Vietnam entry requirements for Thailand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Thai passport holders can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 30 days. This visa-free policy is valid through 2026 and covers tourism, business visits, and short-term stays. Just show up with a valid passport and an onward ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply at the official Vietnam eVisa portal at evisa.xuatnhhapcanh.gov.vn. The fee is $25 USD, processing takes 3 working days, and you get a single or multiple entry visa valid for up to 90 days. Print the eVisa approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Vietnam. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure from Vietnam within the 30-day visa-free period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Vietnam. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least 20,000 THB (or equivalent in USD/VND) in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Officers rarely check, but budget airlines may ask at check-in. | Recommended |
Visa-free entry is not extendable
If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a visa before you travel. Overstaying even by a day can result in fines and a ban.
No visa needed for 30 days
Thai passport holders can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 30 days. Just bring your passport (valid 6+ months), an onward ticket, and a hotel booking.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date), print or screenshot your onward ticket and first night's hotel booking. Get travel insurance and a local SIM or eSIM.
2
Arrive at a Vietnamese airport or land border
At major airports like Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Noi Bai (Hanoi), or Da Nang, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Foreign Passports'. Land borders like Moc Bai (from Cambodia) or Lao Bao (from Laos) have similar procedures.
3
Queue at immigration counter
Join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport, boarding pass, and onward ticket ready. The officer will check your passport, stamp it, and hand it back. No visa required.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim (if you checked bags), then customs. You're free to enter Vietnam.
Download Vietnam Entry Checklist
PDF · Thailand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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 (via eVisa or embassy)
Apply online or at Vietnamese embassy. Allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD (via eVisa or embassy)
Multiple entries allowed. Good for regional travel.
Long-stay visa (1 year)
Max stay1 year, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$100–150 USD (via agent or embassy)
Requires sponsor or investment. Not available for all nationalities.
retirement visa
Vietnam Retirement Visa (TT visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100–200 USD per year (via agent)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or savings. Requires a local sponsor or investment. Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
work visa
Vietnam Work Visa (LD visa)
1–2 years, renewable
~$200–500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer in Vietnam. Requires work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Vietnam Investor Visa (DT visa)
1–5 years, renewable
~$500–2,000 USD (depending on investment amount)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Vietnamese business. Offers long-term stay and family inclusion.
student visa
Vietnam Student Visa (DH visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$50–100 USD (via school)
For enrolled students at a Vietnamese university or language school. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
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 |
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
Thailand passport holders transiting through Vietnam airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, 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
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural/forested regions like the Central Highlands.
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
For visa extensions, bring passport, visa, 2 photos, and extension fee (~$25 USD).
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
Popular for extensions. Use an agent for faster processing.
Practical information for TH travellers
Country basics
CapitalHanoi
LanguageVietnamese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyVietnamese Dong (VND)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 26,225.56 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 30-day visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Vietnam and re-enter (visa run) or apply for a visa before travel. Overstaying can result in fines of about $15–$30 per day.
You need to apply for a visa before you travel. Options include a 90-day single-entry tourist visa (about $25–$50) or a 90-day multiple-entry visa (about $50–$80). Apply online via the official Vietnamese e-visa portal or through a travel agency.
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 meet the visa-free conditions.
Yes, Thai passport holders can enter Vietnam visa-free at all international land borders, including Moc Bai (from Cambodia) and Lao Bao (from Laos). The same 30-day limit applies.
Overstays are fined at immigration when you leave. Fines are typically $15–$30 per day, but can be higher for longer overstays. You may also be banned from re-entering Vietnam for a period. Always leave on time or get a visa extension before your 30 days expire.
No, there is no official requirement to show bank statements or cash. However, if immigration suspects you might overstay or work illegally, they may ask. Having a credit card and some cash (USD or VND) is sensible.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits only. For work or study, you must apply for the appropriate visa (e.g., a work visa or student visa) before you travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.