Vietnam e-Visa for US Citizens: Requirements & How to Apply

The Vietnam e-Visa for US citizens is the official entry document required for tourism, business, or transit travel. Since the “visa on arrival” program ended, all travelers must apply online before departure. This guide explains the Vietnam visa requirements for US citizens, the Vietnam visa cost, and the steps to complete your online application. The e-Visa is valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entries, and is usually approved within 3–5 business days. Applying for your Vietnam travel visa online ensures a smooth and compliant entry process for your upcoming trip.

The Essentials: Vietnam e-Visa for US Citizens

• 📌 Who needs a visa? All US citizens must hold a valid Vietnam e-Visa before entering the country.
• 💻 How to apply? Submit your application 100% online on the official Vietnamese e-Visa portal.
• ⏱️ Processing time Usually processed within 3–5 working days.
• 💵 Vietnam visa cost: 25 USD (single entry, 30 days) or 50 USD (multiple entries, 90 days).
• 📅 Validity: Valid for 30 to 90 days depending on visa type.
• 🛂 Ports of entry: Accepted at 13 international airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports.

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?

Many travelers wonder: “Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam?” The answer is yes — American passport holders must obtain a Vietnam e-Visa before departure. Since the traditional “visa on arrival” system was replaced, the Vietnam e-Visa for US citizens has become the only official entry document accepted for tourism, business, and transit. Understanding the new entry rules and requirements will help ensure a smooth and stress-free arrival in Vietnam.

Vietnam visa policy for US citizens

US citizens are not eligible for visa-free entry into Vietnam. All American travelers — regardless of trip length or purpose — must apply for a Vietnam e-Visa online before boarding their flight.

The Vietnam e-Visa for US citizens is:

• ✅ The only authorized visa type for tourism, short business, or family visits.
• 💻 Fully digital, applied for through the official Vietnamese government website.
• 🛂 Verified electronically at immigration upon arrival in Vietnam.

Without a valid e-Visa, airlines may deny boarding, and immigration authorities can refuse entry upon arrival.

This rule applies to all travelers, including dual nationals using a U.S. passport.

🧳 Can Americans visit Vietnam without a visa?

No, US citizens cannot enter Vietnam without a visa — not even for short stays or transits.

Unlike some neighboring Southeast Asian countries that grant visa-free access to American travelers (such as Thailand or the Philippines), Vietnam requires pre-authorization.

However, the process is straightforward:

• 💡 Apply online in just a few minutes.
• 📧 Receive your e-Visa by email within a few days.
• 🧾 Print or save the document to present at border control.

Even travelers on organized tours or cruises must obtain their individual e-Visa before arrival. The same rule applies for transit passengers who wish to leave the airport during a layover.

🟦 Vietnam e-Visa Requirements for US Citizens

Before applying, it’s important to know the Vietnam visa requirements for US citizens. The process is simple but precise — missing information or incorrect documents can delay approval. Below are all the key conditions to qualify and complete your e-Visa request successfully.

🧾 Eligibility criteria for the Vietnam e-Visa (US citizens only)

The Vietnam travel visa requirements apply to all American citizens who:

• Hold a valid U.S. passport (minimum 6 months validity after arrival).
• Travel for tourism, business meetings, or transit purposes.
• Plan a stay of up to 90 days.
• Enter Vietnam via one of the official border checkpoints.

⚠️ Note:

• The Vietnam e-Visa is individual — even minors must have their own visa.
• Travelers with dual nationality should apply using the passport used for entry.

📎 Required documents for Vietnam e-Visa application

To submit your Vietnam e-Visa application online, you’ll need to prepare the following:

📄 Documents:

• A scanned copy of your passport information page (JPEG or PDF format).
• A recent digital passport-style photo (4x6 cm, white background).
• Your entry and exit dates and planned port of arrival.
• A valid credit or debit card to pay the visa fee online.

🪪 Additional tips:

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
• The photo should clearly show your face without glasses or headwear.
• Always double-check spelling, birth date, and passport number before submitting.

🛬 Vietnam ports of entry for e-Visa holders

The Vietnam e-Visa for US citizens is accepted at a wide range of entry points:

✈️ International airports:

Hanoi (Noi Bai), Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Cam Ranh, and more.

