Vietnam entry requirements for South Korea 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
South Korean passport holders can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days. This policy runs through 2026 and covers tourism, business visits, and short family visits. No application or fee is needed — just show up at the airport with a valid passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | South Korean passport holders do not need a visa for stays up to 45 days. For longer stays or other purposes, apply at the official Vietnam eVisa portal. The eVisa costs $25 USD and takes 3 working days to process.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Vietnam. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Vietnam | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they may deny entry if you can't show one. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital hotel reservation for your entire stay. If staying with friends or family, have their contact details and address written down. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Immigration may ask for proof of sufficient funds. Carry cash (USD or VND) or a credit card statement showing at least $500 USD for your stay. | Recommended |
45 days is the maximum
You cannot extend your stay beyond 45 days. If you need more time, apply for a visa before you travel or plan a border run to a neighboring country like Cambodia or Laos.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Vietnamese immigration will deny entry if your passport has less than 6 months of validity left from your entry date. Double-check before you fly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into any international airport in Vietnam — Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Da Nang (DAD), or others. Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Arrivals'.
2
Queue at the foreign passport line
Join the line for foreign passports. Have your passport and return ticket ready. No visa or form needed.
3
Present your passport to the officer
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your validity, stamp you in, and return it. This usually takes 30–60 seconds.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. No additional paperwork required.
Download Vietnam Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea 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)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$25 USD (600,000 VND)
Apply at Vietnamese embassy or online via eVisa; allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD (1,200,000 VND)
Ideal for multiple visits; must exit and re-enter to reset stay.
eVisa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, not extendable
Validity30 days from intended entry date
Cost~$25 USD (600,000 VND)
Online application; approved within 3 working days; for tourism only.
work visa
Vietnam Work Visa (LD1/LD2)
1–2 years, renewable
~$100–200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreigners employed by a Vietnamese company. Requires a work permit, health check, and university degree or equivalent experience. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Vietnam Investor Visa (DT1/DT2/DT3)
1–5 years, renewable
~$500–1,000 USD (depending on investment amount)
For foreign investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 USD (DT3) or higher. Grants long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Vietnam Student Visa (DH)
Up to 1 year, renewable per semester
~$50–100 USD (plus tuition)
For those enrolled in a Vietnamese university or language school. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Vietnam Retirement Visa (TT)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100–200 USD (via agent)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires a local sponsor or agent. Allows long-term stay but no work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (1 month)Extension possible via immigration office or agent; must apply before visa-free period expires. | ~$25 USD (600,000 VND) |
| Overstay fine per dayFines increase with duration; serious overstays may lead to blacklisting. | ~$5 USD (120,000 VND) per day, max ~$200 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
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
South Korea passport holders transiting through Vietnam airports do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For domestic connections or leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit passengers with a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours may stay airside without a visa.
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 yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season (May–October).
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to street food and tap water; stick to bottled water and well-cooked food.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in urban areas and tourist destinations; prophylaxis recommended for rural highland regions (e.g., Da Lat, Buon Ma Thuot).
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, Ba Dinh District
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, Sat 08:00–12:00
Bring passport, visa, 2 photos, and extension fee (cash).
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Office
333 Nguyen Trai, District 1
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, Sat 08:00–12:00
Popular for extensions; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Practical information for KR 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 visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer than 45 days, you must apply for a visa (e.g., e-visa or visa on arrival) before traveling, or leave Vietnam and re-enter after a short trip to a neighboring country.
Overstaying can result in a fine of around $10–$20 per day, and you may be banned from re-entering Vietnam for a period. Always leave before your stamp expires.
No. There is no arrival declaration required for South Korean passport holders under the visa-free program. Just show your passport and return ticket.
Yes, the visa-free policy applies at all international border crossings — airports, land borders, and seaports. The same 45-day limit applies.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced at Vietnamese immigration.
Not mandatory for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Vietnam can be high — a hospital stay for a simple infection can run $200–$500 per day. Insurance covers that.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits only. For work or study, you need a proper visa or work permit.
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.