Vietnam entry requirements for United States passport holders
Verified May 11, 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
As a US citizen, you need an e-visa to visit Vietnam in 2026. Apply online, and you'll receive an approval letter to print and bring. Most visitors get a single-entry visa valid for up to 30 days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn at least 3 working days before departure. The eVisa costs $25 USD and allows single or multiple entries for up to 90 days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Vietnam. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Vietnamese law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket at entry. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure from Vietnam within the eVisa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host with their address and contact details. Immigration may ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
E-visa is not extendable
You cannot extend a Vietnam e-visa. If you overstay, you'll be fined ($10–$20 per day) and risk a ban. Plan your trip duration carefully – if you think you might stay longer, apply for the longer multiple-entry e-visa (up to 90 days) from the start.
Official e-visa website only
Only use the official Vietnam e-visa portal: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Many third-party sites charge inflated fees and do not process applications – they only fill out forms on your behalf. The official fee is $25 single / $50 multiple, no extras.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-visa online
Go to the official Vietnam e-visa portal (https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn). Fill out the form with your passport details, upload a passport-style photo (4x6cm, white background) and a scanned copy of your passport bio page. Pay the fee ($25 single/$50 multiple) by card. After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation code.
2
Receive and print e-visa approval
Processing takes 3-5 business days. You'll get an email with your e-visa approval letter. Print two copies: one for the airline check-in and one for immigration. Save a digital copy on your phone as backup.
3
Present documents at arrival airport
At Vietnam international airports (Hanoi Noi Bai, Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, etc.), go to the immigration line. Hand over your passport, printed e-visa, and any required arrival declaration (usually electronic now). You'll be photographed and fingerprinted. The officer stamps your passport – keep the arrival slip they give you, as you'll need to return it when you leave.
4
Exit procedure
When leaving Vietnam, present your passport and the arrival slip to immigration. No separate exit visa is needed. Just make sure you leave before your e-visa expires (the stamp shows the validity end date).
Download Vietnam Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$25 USD (approx. $25 USD)
Apply at Vietnamese embassy or online eVisa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa (1 year, multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$135 USD (approx. $135 USD)
Requires sponsorship or agent; suitable for frequent travellers.
work visa
Work Visa (LD1/LD2)
1–2 years, renewable
~$100–200 USD (employer usually pays)
For those with a job offer in Vietnam. Requires a work permit and sponsorship from a Vietnamese company. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Investor Visa (DT1/DT2/DT3)
1–5 years, renewable
~$500–1000 USD (depending on investment amount)
For foreign investors. Minimum investment varies (e.g., $50,000 USD for DT3). Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (TT)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200–300 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires a local sponsor or property ownership.
student visa
Student Visa (DH)
Up to duration of study program
~$100–200 USD
For those enrolled in a Vietnamese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry, up to 30 days)Standard fee for US passport holders applying online. | $25 USD (approx. $25 USD) |
| eVisa fee (multiple entry, up to 30 days)For those needing multiple entries within validity. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Stay extension (1 month)Extension possible via immigration office or agent; agent fee varies. | $10 USD (approx. $10 USD) plus agent fee |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap may apply; avoid overstay. | $5 USD per day (approx. $5 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
US citizens transiting through Vietnam do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or overnight stays, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsNoi Bai International Airport (HAN) · Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) · Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
Health & vaccines for Vietnam
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, flu)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to street food and tap water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in urban areas and highlands; prophylaxis recommended for rural areas in central and southern regions.
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
Bring TM.7 form, passport, photos, and fee for extension.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Office
333 Nguyen Trai, District 1
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Popular for extensions; arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for US travellers
Country basics
CapitalHanoi
LanguageVietnamese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyVietnamese Dong (VND)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 26,229.01 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
The official fee is $25 for a single-entry e-visa (valid up to 30 days) and $50 for a multiple-entry e-visa (valid up to 90 days). You pay online during the application with a credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable even if your application is rejected.
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, though some applications are approved in 48 hours. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid last-minute stress. If you need it faster, there are no official expedited options – avoid third-party sites promising quick processing.
No, e-visas are not extendable. You must leave before the expiry date shown on your arrival stamp. Overstaying can result in a fine of $10–$20 per day, and for longer overstays, you may be banned from re-entering Vietnam for a period. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to exit and apply for a new e-visa or a different visa type from a Vietnam embassy abroad.
The e-visa is accepted at all 13 international airports in Vietnam, including Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Da Nang (DAD), Nha Trang (CXR), Phu Quoc (PQC), and others. It is also valid for land border crossings (e.g., from Cambodia) and some seaports. Check the official list on the e-visa portal.
If you stay airside (don't pass immigration) and your layover is under 24 hours, you generally do not need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport or take a connecting domestic flight, you must have a visa. Some airports have transit hotels but no free city access without a visa.
Rejections are rare for US citizens but can happen if the photo or passport scan is poor. You'll be notified by email. You can reapply with corrected documents and pay the fee again. If you suspect an error, contact the immigration hotline (+84-1900-1095) or your nearest Vietnam embassy.
No, Vietnam eliminated visa on arrival for most nationalities. The only way to get a visa at arrival is if you have a pre-arranged visa approval letter from a travel agency (legacy VOA system), but that's not available for US citizens. Your only online option is the official e-visa or a visa from a Vietnam embassy before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.