Vietnam Tourist Visa
Vietnam e-Visa · For United States citizens
Planning a trip to Vietnam as a US citizen? You will need an e-visa, which you can apply for online in about 10 minutes. The fee is $25 for single entry or $50 for multiple entry, with processing taking 3 working days. The e-visa allows stays up to 90 days. This guide covers the complete application process and entry requirements.
Vietnam Visa for US Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For United States citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date
Recent digital photo meeting Vietnam visa photo requirements
Clear scan or photo of your passport information page
Planned entry and exit dates for Vietnam
Address where you will stay in Vietnam
Credit or debit card for visa fee payment
Application Process
US citizens can apply for Vietnam e-visa online through the official government portal.1 The process takes about 10 minutes to complete.
Step 1: Prepare Documents
Before starting, gather these items:
- Passport with 6+ months validity
- Digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background)
- Scan of passport data page
- Credit/debit card for payment
- Hotel address in Vietnam
Step 2: Complete Online Application
Visit the official portal at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.1 Fill in:
- Personal information matching your passport exactly
- Passport details and validity dates
- Planned entry date and port of entry
- Accommodation address in Vietnam
- Upload photo and passport scan
Step 3: Pay the Fee
- Single entry: $25
- Multiple entry: $50
Payment is processed online immediately. Keep your transaction receipt.
Step 4: Wait for Approval
Standard processing takes 3 working days.1 You will receive an email notification when your e-visa is ready. Download and print the approval letter.
Step 5: Print and Travel
Print your e-visa approval letter and bring it with your passport. Present both at Vietnam immigration upon arrival.
Fees
| Visa Type | Fee | Validity | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry e-Visa | $25 | 90 days | 1 entry |
| Multiple Entry e-Visa | $50 | 90 days | Unlimited |
| Visa Extension (in Vietnam) | ~$25 | +30 days | - |
Apply only through the official government portal to avoid agency fees.1 Third-party websites often charge $50-100+ for the same visa.
Entry Points
The Vietnam e-visa is valid at 33 designated entry points:1
International Airports (13): Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, Cam Ranh (Nha Trang), Phu Quoc, Phu Bai (Hue), Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Can Tho, Vinh, Dong Hoi, Tho Xuan, Lien Khuong (Da Lat), and Van Don
Land Borders (16): Including crossings to Cambodia (Moc Bai, Xa Mat), Laos (Lao Bao, Cau Treo), and China (Huu Nghi, Lao Cai)
Seaports (13): Including Hon Gai, Hai Phong, Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City ports
Visa-Free Option: Phu Quoc Island
US citizens can visit Phu Quoc Island without a visa for up to 30 days under these conditions:2
- Enter directly to Phu Quoc (not via mainland Vietnam)
- Stay only on Phu Quoc Island
- Do not travel to mainland Vietnam
If you plan to visit both Phu Quoc and mainland Vietnam, get an e-visa covering your entire trip.
Processing Times
| Service | Processing Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 3 working days | Included |
| Peak Season | 5-7 working days | Included |
| Rush (agencies) | 4-8 hours | +$30-50 |
Peak season runs November through April. Vietnamese holidays (especially Tet/Lunar New Year in January/February) can cause additional delays.1
After Arrival
At Vietnam immigration, present:
- Passport
- Printed e-visa approval letter
- Completed arrival card (provided on flight or at airport)
Immigration will stamp your passport with the entry date. Your stay starts from this date, not the visa issue date.
If Your Application is Denied
Denials are uncommon for US citizens with correct applications. If denied:
- Check the reason provided in the denial notification
- Review your documents for photo quality and passport validity issues
- Reapply with corrected information (requires new fee)
- Contact the embassy if issues persist
The $25-50 fee is non-refundable for denied applications. Take time to ensure accuracy before submitting.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Photo Quality Issues
Photo does not meet requirements: wrong dimensions, poor lighting, glasses worn, background not white, or face not clearly visible.
How to avoid: Use a visa photo app to ensure correct 4x6 cm dimensions with white background. Remove glasses and maintain neutral expression.
Passport Validity Issues
Passport does not have 6 months validity from entry date, or passport number entered incorrectly in application.
How to avoid: Double-check your passport expiry date and ensure the passport number matches exactly what is on your document.
Incomplete or Incorrect Information
Missing required fields, inconsistent information between fields, or obviously incorrect data.
How to avoid: Review all fields before submitting. Ensure dates are logical and names match passport exactly.
Invalid Accommodation Address
Accommodation address cannot be verified or is clearly fake.
How to avoid: Provide a real hotel address. Book a refundable reservation if needed just for the application.
Previous Immigration Violations
History of overstays or immigration issues in Vietnam or other countries flagged in the system.
How to avoid: Be honest in your application. If you have previous issues, consider applying through the Vietnamese Embassy with explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, US citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam. The easiest option is the e-visa, which you can apply for online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. The only exception is Phu Quoc Island, where you can stay up to 30 days without a visa if you remain on the island.
How long can Americans stay in Vietnam?
With an e-visa, US citizens can stay up to 90 days in Vietnam. You can choose between a single entry visa (one entry within validity period) or multiple entry visa (unlimited entries within 90 days).
How much does a Vietnam visa cost for US citizens?
The official e-visa fee is $25 for single entry or $50 for multiple entry. Apply directly on the government portal to avoid third-party agency fees, which can be $50-100 higher.
How long does Vietnam e-visa processing take?
Standard processing takes 3 working days. During peak travel season (November to April) or around Vietnamese holidays like Tet (Lunar New Year), processing may take 5-7 days. Apply at least 1 week before travel.
Can I extend my Vietnam visa?
Yes, you can extend your e-visa once while in Vietnam by visiting a local immigration office. Extensions are typically granted for 30 additional days. Apply before your current visa expires to avoid overstay penalties.
Where can I enter Vietnam with an e-visa?
The e-visa is valid at 33 entry points: 13 international airports (including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang), 16 land border crossings, and 13 seaports. All major tourist entry points accept e-visas.
What if my Vietnam e-visa is denied?
Denials are rare for US citizens applying with correct information. If denied, the fee is non-refundable. Check for errors in your application, ensure your passport meets requirements, and reapply. Common issues include photo quality and passport validity.
Do I need a return ticket for Vietnam?
While not always checked, immigration officers can request proof of onward travel. Having a return ticket or proof of exit from Vietnam within your visa validity is recommended.