Vietnam entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Kenyan passport holders need an eVisa to enter Vietnam in 2026. The eVisa is valid for up to 90 days, single entry, and you apply entirely online before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply at the official Vietnam eVisa portal at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. The fee is $25 USD for single entry or $50 USD for 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 Kenyan 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 at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight out of Vietnam ready — they will check the date matches your eVisa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Keep a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but if they do and you cannot show one, expect extra questions at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough for your trip. There is no fixed minimum amount, but having at least $500 USD equivalent in cash or available credit avoids any hassle. | 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, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
eVisa is single entry only
The eVisa allows one entry. If you leave Vietnam and want to return, you need to apply for a new eVisa. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for 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 or debit card. You'll receive a confirmation email with a reference number.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 3–5 working days. Check the status using your reference number on the same website. Once approved, download the eVisa PDF and print a copy. Also save a screenshot on your phone.
3
Prepare your documents
Before you leave for the airport, gather: your printed eVisa, passport (valid 6+ months), return/onward ticket booking, first night hotel confirmation, and travel insurance (if you have it). Keep them in an easily accessible folder.
4
Arrive at a Vietnamese airport
When you land at Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, or any other international airport, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport and printed eVisa. The officer will stamp you in. No visa-on-arrival process needed.
5
Show onward ticket if asked
Immigration officers may ask to see your return or onward ticket. Have the screenshot ready on your phone or a printed copy. This is routine.
Download Vietnam Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
Validity1 month from issue date
Cost$45 USD (approx. 5,850 KES)
Apply at Vietnamese embassy; requires passport photos and application form.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 month from issue date
Cost$65 USD (approx. 8,450 KES)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple entries.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity1 month from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES)
Requires invitation letter from a Vietnamese company.
Business visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$80 USD (approx. 10,400 KES)
Allows multiple entries; requires invitation letter.
work visa
Work Visa (LD1/LD2)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) + employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Vietnamese company. Requires work permit and sponsorship. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (DH)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) per year
For enrolled students at a Vietnamese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (DT)
1–5 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 26,000 KES) + investment proof
For foreign investors with a minimum investment of ~$500,000 USD in Vietnam. Allows long-term stay and family inclusion.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (TT)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. 19,500 KES) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires a local sponsor or property lease.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, up to 30 days)Standard fee for Kenyan passport holders applying online. | $25 USD (approx. 3,250 KES) |
| Visa on arrival (if applicable, via pre-approval letter)Requires pre-approval letter from a travel agency; not available at all ports. | $25 USD (approx. 3,250 KES) + stamping fee |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 1 month)Issued by Vietnamese embassy/consulate; longer processing time. | $45 USD (approx. 5,850 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 1 month)Allows multiple entries within validity. | $65 USD (approx. 8,450 KES) |
| Stay extension (per month)Available at immigration offices; max 2 extensions per stay. | $10 USD (approx. 1,300 KES) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Capped at $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) for most cases. | $5 USD (approx. 650 KES) per day |
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
Kenyan passport holders transiting through Vietnam do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), you must obtain an eVisa or visa on arrival.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Vietnam may transit without additional visa.
- Transit passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no need to clear immigration are exempt.
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
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid from contaminated food/water.
Zika VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in major cities and tourist destinations. Prophylaxis is generally not recommended for standard itineraries, but consider for remote rural 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
Bring TM.7 form, passport photos, and visa extension 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
Popular for extensions; arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for KE travellers
Country basics
CapitalHanoi
LanguageVietnamese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyVietnamese Dong (VND)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 26,323.58 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
Processing takes 3–5 working days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The fee is about $25 USD, paid online by credit or debit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave the country and apply for a new eVisa, or apply for a visa at a Vietnamese embassy before your trip.
If you stay in the international transit area and don't clear immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you need an eVisa.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's less, renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. Airlines may also deny boarding.
Yes, the eVisa is valid at all international airports, land borders, and seaports that are open to international travel. Check the official list on the eVisa website.
Immigration officers can ask for proof of onward travel. It's not always checked, but it's mandatory to have a booked ticket. Keep a screenshot on your phone.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your photo or passport scan doesn't meet requirements. You'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected documents. No refund is given.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.