Vietnam entry requirements for Germany passport holders
Verified May 11, 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
Good news: as a German passport holder, you can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days. This policy runs through 2026 and covers tourism, business, and transit. No prior visa appointment needed — just arrive at the airport with your passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. $25 USD, single or multiple entry up to 90 days. Processing takes 3 working days — apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your German passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Vietnam. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Vietnam | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket within your 45-day visa-free stay. Have a printed or digital copy ready — budget airlines often check this at check-in too. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration rarely asks, but having it printed saves time if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Vietnam doesn't strictly enforce this for German passport holders, but officers may ask if you look under-prepared. | Recommended |
45 days is firm — no extension possible
Overstaying even one day can result in fines (from ~$20 up to $600) and a flagged record affecting future visas. If you need more time, arrange a tourist visa beforehand or exit and re-enter carefully.
Hotel registration is automatic
Hotels and guesthouses register your stay with local police within 24 hours. If staying with friends, the host must register at the local police station within 24 hours — confirm with them. Failure to register can result in fines for both of you.
What happens at the border
1
Before you depart
Confirm your passport has at least 6 months validity and a blank page. Save digital copies of your flight itinerary and hotel bookings. Print them as a backup.
2
Arrival at Vietnam airport (e.g. Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai)
Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Foreign Passports' (usually separate from locals). Queues can range from 15 to 60 minutes depending on flight schedules. Peak times (mid-morning, late afternoon) are busiest.
3
Present your passport at the counter
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying (have a hotel address ready). They will verify validity, stamp a blank page, and return your passport. No forms to fill. A small paper slip may be given — keep it until you exit.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare. You're free to leave.
Download Vietnam Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 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:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostVND 1,000,000 (~$42 USD)
Apply at Vietnamese embassy or online via eVisa. Extension possible at immigration offices.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostVND 1,500,000 (~$63 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple entries. Extension possible.
eVisa (single entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days, not extendable
Validity90 days from issue date
CostVND 1,500,000 (~$63 USD)
Available online for German passport holders. Must enter within 90 days.
Long-stay visa (1 year, multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostVND 5,000,000 (~$210 USD)
Requires sponsorship or investment; suitable for frequent visitors or retirees.
work visa
Vietnam Work Visa (DN1/DN2)
1 year, renewable
~$100–200 USD (employer usually covers)
For foreign workers with a job offer in Vietnam. Requires a work permit and company sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Vietnam Investor Visa (DT1/DT2/DT3)
1–5 years, renewable
~$500–1000 USD (depending on investment amount)
For investors contributing at least $100,000 USD to a Vietnamese business. Offers long-term stay and potential permanent residency.
student visa
Vietnam Student Visa (DH)
Up to 1 year, renewable per semester
~$50–100 USD (plus tuition)
For enrolled students at a Vietnamese university or language school. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Vietnam Retirement Visa (TT)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200–300 USD (via agent)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,000 USD/month). Requires a local sponsor or agent.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (1 month)Extension is not officially allowed for visa-free entry; this is an agent-assisted fee for rare cases. | VND 500,000 (~$21 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplies if overstaying; maximum fine cap is VND 5,000,000 (~$210 USD). | VND 500,000 (~$21 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply online or at embassy. | VND 1,000,000 (~$42 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within 30 days; useful for side trips. | VND 1,500,000 (~$63 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
German passport holders can transit through Vietnam without a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit under 24 hours at any international airport.
Transit hubsNoi Bai International Airport (HAN) - Hanoi · Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) - Ho Chi Minh City · Da Nang International Airport (DAD) - Da Nang
Health & vaccines for Vietnam
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water.
Zika VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in major cities and tourist areas. Prophylaxis recommended only for rural areas in highlands (e.g., Da Lat).
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, Hanoi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, Sat 08:00–12:00
For visa extensions or re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and TM.7 form.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Office
333 Nguyen Trai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, Sat 08:00–12:00
Busy office; arrive early. Same documents as Hanoi.
Practical information for DE travellers
Country basics
CapitalHanoi
LanguageVietnamese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyVietnamese Dong (VND)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 26,229.01 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. The visa-free period is strictly 45 days and cannot be extended. To stay longer, apply for a tourist visa (e.g., e-visa for up to 30 days) before your trip, or exit and re-enter — but frequent back-to-back visa-free entries may be questioned. Overstaying even one day incurs fines (range: ~$20–$600 depending on duration) and can lead to deportation.
No. Vietnam no longer requires paper arrival cards for visa-free travelers. Your passport stamp is sufficient. Some airlines still distribute forms, but you don't need to submit them at immigration.
Each entry gives you up to 45 days. You can leave and re-enter, but immigration may question frequent back-to-back visits. For multiple entries over a longer period, apply for a multi-entry visa in advance.
No. Vietnamese law requires at least 6 months validity from entry date. If your passport is shorter, you will be denied boarding or entry. Renew first.
Not officially required for German passport holders, but having a credit card and at least $500 cash (or equivalent) is sensible if asked. In practice, it's rarely requested.
No, but strongly recommended. Treatment for accidents or illness can be expensive. Many policies also cover trip cancellation and lost baggage.
Yes, the visa-free policy applies to all international border checkpoints (air, land, sea). However, at land borders from Cambodia, Laos, or China you might face additional questioning. Ensure your passport stamps are clear and valid.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.