e-Visa (Electronic Visa) — Vietnam

Foreigners applying for a Vietnam e-Visa can expect a processing time of approximately 4 to 5 days as of February 2026. This electronic visa is issued by the Immigration Department of Vietnam and is designed to facilitate short-term stays for various purposes, including tourism, business, and family visits. It allows applicants to enter Vietnam without requiring a physical visa label or stamp in their passport.

What Does the Vietnam e-Visa Permit?

The Vietnam e-Visa is a convenient option for travelers seeking to visit Vietnam for up to 30 days. Primarily, it permits individuals to explore Vietnam's rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes as tourists. Additionally, business professionals can use the e-Visa for attending meetings, conferences, or exploring investment opportunities in Vietnam. Family visits are also covered, allowing individuals to reunite with relatives residing in the country.

How Does the e-Visa Work?

The e-Visa system simplifies the visa application process by allowing applicants to apply online from outside Vietnam. The application requires the submission of essential documents, including a scanned image of the passport data page and a passport-sized photograph. The photograph must be straight-looking and without glasses, with a file size not exceeding 50KB, while the passport image should be smaller than 200KB. Once the required documents are uploaded, and the visa fee is paid online, applicants will receive a registration code. This code, along with the registration email and date of birth, can be used to check the application's progress.

What Happens Upon Approval?

Once the e-Visa is approved, applicants can print the document and use it to enter Vietnam through designated ports of entry. It's essential to note that while the e-Visa provides entry for a specified duration, it does not guarantee the right to work or long-term stay in Vietnam. For those intending to stay longer or engage in employment, other visa options such as the Business Visa (DN Symbol) or a Work Ld Visa may be more appropriate.

For further guidance, you can refer to the How to Apply guide and Visa Refusal Reasons to better understand the process and avoid common pitfalls.

• Foreign Nationals: The Vietnam e-Visa is available to foreigners who are outside Vietnam. This electronic visa can be used for tourism, business, or other approved activities.
• Eligible Countries: Citizens from a list of specific countries can apply. It is advisable to check the latest eligibility criteria on the official Immigration Department of Vietnam website.
• Passport Validity: Applicants must possess a passport with at least six months' validity from the date of entry into Vietnam.

Financial Requirements

• Visa Fee Payment: Applicants are required to pay the e-Visa fee online during the application process. Ensure that your payment method is supported and ready prior to lodging your application.
• Proof of Sufficient Funds: While specific financial thresholds are not mandated, it is prudent to have evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Vietnam. This could include bank statements or proof of income.

Ties to Home Country

• Proof of Return: Demonstrating strong ties to your home country can support your e-Visa application. This could involve documentation such as proof of employment, family connections, or property ownership.
• Return Travel Plans: Having a return ticket or onward travel itinerary can further establish your intention to leave Vietnam upon visa expiry.

Document Requirements

To complete your e-Visa application, the following documents must be uploaded:

• Passport Data Page: Upload a clear image of your passport's data page. The image should be smaller than 200KB.
• Photograph: A recent portrait photo (straight looking, without glasses) is required. Ensure the file size is smaller than 50KB.

For more detailed guidance on document preparation, refer to the Documents Checklist.

When applying for a Vietnamese e-Visa, you must gather and prepare several important documents. This section outlines the necessary items to ensure a complete application.

Personal Identification Documents

• Passport Data Page: Provide a clear image of the data page of your passport. Ensure the file size is smaller than 200KB.
• Photograph: Submit a straight-looking portrait photo, without glasses, adhering to the size limit of 50KB.

Financial and Supporting Documentation

While specific financial documents are typically not required for the e-Visa, it is prudent to have a recent bank statement ready in case further proof of financial means is requested during processing or travel. For more details on financial requirements for visas, refer to our Financial Requirements Guide.

Additional Information

• Registration Details: Keep your registration code, registration email, and date of birth handy. These details are crucial for tracking your e-Visa status through the E-visa search menu.
• Visa Fee Payment: Be prepared to pay the e-Visa fee online. Ensure you have the necessary payment methods available.

