Key Takeaways
• Vietnam expanded visa exemptions for multiple countries including Poland, Czech Republic, and Switzerland in 2025.
• E-visas now apply to all nationalities, allow 90-day stays, and multiple entries for $25-$50 fees.
• Visa-exempt travelers need valid passports, onward travel proof, and funds; e-visa requires online application with documents.
Vietnam Visa Requirements 2025: Step-by-Step Instructional Guide
Vietnam 🇻🇳 has made major updates to its visa rules for 2025. These changes make it easier for tourists, business travelers, and families to visit. If you plan to travel to Vietnam in 2025, it’s important to know the new Vietnam Visa Requirements 2025, including who gets visa exemptions, how to apply for an e-visa, and what documents you need. This guide will walk you through every step, so you can prepare with confidence and avoid common mistakes.
Introduction: Why Vietnam’s 2025 Visa Changes Matter
Vietnam’s government has introduced new visa policies to welcome more visitors and boost tourism. Two important decisions—Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP and Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP—have expanded visa exemptions and made the e-visa process easier for people from many countries. These changes mean:
- More countries can visit Vietnam without a visa (visa exemptions)
- E-visas are now available to everyone, with longer stays allowed
- The process is faster and simpler than before
If you want to visit Vietnam 🇻🇳 in 2025, follow these steps to make sure you meet all the requirements and have the right documents.
Step 1: Check If You Qualify for Visa Exemption
Visa exemption means you can enter Vietnam without needing a visa for a certain number of days, depending on your nationality. The rules changed in 2025, so check your country’s status carefully.
1.1 Find Your Country and Allowed Stay
45-Day Visa Exemption:
– Belarus (no more than 90 days in a 12-month period)
– Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom (not including BNO passport holders)
– Kazakhstan (no more than 90 days within 180 days)
– Poland, Czech Republic, Switzerland (only for travel with international tour companies in Vietnam)
30-Day Visa Exemption:
– Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Thailand
– Malaysia (for tourism, press, official duty, visiting relatives, business, investment, sports, or conferences)
– Singapore (for visits not including paid work)
21-Day Visa Exemption:
– Philippines
14-Day Visa Exemption:
– Brunei, Myanmar (visiting only)
90-Day Visa Exemption:
– Chile, Panama (for visits not including paid work)
Important: If your country is not listed, you must apply for an e-visa.
1.2 Understand the Rules
- No 30-Day Gap: You can now re-enter Vietnam immediately after leaving, with no waiting period.
- Special Restrictions: Some countries have extra rules, like a maximum number of days in a year.
Time Estimate: 5 minutes to check your country’s status.
Step 2: Prepare Documents for Visa-Free Entry
If you qualify for visa exemption, you still need to bring certain documents to enter Vietnam 🇻🇳.
2.1 Required Documents
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned stay.
- Blank Visa Page: At least one empty page in your passport for the entry stamp.
- Proof of Onward Travel: Show a return ticket or ticket to another country.
- Proof of Funds: Evidence you have enough money for your stay (bank statement, cash, or credit card).
Tip: Keep these documents handy when you arrive at the airport or border.
2.2 What Happens at the Border
- The officer will check your passport and documents.
- You’ll get a visa exemption stamp in your passport.
Time Estimate: 10-15 minutes at the border (may vary).
Step 3: Apply for an E-Visa If Needed
If you don’t qualify for visa exemption, or you want to stay longer, you need to apply for an e-visa. In 2025, Vietnam 🇻🇳 made the e-visa program available to citizens of all countries and territories.
3.1 E-Visa Benefits
- Available to Everyone: No nationality restrictions.
- Longer Stay: Stay up to 90 days (was 30 days before).
- Multiple Entries: You can enter and leave Vietnam as many times as you want during the visa period.
- Simple Online Process: Apply from anywhere.
3.2 E-Visa Fees and Processing
- Single-Entry E-Visa: $25 USD
- Multiple-Entry E-Visa: $50 USD
- Payment: Pay online by credit or debit card.
- Processing Time: 2-3 working days (urgent options cost more).
- When to Apply: From 1 day up to 6 months before your trip.
Tip: Apply at least 1-2 weeks before your travel date to avoid delays.
Step 4: Gather Documents for E-Visa Application
To apply for an e-visa, prepare these documents:
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
- Digital Passport Photo: Recent photo, following the official size and background rules.
- Passport Bio Page Scan: Clear digital copy of the page with your photo and details.
- Payment Method: Credit or debit card for the fee.
- Entry/Exit Points: Know which airport, land border, or seaport you’ll use.
- Accommodation Details: Address of your hotel or place you’ll stay in Vietnam.
- Outward Ticket: Proof you plan to leave Vietnam (return or onward ticket).
Common Pitfall: Blurry or incorrect photos and scans can delay your application. Double-check image quality and file format.
Step 5: Submit Your E-Visa Application Online
Follow these steps to apply for your e-visa:
5.1 Access the Official Portal
- Go to the Vietnam National Electronic Visa System.
5.2 Complete the Application Form
- Fill in your personal details (name, date of birth, passport number, etc.).
- Enter your travel information (entry/exit points, dates, accommodation).
5.3 Upload Documents
- Attach your digital passport photo and passport bio page scan.
5.4 Pay the Fee
- Pay the correct fee ($25 or $50) using your credit or debit card.
5.5 Receive Confirmation
- You’ll get an application reference number. Save this for tracking.
