Vietnam Visa 2025: Updated E-Visa Process and Required Documents

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Key Takeaways

• Vietnam offers e-visas valid up to 90 days with single ($25) or multiple entries ($50) from all countries since August 2023.
• Visa exemptions extended to 12 countries until March 2028, allowing stays of 14-45 days without visa or wait time between entries.
• E-visa applications must use official portals, require scanned passport, photo, exact details, and pay fees online with 3-5 business days processing.

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam 🇻🇳—whether for tourism, business, or to visit family—recent changes to the Vietnam Visa system have made the process much easier and more welcoming. Thanks to the expansion of the e-visa program, longer visa-free stays, and the removal of old restrictions, travelers from around the world can now enjoy smoother entry into Vietnam 🇻🇳. This guide will walk you through every step you need to take for guaranteed visa approval, including the latest rules, required documents, and practical tips to avoid common mistakes.

Vietnam Visa 2025: Updated E-Visa Process and Required Documents

Purpose and Overview

This guide is designed to help you:

Understand the latest Vietnam Visa rules and exemptions
Gather the right supporting documents for your visa application
Complete the e-visa process step by step
Avoid common pitfalls that can delay or deny your entry
Check your eligibility for visa exemption or long-term certificates

Whether you’re a tourist, business traveler, or someone with Vietnamese roots, following these steps will help you secure your visa quickly and confidently.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility and Visa Options

Before you start your application, it’s important to know which Vietnam Visa option fits your situation. Vietnam 🇻🇳 now offers several ways to enter:

1.1. E-Visa (Tourist or Business)

Available to citizens of all countries and territories
Valid for up to 90 days
Single-entry ($25 USD) or multiple-entry ($50 USD)
Apply online—no embassy visit needed

1.2. Visa Exemption (Short Stay)

Citizens of 26 countries can enter visa-free
Stay from 14 to 45 days, depending on nationality
No application or fee required
Recent additions: Switzerland 🇨🇭, Poland 🇵🇱, Czech Republic 🇨🇿

1.3. Visa Exemption Certificate (5-Year Visa for Overseas Vietnamese and Relatives)

For people of Vietnamese origin and their close relatives
Allows multiple entries over five years
Requires proof of relationship and Vietnamese citizenship

Time Estimate: 5–10 minutes to check eligibility.

Official List: For the latest visa exemption countries and stay periods, visit the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Step 2: Gather Required Supporting Documents

Having the right documents ready is the key to a smooth Vietnam Visa application. Missing or incorrect paperwork is the most common reason for delays or rejections.

2.1. For E-Visa Applicants

You will need:

Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned exit from Vietnam 🇻🇳 and have at least one blank page.
Digital Passport Photo: Taken within the last 6 months, color, white background, no glasses or headwear (unless for religious reasons), full face visible.
Completed Online Application: All details must match your passport exactly.
Visa Fee Payment: $25 USD (single entry) or $50 USD (multiple entry), payable online by bank transfer or credit card.
Travel Itinerary (Recommended): Flight booking and hotel reservation can help, especially for business or longer stays.
Additional Documents (if requested): For business visas, an invitation letter from a Vietnamese company or sponsor may be required.

2.2. For Visa Exemption Certificate (5-Year Visa)

You will need:

Completed Application Form: Available at Vietnamese embassies or consulates.
Two Recent Passport Photos: 4×6 cm, white background.
Valid Passport and Copy: At least 1 year validity.
Proof of Relationship: Such as a birth or marriage certificate, plus the Vietnamese passport or ID of your relative.
Proof of Vietnamese Citizenship: For you or your relative.
Notarized Documents: If applying by mail, all documents must be notarized.
Fee: Payable by money order or cashier’s check to the embassy.

2.3. For Regular Visa (Through Embassy)

Passport
Two Photos
Application Form
Supporting Documents: Varies by visa type (tourist, business, etc.)
Fee

Time Estimate: 15–30 minutes to gather and scan documents.

Step 3: Complete the E-Visa Application Online

The e-visa system is the fastest and most efficient way to get your Vietnam Visa. As of August 2023, it’s open to citizens of all countries and allows stays up to 90 days.

3.1. Prepare Your Files

Scan your passport’s information page (clear, color scan)
Prepare a digital passport-style photo (JPEG format, under 2MB)

3.2. Access the Official Portal

Go to the official e-visa website: https://evisa.gov.vn
Alternative portal: https://thithucdientu.gov.vn

Important: Only use the official government portals. Third-party sites may charge extra or provide outdated information.

3.3. Fill Out the Application

Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport
Upload your scanned passport and photo
Select your visa type (single or multiple entry)
Choose your intended entry and exit dates
Specify your entry and exit points (airport, land border, or seaport)

3.4. Pay the Visa Fee

$25 USD for single entry
$50 USD for multiple entry
Pay online using a credit card or bank transfer

3.5. Receive Confirmation

After submitting, you’ll get a registration code and confirmation email
Keep this code safe—you’ll need it to check your status

Time Estimate: 20–30 minutes to complete the online application.

Step 4: Track Your Application and Download Your E-Visa

4.1. Check Application Status

Use your registration code to check status on the e-visa portal
Processing usually takes 3–5 working days

4.2. Download and Print Your E-Visa

Once approved, download the PDF e-visa
Print at least one copy to carry with you

Tip: Double-check all details on your e-visa. If there’s a mistake, contact the Vietnam Immigration Department immediately.

Time Estimate: 5 minutes to check and print.

Step 5: Prepare for Arrival in Vietnam 🇻🇳

5.1. Entry Points

E-visa holders can enter Vietnam 🇻🇳 through:

13 international airports
16 land border gates
13 sea ports

List of entry points: Available on the official e-visa portal.