Understanding and preparing these documents comprehensively will facilitate a smoother e-Visa application process. For additional guidance, you might find our Documents Checklist useful. If you are considering other types of visas such as the Business Visa (DN Symbol) or Investor Visa (DT Symbol), similar document preparation might be necessary.

Begin Your Application

Start your application for an e-Visa by visiting the official website of the Immigration Department of Vietnam. This is where you will lodge your application online. Ensure you have a valid email address, as you will need it for registration and future communication.

Prepare and Upload Required Documents

You will need to gather and upload specific documents. These include a clear image of your passport's data page, with a file size smaller than 200KB, and a portrait photograph of yourself, facing straight without glasses, with a file size under 50KB. Make sure these images meet the specified criteria to avoid rejection.

Fill Out the Application

Complete the online application form by providing all necessary personal and travel information. Be meticulous, as missing or incorrect information can lead to application rejection. Once filled, you will be prompted to upload your documents.

Pay the e-Visa Fee

After submitting your application and documents, proceed to pay the e-Visa fee online. The exact fee amount will be displayed during the payment process. Ensure you complete this step, as your application will not be processed without payment.

Check Your Application Status

Processing times for the e-Visa typically range from 4 to 5 business days as of February 2026. To check the status of your application, use your registration code, email, and date of birth in the e-Visa search menu on the Immigration Department's website. Verify on the official website for the most current processing times.

Print Your Approved e-Visa

Once your e-Visa is approved, print a copy to present upon your arrival in Vietnam. Having a printed version is crucial as it will be required for entry along with your passport.

By following these steps, you can efficiently apply for a Vietnamese e-Visa and prepare for your visit. For more information on different types of visas, such as the Tourist Visa (DL Symbol) or Business Visa (DN Symbol), explore the available options to find the one that best suits your needs.

Fees for e-Visa Application

When applying for an e-Visa to enter Vietnam, you must pay a fee online as part of the application process. This fee is a crucial component of submitting your application to the Immigration Department of Vietnam. While the specific fee amount is not stated here, it is important to verify the current fee on the official website of the Immigration Department.

Processing Times for e-Visa Applications

Processing times for the e-Visa vary, but as of February 2026, the typical processing window is between 4 to 5 days. It is advisable to check the most up-to-date processing times with the Immigration Department, as these can change based on the category of the e-Visa and the processing location.

Table: e-Visa Fees and Processing Times

For those interested in other types of visas, consider exploring the Tourist Visa (DL Symbol) or the Visa on Arrival for different purposes and processing details.

Most straightforward visitor visa applications can be prepared on your own for Vietnam immigration. But some situations are harder to navigate without professional help. Consider consulting an immigration attorney or accredited representative if:

• You need to explain a complicated travel or visa history across multiple countries
• You have a prior visa denial or refusal
• You have a prior overstay, unlawful presence, or removal order
• You have a criminal record, arrest history, or pending charges
• You have a prior misrepresentation or fraud finding
• You are in removal or deportation proceedings

When traveling to Vietnam on an e-Visa, it's important to understand the rules that govern your stay. From the duration of your visit to work restrictions, here's what you need to know.

Duration of Stay

Vietnam's e-Visa allows a stay of up to 30 days, which is a single-entry visa. This means once you leave Vietnam, the visa is no longer valid for re-entry. If you plan to stay longer or require multiple entries, alternatives such as a Visa on Arrival might be more suitable.

Work Restrictions

Holders of an e-Visa are not permitted to work in Vietnam. This visa is primarily intended for tourism, business meetings, and family visits. Should your intentions include employment, you should explore options like the Work Ld Visa or a Work Permit.

Extension Options

If you wish to extend your stay beyond the initial 30 days, an extension is possible but not guaranteed. The process involves applying through a local travel agency or visa service, as direct extensions through the Immigration Department are not typical for e-Visas. Check the Visa Extension Guide for detailed steps and requirements.

