Vietnam entry requirements for Ireland passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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

Irish passport holders need an eVisa to enter Vietnam in 2026. The eVisa is valid for up to 90 days and allows single or multiple entries. Apply online before you travel — it's straightforward and typically processed within 3 working days.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Apply for a Vietnam eVisa at the official portal at least 3 working days before departure. The eVisa costs $25 USD and allows single or multiple entry for up to 90 days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat will ask for it.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for 6 months beyond stay
Your Irish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Vietnam. Airlines at Dublin and connecting hubs like Doha or Dubai will enforce this before boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City routinely ask for proof of onward travel within 90 days. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight booking ready — budget airlines like VietJet and Bamboo Airways check this at check-in too.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to carry
While not always checked, having a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from a host can speed up the immigration process. Keep a printed copy or have it accessible on your phone.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to carry
Immigration may ask for evidence of sufficient funds — around $1,000 USD equivalent in cash or a bank statement. ATMs are widely available in cities, but carrying some USD or VND in cash is practical for the first few days.Recommended
eVisa is not extendable
If you think you might want to stay longer than 90 days, consider applying for a tourist visa (visa on arrival) through a travel agency before you go. That type can sometimes be extended.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Vietnam. If it's not, your eVisa will be denied. Check your passport now.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Vietnam eVisa website (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) by credit card. Processing takes 3 working days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval letter as a PDF. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. The letter includes a QR code that immigration will scan.
3
Arrive at a Vietnamese airport
At the airport, go to the 'eVisa' or 'Visa on Arrival' counter. Present your passport, eVisa letter, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport and you're in. Major airports: Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang.
4
Keep documents handy during your stay
Carry your passport and eVisa letter with you. Hotels may ask to see them for registration. If you lose the letter, you can show the digital copy.
Download Vietnam Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Download PDF

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
Cost$25 USD (approx. €23)

Standard option for short visits.

Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. €46)

Ideal for regional travel.

Long-stay visa (1 year, multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$135 USD (approx. €124)

Requires sponsorship or proof of purpose.

work visa
Work Visa (LD1/LD2)
1–2 years, renewable
~$100–200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer in Vietnam. Requires employer sponsorship and a work permit. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Investor Visa (DT1/DT2/DT3)
1–5 years, renewable
~$500–1,000 USD (depending on investment amount)
For investors with a minimum capital contribution of $100,000 USD or more. Provides long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (DH)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$50–100 USD (plus tuition)
For those enrolled in a Vietnamese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry, up to 30 days)Standard fee for Irish passport holders applying online.$25 USD (approx. €23)
eVisa (multiple entry, up to 30 days)For those needing multiple entries within 30 days.$50 USD (approx. €46)
Stay extension (per month)Extension possible for up to 3 months via immigration office.$10 USD (approx. €9) per month
Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of $150 USD.$15 USD (approx. €14) per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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

Irish passport holders transiting through Vietnam do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or sea transit, a visa may be required.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsNoi Bai International Airport (HAN) · Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) · Da Nang International Airport (DAD)

Health & vaccines for Vietnam

Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas; use repellent.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common due to street food and untreated water; practice safe eating and drinking.

Zika virusLow risk

Rare but present; pregnant women should take precautions.

Malaria risk: low

Risk is low in urban areas and highlands; prophylaxis recommended for rural areas in central and southern regions.

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

Bring passport, visa, 2 photos, and extension fee in cash.

Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Office
333 Nguyen Trai, District 1, HCMC
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Popular for extensions; arrive early to avoid queues.

Practical information for IE travellers

Country basics
CapitalHanoi
LanguageVietnamese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyVietnamese Dong (VND)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 26,256 VND
updated May 19
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
Police113
Medical115
US EmbassyFind contact

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Vietnam — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

Typically 3 working days, but apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The official website says up to 3 working days, but delays happen during holidays.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to exit and re-enter with a new eVisa or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You must renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced. If your passport expires sooner, your eVisa will be rejected.
It's strongly recommended. While some airports accept digital copies on your phone, having a printed backup avoids issues if your phone dies or the network is down.
No. The eVisa is only valid at specific international airports, seaports, and land border crossings. Check the official list on the eVisa website. Major airports like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang are fine.
Overstaying can result in a fine (around $10-20 USD per day) and a possible ban from re-entering Vietnam. It's best to leave on time or apply for a visa extension before your current one expires (though eVisa cannot be extended).
No, it's not required for the application or entry. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs in Vietnam can be high, and insurance covers hospital stays, evacuation, and trip disruptions.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.