5.2. At the Border

Present your printed e-visa and passport to the immigration officer
Answer any questions about your stay (purpose, address in Vietnam 🇻🇳, etc.)

5.3. For Visa Exemption or Certificate Holders

Show your passport and proof of exemption or certificate at the border
No visa fee required for short-term exemptions

Time Estimate: 10–20 minutes at immigration, depending on airport traffic.

Step 6: Troubleshooting and Common Pitfalls

Even with a simple process, mistakes can happen. Here’s how to avoid the most common problems:

6.1. Application Errors

Mismatch between passport and application details: Double-check spelling, numbers, and dates.
Poor quality scans or photos: Use clear, recent images with a white background.
Wrong visa type selected: Make sure you choose the correct entry type and duration.

6.2. Payment Issues

Failed or delayed payments: Use a major credit card or bank transfer. If payment fails, try again or contact your bank.
Unpaid fees: Your application won’t be processed until payment is confirmed.

6.3. Missing Documents

No itinerary or invitation letter (for business): While not always required, these can help if your application is flagged for review.
Expired passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned exit.

6.4. Delayed Approval

Incomplete applications: Missing information or unclear documents can slow processing.
Peak travel periods: Apply at least 2 weeks in advance during busy seasons.

6.5. At the Border

Forgot to print e-visa: Always carry a printed copy; digital copies may not be accepted.
Entry at non-approved border gate: Only enter through the gates listed on your e-visa.

Troubleshooting Tip: If you encounter problems, contact the Vietnam Immigration Department or your nearest Vietnamese embassy.

Step 7: Checklist Summary for Guaranteed Approval

Before you submit your application, use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need:

E-Visa (Tourist or Business)

[ ] Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond exit date
[ ] Digital passport photo (recent, color, white background)
[ ] Scanned passport information page
[ ] Completed online application (all details match passport)
[ ] Paid visa fee ($25 USD single, $50 USD multiple)
[ ] Printed e-visa for arrival
[ ] Optional: Travel itinerary, hotel booking, invitation letter (for business)

Visa Exemption Certificate (5-Year Visa)

[ ] Completed application form
[ ] Two recent passport photos (4×6 cm)
[ ] Passport (1+ year validity) and copy
[ ] Proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificate, Vietnamese ID)
[ ] Proof of Vietnamese citizenship
[ ] Notarized documents (if by mail)
[ ] Fee paid to embassy

Regular Visa (Embassy)

[ ] Passport
[ ] Two photos
[ ] Application form
[ ] Supporting documents (varies)
[ ] Fee

Key Facts and Timeframes

E-Visa Validity: Up to 90 days, single or multiple entry
Visa Fee: $25 USD (single), $50 USD (multiple)
Visa-Free Stay: Up to 45 days for most European countries, 14–30 days for others
Processing Time: 3–5 working days for e-visas
No 30-day re-entry gap: Immediate re-entry now allowed for visa-exempt travelers

Policy Changes and What They Mean for You

Vietnam 🇻🇳 has made big changes to its visa policies in the last two years:

Visa Exemption Extensions: As of March 2025, visa exemptions for 12 countries are extended until at least March 14, 2028. This means more travelers can visit without a visa for short stays.
E-Visa Expansion: Since August 2023, all nationalities can apply for an e-visa, making Vietnam 🇻🇳 one of the most accessible countries in Southeast Asia.
Removal of Re-Entry Gap: The old rule requiring a 30-day gap between visa-exempt entries is gone. Eligible travelers can now re-enter Vietnam 🇻🇳 immediately after leaving.
Longer Stays and Multiple Entries: E-visas now allow up to 90 days and multiple entries, supporting both tourism and business.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes are expected to boost tourism, make it easier for business travelers, and help Vietnam 🇻🇳 become a top destination in the region.

Practical Guidance and Next Steps

Always use the official e-visa portal (https://evisa.gov.vn) for your application.
Prepare all documents in advance and double-check for accuracy.
Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to allow for processing and any unexpected delays.
Print your e-visa and keep it with your passport at all times.
Check entry points to make sure your arrival airport, land border, or seaport is approved for e-visa holders.
Contact your nearest Vietnamese embassy if you have special circumstances or need a visa exemption certificate.

Official Resources

E-Visa Portal: https://evisa.gov.vn
Vietnam Immigration Department: https://xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
Embassy of Vietnam in the U.S.: https://vietnamembassy-usa.org

Final Thoughts

Vietnam 🇻🇳 has made it easier than ever to visit, do business, or reconnect with family. By following these steps, preparing your documents, and staying up to date with the latest rules, you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free entry. For the most current information, always check the official government websites and consult your local embassy if you have questions.

With the expanded e-visa program, longer visa-free stays, and simplified entry rules, Vietnam 🇻🇳 is ready to welcome the world. Safe travels!

Learn Today

E-Visa → An electronic visa allowing travelers to apply online and enter Vietnam for up to 90 days.
Visa Exemption → A policy permitting nationals of specific countries to enter Vietnam without a visa for short stays.
Visa Exemption Certificate → A document for overseas Vietnamese and relatives granting multiple entries over five years.
Immigration Department → Vietnamese government agency responsible for visa policies and traveler entry control.
Multiple Entry → A visa feature allowing travelers to enter Vietnam several times during the visa validity.

This Article in a Nutshell

Vietnam’s revamped visa policies simplify travel with expanded e-visas for all nationalities, longer visa-free stays, and no re-entry delays. Use official portals to apply online, prepare documents carefully, and avoid common mistakes for quick approval. Travelers can now easily visit Vietnam for tourism, business, or family in 2025 onward.
— By VisaVerge.com