5.6 Check Application Status
- Use your reference number to check progress on the same website.
5.7 Download and Print Your E-Visa
- Once approved, download the e-visa PDF and print a copy to show at the border.
Time Estimate: 20-30 minutes to complete the online application.
Troubleshooting: If you don’t get a confirmation email, check your spam folder or log in to the portal using your reference number.
Step 6: Know Where You Can Enter Vietnam with an E-Visa
Vietnam 🇻🇳 allows e-visa holders to enter at many airports, land borders, and seaports. Make sure you use an approved entry point.
6.1 International Airports (13)
- Noi Bai (Hanoi)
- Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa)
- Da Nang
- Cat Bi (Hai Phong)
- Can Tho
- Phu Quoc (Kien Giang)
- Phu Bai (Thua Thien Hue)
- Van Don (Quang Ninh)
- Tho Xuan (Thanh Hoa)
- Dong Hoi (Quang Binh)
- Phu Cat (Binh Dinh)
- Lien Khuong (Lam Dong)
6.2 Land Border Gates (16)
- Tay Trang (Dien Bien)
- Mong Cai (Quang Ninh)
- Huu Nghi (Lang Son)
- Lao Cai
- And others across the country
6.3 Sea Border Gates (13)
- Hon Gai and Cam Pha (Quang Ninh)
- Hai Phong
- Nghi Son (Thanh Hoa)
- And others along the coast
Common Pitfall: If you arrive at a border crossing not listed for e-visa entry, you may be denied entry. Always check the latest list on the official portal.
Step 7: At the Border—What to Expect
When you arrive in Vietnam 🇻🇳:
- Show your printed e-visa and passport.
- The officer will check your documents and stamp your passport.
- Keep your e-visa copy with you during your stay.
Tip: If you lose your printed e-visa, you can reprint it from the official portal.
Step 8: Extending Your Stay or Changing Visa Type
If you want to stay longer than your visa-free period or e-visa allows:
- Before Your Exemption Ends: Apply for an e-visa online while still in Vietnam.
- For Longer Stays or Different Purposes: Contact the Vietnam Immigration Department for guidance.
Important: Overstaying your visa can lead to fines or being banned from future visits.
Step 9: Stay Updated on Policy Changes
Vietnam’s visa rules can change quickly. The most recent updates include:
- Longer Exemption Periods: Many countries now get 45 days instead of 15.
- E-Visa for All: Citizens of every country can now apply.
- No More Re-Entry Gap: You can leave and return right away.
- New Countries Added: Poland, Czech Republic, and Switzerland now have visa exemptions under Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP.
- Exemption Extensions: Current exemptions for 12 countries last until March 14, 2028, under Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP.
For the latest information, always check the official e-visa portal or contact your nearest Vietnamese embassy.
Step 10: Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting
Mistake 1: Passport Expiry
– Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned stay. If not, renew it before applying.
Mistake 2: Wrong Entry Point
– Only enter Vietnam at the border crossing you listed on your e-visa application.
Mistake 3: Poor Document Quality
– Blurry or incorrect photos and scans can delay or reject your application.
Mistake 4: Not Printing E-Visa
– Always print your e-visa and keep it with you.
Mistake 5: Overstaying
– Don’t stay longer than your visa or exemption allows. Apply for an extension if needed.
Step 11: Final Checklist Before You Travel
Visa-Free Travelers:
– [ ] Passport valid for 6+ months
– [ ] At least one blank visa page
– [ ] Proof of onward travel
– [ ] Proof of funds
E-Visa Applicants:
– [ ] Passport valid for 6+ months
– [ ] Digital passport photo (correct size/background)
– [ ] Passport bio page scan
– [ ] Credit/debit card for payment
– [ ] Accommodation address in Vietnam
– [ ] Entry/exit points selected
– [ ] Printed e-visa
At the Border:
– [ ] Printed e-visa (if applicable)
– [ ] All required documents ready
Conclusion and Practical Guidance
Vietnam’s visa rules in 2025 are more welcoming than ever, but you must follow the steps carefully to avoid problems. Always check if your country has a visa exemption, prepare the right documents, and use the official e-visa portal for your application. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes are designed to make travel to Vietnam 🇻🇳 smoother for everyone, but missing a step can still cause delays or denied entry.
For more details and the latest updates, visit the Vietnam National Electronic Visa System, which is the official government source for visa information and applications.
Takeaway: Plan ahead, double-check your documents, and use the official channels to ensure a smooth trip to Vietnam 🇻🇳 in 2025. Safe travels!
Learn Today
Visa Exemption → Authorization allowing entry without a visa for a limited time based on nationality.
E-Visa → An electronic visa issued online permitting entry and stay without visiting an embassy.
Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP → Vietnam’s 2025 government policy expanding visa exemptions and easing visa procedures.
Onward Travel Proof → Document showing plans to leave Vietnam before visa or exemption period expires.
Entry/Exit Points → Approved airports, land borders, or seaports where travelers can enter or leave Vietnam.
This Article in a Nutshell
Vietnam’s 2025 visa reforms simplify visiting with extended exemptions and universal e-visa access. Travelers must check eligibility, prepare documents, and use official portals. Applying early avoids delays. Following steps ensures smooth entry, beneficial for tourism and business. Stay updated to comply with rules and enjoy a hassle-free Vietnamese trip.
— By VisaVerge.com