🚗 Land borders:

Moc Bai (Cambodia), Lao Bao (Laos), Huu Nghi (China), etc.

⚓ Seaports:

Ha Long, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu My, and others.

✅ In total:

• 13 international airports
• 16 land crossings
• 13 seaports

Always verify your selected entry point matches the one indicated on your e-Visa — changing it later is not allowed.

🟦 How to Apply for a Vietnam e-Visa Online

Applying for a Vietnam e-Visa online is the fastest and most reliable way for Americans to get authorized entry. The entire process takes less than 15 minutes and can be done from home. Whether you apply directly on the official Vietnam Immigration website or use a trusted private portal for assistance, the steps remain similar.

🪄 Step-by-step guide to apply for Vietnam e-Visa

Here’s how to complete your Vietnam visa application online:

• 1️⃣ Access the official e-Visa portal (https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn).
• 2️⃣ Upload your documents: passport scan and recent digital photo.
• 3️⃣ Fill out the application form carefully with accurate personal details.
• 4️⃣ Select your entry port and travel dates.
• 5️⃣ Pay the visa fee (25 USD for single entry or 50 USD for multiple).
• 6️⃣ Receive your e-Visa by email within a few working days.

💡 Tip: Travelers who prefer assistance can use authorized private services, which help verify documents and reduce errors.

⏱️ How long does it take to get a Vietnam e-Visa?

The processing time for a Vietnam e-Visa usually ranges between 3 and 5 business days. However, it may vary depending on:

• The volume of applications.
• Holidays or weekends in Vietnam.
• Accuracy of the submitted documents.

📅 Recommended: Apply at least one week before departure to avoid last-minute stress.

In urgent cases, some private services can process your e-Visa within 24–48 hours, but at a higher fee.

⚠️ Common mistakes when applying for Vietnam travel visa online

When applying for your Vietnam travel visa online, pay attention to common errors that can cause delays or rejection:

🚫 Typical mistakes:

• Typing mistakes in passport number or birth date.
• Uploading blurry or cropped photos.
• Selecting the wrong entry date or airport.
• Using unofficial or fraudulent websites that mimic the government portal.

✅ To avoid issues:

• Always double-check your data before payment.
• Save your registration code to track your application.
• Keep both your e-Visa PDF and printed copy during your trip.

🟦 Vietnam Visa Cost and Fees for US Citizens

When planning your trip, one of the most common questions is: “What is the Vietnam visa cost for US citizens?” The good news is that Vietnam offers one of the most affordable electronic visa systems in Asia. The Vietnam travel visa cost depends mainly on the type of entry (single or multiple) and the length of stay. All payments are made securely online during the application process.

💵 Official Vietnam e-Visa fee for American citizens

The official Vietnam e-Visa fee is set by the Vietnamese Immigration Department and is the same for all eligible nationalities, including US citizens.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the Vietnam travel visa fees:

• ✅ 25 USD – for a single-entry e-Visa, valid for 30 days.
• ✅ 50 USD – for a multiple-entry e-Visa, valid for up to 90 days.

🗓️ Example:

• A 2-week vacation → 25 USD single entry is sufficient.
• Frequent business visits → 50 USD multiple entry offers flexibility.

These are fixed government fees, non-refundable once payment is submitted — even if your visa is refused or your travel plans change.

💡 Tip: Always apply via the official Vietnam e-Visa website to avoid inflated fees or hidden service costs.

⚙️ Additional service charges or agency fees

While many travelers apply directly on the official government portal, some prefer using authorized visa agencies for assistance. These platforms offer help with:

• ✅ Form verification and correction.
• 📞 Customer support in English.
• ⚡ Expedited or express processing (within 24–48h).

However, these private service fees are optional and vary depending on the provider.

Typical agency charges range between 20 and 60 USD in addition to the official fee.

🧭 Recommendation:

• If you are confident filling out online forms, the official portal is enough.
• If you want to avoid errors or need your visa urgently, a verified agency can be worth the extra cost.

💳 Payment methods for Vietnam e-Visa online

The Vietnam travel visa fee can be paid using major international payment cards.
Accepted payment methods include:

• 💳 Visa
• 💳 Mastercard
• 💳 American Express (occasionally accepted)

Payments are processed through the government’s secure online gateway, and once approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your transaction details.