Consequences of Overstaying

Overstaying your visa in Vietnam can lead to significant penalties. Fines are imposed on a daily basis, and extended overstays can result in deportation or future entry bans. It's crucial to adhere to your visa's expiration date and make necessary arrangements well in advance if you plan to stay longer.

For more information on different visa options and guidance on specific situations, such as business or long-term stays, visit the Business and Long Stay pages.

Interview Tips for e-Visa Applicants

• Preparation is Key: While an interview is not generally required for an e-Visa, if you are contacted by the Immigration Department of Vietnam for further information, be prepared to discuss your travel plans clearly.
• Documentation Readiness: Ensure you have all necessary documents, such as your passport and the printed e-Visa, readily available in case of additional inquiries.

Common Reasons for e-Visa Refusal

• Incorrect or Missing Information: One of the most frequent reasons for e-Visa denial is missing or incorrect details, such as mismatched passport numbers or incomplete personal information.
• Invalid Document Uploads: Ensure that your passport data page image is clear and under 200KB and that your photograph is straight looking, without glasses, and smaller than 50KB.
• Payment Issues: Failure to successfully process the e-Visa fee online can result in application denial. Always confirm that your payment has gone through.

Documentation Mistakes to Avoid

• Photo and Passport Specifications: Upload a clear passport data page and a photograph that meets the specific requirements — straight looking, no glasses, and within the designated file size limits.
• Result Check Process: Use your registration code, email, and date of birth to check your e-Visa result. Ensure you enter these details accurately to track your application status.

Scenario: Business Traveler Faces Document Upload Issue

A software consultant planning to attend a conference in Ho Chi Minh City encountered an issue with the document upload process. She initially uploaded a passport image that exceeded the 200KB size limit, resulting in an application error. By revisiting the Immigration Department of Vietnam's e-Visa portal, she resized the image to meet the specifications and successfully resubmitted her application. Within four days, she received her e-Visa approval, allowing her to proceed with her travel plans confidently.

Scenario: Tourist Struggles with Incorrect Information

A freelance photographer aiming to explore Vietnam's landscapes made a critical mistake by entering an incorrect passport number on the e-Visa application. This resulted in a rejection. Upon receiving the notification, he promptly corrected the information and reapplied using the same portal. His application was processed within five days, granting him the needed e-Visa to start his journey.

When applying for an e-Visa to enter Vietnam, your application undergoes a thorough assessment process managed by the Immigration Department of Vietnam (Cục Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh). Understanding how your application is assessed can help you avoid common pitfalls and increase your chances of approval.

What Does the Immigration Department Review?

The Immigration Department evaluates several key components of your e-Visa application:

• Document Accuracy: Ensure all uploaded documents, such as the passport data page and photograph, are clear and meet the specified size requirements (passport image must be smaller than 200KB, and the portrait photo must be smaller than 50KB). The photograph should be a straight-looking image without glasses.

• Information Consistency: All information provided must be consistent and accurate. Any discrepancies or omissions can lead to the rejection of your application.

• Application Completeness: Make sure you fulfill all required information fields and upload the necessary documents to avoid delays in processing.

Potential Red Flags During Assessment

While the e-Visa application process is straightforward, certain issues can raise red flags:

• Weak Ties Evidence: If your application does not convincingly demonstrate ties to your home country, such as employment or family obligations, it may be scrutinized more closely.

• Inconsistencies in Forms: Any conflicting information between the application form and supporting documents may prompt further investigation.

• Interview Concerns: Although not always required, if an interview is conducted, any inconsistencies in your answers compared to your application can affect the outcome. For tips on preparing for a potential interview, refer to our Interview Prep guide.

How to Check Your Application Status

Once your e-Visa application is submitted, you can track its status online. Use your registration code, registration email, and date of birth to access the e-Visa search menu. For detailed instructions, see the How to Apply guide.

Remember, while the e-Visa process is designed to be efficient, approval is not guaranteed. Ensure all information is accurate and complete before submission to enhance your chances of a successful application. For more information on potential reasons for visa refusals, visit Visa Refusal Reasons.