are separate lanes for Vietnamese citizens and foreigners. Join the 'Foreigners' or 'All Passports' line. Have your passport and any supporting documents ready.
4
Present your passport and get stamped
Hand your passport to the officer. They may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). They'll stamp your passport with a 45-day entry permit. No visa is needed.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Vietnam.
Download Vietnam Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
e-Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity30 days from intended entry date
Cost$25 (approx.)
For those who want a shorter stay but need a visa for other purposes; not needed for standard tourism under 45 days.
E-visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
ValidityUp to 90 days
Cost$50 (approx.)
Useful for frequent travelers; allows multiple entries within validity.
Business visa (via embassy/agency)
Max stayUp to 90 days (single or multiple entry)
Validity1–3 months
Cost$80–$150 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from a Vietnamese company; processing time varies.
retirement visa
Vietnam Retirement Visa (TT)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD / year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires a local sponsor or investment. Allows long-term stay.
work visa
Vietnam Work Visa (LD)
1-2 years, renewable
~$200 USD / year (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Vietnamese company. Requires work permit and health check. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Vietnam Investor Visa (DT)
1-5 years, renewable
~$500 USD / year (minimum investment $50,000 USD)
For investors with a minimum capital contribution. Offers long-term stay and potential residency. Requires business registration.
student visa
Vietnam Student Visa (DH)
Duration of study, renewable
~$100 USD / year
For enrolled students at a Vietnamese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (if applicable)Extensions are possible but must be arranged through a licensed agency or immigration office; not guaranteed. | $10–$20 (approx.) |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee for international flights; domestic airport taxes are included in ticket prices. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
Swiss citizens transiting through Vietnamese airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat) do not need a visa if staying airside and not entering the country.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the international transit area, you must obtain a visa in advance.
- Some airlines may require a visa if you have checked luggage that needs to be re-checked.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubellaRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural areas in highlands.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in major cities and tourist areas; moderate risk in rural highlands (e.g., Da Lat). Consider prophylaxis if visiting remote areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Hanoi
Immigration Department of Hanoi
44 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For extensions and visa issues; bring passport, photos, and TM.7 form.
Ho Chi Minh City
Immigration Department of Ho Chi Minh City
333 Nguyen Trai, District 1
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for southern region; similar requirements as Hanoi.
Practical information for CH 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Vietnam — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Swiss citizens can stay up to 45 days visa-free. The 45 days are counted from the date of entry. You cannot extend this visa-free period — you must leave before it expires or apply for a visa in advance.
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer than 45 days, you need to apply for a visa (e.g., an e-visa) before you travel, or leave Vietnam and re-enter after a short trip (but check the rules on consecutive stays).
You'll need to apply for a visa before you arrive. Vietnam offers an e-visa for many nationalities, including Swiss, which allows a stay of up to 90 days (single or multiple entry). Apply online at the official e-visa portal: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/. The e-visa costs around USD 25 for single entry and USD 50 for multiple entry, and processing typically takes 3-5 working days.
It's not a formal requirement for visa-free entry, but immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Airlines also often require it at check-in. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
No. Vietnam does not offer visa on arrival for Swiss citizens. You either use the visa-free entry (45 days) or apply for an e-visa before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival process at the airport.
Overstaying is taken seriously in Vietnam. You may be fined (around USD 50-100) and could be detained or banned from re-entering. If you realize you'll overstay, contact the Vietnam Immigration Department in advance to arrange an extension or exit permit — but note that visa-free stays cannot be extended, so you'd likely need to leave and re-enter.
No specific vaccinations are required for entry to Vietnam from Switzerland. However, it's always a good idea to check current health advisories. No COVID-19 tests or vaccination certificates are currently required.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.