⚠️ Important:

• Make sure your card supports international online transactions.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi when entering card details.
• Keep your payment confirmation number in case you need to track your visa status.

🟦 Vietnam Tourist e-Visa Validity and Duration of Stay

The Vietnam tourist visa for US citizens comes with flexible validity options to suit both short holidays and longer stays. Understanding your Vietnam visa duration (30 or 90 days) helps avoid overstaying, which may lead to fines or complications when leaving the country.

📅 How long is the Vietnam e-Visa valid for US citizens?

Vietnam offers two main validity options for American travelers:

• 30 days – standard single-entry tourist visa.
• 90 days – available for both single and multiple-entry e-Visas.

Your visa validity begins on the exact entry date specified during your application — not on the date of approval.

For example, if your visa states entry from May 10 to June 8, you can enter any day within that range, but you must leave before June 8.

✅ Good to know:

• You can apply up to 90 days before travel.
• The Vietnam e-Visa cannot be revalidated once expired — you’ll need a new one.

🔁 Single-entry vs multiple-entry Vietnam e-Visa

Understanding the difference between single-entry and multiple-entry e-Visas is essential for travelers exploring the region:

🌏 Single-entry Vietnam e-Visa

• Valid for one entry and one exit.
• Ideal for short trips or one-time holidays.
• Costs 25 USD (30 days max).

🌏 Multiple-entry Vietnam e-Visa

• Lets you leave and re-enter Vietnam multiple times.
• Perfect for regional trips (e.g. visiting Cambodia or Laos).
• Costs 50 USD and lasts up to 90 days.

✈️ Example:

If you plan to fly to Ho Chi Minh City, travel overland to Cambodia, and then return to Hanoi — choose the multiple-entry e-Visa.

🧾 Can a Vietnam e-Visa be extended while in the country?

Yes, but extensions are not automatic.
To extend your Vietnam e-Visa, you must apply through:

• An official immigration office, or
• A licensed visa agency in Vietnam.

🕐 Key points:

• Extensions are granted case-by-case and depend on your visa type.
• Most travelers receive an additional 30-day extension.
• Processing may take 5–7 working days.

💡 Tip: If you plan to stay longer, it’s often easier to exit Vietnam and apply for a new e-Visa online rather than extending locally.

🟦 Vietnam e-Visa vs Vietnam Visa on Arrival for US Travelers

Many travelers still search for “Vietnam visa on arrival for US citizens,” but this option no longer exists. Since 2023, Vietnam has fully transitioned to an electronic visa system. Understanding the differences between the former visa on arrival and the current e-Visa helps prevent confusion or scams.

❌ Is the Vietnam visa on arrival still available for US citizens?

No — the Vietnam visa on arrival (VOA) program was officially discontinued for individual travelers.

Before 2023, passengers could arrive at Vietnamese airports with an approval letter, pay a stamping fee, and get a physical visa.

Today, the process is entirely digital:

• 🖥️ Applications must be submitted online before departure.
• 📧 e-Visa approval is sent by email.
• 🚪 Entry is granted directly at border control — no airport paperwork.

Any website still offering “visa on arrival” services for US citizens should be treated with caution, as these are not official and can result in denied boarding.

⚡ Advantages of the Vietnam e-Visa over visa on arrival

Switching to an online system offers major benefits for travelers:

• ✅ Faster processing – No waiting in long queues at the airport.
• ✅ Lower total cost – Only one fixed online fee (25 or 50 USD).
• ✅ Official and traceable – Directly issued by Vietnamese immigration.
• ✅ Multiple entry options – Choose between 30- or 90-day stays.
• ✅ Environmental benefit – 100% paperless and secure.

💡 Bonus: Travelers can check their e-Visa status online at any time using their application code.

✨ In summary:

• The Vietnam e-Visa for US citizens is the safest, fastest, and most cost-effective way to enter Vietnam.
• It replaces outdated “visa on arrival” procedures and offers clear benefits — transparent pricing, online approval, and nationwide validity.
• With just a few clicks, you can secure your entry and enjoy Vietnam’s incredible landscapes with peace of mind.