Vietnam entry requirements for Italy passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Italian passport holders can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days. This applies to tourism, business visits, and short-term stays. No prior application is needed — just show up with your passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Vietnam eVisa | Apply online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. The eVisa costs $25 USD, allows single or multiple entry, and is valid for up to 90 days. Processing takes 3 working days — apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your 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 will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Vietnam | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of Vietnam. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — a bus or train ticket to Cambodia also works. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital hotel reservation for your first few nights. If staying with friends, have their address and phone number written down — officers occasionally ask for it. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash, card, or bank statement | Have at least $500 USD or equivalent in cash, a credit card, or a recent bank statement. Officers rarely check this for Italian passport holders, but budget airlines sometimes ask at check-in. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Vietnam, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding or entry.
No visa needed for 45 days
Italian passport holders get 45 days visa-free. No application, no fee. Just show up with your passport and a return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport in Vietnam
At any international airport (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, etc.), follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Arrivals'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport (with at least 6 months validity and one blank page) and your boarding pass. The officer may ask for your return ticket — have it ready on your phone.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 45-day visa-free entry. No fee is charged. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Vietnam.
Download Vietnam Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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 once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost25 USD (eVisa fee)
Apply online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Requires passport validity of 6+ months.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost50 USD (eVisa fee)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple entries. Same application process.
Long-stay tourist visa (3 months, single entry)
Max stay90 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$45 USD (via embassy/agent)
Requires application at Vietnamese embassy in Italy. May need invitation letter.
retirement visa
Vietnam Retirement Visa (TT visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200–500 USD per year (via agent)
For foreigners aged 55+ who can prove a monthly income of at least $1,000 USD or have $20,000 USD in savings. Requires a local sponsor or agent. Allows long-term residence without work.
work visa
Vietnam Work Visa (LD visa)
1–2 years, renewable
~$300–600 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreigners with a job offer from a Vietnamese company. Requires a work permit (except for certain professionals). Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
investor visa
Vietnam Investor Visa (DT visa)
1–5 years, renewable
~$500–2,000 USD (depending on investment amount)
For foreign investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Vietnamese business. Higher investment amounts grant longer validity. Includes family members.
student visa
Vietnam Student Visa (DH visa)
Up to 12 months, renewable
~$100–200 USD (via school)
For foreigners enrolled in a Vietnamese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of 20,000,000 VND (~$850 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | 500,000 VND (~$21 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)For stays longer than 45 days or multiple entries. Apply online before travel. | 25 USD (single entry, via eVisa) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within 30 days. Useful for side trips. | 50 USD (multiple entry, via eVisa) |
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
Italian passport holders transiting through Vietnam do not need a visa if they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. For stays up to 45 days, visa-free entry applies even for short visits.
Airside transitAllowed
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
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Bacterial diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid are risks; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in major cities and tourist areas but moderate in rural highlands (e.g., Da Lat, Sapa). 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
Hanoi Immigration Office
44 Tran Phu, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, Sat 08:00–12:00
Handles visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, visa, 2 photos, and fee.
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. Extensions typically processed in 5–7 working days.
Practical information for IT travellers
Country basics
CapitalHanoi
LanguageVietnamese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyVietnamese Dong (VND)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 26,199 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 45-day visa-free entry cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Vietnam and re-enter, or apply for a visa (e.g., e-visa or visa on arrival) before your trip.
You need to apply for a visa in advance. The most common option is the e-visa (valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry). Apply online at the official Vietnam e-visa portal (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn). Cost is about $25 USD, processing takes 3-5 business days.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, no visa is needed. If you plan to leave the airport or have a layover longer than 24 hours, you'll need a visa or use the 45-day visa-free entry.
The 45-day visa-free entry is a single-entry permit. Each time you re-enter Vietnam, you get a fresh 45-day stay. There's no limit on how many times you can use it, but you must leave between visits.
Your passport (valid 6+ months, one blank page), boarding pass, and a return or onward ticket. Immigration may also ask for proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host's address). Keep these on your phone.
No, the 45-day visa-free entry is free. No payment is required at immigration. If you apply for an e-visa or visa on arrival, there are fees (e-visa ~$25 USD, visa on arrival ~$25-50 USD depending on service).
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined (around $10-20 USD per day overstayed) and may be banned from re-entering Vietnam for a period. Always leave on time or apply for a visa extension before your 45 days expire.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.