Vietnam entry requirements for Netherlands passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 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
Dutch passport holders can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days. For longer stays, you'll need an e-visa or a visa on arrival. This is current for 2026.
Apply for Vietnam eVisaUp to 90 days, single or multiple entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa exemptionYou do not need to apply for a visa in advance for stays of 45 days or less. Netherlands passport | Dutch citizens are visa-exempt for stays up to 45 days. No visa or eVisa is required for tourism or short business visits. | Not required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Vietnam. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport on arrival, so a blank page is necessary. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketCarry a printed or digital copy of your onward travel booking to avoid issues at immigration. Proof of departure | Although not always checked, you may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Vietnam before the 45-day visa-free period ends. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsBe prepared to show you can support yourself financially during your visit. Sufficient financial means | Immigration may request evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. No specific amount is officially published, but carrying cash or a credit card is advisable. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online arrival form before departure. Not required | No arrival declaration or pre-arrival form is required for Dutch citizens entering Vietnam under the visa exemption. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationFor longer stays, you would need to apply for a visa through the official eVisa portal. Not needed for ≤45 days | Since you are visa-exempt for up to 45 days, you do not need to apply for an eVisa. If you plan to stay longer, you must apply for a visa or eVisa in advance. | Not required |
45-day visa-free is single entry
If you leave Vietnam (even for a day trip to Cambodia or Laos), you can re-enter and get another 45 days. But you cannot extend the initial 45 days without leaving.
Check your entry stamp
Always check the stamp in your passport when you arrive. It shows your allowed stay duration. If it's wrong (e.g., says 14 days instead of 45), ask the officer to correct it immediately.
What happens at the border
1
Check if you need a visa
If your stay is 45 days or less, you don't need a visa. For longer stays, apply for an e-visa online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn at least 3 working days before travel.
2
Prepare your documents
Have your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, and first-night accommodation confirmation ready. Screenshot everything on your phone.
3
Arrive at the airport
At Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), or Da Nang, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Have your passport and boarding pass out.
4
Queue and present documents
Join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and boarding pass. The officer may ask for your return ticket or hotel booking — show the screenshot.
5
Get stamped in
The officer will stamp your passport. Check the stamp says the correct entry date and allowed stay (45 days if visa-free, or the e-visa duration). You're in.
Download Vietnam Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 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:
E-visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity90 days from intended entry date
Cost$25
Apply online at the official Vietnamese e-visa portal; processing takes 3-5 working days
E-visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity90 days from intended entry date
Cost$50
Allows multiple entries within 90 days; same application process
Visa on arrival (pre-arranged)
Max stayUp to 90 days (depending on approval letter)
ValidityAs per approval letter
Cost$25–$50 (stamping fee) + agency fee (varies)
Must obtain an approval letter from a Vietnamese travel agency before departure; only for air arrivals
Business visa (via embassy or e-visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year (multiple entry)
Validity1 month to 1 year
Cost$80–$200 (depending on duration and entry type)
Requires invitation letter from a Vietnamese company; apply at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate
work visa
Work Permit + Temporary Residence Card
1–2 years, renewable
~$200–500 USD (employer usually pays)
For those with a job offer in Vietnam. Requires a work permit from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Visa (DT1–DT4)
1–5 years, renewable
~$100–500 USD (depending on investment amount)
For investors with at least $100,000 USD in a Vietnamese business. Higher investment yields longer validity. Includes family members.
student visa
Student Visa (DH)
Up to 1 year, renewable per semester
~$50–100 USD per year
For enrolled students at a Vietnamese university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (TT)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100–200 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,000 USD/month). Requires a local sponsor or property lease.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| E-visa (for stays over 45 days)Valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry | $25 (single entry) / $50 (multiple entry) |
| Visa on arrival (for pre-approved visa)Requires approval letter from a Vietnamese agency; only for air arrivals | $25–$50 (stamping fee, plus agency fee) |
| Visa extension (if already in Vietnam)Extensions are possible but must be arranged through a licensed agency; not always granted | $10–$50 (plus agency fees) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa 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
Transit passengers staying airside and not passing immigration do not need a visa, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the international transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport (e.g., to stay overnight in a hotel), you must obtain a visa or e-visa in advance.
- If you have a connecting flight that requires passing through immigration (e.g., domestic connection), a visa is required.
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 and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season (May–October).
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water. Drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions. Sporadic cases reported.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in major cities and coastal resorts. Moderate risk in rural highlands (e.g., Da Lat, Buon Ma Thuot). 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
Immigration Department of Hanoi
44 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, Sat 08:00–12:00
Bring passport, visa, TM.7 form, 1 photo, and extension fee in cash.
Ho Chi Minh City
Immigration Department of Ho Chi Minh City
333 Nguyen Trai, District 1
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, Sat 08:00–12:00
Busy office; arrive early. Same documents as Hanoi.
Practical information for NL travellers
Country basics
CapitalHanoi
LanguageVietnamese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyVietnamese Dong (VND)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 26,208.11 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, if your stay is 45 days or less. For longer stays, you need an e-visa (up to 90 days) or a visa on arrival. The 45-day visa-free entry is a single entry — if you leave and come back, you get another 45 days.
Go to evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport data page, and pay the fee (usually around $25 USD). Processing takes 3 working days. You'll receive a PDF approval letter — print it and bring it with you.
No, the 45-day visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter (land border or flight) to get another 45 days, or apply for an e-visa before you travel.
Overstaying can result in a fine (around $10–$20 USD per day) and a possible ban from re-entering Vietnam. In serious cases, you could be detained. Always check your stamp and leave on time.
Yes, immigration may still ask for proof of onward travel. Even with an e-visa, have a return or onward ticket booked and a screenshot ready.
The same rules apply — 45 days visa-free at land borders too. Just have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation ready. The process is similar to airports but can be slower.
Not mandatory for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Vietnam can be high — a hospital stay for a broken leg can easily cost $1,000+. Insurance also covers trip cancellation, lost luggage, and emergency evacuation.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.