Vietnam entry requirements for Zambia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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

Zambian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Vietnam in 2026. The eVisa is valid for up to 90 days and allows single or multiple entries. Apply online before you travel — no need to visit an embassy.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Vietnam eVisa
Apply at the official Vietnam eVisa portal at least 3 working days before travel. The eVisa costs $25 USD and allows single or multiple entry for up to 90 days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the entire stay
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Vietnam. Airlines enforce 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 booking showing you leave within the eVisa validity period.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Vietnam. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter.Recommended
Proof of funds
Bank statement or cash
Have a bank statement showing at least $500 USD or the equivalent in cash. Immigration may ask to see it if you look underprepared — better to have it than to argue.Recommended
eVisa is the only option for Zambian passport holders
There is no visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry for Zambia. You must get an eVisa before you travel. Apply early to avoid delays.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew it first — otherwise you'll be turned away at the airport.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the 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) with a credit or debit card. Processing takes 3–5 working days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Check your email for the eVisa approval letter (PDF). Print it in colour — some airlines and immigration officers prefer a physical copy. Also save it to your phone as a backup.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
Pack your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return ticket confirmation, and first night hotel booking. Keep them in your hand luggage — you'll need them at check-in and on arrival.
4
Arrive at a Vietnamese airport
You can enter through any international airport: Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, Cam Ranh (Nha Trang), or Phu Quoc. Go to the 'eVisa' or 'Immigration' counter. Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer will stamp you in — no extra forms needed.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim and customs. Keep your passport handy — you may need to show the entry stamp again when leaving the airport.
Download Vietnam Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Download PDF

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 (approx. 600,000 VND)

Apply at Vietnamese embassy or online eVisa.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 1,200,000 VND)

Allows multiple entries within validity.

Long-stay visa (1 year)
Max stay1 year, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 2,400,000 VND)

Requires sponsor or investment; apply at embassy.

work visa
Work Visa (LD1/LD2)
1–2 years, renewable
~$100–200 USD (approx. 2,400,000–4,800,000 VND) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Vietnamese company. Requires work permit and sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Investor Visa (DT1/DT2/DT3)
1–5 years, renewable
~$500–1,000 USD (approx. 12,000,000–24,000,000 VND) plus investment capital
For investors with minimum capital of $50,000 USD (DT3) to $100,000+ USD (DT1). Includes family members.
student visa
Student Visa (DH)
Up to 1 year, renewable per semester
~$50–100 USD (approx. 1,200,000–2,400,000 VND) plus tuition
For those enrolled in a Vietnamese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (TT)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100–200 USD (approx. 2,400,000–4,800,000 VND) plus proof of pension
For retirees aged 55+ with stable income. Requires proof of pension or savings. No work allowed.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry, up to 30 days)Standard fee for Zambia passport holders applying online.$25 USD (approx. 600,000 VND)
eVisa (multiple entry, up to 30 days)For those needing multiple entries within validity.$50 USD (approx. 1,200,000 VND)
Stay extension (per month)Extension possible via immigration office or agent, up to 3 months.$10 USD (approx. 250,000 VND) per month
Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of $500 USD (approx. 12,000,000 VND).$5 USD (approx. 120,000 VND) 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

Zambia passport holders transiting through Vietnam airports do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration, for up to 24 hours.

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) · Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) · Da Nang International Airport (DAD)

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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk

Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid from contaminated food/water.

Zika virusModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.

Malaria risk: low

Low risk in major cities and tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural highland 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
Immigration Department of Hanoi
44 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Bring passport, visa, 2 photos, and extension fee.

Ho Chi Minh City
Immigration Office of Ho Chi Minh City
333 Nguyen Trai, District 1
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Popular for extensions; arrive early to avoid queues.

Practical information for ZM travellers

Country basics
CapitalHanoi
LanguageVietnamese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyVietnamese Dong (VND)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 26,293.2 VND
updated May 31
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
Police113
Medical115
US EmbassyFind contact

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Vietnam — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

Processing usually takes 3–5 working days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. You'll receive the eVisa by email as a PDF.
The standard eVisa fee is $25 USD for single entry and $50 USD for multiple entry. Payment is online via credit or debit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Vietnam and apply for a new eVisa, or apply for a visa at a Vietnamese embassy before your trip.
Yes, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6 months are counted from your date of arrival in Vietnam.
Yes, the eVisa is accepted at all international airports and most land border crossings. Check the official list of entry points on the eVisa website.
A printed copy is strongly recommended. Some airlines and immigration officers prefer a physical copy. Keep a digital backup on your phone just in case.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.